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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Britton Gallery
Britton Gallery is owned and operated by father and daughter team, Ted and Miranda Britton. Located in downtown…
Britton Gallery is owned and operated by father and daughter team, Ted and Miranda Britton. Located in downtown Bracebridge, the gallery features a selection of contemporary and historical fine art and is…
Villas of Muskoka
The Villas of Muskoka is an exclusive, four season villa resort community located between Port Carling and Bracebridge…
The Villas of Muskoka is an exclusive, four season villa resort community located between Port Carling and Bracebridge on beautiful Lake Muskoka. Two, three and four-bedroom villas in duplex, quad and single…
Rosseau Retreat Historic Bed & Breakfast
Take a pause in time as you enjoy the quiet solitude and spectacular natural surroundings of the Muskoka…
Take a pause in time as you enjoy the quiet solitude and spectacular natural surroundings of the Muskoka Lakes. Relax in the privacy and comfort of this inn style retreat located in…
The Dudley Inn
Surround yourself with the beauty of cottage and lake country in Muskoka with a stay at The Dudley…
Surround yourself with the beauty of cottage and lake country in Muskoka with a stay at The Dudley Inn – known to regulars and locals alike as ‘Dudley’s’. Waiting for you is…
The Wild Heart
At The Wild Heart, owner Kristine Wild welcomes you to browse among an eclectic and delightful selection of…
At The Wild Heart, owner Kristine Wild welcomes you to browse among an eclectic and delightful selection of home furnishings, decor and goods ranging from antique to vintage to mid-century to modern.…
Muskoka Olive Oil Co.
Muskoka Olive Oil in Bracebridge offers award winning olive oils sourced from around the world, Moderna Italy based…
Muskoka Olive Oil in Bracebridge offers award winning olive oils sourced from around the world, Moderna Italy based Balsamic Vinegars, premium gourmet foods, and homemade fudge to those with discerning tastes in…
Wing House – Bracebridge
Wing House is a sports oriented family restaurant in downtown Bracebridge with something for everyone. With over 100…
Wing House is a sports oriented family restaurant in downtown Bracebridge with something for everyone. With over 100 wing flavours and our great service and friendly staff, we look forward to serving…
Miss Nelle’s Cafe
Miss Nelle’s is a great place for breakfast, lunch or a hot drink. Many come by bike, boat,…
Miss Nelle’s is a great place for breakfast, lunch or a hot drink. Many come by bike, boat, by foot or drive in for something to eat. We offer full breakfast daily.…
Huntsville Brewhouse
Downtown Huntsville’s first brewhouse is an extension of Lake of Bays Brewing Co. Their extra-small batch brewing facility…
Downtown Huntsville’s first brewhouse is an extension of Lake of Bays Brewing Co. Their extra-small batch brewing facility includes a full kitchen with a seated capacity of 100+ people. Enjoy locally sourced food,…
Pizza on Earth
Pizza on Earth is a family-owned and run wood-fired pizzeria. We make wood-fired, gourmet, thin-crust pizzas prepared with…
Pizza on Earth is a family-owned and run wood-fired pizzeria. We make wood-fired, gourmet, thin-crust pizzas prepared with quality ingredients. At Pizza on Earth, our gourmet pizzas are handmade and cooked in a…
Allora
Allora provides a fresh, locally sourced menu with unique cocktails and beverages, as well as an array of…
Allora provides a fresh, locally sourced menu with unique cocktails and beverages, as well as an array of polished and delightful desserts served in an unforgettable atmosphere, sophisticated enough to transport each…
Turtle Jack’s Port Carling
Our cottage-inspired menu at Turtle Jack’s Muskoka Grill has steaks, pasta, burgers, wings, premium salads, gluten-free and vegetarian…
Our cottage-inspired menu at Turtle Jack’s Muskoka Grill has steaks, pasta, burgers, wings, premium salads, gluten-free and vegetarian options, and more. Like a friendly cottage neighbour, we’re ready to welcome you in…
Huntsville Inn
Welcome to the Huntsville Inn, your accommodation in the town of Huntsville offering clean and amazing rooms to…
Welcome to the Huntsville Inn, your accommodation in the town of Huntsville offering clean and amazing rooms to suit your taste. Our location makes it easier to travel to nearby recreational activities…
Nielsens Bicycles
Nielsens Bicycles is a full service bicycle shop in downtown Bracebridge. Highly experienced mechanics keep you rolling. Retail includes…
Nielsens Bicycles is a full service bicycle shop in downtown Bracebridge. Highly experienced mechanics keep you rolling. Retail includes apparel, accessories, lifestyle and full range of bicycles for every type of rider.
Maple Bluff Farm
Maple Bluff Farm is Huntsville’s neighbourhood sugarbush. In April 2020, the Mackenzie family purchased Maple Bluff Farm, a…
Maple Bluff Farm is Huntsville’s neighbourhood sugarbush. In April 2020, the Mackenzie family purchased Maple Bluff Farm, a 45 acre maple bush in Muskoka that has been in operation for over 17…