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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Henrike Clement
Henrike Clement offers a more modern approach to traditional art. She is a porcupine quill artist who designs…
Henrike Clement offers a more modern approach to traditional art. She is a porcupine quill artist who designs boxes that are in the shape of animals and flowers, and also create pictures…
Canadian Shield Granite
Canadian Shield Granite is the work of Gil & Christine Moore and all works provided within have all…
Canadian Shield Granite is the work of Gil & Christine Moore and all works provided within have all been hand-crafted by us in our home here in Northern Ontario. All the granite…
Coles Art Market
Cole Art Market exhibits local artists’ including original fine art paintings, sculptures, mixed media and pottery. We encourage…
Cole Art Market exhibits local artists’ including original fine art paintings, sculptures, mixed media and pottery. We encourage you to visit our Huntsville location to see our selection of frames, estate sale…
Martins – Framing, Gallery, Art Supplies
Owned and operated since 1996, Martins Framing, Gallery and Art Supplies is proud to be trusted with your…
Owned and operated since 1996, Martins Framing, Gallery and Art Supplies is proud to be trusted with your framing projects. Jim and staff work with you to design a framing combination to enhance…
Eclipse Art Gallery
Eclipse Art Gallery is situated within the main building of Deerhurst Resort right outside of the Eclipse Restaurant.…
Eclipse Art Gallery is situated within the main building of Deerhurst Resort right outside of the Eclipse Restaurant. The gallery is dedicated to displaying art from the Muskoka area and beyond. Works…
Chancery Art Gallery
Situated in historic downtown Bracebridge in a XIX century heritage house furnished with antiques of the period, Chancery…
Situated in historic downtown Bracebridge in a XIX century heritage house furnished with antiques of the period, Chancery Art Gallery offers varying exhibitions of contemporary painting by international artists. It promotes serious art…
Arts at the Albion
Arts at the Albion is a co-operative gallery showcasing the work of 20 diverse artists and craftspeople, all…
Arts at the Albion is a co-operative gallery showcasing the work of 20 diverse artists and craftspeople, all from the greater Gravenhurst area who have come together to form an amazing new…
Marni Martin Fibre Studio
Uniting ancient traditions of weaving with innovative techniques, Marni explores the colours and rhythms of the landscape in…
Uniting ancient traditions of weaving with innovative techniques, Marni explores the colours and rhythms of the landscape in her contemporary tapestries and wearables. Marni is a graduate of the Nova Scotia College…
Muskoka Drive In Theater
Muskoka Drive In Theater, the only drive in movie theatre in the area, is easily accessible from Hwy…
Muskoka Drive In Theater, the only drive in movie theatre in the area, is easily accessible from Hwy 11 in Gravenhurst. Home of the 50¢ popcorn refill, spend an evening with us…
Hamer Bay Marine
Hamer Bay Marine, founded by J.J. Hamer, has been operating since the early 1930s. J.J. serviced boats and…
Hamer Bay Marine, founded by J.J. Hamer, has been operating since the early 1930s. J.J. serviced boats and motors, but he also built cottages docks and boathouses. He could take you to…
Prime Time Ice Fishing Huts
Prime Time Ice Fishing Huts feature some of the best fishing bungalows and huts in all of Muskoka.…
Prime Time Ice Fishing Huts feature some of the best fishing bungalows and huts in all of Muskoka. Stay warm and catch some big fish this winter. Our 4 bed overnight bungalows…
Muskoka Pewter
Muskoka Pewter designs and manufactures lead-free pewter pieces of meticulous quality and exquisite detail. Established in 1995 in a…
Muskoka Pewter designs and manufactures lead-free pewter pieces of meticulous quality and exquisite detail. Established in 1995 in a small rented space off the beaten path, we have enjoyed continued growth and success. Now,…
Muskoka Guided Fishing Tours
Muskoka Guided Fishing Tours has been successfully guiding fishing trips in Muskoka and the surrounding region for close…
Muskoka Guided Fishing Tours has been successfully guiding fishing trips in Muskoka and the surrounding region for close to 22 years. There is no greater factor in determining a successful outing than…
Muskoka Bay Clothing
Muskoka Bay Clothing is your fashion destination in Muskoka. Located in downtown Gravenhurst, the store offers top quality…
Muskoka Bay Clothing is your fashion destination in Muskoka. Located in downtown Gravenhurst, the store offers top quality brands you’ll love and customer service you won’t soon forget; a truly eclectic mix…
Morrison Meadows
Morrison Meadows is a 35 acre farm in Bracebridge run by Community Living South Muskoka. The property features…
Morrison Meadows is a 35 acre farm in Bracebridge run by Community Living South Muskoka. The property features 7km of beautiful hiking trails, baseball diamonds, a renovated barn, community gardens, and also…