45 Epic Things to Do in Muskoka (For Every Season)

If you’re looking for a nice retreat from Toronto, you’d be surprised at the number of things to do in Muskoka, just a few hours north! 

I grew up in Toronto, so over the years, I have taken a lot of family trips to Muskoka. Now, my sister is an architect who builds cottages there. She gets to enjoy the beautiful lakes and lush forests 365 days a year – and I get to visit her whenever I want!

So, you could say that I’ve become somewhat of a pseudo-local in Muskoka. 

Some of my favorite parts of visiting the region are riding a 130-year-old steamboat, kayaking across Lake Muskoka, and wandering through the boutique shops in town.

But I’m just getting started. There’s way more!

Here’s how to make the most of every season in Canada’s cottage country.

Year-Round Things to Do in Muskoka

Muskoka is a region about 180km north of Toronto in Canada, named after the largest lake in the area – Lake Muskoka.

But the region has grown significantly over the years and now includes many other lakes and small towns.

The main three lakes and the biggest Muskoka attractions are Lake Muskoka, Lake Rosseau, and Lake Joseph. Parry Sound, Port Carling, Gravenhurst, Mactier, and Bala are the most popular towns.

1. Explore Muskoka’s Small Towns

Muskoka isn’t a singular region – it’s only one of the lakes in the area.

So when you’re in Muskoka, it’s nice to go and see a few of the small towns that make up the area. Most of them are incredibly peaceful and right on the water.

I love visiting the local restaurants and boutiques. I always feel like these towns give me a good sense of the local spirit, and you can actually get to most of the towns by boat!

These are my favorite places to visit in Muskoka.

• Bracebridge
• Bala
• Port Carling
• Gravenhurst (not a small town by Muskoka standards, but definitely by city standards)
• Parry Sound
• Huntsville
• Baysville

2. Visit the Local Museums to Learn About the Area

Honestly, I haven’t taken the time to visit the museums of the north, mostly because I didn’t know they existed.

When I go to Muskoka, I’m usually too busy enjoying the water and the forests to do much else. But now that I know, I’ve added them to my to-do list for this summer.

The Muskoka Lakes Museum, which is set in a log cabin and open from Victoria Day Weekend in May through Thanksgiving Weekend in October, is at the top of my list. 

The museum has artifacts from First Nations peoples who once settled on this land. It takes you through the development of the Muskokas, from traditional land to pioneer villages to modern cottage life.

The Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site is a unique museum. It’s a Victorian house that allows you to tour what life would have been like in the early 1900s. It’s named after Dr. Norman Bethune, who helped develop our universal healthcare system.

If you’re like my dad – i.e., obsessed with old-school steamships – you should visit the Muskoka Discovery Centre. You’ll also hear it called the Gravenhurst Boat Museum.

It’s a museum dedicated to boats that are commonly seen in Muskoka, including the beautiful wooden boats of the Indigenous peoples.

3. Take a Self-Guided Brewery Tour

The Muskoka region has amazing craft breweries.

I don’t drink anymore, but years ago, I actually worked as a bartender in Muskoka for a summer.

During that time, I tried nearly all the local beers, and the breweries here were phenomenal.

My favorite beers are from Muskoka Brewery in Bracebridge. They have a large tap room with outdoor seating, and most of their beers are available on tap!

Trestle is a newer brewery in Parry Sound that’s become a local favorite. I love their turkey wings and giant pretzels, and even my Alexander Keiths-only father loves their brews. 

If you visit in winter, you can sit outside in a warm igloo at Trestle. In summer, enjoy your meal on the outdoor patio beside the lake.

🍻 Book a Guided Tour of Muskoka Brews with the Views

Things to do in Spring

Muskoka is at its greenest in spring. The landscape is lush, and the air is warm but not hot.

The days are longer than in winter, and there’s no need for a coat anymore. It’s also relatively peaceful since most tourists and summer cottagers aren’t up yet.

However, this is the buggiest season, and the trails are really muddy.

4. Take an ATV Tour

If you’re looking for something more thrilling, try a local ATV tour.

When my sister suggested one, I thought she was crazy, but it ended up being one of the most fun things I’ve ever done.

You have to have a valid license, but if not, adults can ride through the forest with one passenger on the back!

Also, dress to get dirty.

It rains a lot in the spring and the ground thaws after a long winter. But honestly, the mud is half the fun!

5. Shop Antiques at Red Barn Antiques

If you’re looking for cute ceramics for your cottage or an antique vase that’ll make you feel like the upstairs people in Downton Abbey, this is the place for you!

Red Barn Antiques in Port Carling is known for its selection of unique antiques and restored items.

Even if you aren’t looking for anything in particular, drop by on a rainy day and take a look around.

I’d always left with a few one-of-a-kind items.

6. Go Fishing at Milford Bay Trout Farm

By spring, the lake isn’t always at its best for fishing. Some ice still floats on the lake into April, and your boat may not be out of winterization yet.

But don’t let that stop you from bringing home a fish for dinner!

Milford Bay Trout Farm is known for sustainable fishing, and you can try your hand at catching a big fish to serve that night.

To be honest, I can’t get over putting a worm on a hook, so my sister always does it for me. That’s why this isn’t my type of excursion, but she and my step-brother would happily fish for days if we let them, and they don’t like to wait until summer to fish. 

That’s why this is the perfect thing to do in Muskoka during spring!

7. Climb Among the Trees at Treetop Trekking in Huntsville

Huntsville is the best place in Muskoka for treetop trekking. I’ve done similar excursions in Costa Rica and Jamaica, but never in Canada!

During the experience, you’ll get to climb up into the trees, maneuver across rope obstacles, and zipline through the like Tarzan.

It’s very popular for families with teenagers, but we all know it’s fun for anyone!

Treetop Trekking also offers night treks that offer a chance to get a surreal view of the night sky.

8. Test Your Skills at Paintball

Paintball is technically a year-round experience in Muskoka, but since spring is my time to get muddy or dirty, I like to keep it in spring.

I recommend visiting Backcountry Paintball for a unique paintball experience in Muskoka.

They have different fields that give you a completely different experience, from the Muskoka wilderness to urban alleys and Wild West shootouts!

Things to Do in Summer

Summer is by far the most popular season in Muskoka – and my favorite time to be there.

The days are long, the weather is warm, and many cottagers are up at their camps or lake homes to enjoy it all. But things get busier and less peaceful, and traffic increases.

Muskoka is synonymous with cottaging, and in Toronto, if you say you’re going “north,” everyone knows you mean this region.

9. Rent a Cottage

The best way to enjoy summer in Muskoka is simply renting a cottage.

Whether you’re looking for a family getaway or something romantic, there’s no better way to spend your summer. The best part is that there are literally hundreds of cottages available for rent across Muskoka.

These range from off-the-grid cabins to mansions by the water, and whether you want to stay in Gravenhurst or Seguin, you’ll have plenty of options.

We have a family cottage on Lake Joseph, so we haven’t needed to rent in a few years. But growing up, we’d always rent a cottage for a few weeks each summer.

1It was such a great way to enjoy the summer weather in Canada.

Want to go cottaging in Muskoka?
Check Availability & Prices Here!

10. Ride the Segwun Ferry

This 130-year-old steamboat is still operational, and visitors can take it across Lake Muskoka on a 1-hour to 4-hour sightseeing cruise.

There are basic cruises for people just looking to get out on the water or longer specialty cruises.

These specialty cruises change each year, but the most common ones include afternoon high tea or a sunset dinner aboard the steamship.

This is a timeless thing to do in Muskoka in summer and one of the most iconic boats to see sailing across Lake Muskoka.

11. Go Fishing

This adventure is perfect for the angler in your family. Get out on the water in a canoe, a tinnie, or a fishing boat to try and catch some local fish.

With hundreds of lakes, rivers, and streams, my family never ran out of new fishing holes to try.

It’s best to go first thing in the morning or later at twilight. That’s when the water is calm, and the fish come to the surface to eat.

Just FYI – Most people catch and release on the lakes in Muskoka.

12. Jump in the Lake

I would say that my favorite thing to do in Muskoka in summer is to get in the water.

Canadian summers get HOT, so a dip in the lake is the perfect antidote. The lakes are really clean and clear, making it comfortable for swimming and diving. People even go cliff-jumping just outside of Gravenhurst (see #30).

The water is super deep, so the only thing you have to fear is belly flops!

Whatever lake you’re on, whether Muskoka, Joseph, Rosseau, or one of the smaller lakes nearby, make a point to bring your swimsuit and jump in to cool off.

If you’re a better swimmer than me, you can even do laps across the lakes, like my aunt does.

13. Paddle Across the Lake

Not into getting in the water? Stay dry in a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard!

It’s such a peaceful way to spend an afternoon, and the lake views from out on the water are fantastic!

You can go alone or hire a guide to bring you across the lake.

Just be aware that the waves can be hard to handle on Lake Muskoka. So, if you’re new to kayaking or paddleboarding, choose one of the smaller lakes in the area or bring a guide!

If you like using your own gear, this inflatable kayak has excellent value!

14. Relax on a Local Beach

Muskoka is full of public beaches.

Hanna Park Beach, Muskoka Beach Park, and Kirby’s Beach are a few of the easiest to reach around Lake Muskoka, but many more are on the outskirts.

Places like Baysville and Huntsville also have town beaches, too!

Take sunscreen, a beach blanket, and a good book to enjoy an afternoon relaxing in the sand.

15. Watch the Travelling Ski Show

Some people are so talented on the water. Whether they are skiing, wakeboarding, wake surfing, or jet skiing, I’m always so impressed by professionals.

You can watch a sampler of their talent for free every summer in Muskoka.

So, if you’re wondering what to do in Muskoka on a summer evening, head to Bala Ski Show. It’s a completely free ski show that happens at Windsor Park every Tuesday at 7:30 PM throughout the summer. 

They perform insane stunts, water-ski jumps, and even do some flyboard tricks.

16. Shop the Antique Boat Show

The bi-annual Port Carling Antique Boat Show takes place in August. It features beautiful old vessels, like the “woody” boats that are commonly awed at on the lake.

But even if you’re not in the market for an extremely overpriced boat, it’s still cool to watch and ‘window’ shop.

Every year, there is a different theme featuring new vintage boats.

Oh, and admission is totally free!

17. Go to the Driving Range

Muskoka is a place to relax, and many Canadians and Americans find that the best way to do that is on the golf course.

So, it’s no surprise that the area is full of beautiful greens for beginners and advanced golfers.

I used to work at the Lake Joseph Club as a bartender, and the golfers from out of town would constantly rave about the golf course here.

But it’s not the only course up north. Pack (or rent) some clubs and check out these golf courses!

• Rocky Crest Gold Resort
• Muskoka Bay Club
• Deerhurst Highlands
• Huntsville Downs Golf Club

18. Listen to Live Music at the Bala Kee

I could go on and on about things to do in Muskoka, but there’s not much that beats listening to live music.

The best local musicians meet every Thursday night at the Kee To Bala. There’s always a great mix of talent and genres, but it’s usually classic rock or country.

They’ve even hosted some big names in music. I can’t remember the names now since it was years ago, but I remember three specific times when a really famous musician was in town.

19. Cuddle in Your Car at the Muskoka Drive-In

One of my favorite things to do in Muskoka is visit the drive-in.

I have some serious nostalgia for mid-20th-century tech. So, I love parking the car at a drive-in, getting a giant bucket of popcorn, and watching a double feature inside our vehicle.

We go every summer, although it’s getting harder since I struggle to stay up late now.

Since they regularly change the movies, it’s easy to revisit multiple times a summer without seeing the same film twice.

20. Learn How to Water-ski and More at Bush Watersports Park

I’m hopeless at watersports. Well, at least I was until my sister took me to Bush’s Watersports Park.

This is where I finally got introduced to wake surfing after YEARS of being unable to pull my body weight up behind the boat. It was so much fun!

My sister is an expert on water toys, so she tests the jumps and uses their wakeboarding line to pull you over unique obstacles.

It’s a great place to spend the day learning how to wakeboard, water-ski, and more!

My sister is friends with the owners, and they’re great guys. I really recommend supporting them when you’re in Muskoka. They even offer private lessons, which is the next item on this list!

21. Get Private Lessons from Muskoka Wake

Want to learn how to water ski without leaving your cottage?

Muskoka Wake will come to you and take you on a private lesson. They’ll even use your boat, so you know what settings you need later on!

My sister worked for them for a couple of summers and loved helping out at their kid’s camp. The stuff she learned helped me figure out that I’d been doing everything wrong trying to drive her while she water-skied.

All the instructors are nice people who will help you figure it out, whether you’re a total newbie or want to learn advanced tricks.

22. View the Most Stars at the Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Reserve

I’m obsessed with the Muskoka stars.

Growing up, we’d always sit outside to watch the stars at night. For days when we had to drive home after dark, we’d make my dad open the sunroof so we could see them.

The best place to enjoy the stars in Muskoka is Torrance Barrens. It’s an official Dark Sky Reserve that allows campers to enjoy the darkest conditions for stargazing. Go to the main dark sky viewing area on Southwood Road to use their free telescope!

The only place I’ve seen better stars was in the Moroccan desert, where there was no light for hundreds of miles!

23. Tour the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery

The Group of Seven is a famous group of Canadian painters. They are known for their stunning work painting the wilderness of Canada, especially around Muskoka Lake and Algonquin Park.

It’s a unique experience to view their works in the very same area that inspired these painters.

Visit the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery in Huntsville for an educational and inspirational experience. Their masterpieces have been turned into murals along the buildings of Main Street in Huntsville.

There are over 100 murals, so budget plenty of time to explore this outdoor art museum.

It is free to visit unless you book a private tour.

24. Take a Sunset Cruise on Lake Muskoka

One of the most romantic things in Muskoka is to tour the lake at sunset.

Hop in your boat or onto a jet ski and take in the pinks of the setting sun as they reflect in the mirror-like waters.

I love this time of day, especially when I’m cuddled up in a nice fleece as someone else drives the boat. I’d much rather enjoy the forest scenery than drive.

If you don’t have a boat of your own, you can rent one from a marina or book a sunset cruise from cities like Gravenhurst.

⛴️Book a Muskoka River Cruise here!

25. Chase Waterfalls in the Muskokas

Muskoka may be named for the lakes, but it’s also known for its waterfalls. There seems to be a waterfall around every corner!

When we used to rent a cottage in Bala, I’d walk the dogs by the Bala Falls every morning.

Our cottage is a bit further away, but I still love visiting the waterfalls. Here are a few of my favorite waterfalls to visit in Muskoka.

• Muskoka Falls
• Bala Falls
• Rosseau Falls
• Mary Lake Falls
• Dee Banks Falls

26. Cozy Up Beside a Campfire

At your cottage in Muskoka, take advantage of the evenings by building a campfire.

If you don’t already know, you can buy logs from the grocery store, and all you need are some twigs and a match to get the fire started!

Then, you can sing campfire songs, roast hot dogs, make s’mores, and enjoy the night stars.

Just be aware that the bugs at night can be horrible. So, wear long pants and a long shirt to prevent mozzie bites.

27. Hike to Epic Views

When I’m in Muskoka, I take a lot of long walks through the forest. I love taking Theo out on the backroads and paths behind our cottage. It’s so peaceful.

But since those don’t have trail names or markers, here are some of my favorite trails that you can actually hike:

• Walkers Point Lookout Trail
• Windsor Park in Bala
• Parry Sound Fire Tower Lookout (the best views!!)
• Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail
• Dorset Lookout Tower

28. Rent Jetskis and Catch Some Wake

Now we’re back on the water. Another fun thing to do on the lakes in Muskoka is cruise around on a jet ski.

You can rent them from almost every marina in Muskoka, or sometimes you’ll get lucky, and your cottage rental will come with a jet ski!

It’s especially fun to ride them on Lake Rosseau. It’s smaller and tends to have choppier water (more waves), which means more wake-jumping!

Be sure to wear a life jacket and have your boater’s license since both are legal requirements in Ontario.

29. Sip Local Wine at Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery

Good things come in small packages – like the tiny farmhouse that houses Muskoka Lakes Winery.

The farmhouse is even more well-known for its cranberries, but it also grows a variety of berries and grapes on site.

Their wines are made from local grapes, harvested right on-site. The whole experience combines wine tasting with the beautiful postcard-worthy scenery of Muskoka. If you’re into wine, this is the place to be!

30. Get an Adrenaline Rush Cliff Jumping

Cliff jumping is not for the faint of heart.

Often called “jumping rocks” to make it sound less life-threatening, the cliffs around Lake Muskoka are great for some amateur cliff-jumping.

Ask at your local marina or the owner of the cottage rental, where you can jump off rocks into the lake. They’ll tell you the local hot spots.

Since there’s no designated area, locals in the know can always tell you what’s public land and where it’s deep enough to jump.

I always look like an idiot when I do it because I refuse to take off my life jacket. But it’s really fun!

31. Float in a Mexican-Style Blue Grotto

Blue grottos are all over Instagram lately. 

But you don’t have to go all the way to Mexico – you can find one in Muskoka!

It’s a local secret, but I’ll let you in on it.

On Lake Joseph, you’ll need to go to the upper right-most bay on the map. There, you’ll find a house perched atop a cliff. Beneath it are jumping rocks and a little inlet.

When you get to this inlet, float beneath the rocks, and you’ll come to a hidden blue grotto!

You can jump into it, too, but I don’t recommend it because parts of it are pretty shallow.

32. Go to an Adult Summer Camp

I HATED camp as a kid.

But some people loved it.

I can see the appeal of doing it all over as an adult. All the fun without sleeping in horrible frosty cabins and eating slop.

So, if you’re into games or group activities, why not try out an adult summer camp?

The one I want to visit most is the Two Island Weekend Camp for Adults.

33. Get Fresh Produce from the Farmer’s Market in Rosseau and Bala

Every summer, my dad and I go to the weekly farmer’s markets for fresh corn and fruit to eat throughout the week. It’s always so nice to cook with ultra-fresh, organic produce.

I can’t recommend the tiny wild blueberries enough! They’re perfect in yogurt, oatmeal, or pancakes.

In Bala, the Farmer’s Market is in Jaspen Park on Muskoka Road 38. It’s open from 9 AM to 2 PM each Monday from the last week of June to the first week of September.

The Rosseau Farmer’s Market is just south of Crossroads restaurant. It is open from 9 AM – 2 PM on Fridays throughout the summer.

Be sure to bring cash because not every vendor has a card machine!

Things to Do in the Fall

Fall is beautiful in Muskoka. It’s not too cold, and Muskoka Lake is pretty quiet during the weekdays.

The weather can still be quite warm, but you get more daylight hours without all the extra tourists.

September is your last chance to enjoy the water and lively atmosphere before things close down.

34. Go Leaf Peeping

Muskoka is one of the best regions in Canada for autumn leaf spotting.

In autumn, the trees that line the roads become a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and yellows. Their beauty against the naturally orange Canadian shield and the crystal blues of the lakes creates a stunning scene that makes the trip up here worthwhile.

Go for a scenic drive along the roads to see the trees. You can’t go wrong driving anywhere, but the backroads offer especially lovely views.

And it’s a totally free activity (well, except for gas).

You can also take an aerial tour of Muskoka to see the leaves from above. It’ll save you the effort of hiking up high enough for a similar view! I recommend Georgian Bay Airways’ 30,000 Islands tours or Cottage Air Inc.’s private charter flights.

35. Unwind at the JW Marriot Spa

There’s nothing better than a massage, is there?

The JW Marriot Spa is known for its luxurious treatment rooms and incredible massages. It’s one of my favorite things to do on a weekend getaway up north, especially in the fall when it’s a bit too cold to go out on the lake!

They have a restaurant, too, so you can have a lovely dinner afterward without having to cook.

36. Go Horseback Riding at Winding Fences Farm

If you’ve never gone horseback riding before, Muskoka is an awesome place to try it!

If you’d like to try this, Winding Fences Farm is probably the best place in the area to do so. The trails are really beautiful, and there are amazing views of the countryside.

You can go anytime in the spring, summer, or fall, but I always say that the fall is an especially great time to go horseback riding because the autumn leaves make it even better.

37. Sample Syrup at Sugarbush Hill Maple Farms

When in Canada, you’ve got to do something maple-related, right?

In Muskoka, you can either drop in to pick up some locally-made maple syrup or watch a maple presentation at Sugarbush Hill Maple Farms.

The presentation costs $15/adult and takes about 1 hour. You’ll learn how sap becomes maple syrup and even get some samples.

Things to Do in Winter

it may be the least popular time to visit, but don’t write off winter in Muskoka! There are some fantastic things to do in the snow, especially if you like to embrace the cold!

However, many businesses close, so you should come expecting most shops and even some of the summer’s most popular restaurants to be closed.

38. Go Sledding or Tubing

Almost every neighborhood in Muskoka has a sledding hill, and as long as the snow isn’t too deep, you can head over to your local hill and enjoy sliding with all your family and friends.

You could also opt for tubing instead, which is a little more thrilling.

Either way, it’s a fantastic winter activity that is almost free! (You do have to buy your own sled).

If you know nothing about sledding, This sled is speedy and safe!

39. Skate on an Ice Trail at Arrowhead Provincial Park

The ice trails at Arrowhead Provincial Park are another of the best winter activities in Muskoka.

The trails here weave through the evergreen trees and have gorgeous views of the surrounding forest.

The trail is open from January to March, weather permitting.

We always tried to go in the early afternoon when it was slightly less cold, but they have special Fire & Ice Nights every Friday and Saturday.

40. Rent a Snowmobile to Explore

I love riding around on the back of a snowmobile, and Muskoka is a really popular place for snowmobiling in the winter!

The only downside is that if you don’t know anyone with a snowmobile, renting one is incredibly expensive. It costs about $300/2hr, $400/4hr, and $500 for the entire day.

However, if you have the budget, Muskoka Wild and Muskoka Stay n’ Play are two reputable companies to work with!

Once you get on the snowmobile, take your time getting the hang of it, and then enjoy flying through forest trails and onto the frozen lakes!

41. Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing on the Trails

My sister got me into snowshoeing a few years ago, and now I have a pair of my own!

Snowshoeing allows you to walk atop the snow without sinking into it, which makes it WAY easier.

It also means I can take Theo (my dog) along with me and help on our morning walks.

There are so many great snowshoeing trails (most of the hiking trails in the area are open for snowshoeing), but really, you can just pop them on anywhere in Muskoka and have a great time exploring!

It’s also super easy, which makes it accessible for even the most beginner of winter adventurers!

If you don’t already have snowshoes, these have been super reliable for me.

42. Get Festive at Santa’s Village

Did you know Santa is Canadian?

Well, he is in Muskoka, and if you’re visiting Muskoka with younger kids, they really enjoy visiting Santa during the holiday.

Parents can take their kids to Santa’s cottage, just south of Gravenhurst, to tell him what they want from Christmas. It’s super endearing and a great family photo opportunity.

43. Take a Romantic Sleigh Ride

If you’re visiting Muskoka on a more romantic holiday, one of the most popular things to do is take a romantic sleigh ride.

I love horses, so I’ll admit this is super appealing to me, even if I had to do it on my own!

Check out the Back of Beyond Equine Center this winter for snowy carriage rides. It’s got all of the romanticism of a horse ride through Central Park in NYC but without the animal abuse or lackluster city setting.

44. Go Dog Sledding

Dog sledding is such a cool experience, and if you book the experience with a company like North Ridge Ranch in Huntsville, you’ll get to bond with the beautiful dogs a little before hitting the trail with them.

The guides thoroughly prepare and tell you all about their dogs and how dog sledding works.

You can book a one-hour or a half-day tour. The one-hour tour is mainly for small children, and the price isn’t much different for the half-day tour, so that would be my recommendation.

45. Skate on Winter Rinks

Looking for more outdoor skating rinks?

Well, Muskoka may not have the Rideau Canal, but they have some other epic places to ice skate.

The Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh Ice Trail is a 1.2km loop around the cranberry bog, and you can end the afternoon with a warm cup of mulled cider before heading home.

There are stands where you can rent skates if you don’t have your own.

You can also go to Clear Lake Brewery, where they create the BeerSpa ice rink. This backyard rink reminds me of the ones we used to build in our yard as kids!

These skates are great for people new to ice skating!

Best Restaurants in Muskoka

One of my favorite things to do in Muskoka is to eat. My sister and I have spent years mapping out the best places to eat in Muskoka, and now I’ll share them with you.

Quick and Easy

• Glen Orchard General Store – Breakfast sandwiches are to die for. They make them in the back.
• Don’s Bakery – The best bakery in Muskoka. They get massive lineups and sell out of the best pastries, so go early or book ahead.
• Ice Dreams Soda Shop – Classic, old-school ice cream shop vibes.
• Loretta’s Bakery – Get the brownie stuffed cookies and their yummy sandwiches.
• Rosseau Bakery and Variety – Don’t miss out on the doughnuts.

Casual Eats

• Knead – Excellent wood-fired pizza.
• Tulo’s Taqueria – Tacos on the dock? Yes, please!
• Chef Henrie Bistro – The best schnitzel outside of Austria!
• Bass Lake Roadhouse – Popular local hotspot.

Fancier Options

• Lakeside – Locally sources items with a view.
• Crossroads – My favorite restaurant in Muskoka. Their local fish is always amazing, and my sister says their steak is the best.
• Moonriver Lookout – Local meats and fish cooked to perfection.

Where to Stay in Muskoka

Cottages

The best way to experience Muskoka is from a cottage – either your own, a friend’s, or a rental.

Be sure to get one with waterfront access and a dock for the true northern experience!

If you don’t own a cottage or know someone with access to one, renting a cottage in Muskoka is easy.

There are always tons of places for rent each summer. Choose whether you want to rent for the whole summer (the pricier option) or for a few weeks.

Want to rent a cozy cottage in Muskoka?
Check Prices & Availability

Resorts

The three main resorts in Muskoka are Rocky Crest, the Lake Joe Club Villas, and the JW Marriott (previously Red Leaves).

All three offer long-term summer rentals or shorter stays.

If you stay at a resort, you can access additional benefits like closer restaurants, water sports, kids clubs, and sports equipment.

Even if you’re not staying at the resorts, you can still book to use their equipment and visit any of their restaurants.

Camping

Several campgrounds are also in the area if you have a tent, camper, or RV.

This is the best budget option for exploring Muskoka, and you can find a lot of backcountry camping options similar to those in Algonquin Park, but for much cheaper.

Personally, I prefer a cottage (mostly because my sister’s very nice and she feeds me), but camping is an amazing way to enjoy the area.

Wrap Up

Muskoka might be a tiny area, but as you can tell, there are tons of awesome things to do.

You’ve got wineries, arts festivals, horseback riding, beautiful hikes, and boat excursions.

Honestly, I don’t know how someone could get bored here.

I own a lot of my experiences and knowledge about Muskoka to my sister. So thank you, Sophie!

She’s also a killer architect if you’re looking to build your dream home in Muskoka. But, if you’re looking to visit for a few weeks, there are so many incredible cottages to rent on the lake.

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