Toronto 
A fall getaway to Huntsville could be centred around several events or activities. The town, in the heart of Muskoka, has endless opportunities for exploring Ontario’s best fall scenery and foliage.
This includes the region’s most popular types of recreation, like camping, hiking, canoeing, or kayaking. Plus, the fall celebrations in Huntsville offer a reason to visit almost every week and weekend this fall.
The Best Fall Colour Hikes near Huntsville
Some of the best fall scenery of the area is made from a combination of the preserved historic buildings around Huntsville on top of the reds, oranges, and yellows of the leaves. Plus, the forests and trees around Huntsville are mature and lush, offering picture-perfect sights around many sidewalks and trails. To top it off, Huntsville is in the heart of Muskoka country, where the fall foliage is often set against the backdrop of expansive lakes or rolling hills.
- Enjoy the best waterfront fall views and walk-in Huntsville with The Hunter’s Bay Trail, a 13km stretch of the Trans Canada Trail.
- Get bird’s eye views of Huntsville and the warm foliage from the Lion’s Lookout area. Only a short walk is required to reach the viewing area from the parking lot.
- Find the ultimate in fall colours or activities around Huntsville with Arrowhead Provincial Park, a short drive north of town. Arrowhead trails are surrounded by almost every fall colour or shade, as well as scenes like waterfalls, streams, meadows, farmland, and more. Find the park’s waterfall views on the Stubb’s Falls Trail (2km).
- Take on the expansive trails of the nearby Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve which wind around Muskoka and cottage country for over 70km. And with so many route options come a wide array of differing scenery as you make your way through the forest.
Paddling under Muskoka’s Fall Colours
This part of Ontario, and Muskoka specifically, have seemingly endless options for canoe or kayak routes. With so many lakes and interconnected lakes, it is easy to find a peaceful spot for a paddle under the autumn colours. And there are places from which to launch onto the water right in Huntsville, including two different lakes!
- Use Huntsville’s Avery Beach Boat Launch to access either Lake Vernon, Fairy Lake, or attempt to paddle around both! (within the Bay).
- The Muskoka River passes through the Brunel Locks, a historic site and lock station still in operation. Lock passage is available until Thanksgiving.
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Museums & More in Huntsville
Spend a crisp fall day taking in the events at the local museum, the rural attractions and scenery, or the shops downtown.
- Huntsville’s Muskoka Heritage Place has an array of fall activities planned for all ages this season! These notable events and experiences include a Heritage Fall Fair, Fall Train Rides, a Fall Art Walk in the Pioneer Village, and the Great Pumpkin Trail trick-or-treating event.
- Spend a day walking around downtown Huntsville to discover the local art and studios! Most of these galleries and studios are located around Main Street, while others are also open in the rural areas.
- The Peca Farm outside of Huntsville offer a unique opportunity to meet with and learn about a variety of adorable farm animals.
Fall Events in Huntsville
The Muskoka Heritage Place will have a variety of fall fun and celebrations coming up, while there are several more to check out from other attractions and locations around town. These local festivals include something for everyone and all ages, including food and drink, arts and live music, rides and games, and much more.
- September brings the annual Fall Fair in Huntsville! The fair will feature a market, demolition derby, live music, a midway, and a petting zoo.
- Halloween will be celebrated across town in a few different ways: it all starts on October 25th with the Tiny Tots Parade downtown. The fun continues on the 31st with the Great Pumpkin Trail at Muskoka Heritage Place with traffic-free trick-or-treating.
- Shop the Huntsville Farmers’ Market every Thursday until October 9, with the fall apple season in full swing.
- The Sandhill Nursery, on the southwest side of Huntsville, will host a Fall Festival that lasts over an entire month. Visit the Nursery any time between September 13 and October 26 for daytime and evening concerts, kids’ activities, and the giant maze. The Nursery is also home to the Rusty Rake, a bistro-café.
Where to Stay in Huntsville
Spend a fall getaway in cottage country at the cottage, on a campground, out in the forest, or in downtown Huntsville. Whether you prefer to be away from the action or closer to town services, there are several choices around the area from rustic to luxurious.
- The Limberlost Forest & Wildlife Reserve is a year-round park with camping accommodations for tents and trailers, or lodge and cabin options. Guests have access to over 70km of hiking trails and canoe rentals until Thanksgiving weekend. Choose between similar year-round camping options at Arrowhead Provincial Park where they offer rustic cabins, or tent/trailer/RV sites.
- Take advantage of the numerous waterfront resort and lodge options near Huntsville, like the Grandview Resort, the Deerhurst Resort, Hidden Valley Resort, or the Portage Inn.
- Staying in the heart of Huntsville is simple with many options from which to choose. These include chain hotels, local motels or inns, and a variety of bed and breakfasts.
Warm Drinks & Cafes in Huntsville
The temperature is starting to drop for autumn, and the coffees or hot drinks become a lot more appealing. Find yourself a cozy place in any part of Huntsville with places like Algonquin Café & Deli, Oliver’s Coffee, Windmill Bakery and Bistro, Downtown Espresso, or Affogato Café + Gelato.
