Looking for your next secret escape? Then look no further than the idyllic region of Muskoka in Ontario, Canada. Located a scenic 2 hours north of Toronto, Muskoka spans 2,500 square miles and is a popular year-round destination for families, outdoor lovers and A-listers alike. Here are our top 4 reasons for visiting Muskoka this year.
The Great Outdoors
Visually stunning in every season, Muskoka is a place that must be explored. Renowned for its picturesque lakes, from Lake Muskoka to Lake Roseau, the region offers a number of activities perfect for a break from the city. In the summer months there is an amazing array of water sports available – you can take part in swimming, sailing or even water skiing!
For those who prefer their sports inland, Muskoka is home to a number of exceptional, world-class golf courses including Deerhurst Resort and Muskoka Highlands Golf Links. Muskoka is also the location of one of Canada’s oldest provincial parks, Algonquin, which you can explore on bike, canoe or by foot. In autumn, you can take in the golden and auburn leaves that the park is famous for.
From late November to mid-March snow begins to fall and Muskoka transforms into a winter wonderland. With this powder coating comes the chance to try out a set of new activities! Sled riding with huskies, skiing, fast snowmobile rides and snowshoeing are all opportunities that are not to be missed. If this wasn’t magical enough, Arrowhead Provincial Park Ice Skating Trail is a must-do, especially when the trail is illuminated by hundreds of Tiki torches guiding your way.
Hollywood A-listers
Unsurprisingly, Muskoka is an extremely popular destination among Hollywood A-listers. From the likes of Steven Spielberg to Cindy Crawford, it attracts celebrities from around the globe. The area is sprinkled with luxurious holiday homes and one of the best ways to see these stunning estates is by taking a cruise of Millionaire’s Row aboard The Wenoach II or R.M.S. Segwun. You may even be lucky enough to spy some of these celebrities in A-list hotspots such as The Water’s Edge Wine Bar and Grill or the Grand Electric Muskoka in Port Carling. Whether or not you manage to brush shoulders with the rich and famous, you can be sure that the Hollywood gold dust has rubbed off on this glamorous region.
Food for the soul
If you want to take some time to relax then why not try out one of the many luxury spas situated in breath-taking surroundings? These spas are perfect to switch off and unwind in, and will leave you feeling completely rejuvenated. Shizen Spa at the Deerhurst Resort and Spa Rosseau at JW Marriot are just two of the stunning spas located in Muskoka. If this sounds good why not pick one of their signature massages and drift off into a deep sleep? Or if you would prefer to be outdoors, you could stroll along one of the many beautiful beaches. With no fewer than 30 public beaches to relax on, including Sunset Park and Franklin Park, there is no end to the incredible variety of ways to soothe your soul that Muskoka has to offer.
Storybook towns and villages
To round off your trip you should include an exploration of the many picturesque towns and villages in Muskoka. If films are your forte then a visit to Gravenhurst should be top of your list as the location of the Muskoka Independent Film Festival every October. If you are a beer fan a trip to Bracebridge would be ideal as it is home to Muskoka Brewery, which coincidentally is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The brewery runs complimentary tours on Fridays and Saturdays and even offers a number of refreshing beers to sample. There are many more hidden gems that are worth taking a look at – but you’ll have to visit to find out!
Bursting with adventure, beauty and culture, Muskoka is a must-see destination for travellers of all ages, and its vibrant calendar of events makes it the perfect location no matter the season.