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 20 – October 26
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
Interactive Stargazing Events
Muskoka: Home of the Stars
Different locations: TBD October – November
Muskoka is home to exceptional dark skies, perfect for stargazing. Across the region you can take in different events from astro-photography, stories and hikes under the stars and guides for beginners!
Click here to register & learn more.
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 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
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.
- September 12: The HiP Machine: A Tragically Hip Show at Gravenhurst Opera House
- September 13: Nursery Nights at Sandhill Nursery with Old Man Luedecke
- September 19: Nursery Nights at Sandhill Nursery with A Garden Variety Improv Show
- September 20: Spoons at Gravenhurst Opera House
- September 26: Howie Mandel at Deerhurst Resort
- September 26: Luke Combs UK – A Tribute to Combs at Gravenhurst Opera House
- September 20 – October 26: Cranberry Harvest at Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery
- September 27: Downtown Autumn Art Market in Bracebridge
September 27: Epic Eagles, The Definitive Eagles Tribute at Rene M Caisse Memorial Theatre - September 27 – 28: Gravenhurst Autumn Arts Tour
- September 28: Nursery Nights at Sandhill Nursery with David Francey
- October 3: Nursery Nights at Sandhill Nursery with Irish Mythen
- October 4: Tapestry: The Carole King Songbook at Gravenhurst Opera House
- October 12: Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise Aboard Wenonah II
- October 17 – 19: Bala Cranberry Festival
- October 18: Nursery Nights at Sandhill Nursery Yuk Yuk’s On Tour
- October 24: Blue Suede: The Ultimate Tribute to the Music of Elvis at Gravenhurst Opera House
- October 25: Magician Impossible featuring Michael Bourada at Rene M Caisse Memorial Theatre
- October 23 – 25: Oktoberfest Muskoka
- October 30 – November 2: Elvis & Co Music Festival at Deerhurst Resort
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.
Santa’s Village is a top family attraction in Ontario and it just got even better 😍. The brand new Yeti Trek Coaster is now OPEN, joining their epic attraction line-up.
🎅 Santa’s summer home has something for all ages including classic rides like Blitzen’s Balloons, Falcon’s Nest and Santa’s Summer Sleigh River Cruise! Families can visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, check out Elf School, build at the Toy Shop and explore Elves Island 🧑🎄.
Open daily all summer and weekends in the fall. Located in Bracebridge! 🏕️Camping available across the road with a mix of accommodation types nearby.
🎟️ Buy your tickets online to save!
Yeti Trek clips from @bracebridgechamberofcommerce
#DiscoverMuskoka #DiscoverON #ExploreCanada #Santasvillage #Muskoka
Today marks the very first Group of Seven Day!
Did you know Huntsville and Lake of Bays are home to over 100 recreated murals by the iconic Group of Seven?
NEW this summer! Guided Mural Tours + Painting Classes
Enjoy a 30-minute guided walking tour every Tuesday at 6pm and Sunday at 1pm throughout July and August.
After the tour, take part in a 60-minute painting class led by a local artist. You’ll get all the supplies, plus step by step guidance to create your own Group of Seven inspired piece to take home.
📍 Start Location: Tom Thomson Statue at Town Hall
Rain or Shine | Walking Involved
Ticket Prices:
• Tour Only: $15 + HST
• Tour & Painting Class: $40 + HST
• Kids Under 12: Free tour with adult ticket (painting add-on extra)
Tour Dates:
• Tuesdays: July 8, 15, 22, 29 | August 5, 12, 19, 26
• Sundays: July 13, 27 | August 3, 10, 17, 24
Thank you to Gerry Lantaigne, the creative force behind the project and to @downtownhuntsville, @hlobchamberofcommerce and the @huntsvillefestival for preserving this open-air gallery and helping launch the summer tours.
#GroupOfSevenDay #HuntsvilleMurals #DiscoverMuskoka #MuskokaArtTour #GroupOfSeven
🎨It’s back! The 63rd Annual Muskoka Arts & Crafts Festival is taking over Annie Williams Park in Bracebridge July 18 - 20. Shop 200+ artists & makers, enjoy live music, food trucks & family fun.
Ps. Dogs are allowed on leash with parking on-site!
Don’t miss this iconic Muskoka summer tradition presented by @muskokaartsandcrafts!
#DiscoverMuskoka #MAC #DiscoverON #ExploreCanada
Caught the Wenonah II heading up Lake Muskoka to @windermere.house for the night and got a surprise guest appearance by a floatplane! 🛳️🛩️🤭 @muskokasteamships_dc @turtlejacksportcarling
#DiscoverMuskoka #DiscoverON #ExploreCanada #Floatplane
Jumping into another beautiful Muskoka weekend! 😎
📸 @sarahstevensonphoto #DiscoverMuskoka #DiscoverON #ExploreCanada #Muskoka
Muskoka is buzzing this July! ☀️ Whether you’re here to chill on the dock or dive into the action, there’s something for everyone. From daily live music and food & drink festivals to sports events, farmers’ markets and community celebrations, every day brings something new!
Check out what’s happening this month, you won’t want to miss it! 👉😍
Happy Canada Day from our beautiful corner of the country! Celebrate by getting out and enjoying all the beauty this country has to offer. 🇨🇦 #HAPPYCANADADAY #discovermuskoka
Summer’s here and the long weekend is on! ⚡️Starting things off with dreamy tapas at @thepearlmuskoka (don’t miss the homemade dumplings 🤤), then it’s off to @thekeetobala for some of the best names in music.
Staying overnight? Check out @thedudleyinn or @balabayinn.ca for a cozy spot nearby 🏡. Bala is not to be missed this summer! #DiscoverMuskoka
Getting that long weekend transportation ready to rock 🛶.
📸 @escape.north #DiscoverMuskoka #DiscoverON #ExploreCanada #Muskoka
Muskoka in July is something special 🫶. One of the most beautiful places in Canada, surrounded by sparkling lakes, endless trees and the sweetest small towns.
This guide is here to spark some inspiration, but if you have questions, drop them below 👇 . We’re here to help you plan the trip that’s just right for you.🌱💦
#DiscoverMuskoka #DiscoverON #ExploreCanada #Muskoka #JulyCanada #Canada #Ontario
When it hits 43 degrees, Muskoka isn’t just calling, it’s practically yelling.🤭☀️💦🕶️🥵🏊♀️
📸 @missflisa
#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 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
