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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Baxter Snow Riders
The Baxter Snow Riders run out of Port Severn and organize club sponsored events, rides, and BBqs, as well as…
The Baxter Snow Riders run out of Port Severn and organize club sponsored events, rides, and BBqs, as well as participate in charity events. Please visit their website for complete details, trail conditions, and…
Algonquin Snowmobile Club
Algonquin Snowmobile Club is located in Oxtongue Lake, in the heart of Ontario’s snowbelt region. We’re about 2½…
Algonquin Snowmobile Club is located in Oxtongue Lake, in the heart of Ontario’s snowbelt region. We’re about 2½ hours north of Toronto. As a member of the Muskoka Snowmobile Region and the Ontario…
Moon River Lookout
Moon River Lookout is a casual fine dining restaurant in Bala at the top of the hill overlooking…
Moon River Lookout is a casual fine dining restaurant in Bala at the top of the hill overlooking the breathtaking Moon River. We feature a variety of fresh appetizers, salads, entree options…
Dock of the Bay Steak & Seafood Grille
At Dock of the Bay Steak & Seafood Grille, we have the best food around and an atmosphere…
At Dock of the Bay Steak & Seafood Grille, we have the best food around and an atmosphere to match. Try us and you’ll be convinced! Our recipes are authentic and time-tested.…
Treetop Trekking Huntsville
Spend an unforgettable day at one of Muskoka’s most exciting outdoor adventure activities, Treetop Trekking Huntsville. Our zip…
Spend an unforgettable day at one of Muskoka’s most exciting outdoor adventure activities, Treetop Trekking Huntsville. Our zip line and aerial game park is located in the heart of Muskoka; spend the day…
Taboo Golf
Renowned for its panoramic beauty and innovative use of the dramatic Canadian Shield landscape, the Taboo Muskoka Golf…
Renowned for its panoramic beauty and innovative use of the dramatic Canadian Shield landscape, the Taboo Muskoka Golf course is a captivating and challenging layout set at the gateway to Muskoka, one…
Oak Bay Golf & Country Club
Oak Bay is a natural marvel—a golf course that seamlessly fits with its environment. That means some holes…
Oak Bay is a natural marvel—a golf course that seamlessly fits with its environment. That means some holes with rocky outcroppings, indicative of the rough terrain of both the surrounding Georgian Bay…
North Granite Ridge Golf Club
North Granite Ridge Golf Club is a championship 18 hole golf course in Port Sydney, part of the…
North Granite Ridge Golf Club is a championship 18 hole golf course in Port Sydney, part of the Muskoka region. Voted by the readers of the Muskokan as Muskoka’s Best Golf Course in…
Huntsville Downs Golf & Country Club
Situated on 200 acres of magnificent Muskoka trees, rocks and hills of the Canadian Shield, Huntsville Downs Golf…
Situated on 200 acres of magnificent Muskoka trees, rocks and hills of the Canadian Shield, Huntsville Downs Golf Club continues to attract golfers year after year. Visitors and members are entertained and…
The Fairways at Kirrie Glen
The Fairways at Kirrie Glen offers players of all ages and ability an incredible golf experience. The unique…
The Fairways at Kirrie Glen offers players of all ages and ability an incredible golf experience. The unique layout of the course with its picturesque scenery, immaculate gardens, and rolling fairways was…
Deerhurst Lakeside & Deerhurst Highlands
When it comes to Ontario golf, Deerhurst Resort has it all: two 18-hole golf courses, a golf academy…
When it comes to Ontario golf, Deerhurst Resort has it all: two 18-hole golf courses, a golf academy for all ages, complete tournament planning and Muskoka’s best value membership packages. All within…
Grandview Golf Club
Co-designed by PGA Tour veteran Mark O’Meara (1998 Masters and British Open champion) and renowned course architect Brit…
Co-designed by PGA Tour veteran Mark O’Meara (1998 Masters and British Open champion) and renowned course architect Brit Stenson, the Mark O’Meara Course at Grandview opened in 2001. The course is aptly…
The Lake Joseph Club
When it opened in 1997, The Lake Joseph Club caused jaws to drop around the golf world. Architect…
When it opened in 1997, The Lake Joseph Club caused jaws to drop around the golf world. Architect Thomas McBroom utilized the granite crags, towering trees and heaving topography of the incomparable…
Bracebridge Golf Club
Bracebridge Golf Club is a challenging and scenic nine hole favourite with wide fairways, mature trees, rolling hills…
Bracebridge Golf Club is a challenging and scenic nine hole favourite with wide fairways, mature trees, rolling hills and a beautifully groomed traditional design you can’t just play once. The terrain on…
Bigwin Island Golf Club
The Bigwin Island Golf Club has been designed to capture and reflect the spirit and elegance of the…
The Bigwin Island Golf Club has been designed to capture and reflect the spirit and elegance of the original grand resort known as the “Bigwin Inn”. The sweeping fairways drape naturally over…