A Weekend in Muskoka - Travel Guide
Written by Carolyn Beckner
We’ve got your travel guide for the Muskokas - everything you need for an epic weekend away. Leave the planning to us!
Picture this - you’re driving North on the highway one Thursday evening, ready for a long weekend away from the city and your usual life. You look in the backseat and see your kids with their foreheads resting on the window, or maybe it’s friends you haven’t been able to get together with in far too long, or maybe it’s your partner you never get enough alone time with in the driver’s seat.
The highway goes from six lanes, to four, and then down to two. The southbound side is visible between rocky outcroppings and trees. The trees are getting taller, and fuller, and the forests are dense and deep.
And then you see it. The sign you’ve been waiting for -
“Muskoka. Once discovered, never forgotten.”
You’ve made it! A smile widens across your face and the last bit of tension releases from your shoulders as you navigate the rest of the way. You’re only here for the weekend, and you’re going to make the absolute most of it.
In this travel guide:
Where To Stay
Where To Eat
What To Do
Where To Stay:
Each town in the Muskokas has something significant to offer, and each has a different vibe.
Keep your search for places within these main areas:
Gravenhurst
Bracebridge
Muskoka Lakes
Huntsville
Lake of Bays
Muskoka has hotels, resorts, AirBnBs and even camping options. You can also browse this website for all kinds of ideas to suit your needs: https://www.discovermuskoka.ca/places-to-stay/
Once you know where your home base is…
It’s Time to Eat!
Staying in Gravenhurst? Visit:
Sawdust City Brewing Company
The Old Mill Family Restaurant
The Frosty Pint Pub
Thong Thai Cuisine
Shelby’s Chip Wagon
I’m drooling just thinking about it!
Maybe you went with Bracebridge?
Don’t sleep on:
The Homestyle Cafe for breakfast
The Old Station Restaurant
The Griffin Pub
El Publito
Cousins restaurants
Is your home base in Huntsville?
Fox in the Henhouse
Canvas Brewing
Allora
Portuguese House
Tall Trees
Muskoka Lakes:
Jack & Stella in Bala
Pie Wood Fired Pizza Joint
Gato Gato in Port Carling
Crossroads in Rosseau (which isn’t technically in Muskoka, but it’s still worth putting on the list!)
Lake of Bays:
Cast Iron Restaurant in Baysville
Webster’s Beacon
Erika’s
Henrietta’s Pine Bakery in Dwight
What To Do:
Whether you’re into action sports or more of a casual hike to a scenic waterfall, being outside in Muskoka is essential to any weekend away.
Hiking
Hiking is easy to find and there are all kinds of trails for whatever skill level you’re at:
Huckleberry Lookout
Hardy Lake
Anything in Algonquin Park
There are waterfalls to check out on many of the trails, but I’d start with High Falls, the Fish Hatchery Falls or Ragged Falls trails.
Golfing
Golf is everywhere. World renowned courses with perfect greens are calling you for an early morning tee time. You have many options, but a few of my favourites are:
Rocky Crest
Taboo
Deerhurst
Muskoka Highlands
Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country
Trails and Wagon Rides
Back of Beyond Equine Center is never a bad idea for trail and wagon rides.
Beaches
The beaches are sandy and inviting and fun for all ages. Check out Gull Lake Rotary Park in Gravenhurst, Kirby’s Beach in Bracebridge, Hanna Park In Port Carling, Hutcheson Beach in Huntsville or Port Sydney Beach in (you guessed it) Port Sydney.
For The Adrenaline-Junkies
More of an adrenalin junkie? Check our Muskoka Wake, Bush’s Watersports Park and What Wake Park for fun on the water. Check out Treetop Trekking or Muskoka Zip Lines and Aerial Park, or the Dorset Tower for heights loving adventure. Mountain biking is well loved in Muskoka too, with groomed and maintained trails in every region.
Check in at Liv Outside or Algonquin Outfitters for all kinds of rental options. Canoes, kayaks, paddle boards - your day on the water awaits!
If it decides to rain on your weekend…
Go Climbing
Climb Muskoka in Bracebridge is an indoor climbing gym that’s ready for every climber, or any skill level. Their unique community atmosphere will keep you coming back again and again.
Zig Zag Escape Rooms and Stargazers arcade by Deerhurst are also great options!
Candle-Making
Rich Hill Candles in Bracebridge has walk-in candle making that (from personal experience) is a big hit with pre-teens - a very hard to please group. All ages will enjoy spending some time there.
Browse Main Street
Every main street is worth its own afternoon stroll and window shop, but these are the must-sees you won’t find in any other region.
Maple Orchard Farms - Bracebridge
The Annex - Bracebridge
The Emporium - Port Carling
The Nutty Chocolatier - Huntsville
Muskoka Jewellery Design - Huntsville
Christmas Tyme - Huntsville
Robinson’s General Store - Lake of Bays
Dwight Trading Post - Dwight
Rustix Design - Gravenhurst
The Shipyards - Gravenhurst
Entertainment
Whether you love art galleries, museums, theatre productions, or live music, there is something here for you. Some options even combine them, and put them on a boat cruise!
The Kee to Bala, Huntsville Festival of the Arts, Tall Pines Music and Arts Festival - there is always something happening here. There are pubs with live music, and parks with music nights.
Boat cruises are plentiful, from the Muskoka Steamships in Gravenhurst to the 30, 000 Island Cruise Line in Georgian Bay. The S.S. Bigwin in Lake of Bays and the Sunset Cruises of Port Carling. Spend a day or an evening on the water and experience the incredible views of the region.
For the kids - Santa’s Village is always available for a fun time. Don’t skip their newest ride - The Yeti for a super fast thrill. Or check out the bathtub derby in Huntsville!
For the adults, check out the local wineries in Muskoka Lakes or the Muskoka Beer Spa. Breweries are in each of the towns and they all feature live music, good food, and great drinks.
Whether you’re headed to Muskoka for a sunny weekend, or a snow covered one, it will be well spent in the forests and trails of the region. Any time spent in the fresh air, away from the noise and chaos of regular life is worth working into your busy plans.
Muskoka is a truly destination to experience… and never forget.