Muskoka: Home of the Stars October 17 - November 8

If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the stars, witnessing the northern lights, or capturing the Milky Way in all its glory, Muskoka is your ultimate destination. With the stunning landscape, world-class dark sky preserves, and abundant opportunities for adventure, Muskoka is quickly becoming a top spot for astro-tourism. Here’s how we’re shining a light on our dark skies and inviting astro-enthusiasts from around the globe to join us. Many people ask where the ‘Stars’ live and you just need to look up ;).

Find out more details below on each program or enjoy a self-guided experience! Muskoka is home to Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Reserve. Few places in Ontario after such an opportunity to view the stars and Milky Way. The main dark sky viewing area is on the smooth granite outcrop.

Beginner Stargazing and Astrophotography Session

Start time: 7pm (some additional 9pm slots)
No cost to attend
Locations: Across Muskoka

Curious about the stars and eager to capture their beauty? Join our Beginner Stargazing and Astrophotography session and start your journey through the night sky! This 1.5 hour session is perfect for those new to stargazing, offering a fun and accessible introduction to identifying key constellations, planets, and stars, as well as the basics of astrophotography. Led by Emara and Phil.

Myths + Legends Under the Stars

Start time: 7pm | No cost to attend
Locations: Across Muskoka

Earth’s moon, with its desolate beauty, has been a source of curiosity and fascination throughout history. In this 1.5-hour Astro-Tourism session, a range of lunar topics will be explored from origins of the moon, moon phases, features of the moon and other moons in the solar system.

Join this guided hike to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Earth’s celestial companion, and peer through binoculars to gaze upon its many craters and “seas”. Led by Vanessa.

Star Stories & Smudging: Honouring the Night Sky

Start time: 7pm | No cost to attend
Locations: Across Muskoka

Join Emily Porter, Indigenous Naturalist and Night Sky Interpreter for an evening in Muskoka filled with storytelling, astronomy and ceremony. Enjoy connecting with indigenous culture, connecting to the night sky as well as engage in a traditional smudging ceremony. Spiritual practice, not religious. No cost to attend. Maximum 25 people. Led by Emily.

Gather Under The Moon

Start time: 7pm | No cost to attend
Locations: Across Muskoka

Earth’s moon, with its desolate beauty, has been a source of curiosity and fascination throughout history. In this 1.5-hour hike Astro-Tourism session, a range of lunar topics will be explored from origins of the moon, moon phases, features of the moon and other moons in the solar system.
Join this guided hike to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Earth’s celestial companion, and peer through binoculars to gaze upon its many craters and “seas”.

Event Guide: Concerts, Family Fun and More!

Muskoka offers a wide range of events from live music, family fun and celebration for the local cranberry harvest.

October 17 – 19: Bala Cranberry Festival
October 18: We Walk the Line at Algonquin Theatre
October 24: Blue Suede at Gravenhurst Opera House
October 25: Magician Impossible at Rene M Caisse Memorial Theatre
October 23 – 26: Oktoberfest Muskoka
October 26: Madison Violet at Algonquin Theatre
October 31: Great Pumpkin Trail at Muskoka Heritage Place
October 30 – November 2: Elvis & Co Music Festival at Deerhurst Resort
November 7 – 9: Huntsville’s Girlfriends’ Getaway Weekend at Deerhurst Resort
November 8: The Last Waltz at Gravenhurst Opera House

More Things To Do in the Region

Looking to learn more? Check out the comprehensive list of Things To Do

1. Blue Willow Tea Shop – Enjoy tasty high tea in the Gravenhurst Wharf

2. Visit 5 different craft breweries! Make a visit to all five craft breweries in the region from Muskoka Brewery, Lake of Bays Brewery, Canvas Brewing, Clear Lake Brewing Co, and Sawdust City Brewing Co.

3. Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery – Enjoy a wine-tasting tour, hike around the bogs, or have wine and cheese on the patio.

4. Hike one of the many hiking trails in Muskoka. Some of the popular trails are Kahshe Barrens, Huckleberry Rock, Lion’s Lookout, and Hardy Lake.

5. Muskoka Discovery Centre – Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Muskoka’s past and present.

6. Visit a theatre and take in some great shows. Check out the Algonquin Theatre, Gravenhurst Opera House, and Rene M Caisse Memorial Theatre

7. Muskoka Goat Away – Walking charming goats on a lead through beautiful forest trails and country lanes can be a great way to unwind and de-stress.

8. Zig Zag Escape Rooms – Are you up to the challenge? The only escape rooms in Muskoka. Choose from Kraken Casino, The Artist is Missing, Sven’s Last Secret, and Uncle Tick-Tock’s Circus Escape.

9. Away We Go Trips offers self-guided road trip itineraries full of local intel that mix Muskoka’s must-see and off-the-beaten path destinations, curated to include all the intel you need to navigate, park and connect with the locations along the routes.

10. Climb Muskoka provides a unique community focused recreation experience in an inclusive and family-friendly environment. They inspire people to develop a passion to be physically active and a love for climbing.