Road trip to nature, relaxation and fall colour in Muskoka
Explore Canada’s Muskoka region, an area synonymous with natural beauty, especially in the fall season when the leaves change and create a kaleidoscope of colour.
Muskoka | Destination Ontario
Two hours' drive north of Toronto, the Muskoka region is famed for sparkling freshwater lakes, mixed wood forests, rocky Canadian shield formations and iconic wildlife. It’s also home to luxurious resorts, charming communities and endless outdoor activities.
The vivid landscape views of crimson, ochre and gold foliage during the fall season is the perfect backdrop for adventure and relaxation in Muskoka.
Getting here and around
Travel documentation: Travellers to Canada must present a valid passport or NEXUS card. Find out what else you’ll need to know to cross the border into Canada.
Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ): 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 Vagas.
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ): The majority of flights into Toronto land at Pearson, approximately 18 miles (30 kilometres) northwest of the city centre. Travel downtown by UP Express, transit, taxi, Uber or Lyft. Several major car rental companies provide service from Terminal 1.
Car rental: The best way to travel to Muskoka is by car. Book a vehicle from a downtown rental company or directly from Pearson or Billy Bishop airports. Rental companies in Toronto include:
- Avis: Airport rentals and almost a dozen city neighbourhood locations
- Budget: 20 rental locations in the Toronto area, including Pearson airport and downtown
- Enterprise: Locations at both airports and at Union Station, Toronto’s central train station located downtown
- Hertz: Rentals available at both airports and at two downtown locations
- National: Rental locations at both airports
- Electric Vehicle Network: West Toronto rental location at 15 Lockport Avenue, Etobicoke
Huntsville and Algonquin Park
Approx. distance and travel time from Toronto: 145-175 miles (235-280 kilometres), 3-3.5 hours
Nestled in the heart of some of Ontario’s most stunning landscapes, Huntsville and Algonquin Provincial Park are popular tourist destinations.
As the gateway to Algonquin Park, Huntsville is surrounded by pristine lakes and mixed forests. This charming town has a vibrant arts scene, historic downtown, local shops and boutiques and a variety of great restaurants. Algonquin Provincial Park is one of Canada’s most famous wilderness areas with a vast network of hiking trails and canoe routes.
Parking and permits
Parking in Huntsville: Free three-hour parking is available on Main Street or park for longer in free all-day public lots.
Algonquin Park daily vehicle permit: Purchase a daily vehicle permit to visit and park in Algonquin (valid from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) Book your permit up to five days in advance and display it clearly on your vehicle’s dashboard.
Places to stay in Huntsville and Algonquin
Deerhurst Resort
Located just minutes from downtown Huntsville overlooking Peninsula Lake, Deerhurst offers a range of accommodations and an abundance of on-site activities like paddling, hiking and cycling as well as several dining options and a full schedule of entertainment year-round.
Location: 1235 Deerhurst Drive, Huntsville
Trillium Resort & Spa
Lakeview chalets facing the sparkling waters of Devine Lake and cozy cottages surrounded by towering hardwood trees provide the ultimate Muskoka experience.
Operates seasonally.
Location: 848 Clearwater Lake Road, Port Sydney
Arowhon Pines
Book an all-inclusive, secluded getaway in rustic lakeside log cabins in the forest.
Operates seasonally.
Location: Arowhon Road - Lease 1295, Algonquin Park
Killarney Lodge
Relax in your cozy cabin with lakefront porch and soak in the serene ambiance of the surrounding forest and sparkling waters.
Operates seasonally.
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.
Location: Highway 60, KM 23, 7, Algonquin Park
Things to do in Huntsville
Treetop Trekking Huntsville
Swing, climb and zip through the forest canopy and see the splendor of fall colour from a different vantage point.
Location: 1235 Deerhurst Drive, 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
Huntsville Festival of the Arts
Musical, theatrical, dance and visual arts performances and exhibitions are held throughout the year.
Location: 37 Main Street East, Huntsville
Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve
This free network of well-maintained hiking trails through forest and along picturesque lakes vary in length and level of difficulty.
Location: South Limberlost Road, Huntsville
Golf at Deerhurst Resort
Play a round of golf at one of two classic Muskoka courses, beautiful Deerhurst Highlands and famed Deerhurst Lakeside.
Location: 1235 Deerhurst Drive, Huntsville
Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery
Take a self-guided tour of 90 murals honouring the art of Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven located in Huntsville and the surrounding region.
Location: Huntsville
Things to do in Algonquin Provincial Park
Algonquin Outfitters
Choose from a variety of guided and self-guided paddling day trips that vary in length and ease. After your excursion, grab a bite to eat at the Portage Grill at Canoe Lake or Lake of Two Rivers Café & Grill. Guided excursions depart from their 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 offer on a fully guided day trip.
Location: 1023 Cooper Lake Road, Dwight
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
Where to eat and drink in Huntsville
Henrietta’s Pine Bakery
Styled after traditional European bakeries, Henrietta’s is a favourite with locals and visitors. Customers line up for their delicious baked goods and desserts including sticky buns, tarts and cakes.
Locations:
92 King William Street, Huntsville
2868 ON-60, Dwight
Beavertails
Satisfy your sweet tooth craving with a classic Canadian pastry coated with cinnamon sugar and other sweet toppings.
Location: 69 Main Street East, 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 keep an eye out for deer.
Location: 87 Main Street West, Huntsville
Canvas Brewing
Sample craft ales and lagers like the German-inspired or a smooth Ember ale with hints of toffee and caramel on the patio or in the taproom. Catch live music on most 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
Gravenhurst, Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes
Approx. distance and travel time from Huntsville: 30-75 miles (50-115 kilometres), 30 minutes – 1.5 hours
Often referred to as Ontario’s “cottage country”, numerous lakeside resorts, charming communities and endless outdoor pursuits attract more than just cottagers to this beautiful region.
Larger towns include Bracebridge, home to the Bracebridge Falls and Gravenhurst, featuring a lively wharf which serves as the departure point for scenic steamship cruises on Lake Muskoka. The township of Muskoka Lakes is anchored by the larger communities of Bala, Port Carling and Windermere.
Parking info
Find free parking for up to three hours 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.
Places to stay in Gravenhurst, Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes
Taboo Muskoka
From beautiful lake views to the famous manicured golf course, you’ll enjoy an idyllic stay at one of Muskoka’s top resorts.
Location: 1209 Muskoka Beach Road, Gravenhurst
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
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 will captivate you.
Location: 1869 Muskoka District Road 118 West, Bracebridge
Things to do in Gravenhurst, Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes
Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail
There’s no better way to admire the fall colours than by hiking along trails with panoramic landscape views.
Location: 1057 Milford Bay Road, Bracebridge
Peninsula Trail
Admire breathtaking views of Lake Muskoka framed by fall foliage.
Location: 285 Steamship Bay Road, Gravenhurst
Muskoka Discovery Centre
See a variety of historical exhibits about steamships, boats and other water-based transportation. The Muskoka Story, is a new exhibit that delves into the 10,000-year-old Indigenous presence in Muskoka and the last 250 years of development in the region.
Location: 275 Steamship Bay Road, Gravenhurst
Sightseeing 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
Bala Cranberry Festival
Don’t miss the popular Bala Cranberry Festival held in mid-October or all the tasty stops along the Muskoka Cranberry Route.
Location: 3130 Muskoka District Road 169, Bala
Muskoka Shipyards
Bring your shopping bags to this bustling marketplace of shops that feature jewellery, apparel, home décor and original art.
Location: 908 Bay Street, Gravenhurst
Where to eat and drink in Gravenhurst, Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes
The Pearl Muskoka
Enjoy gourmet goodies, craft beverages and live music on the large patio of this artisanal market and snack bar.
Location: 3047 Muskoka Road 169, Bala
Blue Willow Tea Shop
Try seasonal tea flavours like pumpkin and cranberry, along with delicious homemade pastries and high tea experiences.
Location: 900 Bay Street, Gravenhurst
Lakeside Bala
Great food and gorgeous waterfront views go hand-in-hand.
Location: 3068 Muskoka District Road 169, Bala
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
Muskoka Brewery
Sample unique and refreshing handcrafted beers on the large outdoor patio with fire pits.
Location: 1964 Muskoka Beach Road, Bracebridge
Extend your trip
If you have extra time, take the opportunity to drive northwest to Parry Sound and embark on a sightseeing float plane tour with Georgian Bay Airways. Experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure over historic sights, natural wilderness, Georgian Bay’s rugged coastline and 30,000 islands.
Location: 11A Bay Street, Parry Sound
Plan your fall visit and find more amazing Ontario itineraries.
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Last updated: June 25, 2024