Travel Guide Template
Discover Muskoka
Muskoka, a picturesque region in Central Ontario, Canada, is the perfect destination for adventure and tranquility.
With its vast wilderness stretching from Algonquin Park in the east to the rugged shores of Georgian Bay in the west, Muskoka has something for everyone.
A two-hour drive north of Toronto, this popular vacation spot offers abundant outdoor activities, cultural events, and charming towns to explore.
Whether you want to unwind by the lake or embark on a thrilling excursion, you can’t go wrong with Muskoka.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Top 3 Facts about Muskoka in Canada
Tourist Destination
Muskoka has been voted Canada’s #1 tourist destination four times, and it consistently leads Ontario for the best place to retire and purchase a cottage.
Lakes Galore
Muskoka has over 1000 lakes, offering serene and natural beauty. It’s a part of the region known as cottage country and is a popular destination for those who love nature and outdoor activities.
Geological History
The region has more than 500,000 years of geological history in the Canadian Shield. Rock in the Muskokas has been dated back 1.5 billion years.
Must See Attractions
Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh & Muskoka Lakes Winery
Wineries & Vineyards
Discover the cranberries that make this area unique! The daily Bog to Bottle Discovery at 11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm is a Canadian Signature Experience. Taste and learn as you follow cranberries on a guided journey from peat bog…
Muskoka Lakes Museum
Speciality Museums
Discover the cranberries that make this area unique! The daily Bog to Bottle Discovery at 11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm is a Canadian Signature Experience. Taste and learn as you follow cranberries on a guided journey from peat bog…
Bala’s Museum with Memories of Lucy Maud Montgomery
Speciality Museums
Discover the cranberries that make this area unique! The daily Bog to Bottle Discovery at 11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm is a Canadian Signature Experience. Taste and learn as you follow cranberries on a guided journey from peat bog…
What’s Nearby
1. Bala Falls
0.12 Miles
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Orci condimentum at a vestibulum at duis sit elit….
2. Windsor Park
0.12 Miles
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Orci condimentum at a vestibulum at duis sit elit….
3. Lower Rosseau Falls
0.12 Miles
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Orci condimentum at a vestibulum at duis sit elit….
4. Sherwood Inn
0.12 Miles
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Orci condimentum at a vestibulum at duis sit elit….
5. Dons Bakery
0.12 Miles
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Orci condimentum at a vestibulum at duis sit elit….
6. Bala Falls Pub
0.12 Miles
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Orci condimentum at a vestibulum at duis sit elit….
7. Bass Lake Roadhouse
0.12 Miles
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Orci condimentum at a vestibulum at duis sit elit….
8. Iron & String
0.12 Miles
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Orci condimentum at a vestibulum at duis sit elit….
Annual Events and Festivals
Peter’s Players Present The Last Waltz
Lance Anderson’s critically acclaimed performance of ‘The Last Waltz – a Musical Celebration of The BAND – Live’ celebrates the 47th Anniversary of the historic concert in 2023.
An all-star Canadian cast of award-winning blues and roots musicians, under the direction of Juno award winning producer and musical director, Lance Anderson, will perform their hit show on Saturday Nov 11th 2023 at the Gravenhurst Opera House. They will be recreating the atmosphere of The Band’s final concert, which was captured in Martin Scorcese’s award-winning concert film, The Last Waltz.
Christmas On The Bay 2023
Join us for a four-day weekend of artisan vendors, entertainment, and fun for all ages at Christmas On The Bay!
Get your Christmas shopping done while enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of Christmas with food vendors, children’s activities, and family fun. Entertainment will include musicians and others throughout the four days during market hours.
Our outdoor market is accessible and a safe space for all.
Vendor and entertainment information to be updated through Summer 2023.
Muskoka 2/4 Craft Beer Festival
The Muskoka 2/4 Craft Beer Festival is hosted annually on Victoria Day Long Weekend in River Mill Park in Huntsville, Muskoka. This is a craft beer festival combined with with live music, food and a great atmosphere to give you a full day of fun. Stop in to see a wide variety of Ontario craft breweries serving up over 50 of the most flavourful craft beers you can imagine.
The Muskoka 2/4 Craft Beer Festival offers a great way to kick off the summer season and spend a Saturday hanging out on the beautiful Muskoka River in downtown Huntsville. Kick back and enjoy the atmosphere that the long weekend in Muskoka brings.
Top Hiking Trails
Peter’s Players Present The Last Waltz
Highway 169, Torrance ON
The Hardy Lake Provincial Park Trails provide hiking access to the shores of both Hardy Lake and Lake Muskoka, two of the most picturesque, rugged shorelines around.
If it is a nature hike you are after, then Hardy Lake Trails deliver. Throughout your trek you are sure to encounter fascinating geological features, rugged forest, sweeping lakes and the sounds (and maybe sights) of wildlife.
Visit their website for more information
Christmas On The Bay 2023
1057 Milford Bay Road, Milford Bay ON
People have loved trekking the trail to Huckleberry Rock for well over 100 years. And it’s really no wonder why, with the stunning views you’re rewarded with from its lookout. Head out to see for yourself, while also taking in amazing features like – oh, you know – some of the oldest rocks in the world (well over 1 billion years old!)
Just be warned, much of the hike to the lookout is uphill.
Visit their website for more information
Muskoka 2/4 Craft Beer Festival
Fish Hatchery Rd, Utterson
On this former hatchery property trout fingerlings were raised for release in local streams. The Ministry of Natural Resources closed the hatchery in 1991, as production was concentrated in newer hatcheries throughout the province. The trail winds past the hatchery ponds, which have now been naturalized and along the river, which flows from Skeleton Lake. The trail passes by several habitats: meadows, deciduous forests, flood plain forests, river shorelines and wetlands. Skeleton Lake Trail also includes views of small waterfalls and rapids. Interpretive signs offer information and illustrations on different habitats, flora and fauna of the area, with advice on conservation techniques that individuals can use to preserve the natural heritage of Muskoka.
Visit their website for more information
Best Golf Courses
Deerhurst Highlands Golf Course
1235 Deerhurst Dr, Huntsville, Ontario P1H 2E8 Canada
The forerunner of Muskoka’s popularity as a golf destination, par 72 Deerhurst Highlands remains a must-play renowned for its layout which flows naturally through a rugged yet lush landscape of granite outcroppings, deep valleys and heavy forests. Beyond the drama of holes like #10, where tees perch 30 feet above a rock wall, and surprises like a links-style swirl, playability is key throughout this top-rated 7,011-yard challenge. Featuring practice facility, seasonal lounge and comprehensive Golf Academy.
Visit their website for more information
The Rock Golf Course
1057 Milford Bay Road, Milford Bay ON
Established as recently as 2000, Rocky Crest is one of Thomas McBroom’s best designs, and boasts distinctive granite outcroppings, seamless routing and a log-cabin-style clubhouse. This is one of the most enjoyable rounds of golf in Canada and sits amidst a stunning backdrop, smart but fair design, and makes for an unparalleled experience.
Visit their website for more information
Diamond in the Ruff Golf & Vacation Resort
Fish Hatchery Rd, Utterson
If you only ever get to play one course in Muskoka, then let it be Muskoka Bay. It’s pristine environment oversees a Championship course that would prove a worthy opponent to even the best golfers, without scaring off the enthusiastic newbie. Overall, it is regarded as Muskoka’s best golf course, and one of the best in Ontario, Canada, and the world at large.
Visit their website for more information
Water Sports
Sunset Cruises
Boat Tours
The “Muskoka Experience” always includes a cruise on the big 3 Muskoka Lakes, with their rugged & beautiful Canadian Shield vistas & gorgeous cottages. Enjoy live commentary including history & local lore. Depart Port Carling 7 days/wk late June-Oct. Sunset, dinner & private/bridal cruises too! Owned & operated by Captain Randy Potts, who has been a licensed captain for over 30 years, Sunset Cruises is an alternative to the larger ships, and can show you Muskoka scenery accessible only by our smaller ships. We go where the large boats don’t. The Peerless II made its living for over 50 years as a gasoline and home heating oil delivery boat. We restored it so visitors and locals alike could see and experience first hand the historic supply boat era on the lakes.
Visit their website for more information
Muskoka Wake
Surfing & Windsurfing
Muskoka Wake provides water sports lessons for all ages and skill levels. We offer lessons in wakeboarding, wake surfing, and waterskiing in private group settings, which take place on our boat with dockside pickup at a cottage or public dock (cottage clinic), or your boat (private lesson). We also offer private group lessons for flyboarding, as well as half-day and full-day kids’ day camps.
Visit their website for more information
Suptopia
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Florida fishing offering anglers a diverse range of freshwater experiences across the state. Florida’s lakes are not just fishing spots; they are immersive ecosystems, surrounded by lush landscapes and teeming with wildlife. With the state’s commitment to conservation and responsible angling, fishing in Florida’s lakes is not only a recreational pursuit but also a way to connect with the natural beauty that defines the Sunshine State.
Visit their website for more information
Best Winter Activities
Where to Eat
Windermere Pub & Patio
$$ – $$$ • Bar, Pub, Canadian
Sweet Jesus
$$ – $$$ • Dessert, Canadian
Pie
$$ – $$$ • Italian, Pizza, Canadian
Where to Shop
The Muskoka Store
General store
Muskoka Mercantile
Shopping mall
Muskoka Thrift Store
Clothing store
Where to Sleep
Tips on renting home on Muskoka Lakes
Transportation
Muskoka has been voted Canada’s #1 tourist destination four times, and it consistently leads Ontario for the best place to retire and purchase a cottage.
Comfort Food
Don’t miss the chance to savor Southern cuisine. Enjoy classics like fried chicken, biscuits, grits, and peach cobbler. Georgia is known for its delicious comfort food.
Things to Know
The region has more than 500,000 years of geological history in the Canadian Shield. Rock in the Muskokas has been dated back 1.5 billion years.
Money and Costs
The region has more than 500,000 years of geological history in the Canadian Shield. Rock in the Muskokas has been dated back 1.5 billion years.
Tips on renting a home on Muskoka Lakes
Muskoka lies in Central Ontario, a sought-after vacation destination for locals and tourists alike. With a population of just over 80,000, you can expect a welcoming, tight-knit community feeling as you explore this stunning region. The population triples to 250,000 during the summer as cottagers and tourists visit the area.
One of Muskoka’s greatest attractions is its picturesque waterways. Venture on a boat cruise, go stand-up paddleboarding or try canoeing on the Muskoka River. Don’t miss visiting the majestic waterfalls at Algonquin Outfitters Oxtongue Lake—a true hidden gem!
While you’re there, why not immerse yourself in the local culture? Attend seasonal festivals like the Muskoka Maple Festival, and treat your taste buds to some delectable craft brews at local breweries such as Gravenhurst’s Sawdust City Brewing Co., Muskoka Brewery in Bracebridge, Canvas Brewing in Huntsville, or Lake of Bays Brewing in Baysville.
If you’re an art lover, you’ll be thrilled by the numerous art galleries sprinkled throughout the region. On top of that, Muskoka is home to the Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre, offering cruises and museum experiences for the whole family.
Aside from its rich cultural offerings, Muskoka is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy cycling, hiking, and cross-country skiing in this breathtaking landscape, surrounded by lush forests and serene lakes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Muskoka Lakes
Muskoka is known for its picturesque towns and charming villages. Some popular towns you can visit include Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, and Port Carling. Each town offers its unique attractions, shops, and restaurants, making them perfect stopovers during your exploration of the Muskoka region.
Muskoka is known for its picturesque towns and charming villages. Some popular towns you can visit include Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, and Port Carling. Each town offers its unique attractions, shops, and restaurants, making them perfect stopovers during your exploration of the Muskoka region.
Muskoka is known for its picturesque towns and charming villages. Some popular towns you can visit include Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, and Port Carling. Each town offers its unique attractions, shops, and restaurants, making them perfect stopovers during your exploration of the Muskoka region.
Muskoka is known for its picturesque towns and charming villages. Some popular towns you can visit include Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, and Port Carling. Each town offers its unique attractions, shops, and restaurants, making them perfect stopovers during your exploration of the Muskoka region.
Muskoka is known for its picturesque towns and charming villages. Some popular towns you can visit include Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, and Port Carling. Each town offers its unique attractions, shops, and restaurants, making them perfect stopovers during your exploration of the Muskoka region.
Muskoka is known for its picturesque towns and charming villages. Some popular towns you can visit include Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, and Port Carling. Each town offers its unique attractions, shops, and restaurants, making them perfect stopovers during your exploration of the Muskoka region.
Muskoka is known for its picturesque towns and charming villages. Some popular towns you can visit include Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, and Port Carling. Each town offers its unique attractions, shops, and restaurants, making them perfect stopovers during your exploration of the Muskoka region.