Curator’s statement
I spent many summers up at a camp in Muskoka. Swimming in the lakes, learning to paddle, sailing, building fires, eating s'mores and making friends that have lasted a lifetime. I returned with our kids, watching them swim and making friends at the beach as they jumped off the dock. We stayed up late around a campfire and stargazed late into the summer nights. This is what Muskoka is all about.
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Where to stay in Muskoka
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Things to do in Muskoka
Dwight Beach: Dwight Beach is a public beach on the far side of Lake of Bays. A family-friendly location known for its crisp, clean and relatively shallow waters. You’ll take Highway 60 to get here. You’ll also be near the pier if a boat tour of Lake of Bays is your thing.
Mary Lake Beach: Right in the middle of Port Sydney, you will find a covered picnic area, docks for the kids to jump off and near David’s general store in case you need picnic or snack supplies. You’ll take Highway 11 and look for South Mary Lake Road. If you have a boat, there is boat access here and you can boat all the way into Huntsville.
Outdoor Group of Seven Art Gallery: Nothing shouts Canadiana more than enjoying the murals that make up the Outdoor Group of Seven Art Gallery. Famous Canadian artists, with 35 of them in Huntsville and some in other towns in the area.
TreeTop Trekking Zipline Park: Ziplining through the tree tops of Muskoka is a family-friendly activity. Trekking for all levels. Ask about their night time adventure.
Midnight Madness: Midnight Madness in Huntsville is a summer tradition that has been going on for 40+ years. I remember going when I was a counselor at summer camp, taking the van in on our evening off. Think beer tents, DJs and summer shopping deals. A fun way to spend an extra late evening in town.
Bracebridge Farmers Market: Head over to Memorial Park on Main Street. Here, you can pick up fresh supplies from farmers and local suppliers every Saturday morning during the summer season. Bracebridge Farmers Market opens June 5th, 2025!
Stephens Butchershop: This is the definitive butcher shop in Muskoka. Picking up steaks, lamb or sausages for the BBQ at Stephens Butchershop in Port Carling has been something we’ve done for many summers. We take any chance we can to pop in and say hi.
Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail: Hiking the Huckleberry Rock Lookout trail provides stunning views of Muskoka during the day, but more importantly, at sunset. It’s approximately a 2.5 mile hiking trail that is maintained by the municipality, so you can be reassured that it's a pleasant hike. They claim it's the most iconic view in the area!
The Muskoka Drive-In: There is nothing more nostalgic of a summer-time experience in cottage country than catching a movie at the Muskoka Drive-in Theatre in Gravenhurst. They’ve got the place in tip top shape offering food, beverages and snacks.
Places to eat & drink in Muskoka
On the Docks Pub (Huntsville): Classic Pub Grub right in the heart of Huntsville. Great balcony seating to overlook the Muskoka River that rolls through town.
Tall Pines (Huntville): Long-time formal dining on a hilltop overlooking the Muskoka River on a qplaceuieter side of town. You'll need to wear a tie with your sandals.
3 Pines Bar & Grill (Port Sydney): Think refined pub grub that is family-friendly. Just up the road from Mary Lake Beach.
Trading Bay Dining Company (Dorset): Right in the center of town and you’ll more than likely see boats parking at the docks to reserve seating for the outdoor patio.
The Old Station House (Bracebridge): Great food and people-watching as it's right off Memorial Park.
El Pueblito (Bracebridge): Well-known Mexican food stop. You can miss it with the brightly colored exteriors. I've enjoyed lunch there a couple of times.
Lake of Bays Brewing Company (Baysville): I have stopped in many a time to refill the beer supplies. Friendly staff and generous tasting pours.
Crossroads (Rosseau): Farm to Table fine dining restaurant with a marvelous outdoor patio. Really neat place to have a meal and go for a stroll down to the lake afterwards. Run by the former chiefs at the Fairmount Royal York, Julie and Richard Lalonde took a Sunday drive up to Muskoka and never came back! Or so the story goes.
Cliffside (Gravenhurst): Dining with a large patio area that offers stunning views over one of the golf courses. It's got a great reputation and a solid live music roster in the summer. OpenTable's Diner's Choice for 2024.
Webbers (Highway 11): A rite of passage for anyone spending any time up in Muskoka. Classic burger, fries and milkshakes. The bridge across the highway is from the CN tower and you can enjoy your lunch in an old railwayundefinedcar.
Need to know
Lots of public beaches if you want to venture farther out of your accommodations.
If you are looking to BBQ your own steaks, look no further than my friends at Stephensons Butcher Shop in Port Carling. They have dock parking in case you swing by on your boat.
Pop in to wing night at the Port Carling Legion. They also do a fish-and-chip night.
David’s General Store in Port Sydney has many local tasty treats and supports local artisans. Georgian Bay Granola and the classic Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream.
Play a round of golf on Bigwin Island in the middle of Lake of Bays or play with the locals at North Granite.
Milford Bay Smoked Trout and Trout paté should be on your menu and can be found at several local stores.
Arrowhead Park has a variety of hiking trails for any level.
Explore the Dorset Tower.
Catch a show at the Kee to Bala or The Gravenhurst Opera House.
If steamships are your thing, check out the Muskoka Steamship and Discovery Centre.
If you’re planning to stay for a couple of weeks, why not consider looking into one of the many camps in the Muskoka area. Check out the Ontario Camp Association website.
Last but not least, if you are looking for a outdoor adventure, you have Algonquin Park just down the road. Lots of information on renting canoes and equipment.
Travel Advisor
Peter Davison
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