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

Best time to visit
Best places to visit

Top 3 Facts about Muskoka in Canada

01

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.

02

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.

03

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.

image20406
image20409

Must See Attractions

See all

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

See all

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

Friday, November 11

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.

Get tickets
Thursday, November 30

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.

Summer 2024

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.

Get tickets

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

01

01 / Downhill Skiing

One of the primary winter attractions in Muskoka is downhill skiing. Whether you’re just starting out or are an advanced skier, Muskoka and its surrounding areas have a lot to offer. While the region doesn’t boast the towering peaks found in the Rockies, the varied landscape ensures there’s something for everyone. Several ski resorts, including Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area, Mount St. Louis Moonstone, and Horseshoe Resort, provide well-groomed trails and contemporary facilities, attracting numerous skiing aficionados each season.

young active snowboarder in bright sportswear jumping up on a mountain slope 1 1
01

02 / Downhill Skiing

One of the primary winter attractions in Muskoka is downhill skiing. Whether you’re just starting out or are an advanced skier, Muskoka and its surrounding areas have a lot to offer. While the region doesn’t boast the towering peaks found in the Rockies, the varied landscape ensures there’s something for everyone. Several ski resorts, including Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area, Mount St. Louis Moonstone, and Horseshoe Resort, provide well-groomed trails and contemporary facilities, attracting numerous skiing aficionados each season.

young active snowboarder in bright sportswear jumping up on a mountain slope 1 1
01

03 / Downhill Skiing

One of the primary winter attractions in Muskoka is downhill skiing. Whether you’re just starting out or are an advanced skier, Muskoka and its surrounding areas have a lot to offer. While the region doesn’t boast the towering peaks found in the Rockies, the varied landscape ensures there’s something for everyone. Several ski resorts, including Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area, Mount St. Louis Moonstone, and Horseshoe Resort, provide well-groomed trails and contemporary facilities, attracting numerous skiing aficionados each season.

young active snowboarder in bright sportswear jumping up on a mountain slope 1 1
previous arrowprevious arrow
next arrownext arrow

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

See all

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.

image20406
image 392
image 401 1
Jet Skiing

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.

Rent a Property

Looking for a cottage in Muskoka?

Find a Property

Become a Host

Want to list your Muskoka cottage? Get started here.

Find a Property

Sign In

Register

Reset Password

Please enter your username or email address, you will receive a link to create a new password via email.