Fall colour road trip in Muskoka and Algonquin Park
Algonquin Park and the Muskoka region in Canada are renowned for their breathtaking natural beauty, particularly in the fall season when the leaves change, creating a kaleidoscope of colours.
Killarney Lodge, Algonquin Provincial Park
Stop 1: Gravenhurst
Approximate distance and travel time from Toronto: 110 miles (180 kilometres), 2.5 hours
The gateway city to Muskoka, Gravenhurst is home to cozy craft breweries and a lively wharf, which serves as the departure point for scenic steamship cruises on Lake Muskoka.
Attractions
Muskoka Discovery Centre
Tour a variety of historical exhibits featuring steamships, boats and other water-based forms of transportation. The Muskoka Story exhibit delves into the 10,000-year-old Indigenous presence in Muskoka and the region's last 250 years of development.
Location: 275 Steamship Bay Road, Gravenhurst
Muskoka Steamships Cruise
Board the Wenonah II or the R.M.S. Segwun, the only original coal-powered steamship in North America, for a lunch or dinner cruise on Muskoka’s famed lakes.
Location: 275 Steamship Bay Road, Gravenhurst
Peninsula Trail
Admire breathtaking views of Lake Muskoka framed by fall foliage. Just under one kilometre (0.6 miles), take your time to enjoy the views.
Location: 285 Steamship Bay Road, Gravenhurst
Food and drink
Blue Willow Tea Shop
Sample seasonal tea flavours like pumpkin or cranberry and treat yourself to delicious homemade pastries or a full high tea experience.
Location: 900 Bay Street, Gravenhurst
Dock of the Bay
A popular spot for great steak, seafood and pasta with a stunning view over Lake Muskoka from the outdoor patio.
Location: 1110 Bay Street, Gravenhurst
Accommodations
Residence Inn Gravenhurst Muskoka Wharf
Enjoy comfort and convenience at this waterfront hotel near the Muskoka Discovery Centre and other downtown attractions.
Location: 285 Steamship Bay Road, Gravenhurst
Muskoka Bay Resort
The forest bathed in fall colour is the picturesque backdrop for incredible golf, dining and resort recreation and one of Muskoka’s finest properties.
Stop 2: Bracebridge
Approximate distance and travel time from Gravenhurst: 12 miles (20 kilometres), 15 minutes
Visit shops and boutiques, enjoy a local brew and soak in nature in Bracebridge, the “waterfalls capital of Muskoka.”
Attractions
Waterfalls tours
Explore the cascades and waterfalls in and around Bracebridge, starting with High Falls, Wilson’s Falls and Bracebridge Falls, all within five minutes of downtown.
Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail
There’s no better way to admire the fall colours than hiking along trails with panoramic landscape views.
Location: 1057 Milford Bay Road, Bracebridge
Food and drink
The Old Station Restaurant
The handhelds, burgers and pub fare at this local fixture are as exceptional as the service.
Location: 88 Manitoba Street, Bracebridge
Muskoka Brewery
Sample unique and refreshing handcrafted beers on the large outdoor patio with fire pits.
Location: 1964 Muskoka Beach Road, Bracebridge
Accommodations
Inn at the Falls
A boutique property that blends historic elements with modern hospitality on the banks of the scenic Muskoka River.
Location: 8 Mahaffy Court, Bracebridge
Touchstone Resort
From private sandy beaches overlooking the boat docks to soaring cliff tops with incredible views of Lake Muskoka, the natural landscapes surrounding this resort are captivating.
Stop 3: Huntsville
Approximate distance and travel time from Bracebridge: 25 miles (40 kilometres), 30 minutes
The closest city to Algonquin Park, Huntsville, is surrounded by pristine lakes and mixed forests. Explore historic downtown shops, boutiques, art galleries and restaurants.
Attractions
Muskoka Heritage Place
Journey through time and learn about the history of the area in the museum, tour a recreated settler village and ride the rails aboard the Portage Flyer train, once the world’s shortest narrow-gauge commercial railway. The village and train operate from May to October 11, 2025.
Location: 88 Brunel Road, Huntsville
Lions Lookout Trail
Find awe-inspiring views of Fairy Lake and the city of Huntsville from the Lions Lookout Trail, which is accessible via a short, uphill hike.
Location: Lookout Road, Huntsville
Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve
Follow well-maintained hiking trails through the forest and along picturesque lakes for free at this private reserve.
Location: South Limberlost Road, Huntsville
Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery
Take a self-guided tour of 90 murals in Huntsville and the surrounding region honouring the art of Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven.
Dorset Scenic Tower
Built in 1922 as a lookout for potential forest fires, this historic structure is a tourist attraction offering an awesome 360-degree view 142 metres (465 feet) above Lake of Bays in the gorgeous Haliburton Highlands area. It is about a 30-minute drive east of Huntsville in Algonquin Highlands. The operating season runs from May through October. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and parking fees apply.
Location: 1191 Dorset Scenic Tower Road, Dorset
Food and drink
Henrietta’s Pine Bakery
Styled after traditional European bakeries, Henrietta’s is so popular that customers line up for their delicious baked goods and desserts, including sticky buns, tarts and cakes.
Location: 92 King William Street, Huntsville
Tall Trees Muskoka
Upscale restaurant in a renovated heritage home featuring a seasonal, three-course menu, signature desserts and seasonally inspired cocktails. For something different, dine “alfresco” in one of the heated gazebos and watch for deer.
Location: 87 Main Street West, Huntsville
Canvas Brewing
Sample craft ales and lagers, such as German-inspired or smooth Ember ale with hints of toffee and caramel on the patio or in the taproom. Catch live music on select weekends.
Location: 12 John Street, Huntsville
That Little Place by the Lights
Rustic, home-cooked Italian dishes like pasta, gnocchi, pizza and lasagna, plus a secret bar menu, make this intimate eatery and seasonal patio a spot you’ll want to visit again.
Location: 76 Main Street East, Huntsville
Accommodations
Deerhurst Resort
Deerhurst is located just minutes from downtown Huntsville, overlooking Peninsula Lake. It offers a range of suites and chalets, an abundance of on-site activities, including paddling, hiking, and cycling, as well as dining options and a full schedule of entertainment. The resort also features two classic golf courses: Deerhurst Highlands and Deerhurst Lakeside.
Location: 1235 Deerhurst Drive, Huntsville
Stop 4: Algonquin Provincial Park
Approximate distance and travel time from Huntsville: 25 miles (40 kilometres), 30 minutes
Heading east on Highway 60 from Huntsville, Algonquin Provincial Park is one of Canada’s most well-known wilderness destinations, with a vast network of hiking trails and canoe routes. Unlike most parks in Ontario, private resort accommodations are available in the park in addition to camping, for a more luxurious stay.
Activities
Algonquin Outfitters
Choose from various guided and self-guided paddling day trips that vary in length and ease. After your excursion, dine at the Portage Grill at Canoe Lake or Lake of Two Rivers Café & Grill. Guided tours depart from Canoe Lake, Lake Opeongo and Oxtongue Lake locations.
Algonquin Adventure Tours
From fishing, bicycling and canoeing trips to birding and fall colour tours, experience the best of Algonquin Park on a fully guided day trip.
Location: 1023 Cooper Lake Road, Dwight
Algonquin Park Visitor Centre
The Visitor Centre features exhibits on natural and human history, a well-stocked bookstore and a large viewing deck overlooking the vast Algonquin landscape.
Location: Highway 60, Algonquin Park
Algonquin Logging Museum
Learn about the history of logging from the early timber days to present-day forestry management.
Location: Kilometre 54.5 of Highway 60, Algonquin Park, Whitney
Accommodations
Arowhon Pines
Book an all-inclusive, secluded getaway in rustic lakeside log cabins in the forest.
Operates seasonally, June 7 to October 13, 2025.
Location: Arowhon Road - Lease 1295, Algonquin Park
Killarney Lodge
Relax in your cozy cabin with a lakefront porch and soak in the serene ambiance of the surrounding forest and sparkling waters.
Operates seasonally, May 9 to October 18, 2025.
Location: ON-60, Algonquin Park
Bartlett Lodge
Stay in one of the “backwoods luxury” cabins or cottages and enjoy nature at your doorstep and fine dining in the most historic dining room in Algonquin Park.
Operates seasonally, May 9 to October 26, 2025.
Location: Highway 60, KM 23, 7, Algonquin Park
Stop 5: Parry Sound, Georgian Bay
Approximate distance and travel time from Huntsville: 45 miles (75 kilometres), 1 hour
Travel west from Huntsville to Parry Sound on the Georgian Bay coast. Northbound on Highway 11 and westbound on Highway 518 is a beautiful route in the fall.
Parry Sound is home to a thriving arts scene and the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame, a museum honouring a hometown hockey hero. It’s also surrounded by nature, provincial parks and the 30,000 Islands, the world’s largest freshwater archipelago.
Attractions and activities
Screaming Heads
Take a unique detour on your way to Parry Sound. An open-air installation like no other, explore self-guided trails across expansive farm fields to colossal stone structures of heads and hands rising from the earth.
Location: 981 Midlothian Road, Burk's Falls
Lake Country Airways
Once in Parry Sound, embark on a sightseeing float plane tour over Georgian Bay’s rugged coastline and 30,000 islands, the world's largest freshwater archipelago.
Location: 11A Bay Street, Parry Sound
Tower Hill Lookout and Heritage Garden
Climb the 30-metre-high observation tower for full views of the harbour, Georgian Bay and the famous Canadian Pacific Railway trestle bridge. Explore the heritage garden and visit the on-site museum.
Location: 52 Seguin Street, Parry Sound
Island Queen Cruise
Explore the 30,000 Islands aboard the Island Queen, a modern sightseeing cruise ship with large viewing windows, observation decks and a snack bar.
Location: 9 Bay Street, Parry Sound
Food and drink
Trestle Brewery Company
Enjoy great beer, elevated pub fare and a friendly atmosphere at this independently owned craft brewery on Georgian Bay.
Location: 9 Great North Road, Parry Sound
Tailwinds Bar and Grill
Located at the Parry Sound harbourfront, enjoy classic sandwiches, burgers, tacos or poutine with an epic view.
Location: 11 Bay Street, Parry Sound
Accommodations
Bayside Inn
Within walking distance of the harbourfront and main streets, Bayside Inn is a comfortable and convenient downtown accommodation option.
Location: 10 Gibson Street, Parry Sound
Rocky Crest Resort
With luxury suites and cabins, championship golf courses, casual to fine dining and endless outdoor activities, this stunning property perched on the Canadian Shield is the quintessential Ontario resort experience.
Location: 20 Barnwood Drive, MacTier, Seguin
Stop 6: Muskoka Lakes
Approximate distance and travel time from Huntsville: 45 miles (75 kilometres), 1 hour
From Parry Sound, make your way south to the township of Muskoka Lakes.
This region is home to the “big three”: Lake Muskoka, Lake Rosseau and Lake Joseph, anchored by charming communities including Minett, Rosseau, Bala, Port Carling and Windermere. Meandering country roads lead to artisan shops, whimsical eateries and autumn events.
Attractions
Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery
Stop in at one of Ontario’s only operating cranberry marshes for tours, tasting and trails. Sample wine, cider and spritzers, as well as other cranberry products. And follow the cranberries on the Bog to Bottle Discovery Tour.
Location: 1074 Cranberry Road, Bala
Bala Cranberry Festival
Don’t miss the popular Bala Cranberry Festival in mid-October or all the tasty stops along the Muskoka Cranberry Route.
Location: 3130 Muskoka District Road 169, Bala
Torrance Barrens Conservation Reserve
Become a night owl and enjoy unobstructed views of the night sky at this designated dark-sky preserve. You may also hear real owls!
Location: Southwood Road, Gravenhurst
Hardy Lake Provincial Park
Well-maintained scenic trails and boardwalks make this park the perfect spot for an afternoon hike.
Location: Highway 169, Torrance
Food and drink
Cacao Boys
Visit Bala’s artisanal chocolatiers for a tantalizing selection of bonbons, confections and dipped snacks. A must for chocolate lovers.
Location: 1004 Elm Street, Bala
Lakeside Restaurant Bala
Great food, a cottage-inspired atmosphere and gorgeous waterfront views of Bala Bay Lake Muskoka.
Location: 3068 Muskoka District Road 169, Bala
Crossroads Restaurant
With a food philosophy of pure, simple and delicious, the upscale, locally sourced menu and relaxed, rustic ambiance are the perfect combination for a memorable dining experience.
Location: 2 Cardwell Road, Rosseau
Accommodations
Windermere House
An iconic Victorian landmark, guests can choose between luxurious resort accommodations or a private, four-bedroom historic cottage.
Location: 2508 Windermere Road, Windermere
JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa
Sweeping views of Lake Rosseau, award-winning on-site restaurants and plenty of entertaining outdoor activities make this the perfect home base.
Location: 1050 Paignton House Road, Minett
Muskoka Beer Spa
Located across the street from Clear Lake Brewing, Muskoka Beer Spa offers a refreshingly fun twist to the traditional spa experience. It features cozy cabins, hot tubs, a pool, saunas and lakeside cold plunges.
Location: 1006 Clear Lake Road, Torrance
Stop 7: Toronto
Approximate distance and travel time from Gravenhurst: 110 miles (180 kilometres), 2.5 hours
If you have the time, consider spending a few extra days in Toronto before returning home. Check out this Toronto itinerary to plan your visit.
Accommodations
Hotel X Toronto
Keep the Muskoka glow alive at Hotel X Toronto—Toronto’s only resort-style urban retreat. Perfectly positioned on the waterfront with easy access to downtown attractions, events, shopping and dining, this luxurious oasis blends city energy with serene sophistication.
Location: 111 Princes' Boulevard, Toronto
Getting here and around
Customs documentation
Travellers to Canada must present a valid passport or NEXUS card. Get more information on customs, passports and requirements.
By air
Most flights into Toronto land at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), approximately 30 kilometres (18 miles) northwest of the city centre.
UP Express is a swift and convenient way to travel to and from the airport in just 25 minutes. Alternative ways to travel downtown include Toronto transit, taxi, Uber or Lyft.
Several major car rental companies also operate at Terminal 1.
Additionally, Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ) is conveniently located along Toronto’s waterfront just minutes from downtown, Porter Airlines provides flight service between major US cities such as New York City, Boston, Chicago, Washington D.C. and Las Vegas.
By land
There are 14 road border crossings into Ontario from the United States. Check border wait times and find out what you’ll need to know to cross the border into Canada.
Getting around
Toronto’s transit system includes an extensive city streetcar, subway and bus network. Buy a TTC Day Pass to move around the city at your leisure.
Ontario Northland provides bus service between Toronto and Muskoka. However, the most convenient way to travel and explore is by car. Car rental companies in Toronto include Avis, Budget, Enterprise and National.
Parking and permits
Free three-hour parking in Huntsville is available on Main Street or park for longer in free all-day public lots.
You’ll need a daily vehicle permit for Ontario’s provincial parks, including Algonquin Park (valid from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.). Book your permit up to five days before and display it on your vehicle’s dashboard.
Free parking for up to three hours is available on most main streets in Bracebridge and Gravenhurst, with additional parking available in designated parking lots.
Park for free in township parking lots in Port Carling and Bala. Some downtown parking lots have a two-hour limit, so read the signs carefully.
Know before you go
Explorers’ Edge and Discover Muskoka are the best resources for more local insight and trip planning information. Visit Destination Toronto to plan your time in Toronto.
Weather
Ontario is a four-season destination. Temperatures and weather change dramatically throughout the year. Learn more about the weather in Ontario and get suggestions on what to pack and how to prepare for a fall road trip.
Currency, measurements and holidays
Find helpful things to know about Ontario, including Canadian currency, measurements and public holidays acknowledged in the province.
Safety information
Emergencies aren’t always the first thing we consider when planning a vacation, but it’s essential to know who to contact in an emergency.
Land acknowledgement
Muskoka is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg People, including the Ojibway, the Chippewa, the Algonquin, the Odawa and the Potawatomi, under the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850 and the Williams Treaties of 1923.
Toronto is on the traditional territory of various Indigenous nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples. Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit.
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Last updated: June 30, 2025