Muskoka
Ontario’s summer ‘cottage country’ capital is also one of the province’s most popular four-season travel destinations, offering something for every visitor in every season.
Just two hours north of Toronto, situated amidst a backdrop of thousands of sparkling freshwater lakes and majestic forests, Muskoka is a world-renowned vacation spot that offers exceptional accommodation, shopping, dining, golf, entertainment, and outdoor adventure – all in an unforgettable wilderness setting.
This is where you’ll find hundreds of Canada’s most popular lakes, including the “big three” (Muskoka, Rosseau and Joseph).
And where there’s water, there are boats. Learn about the area’s boating culture at the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre and head out for a gorgeous cruise on the RMS Segwun or Wenonah II. You can also view the lakes on the 1940s era Peerless II of Sunset Cruises, and the newly-restored SS Bigwin out of Dorset. And travel the Muskoka River with Muskoka Cruises.
Hundreds of attractions will entertain family and friends off the dock, including Santa’s Village in Bracebridge (a must-do for families with younger kids), the historic Bethune House and Opera House in Gravenhurst, and the Muskoka Lakes Museum in Port Carling. The Huntsville Festival of the Arts runs exceptional programming year-round, and hosts Nuit Blanche North in July.
Known for the iconic Canadian resorting tradition, Muskoka is home to some of the nation’s finest accommodations. Hotels, motels, B&Bs, inns and campgrounds are available to suit every traveler, from those who like a pampered vacation to those who enjoy roughing it in a tent. And beloved Algonquin Park is close by too, as well as its lesser know sister, Arrowhead Provincial Park (home to the mesmerizing Ice Trail – a meandering loop through snow-frosted forests in winter).
Muskoka is also a designated arts community, and artists and studios are everywhere. It’s also home to the oldest fall studio tour in Canada, the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour. Other studio tours abound as well, including that of the Artists of the Limberlost. Not to be missed is the Muskoka Arts & Crafts Annual Summer Show at Annie Williams Park in Bracebridge.
Culinary adventures await as well, with six craft breweries and one winery to be found here: Canvas Brewing Co., Clear Lake Brewing Co., Katalyst Brewing Company, Lake of Bays Brewing Co. (which includes their flagship location in Baysville, as well as the Huntsville Brewhouse and Bracebridge Barrelhouse) Muskoka Brewery, Sawdust City Brewing Co., and the Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery. Head to the famous cranberry marsh in Bala all year round, and sample all sort of products made from the ruby red berry.
There’s always something happening in Muskoka – events in every season. From the summer concerts at the iconic Kee to Bala, to Huntsville’s Girlfriends’ Getaway Weekend in November, from numerous sporting events and triathlons to fall and winter carnivals, to cooler fun on Arrowhead Provincial Park’s Ice Trail, you’ll be entertained here all year round.
For more information, visit these helpful sites:
Muskoka Tourism
Around Lake of Bays
Experience Gravenhurst
Huntsville Adventures
Visit The Bridge
Check out the links below to discover more incredible things to see, eat and do, and where to stay in Muskoka.
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Soapstones
Welcome to Soapstones – naturally hand-crafted soaps, lotions and cleansers – made in small batches in a shop…
Welcome to Soapstones – naturally hand-crafted soaps, lotions and cleansers – made in small batches in a shop full of smiles. Each day we reconnect with what is so important to us in…
The Corner Cabinet
Occupying a 19th century building beside the Bracebridge Falls, once the site of the local blacksmith’s shop, The…
Occupying a 19th century building beside the Bracebridge Falls, once the site of the local blacksmith’s shop, The Corner Cabinet is your destination for home and garden decor, pottery, candles, linens, specialty…
Lilibird
Lilibird is a gift and home decor store located in beautiful downtown Bracebridge. Offering an assortment of treasures we’re…
Lilibird is a gift and home decor store located in beautiful downtown Bracebridge. Offering an assortment of treasures we’re sure to have something for everyone including Hatley merchandise, kitchen ware, stationary, home decor…
Worth Repeating
Worth Repeating in downtown Bracebridge offers consignments of quality home furnishings and antiques and has been voted the…
Worth Repeating in downtown Bracebridge offers consignments of quality home furnishings and antiques and has been voted the Readers Choice Award winners for best home furnishing and decorating & antique store for…
Tigg’s for Him & Her
Tigg’s for Him & Her has been serving the Bracebridge community for over 12 years and could not…
Tigg’s for Him & Her has been serving the Bracebridge community for over 12 years and could not be more grateful for the support we continue to receive. We pride ourselves on…
Shine Jewellery & Accessories
Shine Jewellery & Accessories is a boutique with locations in beautiful downtown Bracebridge and beautiful historic downtown Huntsville. Shine…
Shine Jewellery & Accessories is a boutique with locations in beautiful downtown Bracebridge and beautiful historic downtown Huntsville. Shine believes in channeling every woman’s inner ‘shine’. Every woman deserves to shine with stylish…
Belle’s Boutique
Belle’s Boutique is a fashion forward retail culture exclusively for women located in the heart of downtown Bracebridge.…
Belle’s Boutique is a fashion forward retail culture exclusively for women located in the heart of downtown Bracebridge. We take great pleasure in bringing out style and contemporary brands to Muskoka and…
Veranda
“My fundamental rule has always been to surround yourself with carefully chosen, timeless items that you absolutely love,”…
“My fundamental rule has always been to surround yourself with carefully chosen, timeless items that you absolutely love,” says Elise, the owner and principal designer at Veranda. It is this mentality that…
Muskoka Stay N Play Tours
Muskoka Stay N Play Tours is a business that offers full accommodations in their 2,500 sq ft historical…
Muskoka Stay N Play Tours is a business that offers full accommodations in their 2,500 sq ft historical 5 bedroom, three bath cottage. Our cottage also features a large 20′ stone fire…
The Cutter’s Edge
Welcome to The Cutter’s Edge, a second-generation family company specializing in interior design, hand-crafted solid wood furniture and…
Welcome to The Cutter’s Edge, a second-generation family company specializing in interior design, hand-crafted solid wood furniture and custom cabinetry. Initially located in Almaguin, The Cutter’s Edge has expanded to locations in…
Flying Star Antiques
Flying Star Antiques carries a wide variety of antiques and vintage items – all things needed for your…
Flying Star Antiques carries a wide variety of antiques and vintage items – all things needed for your home! We specialize in all things country and relaxed living, brought in from our travels…
Jibe Jewellery
Jibe Jewellery is a collection of fresh and distinctive designs created by Christa Benedict. Each piece is handcrafted,…
Jibe Jewellery is a collection of fresh and distinctive designs created by Christa Benedict. Each piece is handcrafted, unique and has an individual style that boasts quality craftsmanship and design. Housed in…
Farmers’ Daughter
In support of local farmers and producers, you will find fresh quality produce at Farmer’s Daughter. Farmer’s Daughter’s…
In support of local farmers and producers, you will find fresh quality produce at Farmer’s Daughter. Farmer’s Daughter’s own products are handmade using only the best natural ingredients. Whether you are looking…
Spa Muskoka
Spa Muskoka is your premiere spa choice for pampering in the region. With discretion and attention to detail,…
Spa Muskoka is your premiere spa choice for pampering in the region. With discretion and attention to detail, we bring our clients the ultimate in comfort and relaxation. We offer services in…
SWS Muskoka
Summer Water Sports is not only the largest water sports company in Canada, but also the only company…
Summer Water Sports is not only the largest water sports company in Canada, but also the only company providing full service waterfront operations combined with the professional attraction of water sports shows.…