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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Windermere House
Known as the “The Lady of the Lake”, Windermere House – an iconic Victorian landmark – has proudly…
Known as the “The Lady of the Lake”, Windermere House – an iconic Victorian landmark – has proudly stood over Lake Rosseau since 1870, offering guests spectacular vistas and lasting memories. As…
Bass Lake Roadhouse
Bass Lake Roadhouse is located on Hwy 169 in Mactier, just West of Port Carling. We offer a…
Bass Lake Roadhouse is located on Hwy 169 in Mactier, just West of Port Carling. We offer a great selection of pub favourites in a casual and comfortable atmosphere. We are open year round…
Lake of Bays Brewing Company
At Lake of Bays Brewing Company our philosophy is simple, beer drinkers deserve the best. We are dedicated…
At Lake of Bays Brewing Company our philosophy is simple, beer drinkers deserve the best. We are dedicated to bringing you the finest in premium craft beer; tried-and-true year-round brands, as well…
Touchstone on Lake Muskoka
Located on the shores of Lake Muskoka, select from magnificent cottages and beautifully appointed suites and villas. Untouched…
Located on the shores of Lake Muskoka, select from magnificent cottages and beautifully appointed suites and villas. Untouched breathtaking views from each residence, a casually elegant gourmet dining room, a serene full…
Muskoka Brewery
Nestled in the heart of Muskoka, Muskoka Brewery handcrafts premium beers as unique and refreshing as the region…
Nestled in the heart of Muskoka, Muskoka Brewery handcrafts premium beers as unique and refreshing as the region they’re from. Visit their on-site retail store where you will find brewery fresh beer…
Dwight Trading Post
The Dwight Trading Post is located on Highway 60 in the beautiful village of Dwight just minutes from…
The Dwight Trading Post is located on Highway 60 in the beautiful village of Dwight just minutes from the West Gate of Algonquin Provincial Park. We love seeking out unique Canadian made…
Crossroads Restaurant
Join us for pure, simple, and delicious cuisine located at the crossroads of Parry Sound and Muskoka. Crossroads Restaurant…
Join us for pure, simple, and delicious cuisine located at the crossroads of Parry Sound and Muskoka. Crossroads Restaurant is located in the village of Rosseau overlooking its namesake Lake. Owners and Chefs,…
Algonquin Lakeside Inn & Restaurant
Algonquin Lakeside Inn & Restaurant borders Algonquin Provincial Park with lakeside adult resort accommodation, comfortable suites, rooms and rental housekeeping…
Algonquin Lakeside Inn & Restaurant borders Algonquin Provincial Park with lakeside adult resort accommodation, comfortable suites, rooms and rental housekeeping cottages. The restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner to serve our guests. We…
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…
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…
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…