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Where to go
Arrowhead Provincial Park
Just northeast of the town centre, Arrowhead Provincial Park is all about its namesake lake. Swim at three separate sand beaches, or get out onto the water in a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. Then hike 15 kilometres of trails, including one that leads to a tumbling waterfall. In winter, its ice skating trail is a wonder—1.3 kilometres winding through evergreen forest and illuminated by torches at night.
Algonquin Provincial Park
Huntsville sits at the western gateway to Algonquin Provincial Park. Encompassing more than 7,500 square kilometres (larger than the province of Prince Edward Island), the park includes thousands of lakes, eight campgrounds, and 14 interpretive trails, plus a logging museum and an excellent visitor’s centre. Stay along Highway 60 or, even better, paddle a canoe or kayak deep into the interior, where you may just find an entire lake to yourself.
Mikisew Provincial Park
Spread along the shores of Eagle Lake, Mikisew Provincial Park is an excellent park to get out on the water. Get into a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard (all are available to rent at the park office) and paddle around the small islands that dot the lake, or take a dip at one of the three beaches. And when you’re ready for something different, hike one of their four interconnected loop trails, or play 18 on the disc-golf course.
Georgian Bay Islands National Park
A whole different experience than the relatively small lakes that dot Muskoka, Georgian Bay Islands National Park is part of the world’s largest freshwater archipelago. Spend time on the white-sand beaches (lined with aquamarine waters), hike to scenic vistas, cycle through the woodlands, or get on your boat to explore endless islands.
When to go
July and August, the peak summer months, are the hottest and best for getting into the lakes and rivers, which can be downright chilly well into spring. But summer is also extremely busy, with seemingly half of Toronto, just to the south, renting cottages and camping in Muskoka. Bring bug spray if visiting in spring (days can be nice and warm in May, and evenings are nice in June), and know that autumn colours pop in September and October, peaking around Canadian Thanksgiving. While some attractions shut down into fall, there’s plenty to keep you busy in winter, including alpine and Nordic skiing, curling, skating, and snowshoeing.
Know before you go
- Huntsville is the largest town in Muskoka and also the best place to stock up on camping and other supplies. Options will be more limited in the smaller, surrounding communities.
- Highway 11, which serves as the main street of Muskoka and connects the region with the greater Toronto area, becomes extremely busy on weekends, especially in summer. If driving up on a Friday or down on a Sunday, be prepared for heavy traffic.
- If you’re headed north, pack everything you need before heading into the wilderness. Don’t count on mobile service away from town and the main highways.