Muskoka: Home of the Stars

October 17 - November 8 • 22 Events Across Muskoka

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.

$10 + taxes/fees | Final sale | Events cancelled 24 hrs prior for heavy rain.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Stories in the Stars: A Beginner’s Stargazing Experience

Start time: 8pm | $10* per person Guide: Phil & Robin October 17, 18, 25, 31 + November 1, 7, 8 Discover the night sky in this 75-minute guided stargazing session! Learn skyfinding basics like spotting Polaris from the Big Dipper and tracing the Summer Triangle. Hear constellation myths of Cassiopeia, Andromeda, and more, while uncovering cosmic nuggets—why starlight is “time travel,” how to tell meteors from satellites, and where to find bright planets. With story-rich stops at 5–7 constellations, this session blends science, myth, and wonder. Bring warm layers, a blanket or chair, and a red flashlight for the ultimate celestial experience.

Myths + Legends Under the Stars

Start time: 8pm | $10* per person
October 17, 25 + November 1, 7

Take a journey around the world and across the sky as we explore constellations and the folklore tied to them from a variety of countries and cultures. Bring a chair or blanket and settle in for an evening of stargazing and storytelling.

Star Stories & Smudging: Honouring the Night Sky

Start time: 8pm | $10* per person
October 18, 31 + November 8

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. N

Journey Through the Night Sky

Start time: 8pm | $10* per person
October 17, 18, 25, 31 + November 1, 8

The Night Sky: Key Constellations, the Moon, and Meteors!
During this stargazing program, you’ll gain confidence identifying key constellations like Ursa Major, Cassiopeia, and Draco, while exploring the planets, the Moon, and the myths woven into the night sky. We’ll talk about active and upcoming meteor showers—maybe even catch a few “shooting stars” together! You’ll also learn how to use star charts, binoculars, and red lights to navigate the cosmos. Perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike, this program makes astronomy accessible, inspiring you to continue exploring the wonders above long after the night ends.

Friday, October 17, 2025 – All Events at 8PM

Stories in the Stars: A Beginner’s Stargazing Experience — Deerhurst Adventure Park, Huntsville
Myths & Legends Under the Stars — Kirby’s Beach, Bracebridge
Journey Through the Night Sky — Ryde, Gravenhurst

Saturday, October 18, 2025 – All Events at 8PM

Star Stories and Smudging – Honouring the Night Sky — Deerhurst Adventure Park, Huntsville
Stories in the Stars: A Beginner’s Stargazing Experience — Dwight Beach, Lake of Bays
Journey Through the Night Sky — Ryde, Gravenhurst

Friday, October 24, 2025 – All Events at 8PM

Introduction to Astrophotography — Deerhurst Adventure Park, Huntsville
Journey Through the Night Sky — Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame, Bracebridge

Saturday, October 25, 2025 – All Events at 8PM

Stories in the Stars: A Beginner’s Stargazing Experience — Deerhurst Adventure Park, Huntsville
Myths & Legends Under the Stars — Kirby’s Beach, Bracebridge
Journey Through the Night Sky — Torrance Barrens, Muskoka Lakes

Friday, October 31, 2025 – All Events at 8PM

Star Stories and Smudging – Honouring the Night Sky — Hutcheson Beach, Huntsville
Journey Through the Night Sky — Ryde, Gravenhurst
Stories in the Stars: A Beginner’s Stargazing Experience — Dwight Beach, Lake of Bays

Saturday, November 1, 2025 – All Events at 8PM

Stories in the Stars: A Beginner’s Stargazing Experience — Arrowhead Provincial Park, Huntsville
Journey Through the Night Sky — Torrance Barrens, Muskoka Lakes
Myths & Legends Under the Stars — TBD, Georgian Bay

Friday, November 7, 2025 – All Events at 8PM

Stories in the Stars: A Beginner’s Stargazing Experience — Deerhurst Adventure Park, Huntsville
Myths & Legends Under the Stars — Torrance Barrens, Muskoka Lakes

Saturday, November 8, 2025 – All Events at 8PM

Star Stories and Smudging – Honouring the Night Sky — Hutcheson Beach, Huntsville
Journey Through the Night Sky — Ryde, Gravenhurst
Stories in the Stars: A Beginner’s Stargazing Experience — Dwight Beach, Lake of Bays

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.