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Introduction
Muskoka offers a wealth of activities and
services for visitors. The following provides just a taste of what
you can enjoy in the district to 'round out' your cottage rental. The
text was written by Robert Rea, a lifetime Muskoka resident and
cottager, and the author of the national best-selling novel, A View
To The North.
Please Note: Every effort has been made to
keep the following information current and accurate. If you discover any
errors, please contact Robert Rea at
rea.smart@xplornet.com
Activities & Services
Cruises aboard the Lady Muskoka or Muskoka
Fleet ships
These include cruises aboard the famous Royal Mail Ship
Segwun, North America's oldest operating steamship. In 2001 and
2002 the ship was voted by Attractions Canada as the 'Best Large
Attraction in the Province of Ontario' and was a runner-up for the
national award. I personally recommend the Muskoka Fleet's
three-hour sunset cruise (just don't whistle the theme from
'Gilligan's Island' too loudly). For schedules and more information
visit www.muskokafleet.com
and www.ladymuskoka.com.
Sightseeing by boat
Muskoka's three largest lakes
–
Lake Muskoka, Lake Rosseau, and Lake Joseph
– are connected
by locks, meaning you have a large expanse of water to explore. If
you don't have your own, boats of all types and sizes can be rented
from area marinas. You can view the district's largest rental fleet
at http://www.beaumarismarina.com; the marina is located at the
famous 'Millionaire's Row' on Lake Muskoka. Word to the wise:
although small compared to the Great Lakes, Muskoka's 'greatest
lakes' have countless islands and inlets, meaning getting lost is
deceivingly easy. Keep an eye on your map, and if you still go
'temporarily astray' I suggest that rather than becoming frustrated
on your cherished holidays you quickly swallow your pride and ask a
passing boater for help.
For those preferring quieter, more wildlife-rich excursions, Muskoka
offers many canoeing and kayaking opportunities. These can be
organized either by yourself or by a local outfitter. If you prefer
the latter, one website you can visit is
http://www.muskokaoutfitters.com.
Sightseeing by car, motorcycle, or bicycle
Muskoka offers a great variety of scenic country roads. My
favourite is Windermere Road and surrounds, an area brimming with
rolling farm land and lake vistas.
Sightseeing by air
A flight over Muskoka offers visitors a less-than-typical
perspective of the area, and one that demonstrates very quickly just
how much water there is in the district (you will wonder how people
find enough land to build on.) Visit
http://www.cloudair.com/airtours.html.
Nature walks
Muskoka's many nature trails range in length from hour-long strolls
to strenuous overnight hikes. Just to the northeast is Ontario's
world-famous Algonquin Provincial Park, an immense wilderness
reserve offering a lifetime's worth of hiking and canoeing
opportunities (keep an eye out for moose along Hwy 60, especially at
night.) Up North and Up North Again, both by Doug
Bennett and Tim Turner, provide an outstanding introduction to
cottage country's flora and fauna. Consult local book stores for
copies.
Golf
Muskoka has become a world-class golf destination. Courses include
Taboo, Masters Champion Mike Weir's home course. Visit
http://www.muskoka.biz/golf.php
and
http://www.golfcanada.com/golf-courses/muskoka for more
information.
Swimming/Picnicking
The district offers many lakeside parks for picnicking and swimming.
Please note that adult supervision will be required for children;
none of the public beaches I know of have lifeguards on duty. Visit
http://www.muskoka-tourism.on.ca for more information.
Diving
Although not nearly as popular for diving as Ontario's Bruce
Peninsula, Muskoka nonetheless offers opportunities for divers. One
of the most frequented dive destinations is a steamship wreck on
Lake Muskoka, west of Beaumaris. One Muskoka dive outfitter
can be visited at
http://www.scubashack.on.ca
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Fishing: Boasting over 1,700 lakes
(no, that's not a typo), Muskoka offers more fishing opportunities
than you could explore in a lifetime's worth of holiday visits.
You're best to consult the local tackle shops for advice on popular
locations for specific species of fish. And of course, should you
find a 'hot spot' on your own, best to keep it to yourself and enjoy
it again next year! If you would like to hire a guide, one website
you can visit is
http://www.muskoka.worldweb.com/ToursActivitiesAdventures/FishingTrips.
Rock Hunting
Although enjoyed mainly by geologists, with a little library reading
this activity can easily be appreciated by the layperson. Muskoka's
Precambrian bedrock is among the oldest in the world (several
billion years in age) and can be fascinating. You may also discover
why rock has had such a powerful influence on Muskoka's history. For
a great introduction to the district's granite foundation, drive
through the amazingly long rock cut on Hwy 118 West between
Bracebridge and Port Carling (you may recognize it from car
commercials).
Exploring Museums
Especially if it's raining, a great idea is to visit one of
Muskoka's many museums.
See
http://www.muskoka-tourism.on.ca.
Dining Out
Opportunities range from simple establishments with home-cooked
meals to five-star fine restaurants. The Bobster's personal
favourite: Inn at the Falls (no, I don't own it.) One website you
can visit is
http://www.visitmuskoka.com/muskoka_restaurants.htm.
Gift/Souvenir Shopping
In the many stores in Muskoka's towns and villages shoppers will
discover items that will serve as fine souvenirs of a visit to the
district. These include the classic Muskoka chairs, available in
both adult and junior sizes (the smaller ones double as plant
stands). Also, be sure to pick up some of the locally-produced maple
syrup.
Fairs/Craft Shows/Farmers' Markets
Muskoka currently boasts six farmer's markets. These are located in
Bala (Mondays, 9 to 2), Gravenhurst (Wednesdays, 9 to 2), Huntsville
(Thursdays, 9 to 2), Rosseau (Fridays, 9 to 2), Baysville (Fridays,
3 to 7), and Bracebridge (Saturdays, 9 to 2). The area also offers
many fairs and craft shows, including the immensely popular
Baysville Arts & Crafts Show. For particular dates and locations of
these events
Live Theatre
For particular dates and features visit
http://www.weekendguy.com.
Amusement/Educational Parks
If you have kids, you simply can't miss a visit to Santa's Village (http://www.santasvillage.ca).
The 'big fellow's' summer home is located exactly halfway between
the equator and the North Pole. So incredibly well known is this
ageless park that when you mention the town of Bracebridge to
residents anywhere in Ontario they often answer, "Sure I've heard of
it - that's where Santa's Village is." A popular park that offers
visitors a glimpse into the district's pioneering days is
Muskoka Heritage Place, located in Huntsville. (http://www.muskokaheritageplace.org).
A Final Word
Muskoka is not one place but many (food for thought: many outsiders
refer to the area as "the Muskokas.") If you find you've satisfied
your holiday hunger with one facet of the district, simply explore
another. For instance, chatting it up with local residents
(especially seniors) can easily lead to Muskoka adventures not
mentioned in any existing travel guide.
Have a great visit!
Robert
Rea, May 2011
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