Spend Thanksgiving weekend immersed in Muskoka’s fall beauty. Explore forest trails, discover scenic lookouts, tour the Cranberry Marsh, or enjoy the colours from the water on a boat cruise. After a full day outdoors, unwind with a meal at one of Muskoka’s outstanding restaurants. Read on for your ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving in Muskoka – packed with fall colours, outdoor fun, and delicious holiday inspiration.
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
Muskoka Steamships
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 now – you don’t want to be disappointed.
Muskoka Steamships, departing from the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst, are offering 1 hour Thanksgiving colour cruises. Learn more
Sunset Cruises aboard the Peerless II; you can set sail on Lake Rosseau on the Thanksgiving Weekend. 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
Ardea Muskoka provides private boat tours and charters on Lake Rosseau and Lake Joseph, departing from Port Carling. Choose your experience now! Learn more
SS Bigwin (Closed for 2026) takes you on a cruise around Lake of Bays. Departs from 2 locations: Dwight Beach and Dorset Town Dock. Learn more.
Cranberry Marsh
Visit the Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery in Bala during the Cranberry Harvest until the end of October. Click here to book a Cranberry Harvest activity. Activities offered include wagon tours, wine tasting, cranberry plunge, hiking trails, fresh cranberries, and beautiful fall scenery!
Lookouts
Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower
Experience these three popular locations for enjoying fall colours over Thanksgiving Weekend in 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. Bookings for fall colours viewing at the Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower are required between September 19 and October 25, 2026. Visit ahtrails.ca
Events
Santa’s Village
Thanksgiving in Muskoka is all about crisp air, peak fall colours, cozy seasonal experiences, and family‑friendly events across the region.
October is peak festival season in Muskoka. Expect harvest‑themed events, community fairs, seasonal markets, and outdoor celebrations that pair perfectly with Thanksgiving weekend. Many festivals highlight local food, artisans, and autumn traditions. View our Festivals.
With pumpkin patches, outdoor adventures, museum experiences, and fall attractions, Muskoka offers plenty of ways for families to celebrate the long weekend. Many attractions run special fall programming throughout October. View our Family-Friendly Events.
Celebrate Thanksgiving Weekend at Bayview Wildwood Resort in Severn Bridge, with a 3-night all-inclusive getaway featuring lakeside accommodations, festive meals, and nonstop fun for all ages.
Enjoy a weekend full of family fun activities such as horse-drawn wagon rides and dance parties, kids’ camp, scavenger hunts, trivia games, and the Bayview pumpkin carving contest. Wrap up the weekend with a festive Monday Thanksgiving Brunch — a perfect finish to a weekend full of laughter, adventure, and holiday cheer.
Your 3-Day Thanksgiving Weekend Includes:
• Cozy Family Lakeside Accommodations
• All-Inclusive Meal Package – Dinner on arrival, Breakfast & Dinner for any full day and Thanksgiving Day Brunch on Monday
• Unlimited Outdoor Seasonal Family Activities
• Daily Live Entertainment & Activities
• Complimentary Resort Amenities with all Equipment included
Slow down, reconnect, and savour the season at Bondi Cottage Resort in Dwight.
With peaceful lake views, heritage cottages, and the colours of fall all around you, Thanksgiving becomes more than a holiday — it becomes a moment.
Their Lookout Trail offers a view looking down on the Dorset Tower. And far less crowded. Our 600 acres of wilderness offers trails without traffic, so if the Park is getting too jammed up for your liking, try Bondi. They could just be your “cup of tea”
Celebrate gratitude in a place that feels like home.
3-bedroom cottages available; 3-day minimum, $500/day plus taxes.
Embrace the Beauty of Fall with a Memorable Thanksgiving Escape
Friday, October 9 – Monday, October 12, 2026
Celebrate Thanksgiving at Deerhurst Resort in the heart of Muskoka. Enjoy the beauty of fall with your family by the lakeside and explore a variety of outdoor activities, from a peaceful hike through the colourful woods to a fun-filled ATV ride or a final paddle on the water. After your adventures, gather together to enjoy delicious meals prepared by our talented culinary team, including a special Thanksgiving turkey dinner buffet on Sunday!
Everything you need for a perfect Thanksgiving weekend!
Thanksgiving in Muskoka: Celebrate fall with a festive pumpkin patch, delicious seasonal flavours, and a full weekend of cozy family fun
Golden Pumpkin Hunt: Find the Golden Pumpkin (Saturday–Monday) and win an overnight stay!
Nature Adventures: Wooded hiking and walking trails surrounded by brilliant fall colours
Family Fun & Bonding: Game Room, 9-hole Disc and Foot Golf, Tennis, Pickleball, Horseshoes, Kan Jam, Sand Volleyball, Basketball, and Lawn Games
Adventures on the Water: Complimentary use of Canoes and Kayaks
Add-on Experiences ($): Golf, Treetop Trekking, Paintball, Escape Cabins, Yamaha ATV Tours, Bike Rentals, Rock Climbing, and Multi-Sport Simulator
Extend your Muskoka getaway and enjoy even more time to relax, play, and explore with the Rocky Crest Golf Resort Third Night for $99 Special. Stay in one of their suites and when you book your first two nights at their regular rate, your third night is just $99.
Whether you’re planning days on the golf course, afternoons on Lake Joseph, or evenings enjoying one of their on-site dining experiences, this special gives you the perfect excuse to stay a little longer.
Join Taboo Muskoka at The Boathouse Restaurant on October 11 & 12 for a special Thanksgiving dinner surrounded by beautiful fall colours and lakeside views.
Enjoy their Thanksgiving featured menu that includes Maple Roasted Parsnip & Butternut Chowder, Harvest Beet & Goat Cheese Salad, Oven Roasted Turkey with all the traditional accompaniments, and Pumpkin Pie with pecan praline and whipped farmhouse cream.
Make a weekend of it with a fall stay at Taboo Muskoka and enjoy everything the season has to offer.
They’re doing Thanksgiving with a little Cast Iron twist on Sunday, October 11th! Their full homestyle turkey dinner will be ready after 5pm featuring:
Wood-fire BBQ’d mix of white & dark turkey
Ange’s sausage stuffing
Garlic & herb mashed potatoes
Roasted apples & squash
Cajun cranberry sauce
Turkey gravy
And don’t forget to save room for a slice of Ty’s Pumpkin Cheesecake!
They’ll have a very limited regular menu for lunch and dinner, and turkey takeout will also be limited — so come on in, get cozy and enjoy
Thanksgiving with them!
Open 12–8 | Turkey ready at 5pm
Tables remain first-come, first-served as usual (reservations only for groups of 10 or more).
Let them handle the cooking (and the dishes!) this Thanksgiving. Gather your loved ones and celebrate the holiday at Christie’s Mill Waterfront Restaurant. Enjoy a beautiful, crisp autumn view of the water while they serve up a memorable Thanksgiving dinner filled with all your seasonal favourites.
Spaces for their holiday dinner are filling up fast, so be sure to secure your table!
Their 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 ham, and a variety of delicious desserts to satisfy every palate. Join them for an inviting afternoon or evening with your near and dear ones to make your holiday celebration special. They can’t wait to welcome you at Cliffside Restaurant!
Sunday, October 11th, 2026, from 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Gather around the table and celebrate Thanksgiving Weekend with a traditional Thanksgiving dinner buffet at Drift Kitchen + Bar on Sunday evening.
Available to both resort guests and the general public. Please note that the Thanksgiving dinner buffet is not included in an accommodation package. Additional charges apply.
Prefer to celebrate Thanksgiving in the comfort of your own space? Their convenient 4 Course Turkey To Go option makes it easy to enjoy a delicious holiday feast wherever you’re gathering. Whether you’re a resort guest looking to savour Thanksgiving with family in the comfort of your suite or heading home to celebrate, their Turkey To Go package has everything you need for a memorable Thanksgiving meal—without the fuss.
Let them handle your Thanksgiving feast this year! Enjoy a gourmet Thanksgiving feast, made from scratch by their chefs. Gluten-free and vegan options available. Available Friday, October 9th through Sunday, October 11th. Learn more
Make this Thanksgiving unforgettable with a traditional turkey dinner, an alternative menu, or a fresh whole turkey to roast at home. Whether it’s a succulent turkey or a full holiday spread, pre-order now and let them 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.
Enjoy Thanksgiving Weekend at the Family Room at Port Cunnington Lodge
Open Friday, October 9 through Monday, October 12.
Kick off the weekend with a Friday night BBQ buffet featuring burgers, hot dogs, potato salad, Caesar salad, and brownies for $42 CAD.
Join them for a festive, harvest-style Thanksgiving buffet dinner on October 10 & 11. $85 per adult | $35 per child ages 5–12 | Complimentary for children 4 and under.
Lodge guests enjoy complimentary coffee and continental breakfast each morning on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
This Thanksgiving weekend, let Rawley Resort take care of the table. Join Rawley Resort at Lighthouse45 Restaurant & Lounge for a Chef’s 3-course Thanksgiving dinner crafted to bring warmth, comfort, and seasonal flavour to your holiday celebration. Whether you’re gathering with family, celebrating with friends, or simply treating yourself to a memorable meal on the water, this is the perfect way to mark the long weekend at Rawley Resort, Spa & Marina. Visit their website for more details.
Celebrate Thanksgiving in Muskoka! Join the Sherwood Inn in Port Carling on Saturday, October 10, and Sunday, October 11, as they serve up a special Thanksgiving Menu filled with festive flavours and seasonal favourites.
Enjoy a warm, comforting feast by Chef Jose, featuring all your favourite traditional classics. From roasted turkey and stuffing to all the seasonal fixings, it’s the perfect way to gather and indulge. This special menu will be offered in place of the regular Vintages menu, while the lounge menu remains available. Join them for a delicious and memorable holiday experience!
Enjoy all the classic Thanksgiving flavours you love, reimagined with a signature Tall Trees twist. Join Tall Trees on Sunday, October 12 and make your Thanksgiving celebration truly special. Reserve your table today!
Sunday, October 11th, from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
$80 Per Person, Plus Tax | $45 for Kids Under 12 (Comes with Starter Caesar Salad and Includes Dessert)
Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving feast at Turtle Jack’s. Their holiday menu features seasoned turkey breast, classic stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, rich gravy, and seasonal vegetables — all for $35. Visit their website to reserve your table.
Thanksgiving Brunch is coming to The Rosseau. Join Windermere House on Sunday, October 11th, from 11am–3pm for an à la carte brunch menu featuring seasonal favourites, fall flavours, and sushi. Gather around the table and enjoy Thanksgiving in Muskoka.