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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Bala Bay Takeaway
Bala Bay Takeaway is located in the heart of Bala at River Street right on Muskoka Road 169.…
Bala Bay Takeaway is located in the heart of Bala at River Street right on Muskoka Road 169. Check out their website for their complete menu including Pizza Nova pizza, homemade char-grilled…
Muskoka BeerSpa
Escape the mundane and lift your spirits at Muskoka BeerSpa. Try our refreshingly different approach to relaxation by…
Escape the mundane and lift your spirits at Muskoka BeerSpa. Try our refreshingly different approach to relaxation by exploring our eight acre oasis, complete with hot and cold pools, Swedish infrared and…
Chef Henrie Bistro & Cafe
Chef Henrie graduated from the Austrian culinary school Landesberufsschule Obertrum in 2014. Awarded the esteemed “Goldener Kochlöffel” (Golden…
Chef Henrie graduated from the Austrian culinary school Landesberufsschule Obertrum in 2014. Awarded the esteemed “Goldener Kochlöffel” (Golden Spoon), in his final year of apprenticeship, a star was placed in the walkway…
Frankies Surf Club
Frankies Surf Club is the brainchild of Toronto restaurateurs Ian McGrenaghan & Colin Tooke (Grand Electric + Electric…
Frankies Surf Club is the brainchild of Toronto restaurateurs Ian McGrenaghan & Colin Tooke (Grand Electric + Electric Mud BBQ) alongside Micah Cameron (former women’s fashion director for the Hudson’s Bay Company.)…
Trading Post Cabin
At Trading Post Cabin treat your senses with a floor to ceiling range of unique retail and the…
At Trading Post Cabin treat your senses with a floor to ceiling range of unique retail and the smells of coffee, baked goods and tasty food. Start your morning off with a…
Affogato Cafe + Gelato
Affogato Café + Gelato is growing to provide Muskoka with more authentic gelato flavours and products, specialty coffees,…
Affogato Café + Gelato is growing to provide Muskoka with more authentic gelato flavours and products, specialty coffees, signature sandwiches, soups, Italian pastries and desserts all with gluten free, vegan, and dairy…
Field of Greens
Field of Greens is a fine grocery retailer in the heart of Muskoka. Founded in 2004 and located…
Field of Greens is a fine grocery retailer in the heart of Muskoka. Founded in 2004 and located in beautiful Port Carling, they sell everything fresh from seafood to flowers, meats to…
Nicolas Restaurant
Nicolas Restaurant is a local family owned and operated restaurant located in the heart of beautiful Honey Harbour.…
Nicolas Restaurant is a local family owned and operated restaurant located in the heart of beautiful Honey Harbour. We specialize in traditional Greek and Italian cuisine and a variety of pub style…
Main St. Local Kitchen
We’ll give you the deeper meaning for us. Main St. Local Kitchen is all about feel good food.…
We’ll give you the deeper meaning for us. Main St. Local Kitchen is all about feel good food. We take our time preparing your meals in-house using locally sourced ingredients. (Yes, that’s…
Rosseau General Store
On the corner of Rice St and Highway 141 stands an iconic legend, the Rosseau General Store, built…
On the corner of Rice St and Highway 141 stands an iconic legend, the Rosseau General Store, built in 1874. This building has been serving cottagers and a local clientele alike since…
Algonquin Cafe & Deli
Welcome to Algonquin Café & Deli. With a passion for delicious home-cooked affordable food, our team has over 65…
Welcome to Algonquin Café & Deli. With a passion for delicious home-cooked affordable food, our team has over 65 years of smoking experience and preparing food with a vast array of flavourful cuisine. Our…
The Shipyards Muskoka Marketplace
Pop-Up stores are the new black, putting a splash of colour in your world. The joy of shopping,…
Pop-Up stores are the new black, putting a splash of colour in your world. The joy of shopping, tasting and experiencing has taken on a fresh look with intimate and exclusive micro-shops…
Clear Lake Brewing Co.
Clear Lake Brewing Co. is located in Muskoka Lakes and produces the freshest, naturally crafted beer year-round for…
Clear Lake Brewing Co. is located in Muskoka Lakes and produces the freshest, naturally crafted beer year-round for its locals and seasonal visitors alike. Located in the heart of cottage country it…
Belly Artisan Ice Cream
Belly Artisan Ice Cream is all natural and completely handcrafted with an obsessive attention to detail and an…
Belly Artisan Ice Cream is all natural and completely handcrafted with an obsessive attention to detail and an emphasis on creative, Chef driven flavours. Each flavour you love, is made from scratch…
El Pueblito
At El Pueblito we take great pride in what we do. We cook authentic handcrafted Mexican food using…
At El Pueblito we take great pride in what we do. We cook authentic handcrafted Mexican food using the freshest of ingredients. With love, we bring you the recipes, flavours and feelings…