The leaves have changed to bright red, orange and gold in cottage country
October 4, 2018 – MUSKOKA ON
It is prime time for fall colours in Muskoka / Algonquin Park! Get outside and marvel in the stunning colours, it is good for the soul!
The colours are extremely vibrant in north Muskoka, Huntsville and Lake of Bays area, and the southerly towns of Bracebridge and Gravenhurst are pacing a bit behind but just as beautiful. The leaves are at their brightest in the early morning, so if you want to get a picture perfect shot of the landscape, the early bird gets the worm.
For best fall colour viewing opportunities, we recommend coming after Thanksgiving weekend. Midweek is best! The colours will be stunning, and the lighter crowds will make for a more enjoyable leaf peeping experience.
Check out a few of our suggestions for things to do these upcoming weeks:
1. Ride the Portage Flyer
Climb aboard The Portage Flyer in Huntsville. The 30 minute scenic train ride travels along Muskoka River to Fairy Lake station. Kids and adults alike will love experiencing this piece of Muskoka’s heritage.
2. Visit Muskoka Heritage Place
Entertain and educate the whole family at Muskoka Heritage Place and Pioneer Village. The village is sent in a beautiful wooded area, so you can learn the area’s fascinating history and see some beautiful fall colours at the same time. The 29th annual Great Pumpkin Trail is Wednesday October 31, 2018 from 5pm – 8pm. This is a great alternative to having your children go door to door, and is a whole lot of fun.
3. Check out the Cranberry Harvest
Head to Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery to try their new Cliff Jump Cranberry Craft Cider and take the famous cranberry plunge. The annual Bala Cranberry Festival is quickly approaching, always the weekend after Thanksgiving.
4. Set sail on Muskoka’s cruise ships
Book a cruise on the ALL NEW Tom Thomson boat out of Downtown Huntsville. Sail the S.S. Bigwin on Lake of Bays. Climb aboard the Lady Muskoka for a relaxing cruise on Muskoka River. Set sail on the Peerless II with Sunset Cruises for a cruise on Lake Rosseau. Or see Lake Muskoka from the water on one of the iconic Muskoka Steamships.
5. Take a colourful hike in pristine wilderness
Check out Limberlost forest near Huntsville to experience a wilderness haven, or hit the trails of Bracebridge Resource Management Centre. In Muskoka Lakes hike the Torrance Barrens, or Hardy Lake Trails. Georgian Bay Islands National Park near Honey Harbour is a hidden gem for hiking.
6. Visit an aerial lookout
Take a drive to one of the best lookouts in the area, the Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower. Saturday and Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend will likely be the busiest days of the year, so avoid the crowds and try to go mid-week.
Muskoka has a number of breathtaking views that are a bit less busy, but no less stunning. Check out Lions Lookout, Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail, Strawberry Point Trail and Walkers Point Lookout Trial.
7. Zip-line through the trees
In Huntsville go Tree Top Trekking, or in Bracebridge head to Muskoka Zip Lines and Aerial Park to get your adrenaline pumping. Swing, jump, and zip line through the fall colours!
8. Visit Georgian Bay Islands National Park
There is so much to do and explore at Georgian Bay Islands National Park, from biking, hiking, bird watching, and learning about the biosphere. You can sleep under the stars or in one of the cozy cabins on Christian Beach, a secluded beach on the west side of the Beausoleil Island (with some of the best sunsets in all of Georgian Bay).
9. Paddle the lakes and rivers
Take a self-guided (and colourful) paddling adventure with LIV Outside up the scenic Muskoka River to South Falls, or take the self-guided Oxtongue Lake to the Ragged Falls adventure with Algonquin Outfitters. The outfitters will deck you out for your adventure from canoe or kayak, and maps to equipment.
10. Go on a fall colour driving tour
The ALL NEW Cranberry Route has 5 great fall colour driving routes, with fun (and delicious) stops along the way. To view all of the planned driving tours for the #cranroute, visit the Muskoka Cranberry Route website.
You can also check out the all new View the Lakes Muskoka Chair Tour. This one-of-a-kind chair tour highlights the very best (and most comfortable) views in Muskoka Lakes.
Stay and Play
Make the most of your Muskoka experience and check out our top recommendations for places to stay and perfect getaway packages.
