The Muskoka region, or Ontario’s cottage country, is situated about 200 kilometres north of Toronto and has been popular among tourists looking for a getaway since the late 1800s. The natural beauty and ample farming land of this forested lake-filled area is a perfect spot for a holiday — and whether its sunny or snowing, there is no shortage of things to do to keep yourself busy!
Here are 25 ways to enjoy the wondrous outdoors in Ontario’s Muskoka region.
Look out at Waterfalls in Bracebridge
Muskoka features over a dozen breathtaking waterfalls for you to find and explore, but the High Falls and Little High Falls at the Cedar Lane exit of Highway 11 in Bracebridge gives you a convenient two-for-one. Follow the clearly marked signs on the trail to find both of the waterfalls and spend an afternoon in the beautiful Muskoka forests. If you still have an appetite for waterfalls, you can also meander over to the nearby Wilson’s Falls for another hike to the wildest falls in the area. Details
See what’s on at Gull Lake Rotary Park
This park has it all: swimming, a beach, a baseball diamond, swimming lessons, a snack bar, and more! The perfect park for a low key exploration, as well as for families, Gull Lake Rotary Park will never have you bored. Because of the park’s popularity, it has become the home to many Gravenhurst events, such as their classic car show, boat races, and Music on the Barge. Check the Gravenhurst website to see if there will be anything exciting happening during your time in the park. Details
Walk the Boardwalk of Muskoka Wharf
Over two thousand feet of boardwalk make up this picturesque walk along Gravenhurst’s waterfront. Watch and listen to the sounds of the ocean as the community moves around you. Dip into one of the many shops, attractions, and businesses that line the walk. If you’re walking between May and October, make sure to spend some time exploring the Farmer’s Market, which features the delicious produce that Ontario’s countryside is rich with. Details
Explore Ragged Falls by canoe
Algonquin Outfitters will set you up in a canoe for the perfect day trip to the famous Ragged Falls. In three to four hours, you’ll be paddling through both lake and river waters, stopping in at the falls so that you can rest and be close to the powerful falling water. This self-guided tour gives you the flexibility to explore the trails and take the trip at your own pace. Don’t forget to bring a picnic, this is one of the most beautiful places to relax and enjoy an afternoon meal. Details
Go swimming at White’s Falls
Just off Muskoka Road 34 is White’s Falls, of which the upper portion has been modified by a dam to maintain water levels, giving it a uniqueness to the other waterfalls. In the hot months, take a dip in the water and enjoy the natural waterslide that has formed — it’s a hidden gem and well worth the digging! Because this is an all natural swimming hole, life jackets are recommended as an extra precaution. Details
Embrace the beauty of the area at Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail
The views from Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail are so awe inspiring it would be difficult to describe them here — you’ll have to see it for yourself. This view follows a luscious 2.5 kilometre hiking trail to the lookout, which features some of the oldest rocks in the world at over a billion years old! If you can, catch the sunset from the lookout, it may very well be one of the most gorgeous sunsets you see in your life. Details
Fish from a Kayak on the Muskoka River
Liv Outside offers many outdoor adventures for you to partake in, but their fishing tour is something special. On this trip, you’ll be outfitted with a Jackson Angler Kayak and will set off down the Muskoka River with an experienced fishing guide. In the silence of the wilderness, you’ll listen for the sound of fish splashing and make your way to all the best spots. All the equipment is provided. This is the perfect day trip for anyone who loves fishing and wants to know what the river has to offer. Details
Spend some time in Santa’s Summer Home
Santa’s Village is an amusement park located halfway between the equator and the south pole, and because of this is known as Santa’s Summer Home. If your Muskoka vacation involves children, be sure to stop in at this park, which features rides, a splash pad, and games. While you’re here, stop in and say hello to Santa Claus — don’t wait until December to find out if you’re on the nice list! For the adventurous adults, this park also features zip lines and an aerial park. Details
Take in a free concert on the dock in Huntsville
Throughout the summer, the town of Huntsville features free concerts on the dock every Wednesday night at 7pm. You can bring a lawn chair or a blanket and relax as the music washes over you. The festival embraces all kinds of musical genres, so be prepared for jazz, country, bluegrass, or even big band. Whatever the night has in store, the lakefront setting and lovely community vibes promise a magical evening full of local culture and fun. Details
Play in the lake at the Clevelands House Water Park
Weather permitting, this inflatable water park located at Clevelands House Resort is open to the public seven days a week and makes for an excellent thrill, regardless of your age. If floating lakeshore fun isn’t your cup of tea, the Clevelands House Day Pass also includes access to the recreational facilities of the resort, including kayaks, tennis courts, and mini putt. No matter how you spend your day at the Clevelands House Resort, you’ll be making the most of the lakeside scenery. Details
Spend some time in the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery
Tom Thompson died mysteriously in Algonquin Park in 1917, and now, more than a hundred years later, you can embrace his legacy and the legacy of the Group of Seven by walking the self-guided art tour that begins in Huntsville. You will find murals and sculptures inspired by the influential artists who were themselves inspired by the beauty of Muskoka and Canada’s natural wilderness— reminding you of the beauty that Ontario’s countryside has to offer. Details
Adventure above the trees at Treetop Trekking
For those with an adventurous streak, check out Treetop Trekking in Huntsville. This outdoor adventure park will have you high up in the Muskoka forests ready to explore from a whole new angle — with no shortage of views! The park is home to “Tarzan”: a freefall rope swing of epic proportions. It also features zip lines and climbing challenges. Treetop Trekking makes sure that everyone can have fun: regardless of your skill level. There will be something incredible here for you to partake in. Details
Explore untapped wilderness at Georgian Bay Islands National Park
Georgian Bay Islands National Park is the best way to experience the famous 30,000 islands — the world’s largest freshwater archipelago. Because this island is only accessible by boat, you’ll have to hop on the DayTripper out of Honey Harbour, but this adds to the excitement of experiencing the raw beauty of the Park. Renting a bike or bringing a lunch is highly recommended for optimum exploring time before you catch the boat back to the mainland. Details
Satisfy your sweet tooth with the Muskoka Maple Trail
“The sweetest adventure in Canada”, The Muskoka Maple Trail promises. This self-tour includes all the tastiest activities in Maple country. Take a maple sugar bush tour or partake in the best pancake and maple breakfast of your life. You can also try maple beers, wines, baked goods, and sweets. This is a maple lover’s dream come true. Pick up a map of the Maple Trail at any of the visitor centres in Muskoka and start your sweet journey, or make stops throughout your stay. Details
Add a snowmobile to your adventure with Muskoka Stay N’ Play Tours
Trail exploration? Ice fishing? Wintertime wine tours? With Muskoka Stay N’ Play Tours, you can do all this and more by snowmobile. If you opt for ice fishing, you’ll be provided with the gear before you hang out in a heated hut and fish. You can take your catch with you or prepare it right there on the ice. The wine tour includes a trek to a cranberry marsh and — of course — the ever-present and always impressive views of the area. If you can’t decide what snowmobiling tour is best for you, Stay N’ Play has the option to mix and match so that you get the most out of your Muskoka experience. Details
Camp out in a Tipi for a memorable vacation
If you’re travelling with a group of friends or family, there’s nothing quite like camping the Muskoka area in a tipi. Each tipi at Tipi Adventure sleeps ten people comfortably, and activities around the area include fishing, hiking, playing ball, and chilling out around a campfire. Everything is provided except for food, drinks, and sleeping bags, but there is complimentary coffee to kickstart your Muskoka morning. Give everyone a memorable treat by snuggling into a tipi and getting the most out of the outdoors. Details
Tee off in one of the top golf courses in Canada
300 acres of gorgeous land make up the Taboo Muskoka Golf course, which has been voted one of the top 50 golf courses in Canada. With white pines, red oaks, and rock outcroppings, you’ll feel connected to the land as you relax through golf. Unique to this course is the policy of 15-minute tee time intervals that will keep you feeling as though the course is your own private space — and what a space it is! Let yourself let go at the Taboo Muskoka Golf Course. Details
Inhale, exhale, and stretch at the Muskoka Yoga Festival
Climb for a view at the Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower
Among and overlooking the trees is the Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower, where you can climb to the top of the 100 foot observation deck and look out at the Lake of Bays from 142 feet above the water. This tower has become a tourism part of history, with its current iteration having been built in 1967. Though this tower is a use-at your-own-risk situation, the area does include a picnic space, a gift shop, a tourist information kiosk, and a beautiful trail. Details
Get out in the backwoods on an ATV
Make the Muskoka land your playground by renting an ATV and exploring 1,700 kilometres of backwoods trails with Backcountry Tours’ ATV rentals. The pick up location is at the trailhead, or you can have the ATV delivered to your own cabin! If you choose to adventure through Backcountry’s Land, you’ll have access to 30 lakes and multiple river crossings — surely the most thrilling way to get deep into the beautiful Ontario woods. Backcountry Tours is Canada’s largest off-road adventure company, so you know you’ll be in good hands for this wild ride. Details
Embrace and respect nature at Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve
For a natural wander with a conscientious element, head down to the 10,000 acres of Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve, where the goal is to provide free and safe access to anyone who would like to see this unspoiled land. With their dedication to preserving the area, the Limberlost Forest management have decided to offer both traditional and modern land use options. With hiking, fishing, canoeing, and even a bird sanctuary and deer yards, Limberlost Forest is a piece of Muskoka you will want to hold onto. Details
Make a pack of new friends with North Ridge Ranch’s dogsledding tours
If you’re travelling to Muskoka in the winter, don’t miss out on the chance to explore the area via dog sled. North Ridge Ranch offers tours lead by expert humans and dogs alike. Many of the working dogs are bred in the kennel and are trained to take you on the trip of a lifetime. Enjoy an hour long tour or spend more time with these friendly pooches by booking the half-day trip, but make sure you’re dressed warm — this Ontario winter trip can get quite frigid! Details
Choose the right snowshoe adventure with Find Your Wild Snowshoeing
Find Your Wild offers an array of snowshoeing adventures: you’ll be sure to find something that matches your taste. From wildlife spotting on a snowshoe safari to doing yoga in snowshoes (now there’s a story), get the most out of the cold by booking a tour and tapping into your wild side. The tours include the equipment you will need and are all lead by experienced guides so that you feel comfortable, regardless of whether you’ve previously taken part in this Canadian winter activity. Details
Get a taste of Ontario’s cranberry capital at Johnston Cranberry Farm
For three generations the Johnston’s have been operating the Johnston Cranberry Farm where they grow and harvest cranberries to make the most delicious juices, wines and treats. To get the whole delicious experience, book one of their tours and see how these berries journey from the bogs they are grown in to harvesting and finally how they are refined into products. You can also enjoy a glass of cranberry wine and a local cheeses plate on their year-round patio. A great way to get a taste of the region. Details
Compete with your friends or family at Backcountry Paintball
If you’re in Muskoka with a group of friends, make the most out of the land and the power of competition and have a bout of paintball or laser tag! You can rent the gear you need from Backcountry Paintball and make the woods work for you as you track down your buddies. This is also a popular activity with families — just make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into before you invite your kids to shoot you with paint! Details
Go on a Sunset Cruise
Muskoka’s shimmering blue waters, it’s majestic green pines, it’s spectacular scenery all await your discovery aboard the Sunset Cruisers Peerless II. From late June to October. Details