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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On The Docks Pub
Located on the Muskoka River in beautiful downtown Huntsville, On The Docks Pub has been a local and…
Located on the Muskoka River in beautiful downtown Huntsville, On The Docks Pub has been a local and tourist favourite for close to twenty years. Starting as just a small little eatery,…
The Old Station Restaurant
Welcome to The Old Station Restaurant. Our family owned and operated restaurant has been a fixture of downtown…
Welcome to The Old Station Restaurant. Our family owned and operated restaurant has been a fixture of downtown Bracebridge since 1985. The Old Station offers a quality dining experience in a comforting…
The Nutty Chocolatier
Since 1988, The Nutty Chocolatier has been central Ontario’s finest purveyor of hand crafted truffles and chocolate specialties.…
Since 1988, The Nutty Chocolatier has been central Ontario’s finest purveyor of hand crafted truffles and chocolate specialties. Our Victorian style shops also offers an incredible assortment of imported and domestic candies,…
Muskoka on the Rocks Pub Restaurant
At Muskoka on the Rocks Steakhouse & Pub Restaurant, owners Tim and Lisa Walsh promise that every meal served in…
At Muskoka on the Rocks Steakhouse & Pub Restaurant, owners Tim and Lisa Walsh promise that every meal served in their three comfortable dining rooms is made fresh in their kitchen. Located just 8 minutes…
Moose Delaney’s Sports Bar & Grill
Moose Delaney’s Sports Bar and Grill is a great place to meet before, during or after the big game.…
Moose Delaney’s Sports Bar and Grill is a great place to meet before, during or after the big game. With a full menu until 1am seven nights a week you can relax and…
Hook & Ladder Family Dining
Nestled in the heart of Muskoka, Hook and Ladder Family Dining is an inviting family restaurant with a…
Nestled in the heart of Muskoka, Hook and Ladder Family Dining is an inviting family restaurant with a great atmosphere. Our restaurant is a tribute to firefighters everywhere. We have a large collection of…
Fine Thymes Bistro and Bakery
At Fine Thymes Bistro and Bakery we aim to be a restaurant that serves real food, not health…
At Fine Thymes Bistro and Bakery we aim to be a restaurant that serves real food, not health food, but delicious homemade dishes using quality ingredients, made from scratch the way our…
Boston Pizza – Gravenhurst
Boston Pizza restaurants offer a casual dining setting with over 100 menu items including gourmet pizzas made with…
Boston Pizza restaurants offer a casual dining setting with over 100 menu items including gourmet pizzas made with our signature hand pressed dough. We also have mouth-watering pastas and a wide variety…
Bill’s Pizza
Bill’s Pizza in Bracebridge has been acknowledged for its comfortable atmosphere, excellent food and great value. A superb…
Bill’s Pizza in Bracebridge has been acknowledged for its comfortable atmosphere, excellent food and great value. A superb Greek and Mediterranean dining experience that appeals to all ages, we believe that dining…
Bala Falls Pub
The building next to the Kee has been many things; from the original “Eldorado”, the “Bob Inn”, “Latern…
The building next to the Kee has been many things; from the original “Eldorado”, the “Bob Inn”, “Latern Loft” to the “Kee Café”. Established in 2002, the Bala Falls Pub has been welcoming…
Muskoka Bay Resort
Pristine lakes. Towering forests. Crystal clean air. And a vitality that sweeps through the trees and makes its…
Pristine lakes. Towering forests. Crystal clean air. And a vitality that sweeps through the trees and makes its way into your soul. Welcome to Muskoka Bay Resort, a four season community with…
Westside Fish and Chips Family Restaurant
Westside Fish and Chips is a family restaurant owned and operated by the same family since 1979. We…
Westside Fish and Chips is a family restaurant owned and operated by the same family since 1979. We are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 8am-8pm seven days a week. Originally famous…
Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery
Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery (previously known as Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh & Muskoka Lakes Winery) is open for…
Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery (previously known as Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh & Muskoka Lakes Winery) is open for visitors year-round. Our Bog to Bottle Discovery runs every day at 11am, 1pm, and…
Trillium Resort and Spa
Nestled among 86 acres of pristine forest and woodlands, a spirited waterfall and a semi-private lake, Trillium Resort…
Nestled among 86 acres of pristine forest and woodlands, a spirited waterfall and a semi-private lake, Trillium Resort & Spa, located in the heart of Muskoka, offers the perfect “adult only” vacation…
The Griffin Pub
With the pub doors opening 26 years ago, there have been a few key factors in proving that…
With the pub doors opening 26 years ago, there have been a few key factors in proving that a “hard to find pub” in small-town Bracebridge can not only succeed, but thrive.…