There are a couple of things Muskoka locals will tell you. One: it’s not called “the Muskokas,” and two: that it isn’t just one place. It’s actually a beautiful collection of towns and lakes that comprise most of Ontario’s notorious cottage country. It’s one of the most sought-after locations for cottage-ing, golfing, fine dining, and overall the best summer destinations Canada has for you.
Muskoka, Ontario’s picturesque cottage country, is made up of lakes, rivers, and forests. It’s undoubtedly one of Canada’s top summer vacation spots and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers a wide variety of parks, beautiful lakeside beaches, and waterfalls to climb as a reward for a beautiful hike. You can even travel to a few of the most magnificent falls by canoe or kayak.
At a treetop park in Muskoka, clamber through the forest canopy, or fly down woodland paths on a mountain bike. Boat excursions in Honey Harbour in Georgian Bay, passing impressive rocks and dozens of islands covered in pine forests, are milder but no fewer thrilling activities. You can go to the skies and view the bay from a completely different perspective by aircraft for an amazing experience.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to check out the country’s finest best summer destinations, check out our list of reasons why it should be your number one travel goal this summer.
You’ll Dine and Drink In Style
When you think of cottage country in the wilderness, drinking and eating at fine dining establishments may not be the first activity that comes to mind. But you’ll find incredible microbreweries and wineries all over the region, and many offer guided tours.
You might want to double-check before booking anything, as there may be social distancing rules to follow. If permitted, you could enjoy an afternoon sipping some of the tastiest beers and wines Canada has to offer, all while taking in the beautiful, natural scenery of the region with beautiful sandy beaches.
And don’t forget about the fine dining part. Explore the area’s exquisite restaurants, such as The Artisan House in Huntsville. It’s a family-owned restaurant that continually gets 5-star reviews from patrons.
With its excellent chefs, inventive cuisine, stunning lakeside views, and dedication to using only local, fresh ingredients, Muskoka have established a reputation as a culinary hotspot. Choose one of these six outstanding dining experiences to enjoy dining in cottage country. Severn Lodge, one of Muskoka’s historic lodges, offers superb country dining.
Take a trip to the SS Bigwin and Port Cunnington Lodge for a meal and cruise on the Lake of Bays. Take a boat journey to Bartlett Lodge in Algonquin Park for an amazing dinner. On the banks of Lake Joseph, enjoy farm-fresh cuisine at Rocky Crest Golf Resort with pleasant weather.
Dine at Sherwood Inn to enjoy outstanding cuisine in a chic seaside setting. Enjoy a 5-course, fine-dining experience of the highest calibre at Couples Resort.
Escape From It All in a Home Away From Home
Muskoka is located 200 km north of Toronto and around ten hours’ journey from New York. Even better, you can ride an Ontario Northland bus to one of the designated Muskoka stations from any of the numerous Go Train stops in the Greater Toronto Area.
You’ll always be close to one of the region’s liveliest and most attractive towns if you own a cottage in Muskoka. You’ll never run out of food, and you won’t find the rain to be dull. You can hop in the car, drive a short distance into town, go food shopping, and visit one of Muskoka’s several historical and cultural museums and Unesco world heritage sites.
You may have owned or rented a cottage before in another part of the country. But nothing can compete with the beauty of having a home away from home in Muskoka. There are over 1600 lakes, thousands of acres of luscious, green forests, and so many interesting towns to visit in the region. It’s one of the hottest real estate areas in North America for cottages because not only is the area gorgeous and full of natural wonders, but the cottages are also stunning — built with incredible craftsmanship and design.
You won’t find better construction, architecture, or aesthetic quality anywhere else. If you’re in the market for a modern summer retreat, keep your eyes out for Muskoka Real Estate listings. Now’s the time to look because summer is just around the corner!
Immerse Yourself in Nature
If you live in a city or densely-populated area, you’ll know that sometimes it’s necessary to escape from the chaos. Did you know that spending time in nature can drastically reduce stress and anxiety? Activities such as hiking in the woods or swimming in the lake have been proven to reduce stress hormones as they can clear your mind and help you focus on the present moment.
Muskoka offers countless hiking trails and meditative spots to sit and reflect. Are you someone who relaxes better on the golf course? Well, lucky for you, there are several gorgeous greens in the area to do precisely that.
Everyone acknowledges how breathtakingly gorgeous this region of the world is. There are more than 1,600 lakes, over 250 different species of birds, 50 different types of animals, and a stunning landscape with imposing rock formations. Since the region is in the southern Canadian Shield, expect to see rivers and lakes with glaciers that retreated thousands of years ago carved out of the shield.
Additionally, they adore more than only the stunning rocky terrain. It is the serenity and tranquillity that come with living by a lake. You awaken each morning to the beautiful sounds of birds and the lazily lapping of waves against the beautiful pristine beaches of the lake. Even a family of deer might cross in front of your window. For nature lovers, it is one of the great summer holiday destinations around the globe.
Summer Recreational You Cannot Miss
Muskoka is well known for its breathtaking beauty, clean lakes, and breathtaking sunsets, but it is so much more than simply a picturesque location. If you’re on vacation in Muskoka, you must try these experiences, which range from live entertainment to family attractions to outdoor excursions, gastronomic pleasures to live entertainment.
It is one of the best summer holiday destinations. Algonquin Park is a national park that is recommended to be visited during the summer season. Among the outdoor activities one can engage in are:
1. Paddling
Muskoka is well known for its stunning lakes, rivers, and canals. Try one of these five paddling adventures to see our finest side. Go SUPing on the Muskoka River with Liv Outside, a favored local outfit. Algonquin Outfitters Oxtongue Lake is a great place to paddle to one of Ontario’s most impressive waterfalls.
Algonquin Adventure Tours offers guided tours that let you get close to nature in Algonquin Park. A moose might even be visible! In the renowned Algonquin Park, enjoy paddling at The Portage Store. After your paddle, don’t forget to eat at the renowned Portage Store Restaurant. Now that’s a REEL adventure—kayak fishing! You’ll catch a huge one while on a Liv Outside guided fishing expedition.
2. Travel by Boat
This is the simplest, most enjoyable way to take in the breathtaking surroundings of Muskoka. Take one of these four boat cruise excursions around the lake. The Lady Muskoka offers the best Muskoka cruise experience. With Sunset Cruises, take a more pleasurable and private Muskoka cruise.
Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre offers family-friendly cruises that are genuine, exquisite, and classy. The 30,000 Island Cruise is the signature excursion of the famed Georgian Bay. Take your tour of Georgian Bay off the main road by boarding the 40-passenger Islander yacht. After that, reserve a boat or a coastal for a whale-watching tour.
3. Muskoka Live
Top acts perform year after year in Muskoka, which is a hotspot for live entertainment. At one of these four fantastic locations, take in live theatre or a rocking concert. The Gravenhurst Opera House, where summer theatre in Canada was first performed live. A small-scale and very distinctive Muskoka music venue is Peter’s Players.
The 27th season of the Huntsville Festival of the Arts is being presented. The Kee to Bala has been a staple of summertime concerts since 1942.
4. Adult Recreation
Sometimes, hanging out with and doing grown-up stuff can be enjoyable. Try these three “more mature” activities. Visit Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery and on the acclaimed Bog to Bottle Tour. Get treated! At the opulent Spa Rosseau, luxury and relaxation are guaranteed. On August 16, 17, and 18, go to the Dockside Arts Festival in Gravenhurst. This July 17, the Baysville Walkabout is a fantastic arts and crafts occasion.
5. Games and activities outside for the entire family.
Muskoka is enjoyable and outdoorsy. You’re going to enjoy these three exciting adventures if you’re outdoorsy and have fun. To zip, swing, glide, have hot air balloon rides, rocky mountain national park, and walk under the Muskoka Forest canopy, reserve a treetop trekking adventure.
Visit Algonquin Outfitters’ Lake of Two Rivers and ride the Old Railway Bike Trail in Algonquin Park. Georgian Bay Airways will take you above Georgian Bay to give you a brand-new perspective on the area. Growing up in Muskoka can have a profound impact on your life.
These four family-friendly attraction experiences will make your child’s summers full of wonder and delight. Fun for the whole family at Muskoka Steamships and Discovery Centre’s KidZone. At Santa’s Village, create lifelong family memories.
At Muskoka Heritage Place, take a trip down memory lane. Catch the SWS waterski shows four nights a week all throughout Muskoka. Both honeymooning couples and those looking for adventure can consider visiting Cappadocia. Turkey has a fascinating history, a rich culture, and delicious foreign foods.
The Hot Air Balloon Ride is one of the most well-liked activities that draws thousands of people.
Make this upcoming summer memorable and explore all that Muskoka has to offer. By September, you’ll feel rested, refreshed and excited to come back next year!
