My Perfect 1 Day Huntsville, Ontario Itinerary

The first time I went to Huntsville, Ontario, I actually drove right through it without stopping. I was road tripping from Ottawa to Manitoulin Island and had no idea how much this little town had to offer.

That changed fast.

When I moved to Muskoka, Huntsville became my favourite day trip. I kept going back — for the bookstores, the art walks, the lavender lattes. I came back so often I nearly bought a house there.

Now that I’m back in Toronto, I miss those small-town vibes. So I planned a day trip to squeeze in all my favourites — including puppy yoga (yes, it’s a thing), lakeside reading, and Indian food that honestly rivals anything I’ve had in the city.

If you’re dreaming of a slower day filled with weird little gems, great eats, and cottage country calm, this is exactly how to spend 1 day in Huntsville.

Start Your Morning at Affogato Café

If you know me, you know I’ll plan an entire itinerary around one good coffee. And in Huntsville, that coffee lives at Affogato Café.

You might have a bit of trouble finding it at first — Google Maps will try to send you to the front entrance where Cedar Canoe Books is. You can get in that way (go through the shop and down the stairs in the back), but the easier route is to park behind the building near the playground. That’s also where the canoe and kayak rentals are, and where I usually park when I visit.

I always start with a lavender latte — because where else are you finding one in cottage country? If that’s not your thing, they’ve got all the usual coffee options too. Pair it with a toasted bagel or something sweet. My usual order? The gluten-free apple cinnamon muffin, a mint chocolate gelato bar (yes, I eat gelato for breakfast — it has protein, okay?), and a slice of chocolate cake I save for later.

I usually sit for a minute, people-watch from the windows, and then wander upstairs into the bookstore before heading out for a walk.

Stroll Through the Bookstore & Huntsville’s Art Walk

Upstairs from Affogato is Cedar Canoe Books, a cozy little shop that’s way too easy to lose track of time in. I always end up leaving with something weird — usually a new murder mystery or a random Canadian novel I’ve never heard of. This is your reminder to support small indie bookstores. (And no, I’m not sharing which book I picked this time.)

Once I’m fully caffeinated and carrying one too many paperbacks, I head outside for a wander through downtown Huntsville.

There’s no formal route, but I usually make my way down Main Street, ducking into any cute boutiques that catch my eye, then loop past the murals and metal sculptures scattered around the centre. It’s low-effort exploring — just the way I like it.

If the weather’s good, I’ll take my drink down to the docks near River Mill Park. Sometimes I sit at a picnic table and read. Sometimes I just dangle my feet over the edge and zone out. It’s peaceful — unless there are too many boats pulling in, in which case I retreat to a bench further down.

It’s all pretty casual and cozy — a nice reset before the real highlight of the day: puppy yoga.

Break a Sweat (and Snuggle Puppies) at Muskoka Puppy Yoga

I know it sounds fake, but yes, puppy yoga is a real thing. And it’s just as ridiculous and perfect as it sounds.

The first time I signed up for Muskoka Puppy Yoga, I had no idea what to expect. Was it going to be actual yoga? Would I be dodging tiny golden retrievers the whole time? (Spoiler: yes.)

It turned out to be one of the most joy filled things I’ve ever done.

They usually run classes on weekends, but the schedule changes every week. Check their Instagram or website ahead of time before planning your visit around it. Sometimes it’s indoors. Sometimes it’s out in the sunshine. It depends on the season and which puppies they’re working with.

I went in the morning after coffee and before lunch. It was the perfect break between the slower start of the day and the rest of the adventure.

You will leave with dog hair on your leggings. You will not get through a single downward dog without a puppy deciding you’re a jungle gym. And you’ll love every second of it!

Refuel with Lunch at The Little Place By the Lights

After puppy yoga, I was starving. Thankfully, The Little Place By the Lights is right in town and exactly the kind of cozy spot you want to collapse into after getting climbed like a tree by puppies.

It’s one of those local restaurants that’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it, but it’s become a bit of a go-to for me. The menu is Italian comfort food with a twist, and they’ve got some great gluten-free options too. The pizza is my favourite — thin crust, loaded, and exactly what you want after working up an appetite.

You can sit inside or grab a seat out front if the weather’s nice. It’s relaxed, a little rustic, and honestly just really good food without the fuss. I’ve been here enough times to say I’ve never had a bad meal.

If you’re not a pizza person (who are you), there’s also pasta, lasagna, and a few daily specials that rotate depending on what’s in season. It’s simple but solid — the kind of lunch that powers you through the rest of the afternoon without making you want a nap.

Spend the Afternoon in Nature at Arrowhead Provincial Park

After lunch, I always head straight to Arrowhead Provincial Park. It’s only about 10 minutes from downtown Huntsville, but it feels like a full reset the second you drive in.

You’ll need a day use permit, which you can grab at the entrance gate or book online if you’re the type who likes to plan ahead. I usually just pay when I arrive. There’s plenty of parking and a little visitor station with maps and info if you’re not sure where to start.

Arrowhead has a few well-marked hiking trails, and each one has a different vibe. Some are short and easy loops through the trees, while others take you to waterfalls or quiet river bends. I did the Stubb’s Falls Loop (about 2.6km) and the Lookout Trail (3.1km).

Both are very easy and pretty flat, but the Lookout Trail felt more like a legit trail.

All of the trails are dog friendly!

The park is peaceful even in peak season. You’ll pass a few people, but it never feels packed. You’ll mostly hear birds, your own boots on the trail, and maybe the rush of water if you head toward the falls.

There are places to sit along the trails too. I like to find a big rock or a bench, pull out whatever snack I saved from earlier, and just take a moment. Last time it was that slice of chocolate cake from Affogato. Worth it.

If you’ve got more time and energy, rent a kayak or check out the quieter beach area near the lake. But even just walking the trails is the perfect way to spend an afternoon in Huntsville.

I took Theo to go for a quick dip. Well, I took him so I could take some photos of the trees on the lake. He decided to take a quick dip and get my car very wet.

There’s a picnic table on each side of the beach by the lake so you can sit and let your gremlin of a dog dry off before you head home.

Cap Off the Day with Spicy Curry at Marigold

After a full afternoon at Arrowhead, you’ll probably be feeling that perfect kind of tired — the kind where you just want a good meal before the drive home. For me, that always means Marigold.

It’s not what you’d expect to find in Muskoka, but this little Indian restaurant is some of the best I’ve had in Ontario. I still think about the pakoras — crispy, spicy, and way better than they have any right to be up north. Their butter chicken is no joke either. It’s got a real kick, so don’t expect the usual watered-down version you get in the city.

The menu’s got all the classics: curries, biryani, samosas, garlic naan. They even offer some unexpected items like Cheesecake Factory-style desserts, though I’ve never tried them myself since I’m gluten free. If you’re in the same boat, don’t worry — there are plenty of options you can eat.

I usually go with butter chicken, rice, pakoras, and skip the naan (sad, I know). It’s rich, comforting, and the exact right way to wrap up a full day in Huntsville.

Can You Really Do This Day Trip from Toronto?

Short answer — yes. I’ve done it, and I’d do it again.

You’ll need to leave early. Like, out the door by 7AM early if you want to make the most of the day without rushing.

The drive is around 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic, and most of the good stuff in Huntsville doesn’t open until 9 or 10AM anyway. That gives you enough time to grab coffee, do puppy yoga, hike, and still be home before it’s pitch dark.

Would it be more relaxing as an overnight trip? Definitely.

If you have the flexibility, staying a night nearby makes the whole experience feel slower and more spacious.

But if you’re craving a single day of fresh air, good food, and small town calm — this is a doable and seriously satisfying escape from the city.

If you’re looking for more day trip ideas that aren’t a 3 hour drive from Toronto, I’ve also written about some of my favourites near Toronto.