Muskoka doesn’t hibernate in winter—it fires up! From six vibrant winter festivals and award-winning artists to cozy escapes with saunas, hot tubs, and nights under the stars, there’s no shortage of magic. Don’t forget to experience the unforgettable torchlight skate. Fire up your winter adventure in Muskoka!
#1 Ice Skating Trails
Not only did we start the ice skating trail trend, but we perfected it! Check out these two amazing skating trails, both with their own unique twist to this age-old Canadian pastime.
A magical fairy tale skate through the Canadian forest, the Arrowhead Ice Skating Trail was named one of the world’s most stunning natural rinks by Travel + Leisure.
The Cranberry Ice Trail at Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery, is the only ice skating trail with an onsite winery. After a skate, relax by a rustling fire while sipping on hot mulled cider or wine. Better yet, finish with their wine tasting experience.
Muskoka has many places to skate across the region, click here for the full list.
#2 Six Winter Festivals
Winter in Muskoka is anything but sleepy—it’s a season full of festive energy, thanks to its iconic winter carnivals! These events bring communities together for weekends of snowy excitement, cozy charm, and starry nights. Here’s what’s in store:
- Bracebridge Fire & Ice Festival (Jan 31): Experience fire performances, fireworks, interactive ice displays, and skating.
- Gravenhurst Winter Carnival (Feb 13–15): The Gravenhurst Winter Carnival is a cherished annual tradition in the heart of Muskoka, celebrating the magic of winter with fun for all ages. This family-friendly event offers exciting activities like the demo derby, Skokie’s Birthday Party, cardboard box races, and snow sculptures. Guests can enjoy yummy food from food trucks, live entertainment, and unique games that bring the community together.
- Dorset Snowball (Feb 13–14): Delight in pancake breakfasts, parades, and skating parties.
- Huntsville SnowFest (Jan 31-Mar 8): Lots to do! Snowfest Funky Fridays glow in the dark skating & live DJ, Silver Screen Saturdays, and Snowfest Sundae Fun Days.
- Baysville Winterfest (Feb 16): Family Day fun with activities for kids.
- Port Carling Winterfest (Feb 20-22): Enjoy skating trails, horse carriage rides, kids’ entertainment, and family-friendly competitions.
Bundle up and experience Muskoka’s winter magic!
#3 Discover Magic in the Forest of Light
Step into an illuminated forest filled with thousands of dazzling lights, enchanting sounds and stunning displays at Sandhill Nursery in Huntsville. It is the perfect winter outing, date night or family adventure!
The forest comes alive with an illuminated journey through glowing pathways, whimsical scenes, and radiant displays woven through the gardens and trees. Let your curiosity be your guide as the light illuminates the secrets of the forest and the heart. Your journey begins now!
#4 Fat Biking in the Snowy Wilderness
No other winter activity has grown in popularity as much as fat biking in recent years. Fat biking is one of the greatest winter activities you can get into, and it is so simple to do. Liv Outside in Bracebridge has rentals and trails on-site, and Algonquin Outfitters in Huntsville has bikes for rent with trails nearby.
#5 Sleddin’
With over 1200 km of exceptionally groomed trails and unlimited touring opportunities, we’ve got your snow! Click here for a full list of loops, trails, and rental options.
New to sledding or don’t have your own machine? Explore Muskoka’s incredible winter beauty on guided tours with Yamaha Motor Adventures right at Deerhurst Resort. Both adult and children’s experiences are available, and complete instructions and outwear are provided.
If you have your own sled, Muskoka offers some of the best sled and stay packages you will find! If you are looking for the ultimate snowmobile tour, take the RAP (Round Algonquin Park Tour) and park n’ ride from Muskoka.
#6 Skiing
Muskoka has 100’s of kms of top-notch cross-country ski trails, so it is no wonder that skiers flock from all corners of the province to strap on the skis. Some of the best trails in the province are found at Arrowhead Provincial Park, with a full fleet of ski rentals on-site for beginners.
Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area is ideal for skiers of all levels with eleven runs, a terrain park, kids camps, childcare, as well as ski & snowboard instruction and rentals. Ski and Stay packages are available from Deerhurst Resort and Hidden Valley Resort, both right next door to the ski hill. Book an overnight package with lift tickets included.
Several resorts even boast their own cross-country ski trails so you can sleep, eat and play, all in one place: Bayview Wildwood Resort (8km), Cedar Grove Lodge (5km), Deerhurst Resort (5km), Bondi Village Cottage Resort (20km) and Sherwood Inn (1km).
#7 Snowshoeing the Beautiful Backcountry
The snowshoe capital of Ontario! It is tough to have a list of Muskoka winter activities and not include snowshoeing. Recreational snowshoeing is immensely popular in Muskoka today, featuring hundreds of kms of great trails throughout the region. If you are looking for trails with rentals on-site, try Liv Outside in Bracebridge, Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery in Bala, and Arrowhead Provincial Park in Huntsville.
If you would like an experienced and friendly guide to show you all the best snowshoeing hot spots, Find Your Wild with a guided snowshoe safari in Muskoka or Algonquin Park.
#8 One Horse Open Sleigh Rides
Is there anything more magical than a horse-drawn sleigh ride through a winter wonderland? The perfect winter activity for an afternoon with your family or a romantic evening ride with your special someone. Back of Beyond Equine Centre offers memorable winter sleigh rides at their farms. Don’t miss the Romantic Evening Sleigh Ride that ends at a cozy fire.
#9 Ice Fishing
This great Canadian winter pastime, ice fishing, is tremendously popular in Muskoka.
Muskoka Shores Cottages on 3 Mile Lake, in the Township of Muskoka Lakes has ice huts available for daily rentals, as well as an overnight ice fishing package complete with cottage accommodation and ice hut rental.
Bondi Cottage Resort on Lake of Bays. Enjoy the open-air or fish in your own pop-up hut when conditions permit. We also have two four-person ice huts with propane heaters, which are subject to availability in the winter.
#10 Skating Rinks
Ice Rinks:
- Lions Lookout: A beautiful, large outdoor rink in Huntsville behind the Canada Summit Centre. Open During Daylight Hours. Weather Dependent. No cost and no rentals available. Learn more
- Cedar Canoe Books Ice Rink at River Mill Park: The Cedar Canoe Books Ice Rink at River Mill Park in downtown Huntsville transforms winter into a magical playground for families and visitors alike. This isn’t your average ice rink – it’s the epicentre of a season-long celebration! The unmonitored rink is open daily (weather permitting), and becomes an enchanted outdoor venue each evening as a sparkling canopy of lights illuminates the ice until 9 pm. Learn more
- Memorial Park: Memorial Park in downtown Bracebridge has an ice skating rink that wraps around the park and carves in and out of Bracebridge landmarks. Learn more
- Annie Williams Park: Annie Williams Memorial Park is located in Bracebridge, Ontario, at 50 Santa’s Village Road along the Muskoka River. Two areas to skate, one for purely skating and the other for hockey. Learn more
- Clear Lake Brewing, Torrance: A backyard ice rink is a labour of love. Theirs is no different. It’s a ‘family’ project that’s been built and maintained by staff, friends and neighbours. It is open for use (subject to weather & ice conditions) during brewery hours (9 am-8 pm), open to everyone. Learn more
- Hanna Park Rink: A local 200m free skating trail located at Hanna Park in Port Carling. Run by volunteers and open as long as possible in the winter. Typically right after New Years as soon as the weather allows, and they try to keep it going until March break! Learn more
- Dwight Beach: Short skating trail located at Dwight Beach. Be safe, lace up your skates, and embrace the cold! Learn more
- Dwight Outdoor Rink: Outdoor rink, open seasonally and weather dependent. Lighting for evening use. Learn more
- Baysville Outdoor Rink: At the Dam Outdoor Rink located near the Baysville dam. Learn more
- Dorset Ice Palace: Outdoor Rink. Maintained by the Township of Algonquin Highlands. Learn more
- Wharf Sports Field, Gravenhurst: The Town has two outdoor ice surfaces located at the Wharf Sports Field at 1111 Bay St. Learn more
- Boston Pizza Gravenhurst: The outdoor rink just outside of our patio is now open to the public. The ice is FREE to use, but please remember to use the ice at your own risk. Learn more
Explore Huntsville:
Muskoka Must Do’s:
- A day visit to Arrowhead Provincial Park
- Snowshoe to the Lion’s Lookout over looking Huntsville
- Pick up local tasty treats at Nutty Chocolatier in Downtown Huntsville
- Enjoy a winter event from Huntsville Festival of the Arts
- Experience dog sledding with North Ridge Ranch
- Snowshoe or cross-country ski at Limberlost Forest
- Have a guided winter experience from Find Your Wild
- Ski or snowboard at Hidden Valley Ski Area
Guide to Huntsville:
PLACES TO STAY: Looking for places to stay in Huntsville, the getaway to Algonquin Park? Check out our comprehensive guide to accommodators in Muskoka. From Hotels, Motels, Bed & Breakfasts, Cottage Rentals, Resorts and more!
Click here for 21 Places to Stay in Huntsville
THINGS TO DO: Huntsville is home to endless adventures from outdoor explorations, shopping downtown and an art and culture hotspot.
Click here for 52 Things To Do in Huntsville
Things To Do
Discover
Places To Stay
Discover
Packages
Discover
