Discover Muskoka: Canada’s ‘Hamptons of the North’ with Picturesque Towns and Scenic Lakes

Located just north of Toronto, the lake-filled region of Muskoka is a glamorous year-round retreat.

Home to more than 1,500 sparkling lakes fringed with palatial cottages, private golf clubs, and charming resorts, Muskoka has long been a summer playground for Toronto’s elite. A 2.5-hour drive (or 30-minute flight) from the city will bring you to this luxurious slice of cottage country. Moreover, once you’re “up north,” it’s easy to while away the days boating, hiking, biking, and lounging lakeside in a Muskoka chair (Ontario’s version of the Adirondack chair) while appreciating both simple sunsets and flashy speedboats.

Spanning six towns and townships, Muskoka’s landscape is dotted with rock formations and waterways carved into the Canadian Shield in prehistoric times by retreating glaciers. The region became a weekend getaway for the wealthy when railroads were built in the late 1800s.

By the early 1900s, American President Woodrow Wilson had a summer home here, and in the 1930s, the Bigwin Inn was a favorite haunt for luminaries like Clark Gable and Ernest Hemingway. Today, Muskoka’s real estate remains highly coveted, with frequent visitors such as Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Cindy Crawford, Kate Hudson, Goldie Hawn, and Kurt Russell.

Like the Hamptons, the most popular time to visit Muskoka is from June to September, when the average daily temperature is above 66 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also worth visiting in October to see the stunning fall colors or in the winter to cross-country ski, snowshoe, snowmobile, and ice climb. No matter what time of year you visit, here’s how to plan the perfect trip to Muskoka.

Embrace Cottage Life

Even if you don’t own a summer home in Muskoka, you’ll find several vacation rentals offering a quintessential Canadian cottage experience. Jayne’s Cottages, for example, showcases a range of ultra-luxe properties, most of which are located on the shores of Muskoka’s three main bodies of water (Lake Joseph, Lake Muskoka, and Lake Rosseau). With options ranging from private island estates to lavish cottages near the north end of Lake Joseph (now known as “Billionaires Row”), there are plenty of choices available. However, it’s still advisable to arrange accommodations a few months in advance of the summer season.

If you’re considering a last-minute getaway, JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa presents a great alternative to renting a cottage, providing access to two private beaches and various water sports activities. Moreover, it neighbors The Rock, an 18-hole golf course designed by Nick Faldo.

Get Outside

Muskoka is renowned for its pristine lakes and rivers, but even if you don’t have your own boat, there are countless ways to enjoy the water. Local operator Liv Outside hosts a variety of tours — from stand-up paddleboarding to kayak fishing in specially outfitted Jackson angler kayaks. Additionally, just north of Muskoka lies Algonquin Provincial Park, where you can camp, hike, and canoe. Algonquin Park Adventure Tours offers multiday guided canoeing excursions, alongside wildlife photography opportunities (beavers, moose, loons, and black bears can all be found in the park). Within Muskoka, you can explore Arrowhead Provincial Park, which features forested trails leading to waterfalls and sandy beaches, as well as the Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve, recognized as one of the best locations for stargazing in Ontario.

Recently, Muskoka has gained popularity for its impressive ice-skating trails. During January and February, skaters flock to the Ice-skating Trail in Arrowhead Provincial Park, which weaves through a beautiful snow-covered evergreen forest for nearly a mile. Another delightful option is the Cranberry Ice Trail in Bala, situated at a winery, allowing visitors to enjoy mulled wine or a tasting after their skate. Other winter adventures include ice climbing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and fat biking (Liv Outside provides equipment rentals and guided tours).

Visit the Quaint Towns and Villages

At the heart of the region, the Township of Muskoka Lakes offers a quintessential Canadian summer vacation experience, complete with charming waterfront communities, farmers markets, and diverse dining options. In the recently revitalized village of Port Carling, you can discover curated shops like Frankies Surf Club (a boutique and juice bar), small-batch coffee roasters such as Oliver’s Coffee, and delightful brunch spots like York & Mason. Furthermore, the town of Bala, known as the Cranberry Capital of Ontario, attracts visitors with its cranberry marshes and the popular Bala Cranberry Festival every fall, where you can immerse yourself in the cranberry harvest.

A 20-minute drive southeast will lead you to Gravenhurst, another town rich in Canadian charm. Explore Muskoka Road, where you can follow a self-guided walking tour through the historic downtown area before making your way to the Gravenhurst Muskoka Wharf. Here, you can board the legendary RMS Segwun — North America’s oldest-operating steamship — for a scenic cruise. This journey offers an unparalleled opportunity to appreciate Muskoka’s unique blend of glamorous waterfront mansions, pristine nature, and the serenity of disconnecting from everyday life.