Discover the Magic of Muskoka in Fall: A Guide to Stunning Colours and Scenic Hikes
Muskoka is consistently named a top destination in Canada. Recently recognized by The Telegraph, Cottage Life, The Globe and Mail, Forbes, 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?).
Here’s why you should make Muskoka your next fall destination.
The Allure of Fall Foliage:
Muskoka is renowned for the dazzling displays of fall colours. As September rolls into October, the greenery transforms into a kaleidoscope of red, orange, and yellow hues, painting the landscape in brilliant shades (the inspiration behind many Group of Seven masterpieces).
Whether you’re driving along the winding roads (take in a scenic driving route), kayaking on the waters (watersport rental options), or simply enjoying a cozy spot by the lake (Muskoka lookouts), the vibrant leaves provide a stunning backdrop that’s perfect for photography and relaxation.
Explore the Cranberry Capital:
Cranberry Harvest: Sept 21 – October 31
Muskoka is known as the cranberry capital of Ontario with Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery harvesting thousands of cranberries every year.
Visit in the fall for the Bog to Bottle
signature experience, hop in the cranberry bog and have your own Ocean Spray moment or sample cranberry products made straight from the farm.
Take in the Stunning Display from the Water
Take a fall cruise to enjoy the calvacade of colour on the Muskoka Lakes.
- Muskoka Steamships sail on the Wenonah II on Lake Muskoka
- Muskoka Cruises enjoy the fall colours as you cruise down the Muskoka River or on Lake Rosseau
- Sunset Cruises see the cavalcade of colour on a cruise of one of the three lakes
- SS Bigwin view the spectacular colours as you travel around Lake of Bays
- Island Queen enjoy the colour as you travel through channels of an eco-system
Take in the Fall Colours from the Trails
For hiking enthusiasts, Muskoka offers a variety of trails that cater to all skill levels. Here are a few must-visit spots:
- Lions Lookout Trail: Located in Huntsville, this trail is a moderate climb that rewards you with a panoramic view of the town.
- Algonquin Provincial Park: Just a short drive from Muskoka, Algonquin Park is a haven for nature lovers.
- Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve: Peaceful trails that wind through forests and along the shoreline. The Solitaire Trail around the lake is moderately challenging and offers stunning views.
- Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail: Known for its striking views over Lake Muskoka. The moderate hike to the lookout is well worth the effort, especially when the autumn colors are at their peak.
Small-Town Charm and Cozy Accommodations
Beyond the natural beauty, Muskoka is home to charming small towns that offer a warm welcome and plenty of activities. Muskoka has over 100 places to stay, with a range of options from cozy bed and breakfasts to luxurious lakeside resorts and cottage rentals.
Many of these operators embrace the autumn season with special fall packages that include guided hikes, fall-themed activities, and opportunities to enjoy the starry nights by a bonfire.
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 a fall event from Huntsville Festival of the Arts including Nursery Nights
- A hike along the boardwalk at Hunter’s Bay Boardwalk Trail
- Throw an axe in the forest 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 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
Wondering when to visit to see the fall colours? Check out the guide below. This is just best estimate based on historical data
- Early fall colour viewing opportunities: September 22 – September 28
- Peak maple fall colour viewing opportunities: September 29 – October 10
- Peak golden encore fall colour viewing opportunities: October 11 – 19
Muskoka offers a wide range of events from live music, family fun and celebration for the local cranberry harvest.
- August 31: September 1: Sam Roberts Band at The Kee to Bala
- September 14: Nursery Nights at Sandhill Nursery with Elliott Brood
- September 18: Ennis Sisters at Gravenhurst Opera House
- September 19: Matthew Good & His Band at Algonquin Theatre
- September 21: Nursery Nights at Sandhill Nursery with Danny Michel
- September 21: Brass Transit at Gravenhurst Opera House
- September 28 – October 31: Cranberry Harvest at Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery
- September 28 – 29: Gravenhurst Autumn Arts Tour
- September 28: Nursery Nights at Sandhill Nursery with Madison Violet
- September 28: No Sugar Tonight at Gravenhurst Opera House
- October 4: The Liverpool 4 at Gravenhurst Opera House
- October 5: Nursery Nights at Sandhill Nursery with Angelique Francis
- October 6: Tom Cochrane Songs & Stories at Deerhurst Resort
- October 10: Classic Albums Live: Supertramp “Crime of the Century” at Gravenhurst Opera House
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October 12: Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise Aboard Wenonah II
- October 18 – 20: Bala Cranberry Festival
- October 18: The Piano Men at Gravenhurst Opera House
- October 24: Donovan Woods at Algonquin Theatre
- October 25: The Legendary Downchild Blues Band at Gravenhurst Opera House
- October 25 – 26: Oktoberfest Muskoka
- October 26: Classic Lightfoot Live at Gravenhurst Opera House
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 20-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.
The perfect summer send-off before Muskoka’s fall magic begins 😍.
📸 @scottturnbulltookthisphoto
#DiscoverMuskoka #DiscoverON #ExploreCanada
Don’t say we didn’t warn you! ☺️⚠️
Save the itinerary:
▫️Huckleberry Rock Lookout & Trail in Milford Bay
▫️ @sandhill.nursery.muskoka Fall Festival in Huntsville
▫️ High tea at @thebluewillowteashop in Gravenhurst
▫️Muskoka Fall Driving Route
▫️Wine tasting at Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery (@johnstons_cranberries) in Bala
▫️Wilson Falls in Bracebridge
▫️Beer tasting at @lb_brewing in Baysville
▫️Cruising the lakes @ssbigwin
Plan your trip at DiscoverMuskoka.ca
#DiscoverMuskoka #DiscoverON #ExploreCanada
What will your weekend look like? 😍🧘♀️
📸 @lakeofbaysassociation Barbara Dawson
#DiscoverMuskoka #DiscoverON #ExploreCanada #Muskoka
As the leaves turn colour, we celebrate the cranberry harvest in Muskoka! The renowned Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery (@johnstons_cranberries), produces 400,000 lbs of cranberries each season 😱.
Discover the Muskoka Cranberry Route, featuring over 30 stops with themed overnight packages, unique activities and delicious cranberry-inspired menus and treats.
September 20th - October 20th.
Operators, there’s still time to join in on this festive journey! No cost to join.
#DiscoverMuskoka #DiscoverON #ExploreCanada #MuskokaCranberryRoute
Is September the best month of the year for hiking in Muskoka? 🫢
📍 Oxtongue Rapids
📸 @saracampos.ca #DiscoverMuskoka #DiscoverON #ExploreCanada
What a summer, eh?! Wishing everyone a great start to the school year. And for the explorers, relaxers and Muskoka lovers—the adventure is just beginning up here! 🍁💫😍
#DiscoverMuskoka #FallinMuskoka #DiscoverON #ExploreCanada
Cruising into that last long weekend of the summer 🦦.
📸 @jana_b_anana #DiscoverMuskoka #DiscoverON #ExploreCanada
Guide to Lake of Bays, one of Muskoka’s six beautiful communities, situated between the iconic Algonquin Park and charming Huntsville.
Embrace the outdoors at Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower, Limberlost Forest, Frost Centre, and Ragged Falls Oxtongue Rapids.
Indulge in sweet treats and dining at @erikaswildflourbakery, @henriettaspinebakery, @humblepiemuskoka, @yummiesinajarmuskoka, @castironrestaurant, and @lb_brewing 🍻.
Enjoy a scenic cruise aboard @ssbigwin and explore the vibrant art scene at @oxtonguecraftcabingallery.
With 12 fantastic accommodators in the region, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you!
Capture those last summer moments! 🥹 Explore 24 last-minute Muskoka getaways before school kicks off 📚. Swipe for your perfect escape 👉.
📍 @bartlett_lodge
#DiscoverMuskoka #DiscoverON #ExploreCanada
September paddling might be the best of all! 🛶
📸 @tallpineslodgemuskoka #DiscoverMuskoka #DiscoverON #ExploreCanada
When the sun goes down, the real adventure begins! ✨🌌 Stay tune for starry fun this November!
📸 @flyzone @nikoncanada
#DiscoverMuskoka #DiscoverON #ExploreCanada
Experience Gravenhurst: Muskoka Must Do’s
- A fall 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 15 places to stay in Gravenhurst
THINGS TO DO: Gravenhurst has fantastic activities from iconic boat cruises, hiking trails and more.
Click here for 31 things to do in Gravenhurst
