Lake of Bays

Limberlost “Lost in the Woods” Trail. This is one of our favorites. It is scenic, lots of rolling hills and lake views. Might even see some wildlife. Smooth turns make this an enjoyable ride. The turn down Fielddale is optional, but the road is newly paved (save one short section that has a couple of rough patches, but the scenary makes up for it). Park in the parking lot beside the fire hall.

This 3.6km trail is nestled in the community of Hillside and follows a paved road into a hamlet filled with Bed and Breakfasts, birds, woodlands, and plenty of nature. Enjoy the quiet atmosphere of this community as they welcome your visit. With plenty to see and a great grand finale, your day at Hillside Hamlet can be complimented by the many amenities around you.

To access: Turn right at Tally Ho entrance and follow to the right of the driveway. Park at Grassmere Beach, and head back out the same driveway.

For a trail map, visit the Muskoka Trails Council

Starting and ending in Dwight, this one is a big one! Lake of Bays Loop is a 73km route takes you around one of Muskoka’s famous lakes, passing through Dorset, Baysville and Dwight. While in Dorset, you can turn right off of Hwy 35 onto Dorset Scenic Tower Rd to see one of Muskoka’s best lookouts.

At the Marine Museum next to the SS Bigwin dock in Dorset you will also find artifacts and photographs on display and many historical recollections concerning the marine history of Lake of Bays and the SS Bigwin. Stop by to learn more about the history of Lake of Bays, check out some local art on display in our upstairs art gallery, or purchase various novelty SS Bigwin items – everything from apparel to that perfect cottage gift! A Muskoka Century, a book by Marijane Terry and Jeff Gabura, is an excellent source of SS Bigwin history and is available for sale online and at the Marine Museum.

For more information, visit their website

The Ragged Falls Oxtongue River trail is only 1 km long but it offers a great view of the Ragged Falls. It is just off Hwy 60 near the Algonquin Park border. Its proximity to Algonquin Provincial Park makes this protected waterway almost an Algonquin appendage, but it’s a park in its own right, and for good reason. Oxtongue River – Ragged Falls contains many features of local significance. The small plunge basin at Gravel Falls demonstrates the powerful, erosive force of glacial melt-water. There are nine distinct forest communities in the park. A marked gravel road provides access to Ragged Falls. Also accessible are the parking lot, washrooms and marked hiking trails that lead to a lookout over the falls. Ragged Falls has been named one of the 10 best waterfalls in Ontario.

For more information, visit their website

This fascinating walking tour of the village of Dorset will take you back in time with 21 historical points of interest. Print maps are available to pick up from Robinson’s General Store, voted ‘Canada’s Best Country Store’. This gentle stroll of this charming community has beautiful views of the river, and many unique museums and sites to admire along the way.

For a trail map, visit Lake of Bays Township

Yummies in a Jar have been tantalizing the taste buds since 1992 with unique and delicious jams, dessert toppings, pepper jellies, oil free vinaigrette dressings, marinades and flavoured Maple Syrup. Batched and bottled by hand in our Muskoka kitchen.

We offer Yummies in both of our Baysville Gift Store locations where we specialize in Gourmet Food, John Murden’s Fine Art and the beautiful and unique works of many local Artisans.

For more information, visit their website

Wednesdays, 9am – 2pm
June 1 – August 31, 2022
Lake of Bays Garden Centre

Caution, this trail follows the shore of a fast moving river with rocky slopes to the river’s edge. Parents must keep small children close at all times.

Trail access if on Oxtongue Rapids Park Road. Follow this paved road 1 km. At this point the road becomes a narrow gravel road.

Proceed 2 km to the monument in Oxtongue Rapids Park, which is the start of the trail. From the monument travel west along the trail to the left of the road you arrived on. At times the trail will follow the road itself as it comes quite close to the river. Trail length is about 1 km or 1250 steps one way. Return the same way or follow the road back to the monument. This is one of the most beautiful spots in Muskoka so relax and enjoy. Picnic facilities are available.

For a trail map, visit the Muskoka Trails Council

From the parking lot turn right on Dwight Beach Rd. Follow this quiet road 1500 steps to Dwight Beach an excellent spot for lunch with a view up Dwight Bay. Proceed along Dwight Beach Rd. 1000 steps to Stewart Memorial Church.From here you can return the way you traveled for a total of 5000 steps.

For a trail map, visit the Muskoka Trails Council

The SS Bigwin summer season begins July 1st, 2022. Make sure to book early as this is promising to be a busy season with many fun cruises!

Sail across the smooth waters of beautiful Lake of Bays aboard the historical SS Bigwin! We offer regularly scheduled one-hour public cruises starting in June through to October. Cruises are available daily during July and August, and several days a week from September through to Thanksgiving. Departing from its dock in Dorset Ontario and cruising down majestic Trading Bay with its tall pines and towering cliffs, you’ll love seeing beautiful Lake of Bays as the world’s elite did in the early 1900’s. Be sure to bring a camera to capture the splendour. Arrive early so you can tour our Marine Museum and get checked in!

Interested in reserving the entire ship for a special occasion or at a special time of day? The SS Bigwin is the perfect venue for your celebration! Private cruises can be booked for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, reunions, and corporate functions. Contact us today for more information.

GET TICKETS

For more information, visit their website

Watercolour & Acrylic Paintings. Landscapes & Historical. Studio and Gallery is open most days throughout the year.

For more information, visit their website

Short skating trail located at Dwight Beach.

For everyone’s safety, please maintain social distancing (6-feet) and as an extra precaution, wear a mask. For more safety details, please view the Safety plan for the Dwight Beach Skating Trail.

Be safe, lace up your skates, and embrace the cold!

• Public washrooms are available on Dwight Bay Road at the parking area.
• Parking is permitted along the North side of Dwight beach road between 10am and 5pm (as per signs). Additional parking is available at the Dwight Public Washrooms at 1009 Dwight Bay Road.

Aerial photo credit: Wings Over Muskoka

For more information, visit their website

Temporarily Closed

Whether you are looking for wildlife, planning a short hike, a fast paced mountain bike trail ride, or a scenic snowshoe excursion, it is our hope you will find everything you are looking for in the Echo Valley Nature & Bike trails.

There are a total of over 3.5 km of trails consisting of the main trunk line and 14 smaller trails with varying degrees of difficulty. Hiking the main trunk line should take approximately 30-45 minutes. The park is approximately 24 hectares (60 acres) in size and there is a viewing platform overlooking the protected land. A viewing guide and three different on-site kiosks are available to enhance the learning experience.

Features & Amenities: Parking, observation deck, and scenic views.

Please make a donation of $2 to support the trails and help cover the costs of trail development. There is an honour box on site.

For a trail map, visit Lake of Bays Township

Enjoy your walk around the quaint village of Baysville. This route passes many of the historic homes churches and businesses. It explores both east and west sides of the river including a nature walk in the Van Setter’s Park to a lookout over the rock cut on District Road 117. There are many views of the Muskoka River from the numerous parks, and you get to learn about the fascinating history and pioneer days of this beautiful village.

For a trail map, visit the Muskoka Trails Council

Dorset Heritage Museum officially opened on July 1st, 2001 and features museum exhibits of early pioneer life, local settlers, traditional logging practices, and historic information pertaining to pioneer settlement of the Dorset area.

For more information, visit their website

The Dorset Tower is both a great attraction and a historical landmark. It was built in 1967 on the site of the original fire tower where rangers once kept an eye out for potentially disastrous forest fires. The trail begins behind the Dorset Heritage Museum and winds its way through a beautiful mixed forest from the base of the lookout hill to the top, and back down again. The incline is fairly steep in places so sturdy shoes and a reasonable level of fitness are recommended. The total trail is 2.3km long. Taking time at the top of the lookout is a must while hiking this trail.

For a trail map, visit the Township of Algonquin Highlands

Erika’s in Dwight is a must! Featuring Muskoka’s most delicious baked goods, homestyle lunches, warm coffee, fun shopping, and great company!

Be sure to try their Muskoka famous butter tarts!

For more information, visit their website

Limberlost is famous for its varied hiking trails. In total, Limberlost offers more than 70 km of woodland trails and extensive woodland roads, with trails that cater to evening strollers as well as those seeking more strenuous exercise. More than two-thirds of the trails on the Limberlost Reserve are groomed and qualify as high quality trails, as opposed to rugged hiking paths. As such, they are suitable for joggers as well as individuals who prefer to enjoy nature at their leisure. These trails are also great for mountain biking enthusiasts.

In the winter, head on out to the trails with your snowshoes, or bring your cross country skis to experience their 25 km of groomed trails.

The best part of the Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve trails, is they offer them for your use, free of charge!

For more information, visit their website

Lake of Bays Circle Tour
Start & End @ Baysville
Approx. 80 km / 50 miles
About 1 ½ – 3 hours depending on number of stops

Click here for a Map with Points of Interest

Directions:

• Follow Muskoka Road 117 east from Baysville to Dorset (Don’t forget to detour along Old Hwy 117 to Norway Point where you can make arrangements for a water taxi to Bigwin Island.)
• Left on Highway 35 in Dorset to Highway 60
• Left on Highway 60, through Dwight to Muskoka Road 9
• Left on Muskoka Road 9 to Muskoka Road 2
• Left on Muskoka Road 2 back into Baysville

Tour Highlights:

• The waterfront and shops in Baysville
• The view from the Dorset Fire Tower
• A dip at Dwight Beach

This year is the 10th Anniversary and Lake of Bays Brewing Company has launched a 10 Year Anniversary pack that includes their 10 Point IPA and a 16oz Dock Friendly Tumbler inside.

This tour takes about an hour and a half to walk through the main central region, with side trips by bike or car to the more outlying points of interest. Please park in the Municipal lot, take some time to explore the shops in the village itself, and do be respectful of private property. Pick up a print map from the Lake of Bays Township offices in Dwight.

For a trail map, visit Lake of Bays Township