Muskoka Travel Guide: Canada Undiscovered

Muskoka is an attractive year-round holiday destination known for its shimmering lakes, charming waterfront cottages, and outdoor activities. Often dubbed “The Hamptons of the North,” Muskoka is a luxury lakeside retreat where natural beauty and laid-back charm blend seamlessly with an outdoor lifestyle.

As such, Muskoka is the perfect destination for families, couples, honeymooners, and adventurers. A visit can easily be paired with a trip to Toronto and Algonquin Park as part of a wider Canada holiday.

Here at Canadian Affair, we are the Canada travel experts, so get in touch today to start planning your trip. Read this in-depth guide to learn more.

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Where is Muskoka?

Muskoka is located in central Ontario, approximately 2.5 hours north of Toronto by car. This picturesque escape is in the heart of Ontario’s cottage country, surrounded by more than 1,500 lakes. Nearby towns include Huntsville, Gravenhurst, and Bracebridge. Muskoka is just over an hour away from Algonquin Provincial Park, making it a perfect stop on a multi-stop Canada holiday.

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What is the weather like in Muskoka?

Muskoka has an attractive four-season climate, featuring hot summers and snowy winters:

• Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm and sunny (20–28°C), perfect for lakeside holidays and outdoor adventures.
• Autumn (Sep–Nov): Crisp and colourful (5-19°C); renowned for spectacular fall foliage.
• Winter (Dec–Mar): Cold and snowy (between -9°C and 2°C); suitable for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and cosy cabin retreats.
• Spring (Apr–May): Mild (10-18°C) with blooming wildflowers and fewer crowds.

The peak tourist season for Muskoka is in summer, but it is a popular destination all year round, depending on the type of experience you are seeking. The warm temperatures and plentiful sunshine make Muskoka ideal for summer lake activities like swimming, canoeing, and water skiing.

Autumn is increasingly popular, however, due to the beauty of its woodland foliage and fewer crowds. The cold, snowy winters of Muskoka mean that visiting in winter is the perfect time for enjoying winter activities, such as snowmobiling and skating on frozen lakes.

What is Muskoka known for?

Muskoka is known for its many picturesque lakes and waterfront cottages, making it a favourite escape of celebrities including Kate Hudson, the Beckhams, and Steven Spielberg. Muskoka, above all, is renowned for its many outdoor activities, especially on the water or lakeside. All of which contributes to its considerable summer-time appeal.

Key facts about Muskoka

• Muskoka is home to over 1,500 lakes.
• Muskoka spans 2,500 square miles – about the size of a small European country.
• Muskoka’s pretty cottages are popular with the world’s rich and famous.
• Muskoka is located on the Canadian Shield, rich in granite outcrops and evergreen forests.
• Muskoka is famous for the Muskoka chair—a symbol of Ontario’s cottage culture.

• Swim, kayak or paddleboard on Lake Muskoka
• Explore Algonquin Provincial Park
  
• Ride a historic Muskoka steamship
• Hike the Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail
• Enjoy a winery tour
• Wander the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst
• Visit a maple farm
• Go stargazing in Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve

There are many things to see and do during a Muskoka holiday. First and foremost are Muskoka’s lakes and the wide range of water activities available. The best lakes in Muskoka include Lake Muskoka, Lake Joseph, Lake of Bays, and Lake Vernon.

If you're looking for something less energetic to do in Muskoka, consider taking a scenic ride on one of Muskoka’s historic steamships. Or perhaps take your chance to experience a real maple farm. The choice is yours, and plenty of options are available in Muskoka.

Are there any good places to eat in Muskoka?

Muskoka offers a variety of fantastic restaurants, each serving a delicious meal. From fine dining to dockside restaurants serving casual cuisine, there are plenty of options. Some of the best restaurants in Muskoka include:

• The Oar: This restaurant in Gravenhurst specialises in refined tavern fare.
• The Smokin Birds: A much-loved BBQ joint, celebrated for its smoked brisket.
• Sherwood Inn: One of Muskoka’s premier dining destinations, situated on Lake Joseph.
• Dock of the Bay: Savour the finest steaks and enjoy a waterside patio with stunning views.

Can I stay in Muskoka?

You can stay in Muskoka during your time in Canada at one of the many hotels in the region. For example, Huntsville is home to some of the best places to stay in Muskoka, with the town being a popular location for enjoying the best of the area.

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Another option is to make Muskoka part of a wider exploration of Ontario, staying in nearby Toronto before travelling to this lakeside resort. Get in touch, and we can offer you tailored hotel recommendations.

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