Top places to visit in Muskoka

With an abundance of lakes and dense forest, the Muskoka region is a year-round cottage destination! It sits between Georgian Bay on the west end and Algonquin Park on the east offering a plethora of activities for all seasons like fishing, canoeing, camping, hiking, skiing, and for the less adventurous ones like me, scenic driving routes, farms, charming towns, parks, beaches and cruises to name some. I have made several trips to Muskoka, and there are picturesque nooks and corners I have not explored yet. Till now my top favourites in Muskoka are:

Bala was bustling with tourists as we were visiting during their very popular Cranberry Festival in the fall. We went to Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh and had a bash! We did the Cranberry Plunge to our hearts delight, took the helicopter ride to enjoy the breathtaking colours of fall in Bala and walked around the beautiful farm and the trails.

Their shop carries a variety of local food, delicious maple syrup, wine and cheese. For the wine lovers there is wine tasting available too! Bala Falls is a small but pretty place to check out and relax. Explore the boutiques in downtown Bala and enjoy treats from the local coffee shops to immerse in the local flavour. If you are into ‘Anne of Green Gable’ famous Canadian author Lucy Maud Montegomry, then a visit to the Bala museum would be worth it as they boast a rich collection related to the author and her work. Bala was a much loved destination of the author and was a source that inspired her in her literary work.

Gravenhurst is my most visited spot in Muskoka, my favourite being the Wharf in all weather! Love strolling on the boardwalk along the lake after enjoying tea at the Blue Willow Tea Shop. Do drop by at The Shipyards at the Wharf to see if any of the beautiful, unique arts and crafts, clothes and souvenirs that reflect the lifestyle of the place catches your eye! The Muskoka steamships dock by the Wharf. They have several cruises throughout summer and fall, the latter being my fav! Their Discovery Centre is a nice heritage place to visit, especially with kids interested in steamships, wooden boats and the history of this place.

Love staying in town, and exploring the several beaches and shops in Gravenhurst. The Gull Lake Rotary Park is walking distance from downtown and a nice quiet area to relax with a cup of coffee or picnic. There are nice stores for cottage needs, comfy clothing and souvenirs in town. Checkout the Gypsy Market Mews as well (pls check their business hours beforehand). Half an hour from Muskoka is Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Reserve, the world's first dark sky reserve to watch the wondrous night sky! It was a thrill for me to stand on the several billion years old rocks in this area!

Bracebridge is a 20 minutes drive from Gravenhurst awaiting with all its small town charms. We usually drive straight to town and park the car by Bracebridge Falls to enjoy the beauty of the place!

We love walking in and around downtown mainly on Manitoba street and Ontario street that have an assortment of interesting stores. There are several restaurants with great reviews. I really liked the food and ambiance of The Old Station Restaurant. Love taking in the beautiful view of lake Muskoka at Kirby’s beach. Santa’s Village is a family fun place. This theme based amusement park is a popular attraction for families.

Huntsville is the most populated of the big towns of Muskoka. Among the Muskoka downtowns I feel Huntsville is the most vibrant one with really nice boutique stores to check out and an assorted bunch of restaurants to please the palate. It is located by the Muskoka river making the place so serene and beautiful! I have enjoyed downtown Hunstville’s hospitality by exploring the area for the Group of Seven artists mural replicas, eating local, checking out the stores for unique items, chilling by the river on a bench or on the dock, with a book, with friends and family. Driving up to Lions Lookout and pausing to take in the view just soothes the mind. I have yet to do the Hunters Bay Trail in Huntsville that has caught my interest because of its almost 5km trail having floating sections! Another one is to visit Muskoka Heritage Place to take the Portage Flyer Train in fall and before Christmas!

In the Lake of Bays township, I have been to Baysville, Dorset, and Dwight, doing a loop and taking in the beauty of the places and nature. These are one of the oldest, smallest and prettiest communities in this part of Muskoka! We got coffee and cookies from Miss Nelle’s Antiques and Cafe, and walked to the park by the river and the dam, checked out Yummies in a Jar, and John Murden Art Gallery. Driving ahead to lovely Dorset we relished walking around and over the bridge and checking out Robinson’s General Store before heading to Dorset lookout tower. From there we drove to Dwight beach and relaxed under the covered part of the dock taking in the magnificent view.

Whether I’ve been there, done that or whether it's a new experience, I keep visiting magnificent Muskoka as it never ceases to please! The websites I found helpful while exploring Muskoka discovermuskoka.ca