The Great Indoors: Head inside for tons of fun
This neck of the woods in Ontario is famous for all the incredible outdoor adventures you can find. But looking for something out of the rain? The region’s got you covered – literally.
Riverbowl, Burk’s Falls
Dan and Haleigh Lawrence have been running Riverbowl and Billiards in Burk’s Falls for the past 12 years – a hugely popular spot, especially in inclement weather. The couple took over the small bowling alley and have transformed it into an ever-expanding community with an entertainment centre.
Riverbowl’s 5-Pin bowling combines classic entertainment with modern machinery and scoring equipment; it’s a great place to drop in for fun and games, great food, or to check out the sports memorabilia that packs the building’s walls and shelves.
Currie’s Music, Gravenhurst
Don’t be fooled by the store’s name as Currie’s Music is so much more than guitars and drum kits. For the Currie brothers of Rob and Andrew, their business started in one direction 18 years ago and ended up going in many more. Located on the main street in Gravenhurst, it is a place you could spend a whole day exploring. It is a music store, antique mall, sewing supply store, second-hand book shop with the coolest thrift section at the back.
Add to the huge rooms and hallways of art, antiques, books and a back room that is full of vintage clothing and collectables, a stage and recording studio, there are a lot of rooms to get lost in.
You are also never sure who you will be browsing records or guitars with as the store has a Canada-wide reputation. “A lot of bands who play The Kee or heading to the cottage will drop in,” says Rob Currie. “Kiefer Sutherland has been in. I guess we have a good reputation!”
Climb Muskoka, Bracebridge
If it is adventure you are seeking then look no further than Climb Muskoka. Opened in December 2021 by Kevin French, he put his 20 years of outdoor recreation and education into creating an incredible space.
No reservations are needed for the climbing centre, the fifth purpose-built facility in Ontario, and drop-ins are always welcome. Day passes, monthly and yearly memberships are available as well as all the rental items from shoes, harnesses and chalk bags
First time visitors can take part in a Discover Climb and all new visitors can take a climbing test to be able to explore the whole gym.
“The whole space is about feeling safe but also setting yourself climbing challenges,” says Kevin. “Our staff are here to help everyone and figure out how to get the most out of this space.”
TJ’s Muskoka Indoor Sports Park, Bracebridge
TJ’s Muskoka Indoor Sports Center is a notable addition to the Bracebridge community, serving as the region’s first and only dedicated year-round indoor baseball training facility. Located at 440 Ecclestone Drive, it was established to provide local athletes, particularly youth in the local Muskoka baseball program, with high-level training opportunities that were previously unavailable during the long winter months. Batting cages, pitching mounds and a host of other indoor activities.
Check out these other indoor activities while visiting Ontario’s cottage country:
Bowling Alleys
The Zone Parry Sound
Muskoka Bowling Quality Inn, Bracebridge
Riverbowl Burk’s Falls
Indoor Golf Simulators
Deerhurst Resort Huntsville Houses an HD Golf and Multi-Sport Simulator that caters to families and athletes looking for variety.
Mulligans Golf Lounge Huntsville Provides a lively, social atmosphere that combines high-tech golf with a full-service bar and other entertainment.
Muskoka Highlands Golf Links Bracebridge Offers an affordable indoor golf option at their licensed clubhouse in Bracebridge during the winter months.
Smash Factor Muskoka Bracebridge dedicated indoor golf facility located in downtown Bracebridge, designed for both casual play and serious skill development.
Museums
Algonquin Visitor’s Centre Algonquin Park
Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Parry Sound
Muskoka Steamships and Discovery Centre Gravenhurst
West Parry Sound Museum Parry Sound
Book Stores
Bearly Used Books Parry Sound
Cedar Canoe Books Huntsville and Bracebridge
Owl Pen Bracebridge
Parry Sound Books Parry Sound
Movie Theatres
Muskoka Drive In Gravenhurst
Norwood Theatre Bracebridge
Antiquing
Barnboarded Antiques Port Carling
Currie’s Music Gravenhurst
The Emporium Burk’s Falls
Art Galleries
Algonquin Art Centre Algonquin Park
Annex Bracebridge
Chapel Gallery Bracebridge
Eclipse Art Gallery Huntsville
Oxtongue Craft Cabin & Gallery Dwight
Red Canoe Gallery Bala
Downtown Shopping
Bracebridge Stores, art galleries, restaurants, a movie theatre on main street and a thrifter’s paradise
Gravenhurst Shop the Muskoka Wharf or the downtown core that has a wide selection of restaurants, shops and a local craft brewery
Huntsville Great shops, huge dining options, the largest outfitters in the region, breweries, and even a record shop for vinyl junkies
Parry Sound A charming main street with restaurants, shops, art and a brewery and distillery around the corner
Port Carling – Lots of dining experiences, cottage décor, art galleries and a warren of shops at Steamboat Bay
Featured Image courtesy of Climb Muskoka