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: September 26 – October 25, 2026
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. Closed for 2026.
- Island Queen enjoy the colour as you travel through channels of an eco-system
Interactive Stargazing Events
Muskoka: Home of the Stars
Different locations: October 16 – November 7, 2026
Muskoka is home to exceptional dark skies, perfect for stargazing. Across the region, you can take part in different events, from astro-photography, stories to hikes under the stars and guides for beginners! Click here to register & learn more (coming soon).
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 overlooking 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 at Sandhill Nursey.
- 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 accommodations in Muskoka. From Hotels, Motels, Bed & Breakfasts, Cottage Rentals, Resorts and more!
Click here for 22 Places to Stay in Huntsville
THINGS TO DO: Huntsville is home to endless adventures, from outdoor explorations and shopping downtown to an art and culture hotspot.
Click here for 40 Things To Do in Huntsville
Wondering when to visit to see the fall colours? Check out the guide below. This is just the best estimate based on historical data.
- Early fall colour viewing opportunities: September 20 – October 3
- Peak maple fall colour viewing opportunities: October 4 – 8
- Peak golden encore fall colour viewing opportunities: October 9 – 18
Muskoka offers a wide range of events, from live music to family fun and celebrations for the local cranberry harvest.
Visit our Fall Event Guide Here
Visit our full Event Calendar Here
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.
North America’s oldest operating steamship is back! 🚢
After a year of extensive revitalization, the RMS Segwun returns to cruising this Saturday, September 26. Cruise at 12pm or 2:30pm from Gravenhurst, with more fall dates coming very soon.
We’ll update this post with additional dates and times as soon as they’re available. Learn more at @muskokasteamships_dc.
#discovermuskoka #discoveron #explorecanada #muskoka
The Muskoka Cranberry Route is back and this is our BIGGEST year yet! ♥️
45 stops across Muskoka are getting creative with cranberries. Think specialty menus, craft brews, pastries, wine, desserts, spa treatments, overnight stays, shopping and plenty more.
Running September 25 to October 18 across Muskoka. The fun ends October 16-18 with the @balacranberry festival! Don’t miss Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery for your chance to get IN the cranberry bog, sip the wine and learn all about our Muskoka berry.
Pick a few stops or make a weekend of it. There’s a whole lot of cranberry to discover across Muskoka this fall! We’re the Cranberry Capital of @ontariotravel! 👏
#discovermuskoka #discoveron #explorecanada #muskoka
🎨 A BIG weekend for art & culture in Muskoka!
From street markets and studio tours to galleries, live music and even improv, here are 5 ways to experience Muskoka’s creative side this weekend:
🍂 Autumn Art Market – Downtown Bracebridge | September 26, 10 AM–5 PM
Downtown Bracebridge and Muskoka Arts & Crafts bring art to the street with local artisans, vendors, live music and more. While you’re downtown, don’t miss a visit to MAC on Main! (@downtownbracebridge, @muskokaartsandcrafts)
🎨 Gravenhurst Autumn Arts Tour | September 26–27
Explore Gravenhurst and discover 31 artists at 9 locations around town. Make a weekend of it and see Muskoka through the eyes of its artists. Plus! Paint and Pint at @sawdustcitybeer at 1pm. @gravenhurstchamber @gravenhurstautumnartstour
✨ Muskoka Shipyards Grand Re-Opening | September 24, 5–7:30 PM
New owners, new artisans and a fresh chapter at the Gravenhurst Wharf! Stop by the grand re-opening beside the main Muskoka Shipyards store. @muskokashipyards
🖼️ Art hopping in Huntsville
Visit the beautiful Oxtongue Craft Cabin (@oxtonguecraftcabingallery), open until Thanksgiving and filled with work from incredible Canadian artisans. Then head to Eclipse Art Gallery (@eclipseartgallery) for Outside Looking In, opening September 23, with a special reception September 25 from 5–7 PM.
🎭 A different kind of art, live improv! | September 25
Head to Sandhill Nursery (@sandhillnursery) for A Garden Variety Improv Show and add some live comedy and performance to your arts weekend. @huntsvillefestival
🍁 Galleries, artisans, makers, music, theatre and some of Muskoka’s most creative spaces, there’s a lot to discover this week.
Save this for your Muskoka art weekend! 🎨 #discovermuskoka #discoveron #explorecanada #muskoka
Sail into forever aboard a Muskoka icon.
📍 @muskokasteamships_dc 📸 @sarahstevensonphoto #discovermuskoka #discoveron #explorecanada #muskoka
Fall in Muskoka = Sandhill Nursery 🍂
The Sandhill Nursery Fall Festival is back! Running until October 25 in Huntsville, and there is SO much happening this year.
10 things to know before you go:
🍂 Fall Festival runs until October 25 (with expanded parking this year)
🎟️ FREE Monday to Friday
🎟️ Weekends are $5 per person, with kids 12 and under free
💰 Your $5 weekend admission can be redeemed toward same-day retail purchases or food in the field
🏰 Explore the Sandhill Castle and Giant Maze
🎃 Catch the Pumpkin Cannon shows every weekend
🎶 Live music every weekend
🐍 Special entertainment throughout the festival includes reptiles, stunt dogs and cats, comedy juggling, Birds of Prey, SuperDogs and more
🍔 Food and fall treats are available on site at Rusty Rake
✨ Forest of Light starts September 24 and runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights through October 31 with separate admission
🤝 Please consider a donation to Huntsville Hospice. Boots are scattered for cash donations or tap available. Last year they raised over $100,000!
One important tip: advance tickets are required for Saturdays, Sundays and Thanksgiving Monday. Attendance is capped, so book ahead!
Check out @deerhurstresort for special overnight package!
📍 Sandhill Nursery, @explore.huntsville
Save this one for your fall Muskoka adventures! #discovermuskoka #discoveron #explorecanada #muskoka
Muskoka’s most unique fall entertainment series is back at Sandhill Nursery! Nursery Nights, presented by Huntsville Festival of the Arts, transforms a Greenhouse #1 an intimate venue for live music and comedy.
September 18 and 19: Hawksley Workman
September 25: A Garden Variety Improv Show
September 26: Harry Manx
October 2: MORE BARN! The Music of Neil Young
October 4: Lloyd Spiegel
October 16: Terra Lightfoot
October 17: Yuk Yuk’s On Tour
October 23: Caroline Marie Brooks
All performances begin at 7:30pm. Ticket holders can arrive early for a pre show gathering at the Rusty Rake from 5 to 7pm, with live music plus food and drinks available for purchase.
Explore the full lineup and get tickets: @huntsvillefestival @sandhillnursery in @explore.huntsville.
#discovermuskoka #discoveron #explorecanada #muskoka
Ragged Falls on the Oxtongue River is a beautiful fall adventure. Paddle in by canoe or kayak, with rentals available from @algonquinoutfitters, or hike to the falls. During peak leaf peeping season, we recommend visiting midweek for a quieter experience.🍁
📸 @canoe_carrier #discovermuskoka #discoveron #explorecanada #muskoka
Welcome to Muskoka, where every stay feels cinematic and a few are officially iconic 🤭.
Explore more than 500 cottage rentals and 100+ cottage resorts, lodges, luxury resorts, hotels, motels, campgrounds, inns and more.
The beautiful Barlochan Cottage on Lake Muskoka is available to rent through @jaynescottages.
#discovermuskoka #discoveron #explorecanada #heatedrivalry #muskoka
There’s golf. And then there’s fall golf in Muskoka. 🍂⛳️
Explore 10 epic Stay and Play packages:
⛳ Rocky Crest Golf Resort: Enjoy accommodations and a round of golf at a ClubLink course.
⛳ Port Cunnington Lodge and Bigwin Island: An iconic experience at a boat-in, award-winning course.
⛳ Sunnylea Resort and Oak Bay: Golf and stay packages starting from $232 per night.
⛳ The Lake Joseph Club Villas: A minimum three-night golf getaway available until October 18.
⛳ Muskoka Bay Resort: Stay steps from one of Canada’s most celebrated golf courses.
⛳ Deerhurst Resort: Save up to 15% on accommodation and golf until October 12.
⛳ Rocky Crest Two-Night Package: Extend your escape with two nights of accommodations and golf.
⛳ Sherwood Inn: Plan a couples’ golf getaway on the shores of Lake Joseph.
⛳ Rawley Resort and Oak Bay: Pair championship golf with a luxurious waterfront resort stay.
⛳ Bala Bay Inn or Muskoka Bay Club: Stay at the historic Bala Bay Inn or the rockin’ Muskoka Beer Spa and golf at The Rock.
Find your perfect fall golf getaway at DiscoverMuskoka.ca.
Snaps at @deerhurstresort
Some things just scream Muskoka 😱.
📸 @mattortlieb_
#discovermuskoka #discoveron #explorecanada
Annie’s Muskoka cottage is officially on @airbnb! October bookings open September 15 at 9am EST. Hosted by @jaynescottages.
Can’t snag a stay? Don’t worry. Muskoka has hundreds of cottage rentals and more than 100 hotels, resorts and lodges to choose from!
#discovermuskoka #discoveron #explorecanada #muskoka
September is the month to get out and explore Muskoka! 🍂 Wander the trails, shop local, cruise the lakes, visit cozy cafés and museums, and enjoy incredible events across the region, including fall fairs, live music, and so much more. #discovermuskoka
#discoveron #explorecanada #muskoka
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 accommodations 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 29 things to do in Gravenhurst
