Enjoy an exciting Thanksgiving weekend in Muskoka. Take a hike, go on a driving tour, climb to a lookout, tour the Cranberry Marsh, view the fall colors on a boat cruise, and at the end of the day, enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants. If you’re staying at a cottage, let the Farmer’s Daughter help plan your Thanksgiving menu for a relaxing stay.
Hiking Trails
Thanksgiving; a time to slow down, spend time with family and friends, and reflect on the past year. After recent years spent apart; reminiscing about summer adventures, sharing new opportunities and catching up around the dinner table over a Thanksgiving feast is a tradition that most people love and missed. Why not extend those conversations to the fresh, crisp autumn air of Muskoka? Learn more
Driving Routes
Stretching from the vast wilderness of Algonquin Park in the east to the windswept shores of Georgian Bay in the west, Muskoka is crisscrossed with open roads. Watch the endless lakes and trees slip by as you go sightseeing, or stop at a waterfall for a picnic or photo op. Learn more
Boat Cruises
Everyone knows that cruising is a quintessential Muskoka experience. The serene beauty of the lakes, coupled with the charm of the historic vessels, makes for an unforgettable adventure on the water with a Muskoka Boat Cruise. Enjoy a Thanksgiving Weekend Cruise aboard one of these boats. Make your reservations – you don’t want to be disappointed.
Muskoka Steamships departs from the Muskoka Wharf Gravenhurst are offering 1 hour cruises. Learn more
Sunset Cruises aboard the Peerless II you sail on Lake Rosseau Thanksgiving Weekend. Learn more
SS Bigwin takes you on a cruise around Lake of Bays. Departs from 2 locations Dwight Beach and Dorset Town Dock. Learn more
Island Queen invites you on a 3 hour cruise of Georgian Bay’s famous 30,000 Islands. An adventure at every turn! Learn more
Cranberry Marsh
Visit the Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery during the Cranberry Harvest until the end of October. Click here to book a Cranberry Harvest activity. Activities offerd are wagon tours, wine tasting, cranberry plunge, hiking trails, fresh cranberries and beautiful fall scenery!
Lookouts
Three popular locations for enjoying fall colors over Thanksgiving Weekend are Muskoka Lakes, Huntsville, and Dorset.
Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail, Muskoka Lakes:Take a stroll along a 2.5 km loop trail that winds through some of the oldest rocks in the world. The trail is moderately challenging and offers a unique hiking experience on the Canadian Shield. The pink granite surface of the rock has been exposed by glaciation, erosion, and fire over the years. Don’t forget to visit the scenic lookout, known for providing one of the best sunset views in all of Muskoka. To stay on the trail, follow the white ribbons on trees and white paint on rocks.
Lion’s Lookout Trail, Huntsville:The Lions Lookout Trail starts at the intersection of Forbes Hill Dr and Camp Kitchen Road behind the Active Living Centre at the Canada Summit Centre. The 1.5 km trail follows Camp Kitchen Road along the Muskoka River to Fairy Lake, crosses the Portage Flyer railway tracks, and goes up a steep slope to the top of the sports track. The view from the top of the track across Fairy Lake is stunning.
Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower:The Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower in the charming town of Dorset on Lake of Bays, Ontario, offers one of the most remarkable views in the area. The breathtaking 360-degree view of the beautiful Muskoka landscape is truly an experience you must have for yourself.
Events
Until Oct 26: Sandhill Nursery Fall Festival Join Sandhill Nursery’s Fall Festival for a family-friendly celebration featuring local musicians, street performers, a pumpkin slingshot fundraiser, KryArt walk, food trucks, and more. Learn more
Until Oct 26: Cranberry Harvest is the most exciting time of the year. It’s when they (quite literally) get to see the fruit of their labour! They start two weekends before Canadian Thanksgiving and are usually finished by October 26th. They harvest only once a year. They have 27 acres to pick and produce around 300,000-400,000 lbs of cranberries. Learn more
Until Oct 25: The Peca Petting Farm Fall Edition Come and pet the animals, play games, get some pumpkins and baked goods and go on a hayride!! Get ready for a cozy Fall on the farm. Learn more
Oct TBD: Thanksgiving Train at Muskoka Heritage Place The Town of Huntsville’s is excited to celebrate Thanksgiving with you at Muskoka Heritage Place! The Portage Flyer Train runs every 45 minutes from 11:30am to 3:15pm when the last train leaves the station. Note: Regular admission to Muskoka Museum and Pioneer Village still applies. Learn more
Oct 11 – 12: Santa’s Village Spooktacular Get ready for a frightfully fun time as Spooktacular happens Saturdays: 11AM – 7PM & Sundays: 11 AM – 5 PM Enjoy a haunted train ride through the spooky woods, eerie pumpkin trails, Trick-or-treating (don’t forget to bring your own bag!) and plenty of surprises waiting to give you chills! Plus, all regular rides will be operating, weather permitting! Save $3 by booking online in advance! For tickets and prices, click here
Oct TBD: Thanksgiving Open House at Muskoka Lakes Museum Join the Muskoka Lakes Museum as we celebrate the end of our 60th anniversary season! Join us for seasonal treats, apple cider, butter churning, apple pressing, fall crafts, and more! This will be your last chance in the season to purchase items from the gift shop, and everything is on sale! Learn more
Farmer’s Daughter: Let them handle your Thanksgiving Feast this Year! Let them handle your Thanksgiving this Year! Enjoy a gourmet Thanksgiving feast, made from scratch by their chefs. Gluten-free and vegan options available. Learn more
Field of Greens: Make this Thanksgiving unforgettable with a chef-prepared meal, all made fresh from scratch! Whether it’s a succulent turkey or a full holiday spread, pre-order now and let us handle the cooking. To pre-order: Email fieldofgreenspc@outlook.com, call (705)-765-1895 and ask for Chef David or Christine, or visit the store at 1 Bruce Wilson Dr, Port Carling, ON. Learn more
Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet at Drift Kitchen + Bar Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner buffet at Drift Kitchen + Bar on Sunday evening of Thanksgiving Weekend. Please note this dining option is not included in your accommodation package. Additional charges apply. Open to both resort guests and general public. Learn more
Turkey to Go Dinner from Deerhurst Resort:For those who prefer a more private celebration, we also offer a convenient ‘Turkey to Go’ option. Whether you’re a guest at the resort looking to savour a delicious meal with your family in the comfort of your suite, or you’re heading home to celebrate, our ‘Turkey to Go’ package provides everything you need for a perfect Thanksgiving feast. Learn more
Taboo Muskoka: Enjoy a warm and delicious lakeside Thanksgiving dinner,from Friday, October 11 to Monday, October 14, at the Boathouse Restaurant, where they’ll be serving special Thanksgiving dinners. Learn more
Cliffside Restaurant at Muskoka Bay Resort:Cliffside Restaurants esteemed culinary team is excited to present a delightful selection of gourmet dishes perfect for families, including a chef-carved turkey, artisanal stuffing, a vibrant salad bar, smoked honey-glazed ham, and a variety of delicious desserts to satisfy every palate. Enjoy this delicious buffet on October 13th from noon-8pm. Reservations
Join us for an inviting evening with your near and dear ones to make your holiday celebration special. We can’t wait to welcome you at Cliffside Restaurant! Learn more
Thanksgiving Stay Packages
Bayview Wildwood: Celebrate Thanksgiving Weekend at Bayview Wildwood Resort and create lasting memories with family and friends. The all-inclusive package includes lakeside accommodations, live entertainment (read below), meals starting with dinner upon arrival, breakfast/lunch/dinner on full days, and a delicious Thanksgiving Brunch on Monday. 3 Night Thanksgiving Getaway! Learn more
Deerhurst Resort: Celebrate Thanksgiving at Deerhurst Resort in the heart of Muskoka. Enjoy the beauty of fall with your family by the lakeside and explore a variety of outdoor activities, from a peaceful hike through the colourful woods to a fun-filled ATV ride or a final paddle on the water. After your adventures, gather together to enjoy delicious meals prepared by our talented culinary team, including a special Thanksgiving turkey dinner buffet on Sunday!! Learn more
Rocky Crest Resort: Special includes accommodation in a suite. Book the first two nights at our regular price and the third and fourth nights are just $99! Learn more
Sherwood Inn: When spending Thanksgiving Weekend at Sherwood, buy two nights at the regular price, and get the 3rd and 4th nights for just $99! Learn more
Are you looking for something exciting to do in Muskoka this August? If so, then look no further! August is the perfect time to explore all that Muskoka has to offer – from outdoor activities and live music to historical sites and culinary delights. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide of events happening throughout the month so you can make the most out of your time in Muskoka. So let us be your guide as we show you some of the hottest spots in town during this beautiful season!
August Long Weekend
Moonlight Madness Bracebridge-Don’t miss a night full of fun, excitement, and unbeatable bargains! From 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Manitoba Street comes alive with live music, street performers, and incredible shopping. Head to Memorial Park between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. to join in the Cottage Games, and enjoy musical entertainment from local artists. The Beer Garden, hosted by Bracebridge Hall, will keep the good vibes going. It’s an evening you won’t want to miss—downtown shopping doesn’t get better than this! August 1st, 2025
Muskoka Chautauqua Arts & Culture Festival–Muskoka Chautauqua is pleased to be again hosting their annual festival celebrating curiosity and creativity in historic Windermere Village. This year’s festival will take place in intimate venues throughout this walkable village, with most events hosted in our open-air, Theatre in the Woods overlooking Lake Rosseau, just as they were 100 years ago. The 10-day program kicks off with a Festival Welcome and Opening event on Friday, August 1st. This is a great opportunity for new and seasoned festival goers alike to get an overview of the entire festival from each of the festival programmers! August 1st -10th, 2025
Yuk Yuk’s On Tour -Yuk Yuk’s On Tour taps into comedy at Canvas Brewery, serving up Muskoka vibes, hoppy humor, and a frothy night of laughter in cottage country. A rotating roster of talented headliners and comedy festival favorites will craft punchlines with precision and brew up barrels of laughter. The perfect pairing of Muskoka vibes and stand-up hilarity will give you a night of belly laughs, good brews, and the unmistakable spirit of Yuk Yuk’s On Tour at Canvas Brewery August 1, 2025
The Reklaws are a one-of-a-kind duo made up of siblings Jenna and Stuart Walker, proud to bring the party to every stage they stand on. The Reklaws found breakout success with their debut single “Long Live the Night, are returning to The Kee To Bala. August 1st & 2nd, 2025
Civic Holiday Fireworks– The Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst is the backdrop of this family favourite! Come by car, bike, boat, or on foot and see the show! Fireworks display begin at dusk. August 2nd, 2025
Music on the Barge Shows–This August Long weekend Music on The Barge is proud to present the Carl Dixon’s Wild North Rock Show-Carl Dixon’s Wild North Rock Show brings the heart of classic rock to life with stories, songs and serious Canadian rock ‘n’ roll energy. Featuring hits from The Guess Who, Coney Hatch, and more this powerhouse performance is a wild ride through rock history-led by one of Canada’s most enduring and legendary voices.
. If you are looking for an entertainer with massive charisma and an exquisite ability to replicate the Tom Jones experience for his audiences Dave is it!!! Genuine replication of Tom Jones voice, appearance, performance & stage characteristics in his mid-late 1970’s heyday. August 3rd, 2025
Make a Splash-Come to Gull Lake Rotary Park for a fun-filled day of people-powered water sports and other great beach fun! 10 am – 3 pm. August 4th, 2024
Bala Palooza Summer Cottage Party– Reunite with friends, mix in some drinks Head to the Kee to Bala Sunday, August 4th of the long weekend for an unforgettable night of fun! August 4th, 2024
Turtle Day-The Muskoka Lakes Museum is welcoming Turtle Guardians from 1-3 pm on August 5th. Come and interact with their REAL turtles and learn more about these amazing creatures! Sponsored by Turtle Jacks, Port Carling – who will be visiting with coupons, treats, and a very special “turtle” guest – Turtle Jack! Turtle balloon animals and crafts will also be part of the fun! Included with admission. August 5th, 2024
August Music & Theatre Events
Peter’s Players Music Cruises-If you’re looking for a music experience like no other try a Peter’s Players Music Cruise this August! Hosted aboard the historic inspired steamship the Wenonah II. Enjoy incredible live shows while sailing across Lake Muskoka on a stunning sunset cruise. Peter’s Cruise’s has a wide array of artists, genres and tribute shows sure to entertain guests of every taste! The August music line-up is packed with exciting shows that you won’t want to miss:
The Kee-A Summer Concert Tradition Since 1942. The Kee to Bala is one of the truly iconic concert venues, not only in Ontario, but the world. It’s rich history and heritage have made it a destination in Muskoka, and a tradition among locals and visitors for the last 82 years. August 8th: Moneen, The Flatliners, Chastity August 9th & 10th: David Wilcox August 11th: James Kennedy August 13th: Billy Idol August 15th-17th: The Glorious Sons August 22nd: Kim Mitchell August 23rd & 24th: Dallas Smith August 27th: Sean Paul August 31st & September 1st: Sam Roberts Band
Nashville Nights at The Speakeasy Muskoka Foundry-Embark on a unique musical journey at their seated “Bluebird Cafe” style event in Bracebridge, ON on August 20th, 2024 at 6:30pm, hosted by Chris, Ali, Scott and Backyard Music Co. Curated by billboard charting artist Scotty James, this intimate backyard concert unveils 2-3 accomplished songwriters in a Nashville-style writers’ round, offering acoustic renditions of their country, pop, and folk-infused originals. August 20, 2024
Acoustic Sunset Sessions at Deerhurst Resort-Join Deerhurst Resort for an unforgettable night of music under the stars at our Acoustic Sunset Sessions Outdoor Concert, featuring the acclaimed headliners Raine Maida and Chantal Kreviazuk. August 24th, 2024
Muskoka Music Crawl Campfire Sessions-Imagine sitting by a roaring fire, feeling the soft sand or cool grass beneath your feet, and being serenaded by talented musicians. That’s exactly what you’ll enjoy during this summer long event, happening every Friday and Saturday night from the Canada Day long weekend through to Labour Day weekend. 2024 Schedule Aug 2: James Gray at Hutcheson Beach Aug 3: Leah Leslie at Hutcheson Beach Aug 9: Bluebird Days at Brunel Locks Aug 10: Gina Horswood at Brunel Locks Aug 16: Bluebird Days at Port Sydney Beach Aug 17: Leah Leslie at Port Sydney Beach Aug 23: James Gray at Avery Beach Aug 24: Bluebird Days at Avery Beach Aug 30: Jack Gaughan at Town Dock Park Aug 31: James Gray at Town Dock Park- 6-8pm special start time!
Music on the Barge-The Music on the Barge concert series is the largest outdoor concert series north of Toronto and draws thousands of seasonal and permanent residents to the shores of Gull Lake to enjoy a great evening of musical entertainment at this unique waterfront setting. Sunday nights 7:30 PM. August 11th: Joplin Meets Hendrix August 18th: Sound of Sting August 25th: Foreigner: Jukebox Heroes
Music at the Meadows is the annual outdoor music festival presented by Community Living South Muskoka. Headlining at this year’s festival is the legendary Grant Tingey and Hired Gun! The night’s line-up will feature the incredible local talent of Blue Moon, Cache Creek, Dunning Butchers + more! Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door. Beer Garden presented by Lake of Bays Brewing Co.
August 24th, 2024
Festivals & More This August
Summer Water Ski Show-Thrill to SWS Ski Shows every Tuesday Night at Windsor Park in Bala. The show starts at 7:30pm. Let go ski show – a Muskoka tradition since the early 1970s. While these shows are free, the athletes really appreciate your donations for the hard work they do to make sure your family has a great time every Tuesday through the summer rain or shine. August 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th, 2024
Pirate Cruise aboard the Wenonah II-Ahoy, maties! Sale on the high seas of Lake Muskoka for an interactive pirate adventure designed for youngsters and the young at heart. Costumes encouraged! AAAAAARRRRGH!!!! Pirates are back this summer to plunder the smooth waters of Lake Muskoka and reign terror on Sundays in July and August aboard the magnificent Wenonah II with infamously fearless Captain Corbin in lead! August 4th, 11th, 18th, & 25th, 2024
Muskoka Lakes Association Antique Boat Show-The MLA Antique Boat Show began in 1971 and has been held bi-annually since, honouring boats that have been built in Muskoka or have spent most of their life in Muskoka waters. This show is a tribute to our Muskoka boat building heritage. August 10, 2024
The Northern Pass returns to Muskoka for its eighth incredible year! Get your crew together and join us for another full day adventure as we weave our way through one of Ontario’s most beautiful landscapes. August 10th, 2024
Baysville Arts & Crafts Festival – The Baysville Riverfront Group will host the 37th Arts & Crafts Festival in Baysville. An outdoor event featuring unique and original artisans from all over Ontario in Robertson Parkett and Grist Mill Park. The event will run Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. This popular event brings out thousands each year and surely won’t disappoint this August! August 10th- 11th, 2024
Artists of The Limberlost Studio Tour– Come to the 2024 Artists of the Limberlost Studio Tour on August 16, 17 and 18, from 10 am to 5 pm. You will enter our studios and display areas to meet the artists and see our newest creations. We feature 21 diverse and talented artists in 7 art studios or historic lodge settings. August 16th-17th, 2024
Muskoka Market: Huntsville Summer Edition-Come enjoy what beautiful Downtown Huntsville has to offer! The downtown shops will be bursting out onto the street and the kids will love the activities! August 17th, 2024
40th Annual Bracebridge Antique Show & Sale–The Bracebridge Antique Show and Sale will be held in the Agricultural Building at the JD Lang Activity Park, 331 Fraserburg Rd, Bracebridge. Antiques featured at the event will include Canadiana, furniture, tools, lamps, persian rugs, jewellery, vinyl records, coins,- silver, china, paper items and advertising, dolls, pressed glass, toys, quilts and linens. This show is perfect for antique lovers or anyone interested in Muskoka heritage! The event runs Friday from 4pm – 8pm, Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and Sunday from 10am to 4 PM.
August 23rd-25th, 2024
August in Muskoka is an exciting time of endless possibilities and great events. From outdoor concerts, to art-making workshops, to one-of-a-kind theatrical performances, there’s something for everyone! It’s the season for adventure and discovery like no other. So take the plunge this August into all that Muskoka has to offer – explore these amazing events while surrounded by the beauty of Muskoka’s landscape. The days may be getting shorter but they sure don’t have to feel that way! So what’s it going to be? Which event will you be attending this August? It’s your turn now – choose your adventure wisely!1s
The Kee-A Summer Concert Tradition Since 1942. The Kee to Bala is one of the truly iconic concert venues, not only in Ontario, but the world. It’s rich history and heritage have made it a destination in Muskoka, and a tradition among locals and visitors for the last 82 years.
