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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BeaverTails
BeaverTails are famously flat donuts. Deliciously addictive, whole-wheat Canadian pastries served piping hot with your choice of delectable…
BeaverTails are famously flat donuts. Deliciously addictive, whole-wheat Canadian pastries served piping hot with your choice of delectable toppings. Their location in downtown Huntsville also serves ice cream and other iconic Canadian…
Minds Alive Toy Store
Minds Alive Toy Stores carry the latest educational, fun and inspiring toys available. At Minds Alive! we believe…
Minds Alive Toy Stores carry the latest educational, fun and inspiring toys available. At Minds Alive! we believe learning doesn’t have to be work. So jumping on a Stomp Rocket is learning…
Footprints on Muskoka
Footprints On Muskoka is a unique store featuring family footwear, Muskoka sweatshirts, t-shirts, women’s clothing and accessories suitable…
Footprints On Muskoka is a unique store featuring family footwear, Muskoka sweatshirts, t-shirts, women’s clothing and accessories suitable for the Muskoka lifestyle. You will always find a unique treasure with every visit.…
Currie’s Music & Antiques
Currie’s Music & Antiques in downtown Gravenhurst sells used and vintage guitars/instruments, new and used records, and all…
Currie’s Music & Antiques in downtown Gravenhurst sells used and vintage guitars/instruments, new and used records, and all sorts of other various vintage knickknacks. Did we mention lessons and recording? Or the…
Rombo’s Family Restaurant
Rombo’s Family Restaurant has been serving the community with homemade authentic Italian, Greek and Canadian cuisine for over…
Rombo’s Family Restaurant has been serving the community with homemade authentic Italian, Greek and Canadian cuisine for over 30 years. We are a friendly family operated business and take great pride in…
Rickshaw Restaurant
Enjoy classic Chinese-Canadian food for takeout or served in the dining room at Rickshaw Restaurant in historic downtown…
Enjoy classic Chinese-Canadian food for takeout or served in the dining room at Rickshaw Restaurant in historic downtown Gravenhurst.
RELISH Kitchen & Market
Relish is all about real food. Mother and daughter team (Emily + Jess) make food with care and…
Relish is all about real food. Mother and daughter team (Emily + Jess) make food with care and love. Relish is located in the heart of historic downtown Gravenhurst Muskoka, in a…
Old Mill Family Restaurant
Old Mill Family Restaurant is a family owned establishment in downtown Gravenhurst, serving breakfast, lunch and their specialty,…
Old Mill Family Restaurant is a family owned establishment in downtown Gravenhurst, serving breakfast, lunch and their specialty, British style Fish and Chips.
Bethune’s Bistro
Bethune’s Bistro serves up classic comfort foods including hearty breakfasts in their downtown restaurant.
Bethune’s Bistro serves up classic comfort foods including hearty breakfasts in their downtown restaurant.
The Bakery
The Bakery has been serving up delicious baked goods and breads in Gravenhurst since 1959. Owned and operated…
The Bakery has been serving up delicious baked goods and breads in Gravenhurst since 1959. Owned and operated by the Reblein family, Jay & Robyn (3rd generation) help run The Bakery with…
Annex
Annex is a place where you can come to relax, be creative and learn. We are a group…
Annex is a place where you can come to relax, be creative and learn. We are a group of local business owners dedicated to expanding the art world through classes and workshops,…
Unique Muskoka
Muskoka is natural beauty, traditions, treasured memories, adventures and creativity woven together in a lifestyle that is unparalleled. Unique…
Muskoka is natural beauty, traditions, treasured memories, adventures and creativity woven together in a lifestyle that is unparalleled. Unique Muskoka tells the story behind these subjects and more. With outstanding articles and photography,…
Marigold Unique Flavour
Marigold Unique Flavours prides itself on delivering the very best East Indian, Indo Chinese, and Thai cuisine, with…
Marigold Unique Flavours prides itself on delivering the very best East Indian, Indo Chinese, and Thai cuisine, with our chef’s unique twist, coupled with excellent customer service and incredible ambiance. It is…
Big River Baking Co.
Big River Baking Co. bakes artisan breads and pastries at their shop in downtown Bracebridge.
Big River Baking Co. bakes artisan breads and pastries at their shop in downtown Bracebridge.
Daughters of Indie
Daughters of Indie sells a mixture of handcrafted, small-batch and vintage items for the eco-conscious, indie spirit.
Daughters of Indie sells a mixture of handcrafted, small-batch and vintage items for the eco-conscious, indie spirit.