Discover Muskoka: A Summer Escape Only Two Hours From Toronto
Muskoka has been a favourite summer getaway for over 150 years, and it’s easy to see why. Just two hours north of the city, it offers a slower pace, fresh air, and endless lake views.
With more than 100 places to stay, from cozy cottages to full-service resorts, it’s the perfect spot to unwind, get outside, and soak up the quintessential Canadian escape.
Muskoka is consistently named a top destination in Canada. Recently recognized by National Geographic, The Telegraph, Cottage Life, The Globe and Mail, Forbes, Canadian Geographic, Travel + Leisure and more. The beautiful backdrop is a popular hotspot with celebrities with a number of high profile visitors to the region (Victoria Beckham waterskiing anyone?). Check out the map on how to get to Muskoka! *NEW* You can now reach Muskoka via Air Canada Landline. Book your Air Canada trip to YQA and the second leg of your trip will be on a luxury motorcoach.
Nostalgia and Nature Meets Luxury and Relaxation
There’s something about Muskoka that brings you back to the kind of summer you thought only existed in movies (think Dirty Dancing). Just a short trip from the U.S. border, this lakeside region feels both nostalgic and refreshingly untouched. Where days unfold slowly and the simple moments are the ones you remember most.
Mornings start with coffee on the dock, mist rising off the lake, and the quiet call of loons in the distance. By midday, it’s all about being on the water. Boating, swimming, or trying something new with local operators like Muskoka Wake or SWS Muskoka, where you can try waterskiing or wake surfing. Looking to taking a calm moment? Rent a canoe, kayak or SUP from a rental company (Algonquin Outfitters, Liv Outside, Silver Gull Outdoors) or many resorts and cottage rentals include non-motorized boats.
Quaint Communities Around Every Bend:
One of Muskoka’s greatest charms is its collection of small, character-filled towns. Each offering something a little different, yet all rooted in that warm, welcoming cottage-country feel. Muskoka isn’t just one place. It’s a collection of nearly a dozen unique communities, similar to the Hamptons or the Adirondacks for those in the U.S. Things you don’t want to miss! A buttertart from Humble Pie Buttertart Factory in Baysvillle, a coffee from Affogato Cafe in Huntsville, a paddle on Gull Lake with Silver Gull Outdoors in Gravenhurst, lunch in Port Carling at Turtle Jack’s Muskoka Grill or head over to The Pearl in Bala. For those lovers of art and culture, Explore Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery with 103 outdoor murals inspired by the Group of Seven (one mural was even painted by Barack Obama).
100+ Places To Stay in Muskoka
From family waterfront resorts and cozy cottage resorts to boutique motels, luxury rentals and unique stays, Muskoka has accommodations for every getaway. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, family vacation or outdoor adventure, you’ll find the perfect place to stay surrounded by lakes, forests and stunning natural beauty. Muskoka is home to the famous cottage featured in the hit series Heated Rivalry! That is available to rent, hosted by Jayne’s Luxury Cottage Rentals.
Explore Muskoka from the Water
The best way to see Muskoka is from the water. The best seats in the house are on the boat, where you can take in the cottages, towering trees and iconic granite shoreline.
- Muskoka Steamships sail on the Wenonah II or Wanda III on Lake Muskoka. Lunch and high tea cruises available.
- Sunset Cruises cruise on Peerless II from Port Carling on Lake Rosseau, Lake Muskoka or Lake Joseph. Intimate boat with commentary.
- Muskoka Cruises enjoy the lake as you cruise down the Muskoka River or on Lake Rosseau
- SS Bigwin view the spectacular colours as you travel around Lake of Bays
Experience Gravenhurst: Muskoka Must Do’s
- A cruise on the historic RMS Segwun or impressive Wenonah II sailing from the Muskoka Wharf
- Explore the Muskoka Discovery Centre with 9 million dollar expansion
- Dine and stroll at Muskoka Wharf overlooking Lake Muskoka
- An exceptional high tea experience at Blue Willow Tea Shop
- See art and culture at Gravenhurst Opera House
- Visit to the historic Bethune House
Guide to Gravenhurst
PLACES TO STAY: Looking for places to stay in Gravenhurst, the gateway to Muskoka? Check out our comprehensive guide to accommodators in Muskoka. From Hotels, Motels, Bed & Breakfasts, Cottage Rentals, Camping, Resorts and more!
Click here for 18 places to stay in Gravenhurst
THINGS TO DO: Gravenhurst has fantastic activities from iconic boat cruises, hiking trails and more.
Click here for 34 things to do in Gravenhurst
Explore the Hiking Trails Across Muskoka
Muskoka Favourites:
- HARDY LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK – A very popular spot near Torrance with three hiking loops. Two are 3km and one 9km.
- SCHOOL HOUSE TRAIL – 5.3km out-and-back easy trail. This trail is great for birding and hiking. Located in Georgian Bay.
- LIMBERLOST FOREST & WILDLIFE RESERVE – Offering more than 70km of trails. Located outside of Huntsville, rivals Algonquin Park.
- TORRANCE BARRENS DARK SKY RESERVE – World’s first permanently designated Dark Sky Reserve.
- OXTONGUE RAPIDS – 1km out-and-back trail in the Village of Dwight. Ending with a stunning waterfall.
- LION’S LOOKOUT – The lookout trail is roughly 1.5km long with a steep incline and stunning views of Huntsville.
- STUBB’S FALLS TRAIL – 2.6km trail that includes a stop by Little East River. Located in Arrowhead Provincial Park in Huntsville.
- WILSON’S FALLS TRAIL – 4km loop trail along the Muskoka River and Wilson’s Falls in Bracebridge.
- HAHNE FARM TRAIL – 3.7km out-and-back trail that features a granite ridge view overlooking the woods of Gravenhurst.
- HUNTER’S BAY TRAIL – 4.6km trail one way, with access at many different spots in Huntsville . Enjoy scenic boardwalk sections by the Vernon Narrows.
- STRAWBERRY POINT TRAIL – 5km return trail through country lanes and wooded area offers a panoramic view of Lake Muskoka. Located in Bracebridge.
- WALKER’S POINT LOOKOUT – A moderately short climb leading to a panoramic lookout point where sightseers will enjoy stunning views of Lake Muskoka.
- HAZELWOOD TRAIL – 2.5km out-and-back trail, just outside of Port Carling. Runs besides a large beaver pond.
Explore Huntsville:
Muskoka Must Do’s:
- A day visit to Arrowhead Provincial Park
- Hike to the Lion’s Lookout over looking Huntsville
- Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery self guided tour with 103 murals
- Enjoy an event from Huntsville Festival of the Arts including their summer program
- A hike along the boardwalk at Hunter’s Bay Boardwalk Trail
- Try stand up paddle boarding with a guide at Find Your Wild
- Step Back in Time at a Pioneer Village at Muskoka Heritage Place
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 23 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 54 Things To Do in Huntsville
Muskoka offers a wide range of events from live music, family fun and local festivals. Here are some key events not to be missed this summer. Visit our Event Guide for a full list.
- May 15 & 16 – Dwayne Gretzky at The Kee to Bala
- May 16 –Muskoka 2/4 Craft Beer Festival in Huntsville
- May 22 – Motown Gold at Gravenhurst Opera House
- May 23 – Shuffle the Decades at Rene M. Cassie Theatre in Bracebridge
- May 28 – Floydium at Gravenhurst Opera House
- May 30 – A Candlelite Soul Tribute to Bruno Mars at the JW Marriott in Rosseau
- May 30 – Amanda Keeles at Gravenhurst Opera House
- May 30 – Murder Mystery at Muskoka Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst
- June 1 – August 31 – Huntsville Art Crawl
- June 6 – Venture Fest: Muskoka Brewery’s 30th Anniversary
- June 13 & 14 – Gravenhurst Triathlon and Duathlon
- June 18 – 21 – The Overland Gathering – Muskoka
- June 19 – 21 – Bala Bay Diva Pride Weekend
- June 21 – National Indigenous Peoples Day in Huntsville
- June 26 – 54-40 at The Kee to Bala
- June 27 – Big Sugar at The Kee to Bala
- July 1 – Canada Day Celebrations across Muskoka
- July 5 – IRONMAN 70.3 Muskoka in Huntsville
- July 11 –Vintage Boat Show at the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst
- July 11 – August 30 – Pirate Cruises on the Wenonah II in Gravenhurst
- July 11 & 12 – Bracebridge Triathlon & Duathlon
- July 17 – 19 – Muskoka Arts & Crafts Summer Show in Bracebridge
- July 17 & 18 – Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival in Gravenhurst
- July 18 – Nuit Blanche North 2026 in Huntsville
- July 24 – 26 – Muskoka Boat and Cottage Show at the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst
- July 31 – Moonlight Madness in Bracebridge
- August 1 & 2 – Piratefest at Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst
- August 7 – 16 – Muskoka Chautauqua Summer Festival
- August 8 – Kim Mitchell at The Kee to Bala
- August 8 & 9 – Dockside Festival – Gravenhurst
- August 8 & 9 – Baysville Arts and Crafts Festival
- August 14 & 15 – The Sheepdogs at The KEE to Bala
- August 21 & 22 – The Beaches at The Kee to Bala
- August 25 – Music Cruise with the Awesome 80’s Bon Jovi and More
Looking to learn more? Check out the comprehensive Waterfall Guide to Muskoka
1. Bala Falls – Located in the heart of charming Bala, the Bala Falls is a great spot to stop and enjoy a picnic with the family with an incredible backdrop.
2. Minnehaha Falls – This hidden gem of a waterfall is a bit difficult to find, but once you find the trail it’s worth the trek! Be prepared to hike on loose soil, steep slopes and some slippery rock.
3. Ragged Falls – Named one of the 10 best waterfalls in Ontario, this waterfall on Oxtongue River is a must-see. There is roughly a 1km hike to this beautiful cascade from a parking area
4. Oxtongue Rapids – This amazing destination on the Oxtongue River is believed to be the inspiration for The Red Maple, one of A.Y. Jackson’s (member of the Group of Seven) most celebrated paintings.
5. Hatchery Falls – Take a 26-minute hike along a well-marked trail with a beautiful waterfall waiting for you at the finish line, Hatchery Falls.
6. Bracebridge Falls – Explore one of the trademark sights of the community at the Bracebridge Falls. Located right downtown, the Silver Bridge and Bracebridge Falls is an iconic scene.
7. Wilson’s Falls – is the wildest and most scenic falls on the North Branch of Muskoka River. Located just to the north of the Downtown area off of River Road
8. Muskoka Falls -This brilliant waterfall is carved into a large gorge at Muskoka Falls, showing the eroding power of the falls over thousands of years.
9. High Falls and Little High Falls – Bracebridge
There are five waterfalls located at the High Falls site. These include Pott’s Falls, Muskoka Canyon Falls, Little High Falls, Big High Falls and a 5th man-made falls to accommodate the High Falls Water Park.
Muskoka Favourites:
- HARDY LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK – A very popular spot near Torrance with three hiking loops. Two are 3km and one 9km.
- SCHOOL HOUSE TRAIL – 5.3km out-and-back easy trail. This trail is great for birding and hiking. Located in Georgian Bay.
- LIMBERLOST FOREST & WILDLIFE RESERVE – Offering more than 70km of trails. Located outside of Huntsville, rivals Algonquin Park.
- TORRANCE BARRENS DARK SKY RESERVE – World’s first permanently designated Dark Sky Reserve.
- OXTONGUE RAPIDS – 1km out-and-back trail in the Village of Dwight. Ending with a stunning waterfall.
- LION’S LOOKOUT – The lookout trail is roughly 1.5km long with a steep incline and stunning views of Huntsville.
- STUBB’S FALLS TRAIL – 2.6km trail that includes a stop by Little East River. Located in Arrowhead Provincial Park in Huntsville.
- WILSON’S FALLS TRAIL – 4km loop trail along the Muskoka River and Wilson’s Falls in Bracebridge.
- HAHNE FARM TRAIL – 3.7km out-and-back trail that features a granite ridge view overlooking the woods of Gravenhurst.
- HUNTER’S BAY TRAIL – 4.6km trail one way, with access at many different spots in Huntsville . Enjoy scenic boardwalk sections by the Vernon Narrows.
- STRAWBERRY POINT TRAIL – 5km return trail through country lanes and wooded area offers a panoramic view of Lake Muskoka. Located in Bracebridge.
- WALKER’S POINT LOOKOUT – A moderately short climb leading to a panoramic lookout point where sightseers will enjoy stunning views of Lake Muskoka.
- HAZELWOOD TRAIL – 2.5km out-and-back trail, just outside of Port Carling. Runs besides a large beaver pond.
Just another quiet week in Muskoka. Nothing to see here. 👀
21 days until school goes back in Canada. Let’s make the most of them. 💚💙
Video footage: @mfarrellsnowboard
Cover photo: @muskokageordie #discovermuskoka #discoveron #explorecanada #muskoka
The summer keeps rollin’. What Muskoka events are you going to this week?
#discovermuskoka #discoveron #explorecanada
Photos from the @nytimes feature by @brendangeorgeko 📸
Journalist @smbahr14 made the trip to Muskoka earlier this summer, and the guide to the region paired with these beautiful photos is something else.
So special to see Muskoka captured and shared like this. 💚💙🇨🇦
#discovermuskoka #discoveron #explorecanada #muskoka #nytimes
Okay, we’re blushing.🥹 Hearing @ellarubin1 and @jimmyfallon call Muskoka the most beautiful place on Earth is pretty special. 💚💙🇨🇦 Who else is in for Team Muskoka? #SterlingPoint
#discovermuskoka #discoveron #explorecanada
Sunrise to sunset… absolute perfection ✨. Let’s rock another perfect Saturday in Muskoka💦.
Photos by @mfarrellsnowboard #discoveron #discovermuskoka #muskoka #explorecanada
Canada’s cottage country has made it into The New York Times (@nytimes). Wow! 🥹🌲
Thank you to writer Sarah Bahr (@smbahr14) for exploring Muskoka firsthand and experiencing so much of what makes this place special. From local traditions like the @swsmuskoka ski show on Tuesday nights, to a tasty baked good from @donsbakerybala, exploring Gravenhurst with stops at @sawdustcitybeer and @thebluewillowteashop, hitting the trails for some incredible hiking and so much more!
This guide is putting Muskoka in front of millions of potential visitors around the world. The word is getting out. 💚💙🇨🇦
Come see Muskoka for yourself. It sure is special 🫶. Visit the link in our bio to read the article 🔗.
Article written by Sarah Bahr
Article photos by Brendan George Ko
#discovermuskoka #discoveron #explorecanada #muskoka #canada
Something that sets Muskoka apart is the islands that dot the lakes. Some are massive, even with golf courses on them (@bigwinisland). Others are home to a couple of cottages or a little cabin tucked into the trees. And then there are those quaint little islands with nothing more than a few trees, a rocky shoreline and generations of family memories. There’s just something about island life in Muskoka. 🇨🇦💙💚
Photo by @alexbrowne #discovermuskoka #discoveron #explorecanada #muskoka #canada
The last one might be our favourite 👀. Muskoka, you’re something else 🇨🇦💙💚.
#discovermuskoka #discoveron #explorecanada #muskoka #kindachic
📍 @santasvillageon
Iykyk…📍 Mortimer’s Point, Lake Muskoka
Is 12 too many? Asking for a friend.
📍 @portcunningtonlodge
📍 Anywhere in Muskoka. Just look up!
📍 Dorset Lookout Tower
📍 @turtlejacksportcarling
📍 1,600 lakes in Muskoka
📍 @thekeetobala
📍 @cranberry.ca
📍 @forestrockresort
📍 @soapstonesskincare @downtownhuntsville, don’t miss @downtownbracebridge and @experiencegravenhurst
📍 SEVEN farmers’ markets every week all summer 💐 @threebirdsflowerfarm
📍 @humblepiemuskoka
📍 @muskokasteamships_dc oldest steamship in North America
📍 Georgian Bay Islands National Park
📍 @muskokadrivein in @experiencegravenhurst
📍 @donsbakerybala
We just can’t help it 🤭💚💙🇨🇦.
Muskoka is having a moment. 🎬 @primevideo’s Sterling Point is the show people can’t stop talking about, and Muskoka is getting plenty of attention right alongside its rising stars.
In fact, star @jacobwhiteducklavoie might have said it best: “I feel like Muskoka is the main character.” (@torontolife)
Have you watched Sterling Point yet?
Thank you @isabelslone and @torontolife for this fantastic piece and for shining a spotlight on Muskoka.
#muskoka #discovermuskoka #discoveron #explorecanada #muskokamedia
Summer’s flying by! Get up to Muskoka, jump off the dock, soak up every minute of summer and then go explore this epic lineup of events happening across the region.
Live music, waterskiing, art workshops, farmers’ markets, festivals and so much more. There’s a lot of summer left to squeeze in. 💙💚
Presented by Moose FM.
#discovermuskoka #discoveron #explorecanada #muskoka
Muskoka Chautauqua’s 10-day summer art and culture festival is on now in the village of Windermere! Art, music, literature, it’s all happening! This is a summer tradition not to be missed. @muskokachautauqua
Patio season is something else here in Muskoka.
Good food, cold drinks, lake views and long summer afternoons. We’ve rounded up some great patios across Muskoka to add to your summer list.
Scroll through, pick your spot and we’ll see you out there. Cover 📸 @jwmuskoka.
#discovermuskoka #discoveron #explorecanada #muskoka
📍 @watersedgerestaurant @lakejoegc outside of Port Carling
📸 @bestsidemag
📍 @thepearlmuskoka in Bala
📍 @rosseaupizzeria in Rosseau
📍 @turtlejacksportcarling in Port Carling
📍 Maple Pub and Drift at @deerhurstresort in Huntsville
📍 Verandah and The Pub at @windermere.house
📍 @jackandstella_ in Bala
📍 @sherwoodinn in Port Carling
📍 The Boathouse Restaurant at @taboomuskoka in Gravenhurst
📍 @canvasbrewing in Huntsville
📍 @theoldstationrestaurant in Bracebridge
📍 @clearlakebrewingcompany in Torrance @muskokabeerspa
📍 @sawdustcitybeer in Gravenhurst
📍 @lb_brewing in Baysville
📍 @basilico_atthefalls at Inn at the Falls in Bracebridge @innatthefalls
📍 @muskokabrewery in Bracebridge
📍 Cottages and The Deck at @jwmuskoka in Minett, Muskoka Lakes
📍 Lighthouse45 at @rawleyresort in Port Severn
📍 Cliffside at @muskokabayresort in Gravenhurst
Fall in Muskoka
Fall in Muskoka is pure magic. Explore vibrant forests, scenic drives, waterfront towns and crisp autumn air. Hike colourful trails, paddle quiet lakes, sip local craft beer and cozy up at a lakeside resort. From fall festivals to breathtaking lookouts, Muskoka is the perfect escape to experience Canada’s cottage country at its most beautiful.
