Recreation in Muskoka
A haven for the active, Ontario's most beloved holiday destination has an appropriate activity for nearly everyone, whether they are looking to share their passion with like-minded enthusiasts or for a silence that can only be found miles from another soul. What makes Muskoka such a treasure is that it—and all the adventure that it has to offer—is easily accessed by a short hour-and-a-half drive north of Toronto.
The region is home to numerous trails and abundant lakes, with many activities based on or near them. Muskoka is also a popular golf destination with several championship courses in stunning settings. Many family and specialized activities, including mini golf, go-cart racing, laser tag and paintball, water parks, summer camps, skiing and snowboarding, tobogganing, guided walking tours and airplane tours, can be found in the area as well.
ON THE TRAILS
Etched with varied trails, including the Trans-Canada Trail, Muskoka offers excellent opportunities for an outdoor adventure whatever the season. Over 40 public trails—varying in degrees of difficulty—are located in the region and voyagers can traverse them in a variety of ways, with most non-motorized uses being permitted as well as snowmobiling on some trails in winter.
During the summer months, travellers can enjoy the soothing beauty of the Muskoka region while hiking, biking or horseback riding on one these countless trails. Hikers have a choice of terrain and difficulty, ranging from old rail-bed trails to rugged jaunts through forested areas. A number of trails pass scenic waterfalls such as the trail that leads to Wilson's Falls on the Muskoka River. Beginners and seasoned cyclists will find plenty of opportunities to cycle their preferred terrain at mountain bike parks such as the Buckwallow Cycling Centre situated between Gravenhurst and Bracebridge. Visitors can also explore the area on horseback with tour companies such as the Little East River Farm. In addition to guided trail rides, this stable offers riding instruction and wagon and sleigh rides.
While all-terrain vehicles are not generally permitted on these trails, there are special areas available for motorized vehicle use. The best way to experience an all-terrain journey is with adventure experts such as the Deerhurst Resort, which offers visitors the chance to experience a number of guided activities such as trail rides on horseback, hiking and mountain bike tours, as well as all-terrain tours in vehicles such as Hummers and rock buggies.
Trail use does not stop during the winter months; adventurers simply adapt to snow-appropriate activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. A popular cross-country ski area is the Bracebridge Resource Management Centre, which features 8 km (5 mi) of trails that are groomed for both classic and skate skiing. For visitors who require a guide while exploring the snow-covered trails, companies such as Muskoka Outfitters offer expertly guided winter adventures like ice climbing, snowshoeing and backcountry skiing. Snowmobilers will be delighted to discover nearly 1,600 km (994 mi) of snowmobile trails in the region, all maintained by local snowmobile clubs. Trails travel through thick forests and over lakes, rivers, streams and hills of granite. Snowmobilers are required to obtain a trail permit as well as other important documentation in order to use the trails. Adventure operators such as Cottage Country Tours make the process simple with expert-led tours complete with machines and gear provided.
The world's longest multi-use network of trails, the 22,000-km (13,670-mi) Trans-Canada Trail links Canada's three coastal areas: the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans. Approximately 53 km (33 mi) of the trail runs through the Muskoka area, passing through Huntsville, Bracebridge and Gravenhurst. This section of the trail varies in difficulty (from easy to moderate) and features a variety of surfaces such as gravel and compacted soil.
ON THE WATER
With over 1,600 lakes in the Muskoka area, there is little wonder that fishing, paddling and other water sports are so popular in the region. Visitors wishing to take in the beauty of the area's lakes in a less active manner have plenty of options to choose from as well. Boat tours, in addition to water taxis and lavish lake cruises aboard ships such as the 300-passenger Lady Muskoka, are available throughout the area.
Fishers flock to the region for species such as northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, lake trout, brook trout, walleye and muskie. Whether visitors are looking for a trophy catch or just the restful and soothing peace that comes from a day spent on the lake, they will find that choosing the services of a local fishing charter removes the guess work of finding the fish as well as the hassle of gear and rentals. Captain Action Charters caters to small groups looking for a personalized fishing experience in a safe and relaxing setting.
Surrounded by lakes, rivers and white water, paddlers can partake in kayaking, canoeing and rafting trips suited to their style and skill level. Thrill seekers can visit the Minden Wild Water Preserve, which offers 800 m (2600 ft) of Class III-IV-rated rapids. The site is privately owned and operated by Whitewater Ontario and is available for member and public use. While experienced paddlers will have no difficulty locating a place to launch, they—as well as new and inexperienced paddlers—will benefit from the knowledge of local guides such as Algonquin Odysseys.
A number of water sports like kite boarding and skiing, waterskiing and wakeboarding, and scuba diving and snorkelling are accessible on the area's many lakes. An excellent choice for families, the Basecamp offers a safe learning environment for children and adults to wakeboard or wakeski and provides a challenge for advanced boarders and skiers as well.
GOLF
Amongst lush forests, crystal-clear lakes and rugged granite rock formations, visitors can play a round of golf and enjoy serene natural beauty on the region's many golf courses. A number of Muskoka's golf courses are situated within resorts such as the Taboo Resort Golf Course, which offers a challenge for golfers of every skill level. Golfers looking for budget-friendly experiences will find them at courses like the nine-hole Beaver Run Golf Club in Bala.
The region is home to numerous trails and abundant lakes, with many activities based on or near them. Muskoka is also a popular golf destination with several championship courses in stunning settings. Many family and specialized activities, including mini golf, go-cart racing, laser tag and paintball, water parks, summer camps, skiing and snowboarding, tobogganing, guided walking tours and airplane tours, can be found in the area as well.
ON THE TRAILS
Etched with varied trails, including the Trans-Canada Trail, Muskoka offers excellent opportunities for an outdoor adventure whatever the season. Over 40 public trails—varying in degrees of difficulty—are located in the region and voyagers can traverse them in a variety of ways, with most non-motorized uses being permitted as well as snowmobiling on some trails in winter.
During the summer months, travellers can enjoy the soothing beauty of the Muskoka region while hiking, biking or horseback riding on one these countless trails. Hikers have a choice of terrain and difficulty, ranging from old rail-bed trails to rugged jaunts through forested areas. A number of trails pass scenic waterfalls such as the trail that leads to Wilson's Falls on the Muskoka River. Beginners and seasoned cyclists will find plenty of opportunities to cycle their preferred terrain at mountain bike parks such as the Buckwallow Cycling Centre situated between Gravenhurst and Bracebridge. Visitors can also explore the area on horseback with tour companies such as the Little East River Farm. In addition to guided trail rides, this stable offers riding instruction and wagon and sleigh rides.
While all-terrain vehicles are not generally permitted on these trails, there are special areas available for motorized vehicle use. The best way to experience an all-terrain journey is with adventure experts such as the Deerhurst Resort, which offers visitors the chance to experience a number of guided activities such as trail rides on horseback, hiking and mountain bike tours, as well as all-terrain tours in vehicles such as Hummers and rock buggies.
Trail use does not stop during the winter months; adventurers simply adapt to snow-appropriate activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. A popular cross-country ski area is the Bracebridge Resource Management Centre, which features 8 km (5 mi) of trails that are groomed for both classic and skate skiing. For visitors who require a guide while exploring the snow-covered trails, companies such as Muskoka Outfitters offer expertly guided winter adventures like ice climbing, snowshoeing and backcountry skiing. Snowmobilers will be delighted to discover nearly 1,600 km (994 mi) of snowmobile trails in the region, all maintained by local snowmobile clubs. Trails travel through thick forests and over lakes, rivers, streams and hills of granite. Snowmobilers are required to obtain a trail permit as well as other important documentation in order to use the trails. Adventure operators such as Cottage Country Tours make the process simple with expert-led tours complete with machines and gear provided.
The world's longest multi-use network of trails, the 22,000-km (13,670-mi) Trans-Canada Trail links Canada's three coastal areas: the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans. Approximately 53 km (33 mi) of the trail runs through the Muskoka area, passing through Huntsville, Bracebridge and Gravenhurst. This section of the trail varies in difficulty (from easy to moderate) and features a variety of surfaces such as gravel and compacted soil.
ON THE WATER
With over 1,600 lakes in the Muskoka area, there is little wonder that fishing, paddling and other water sports are so popular in the region. Visitors wishing to take in the beauty of the area's lakes in a less active manner have plenty of options to choose from as well. Boat tours, in addition to water taxis and lavish lake cruises aboard ships such as the 300-passenger Lady Muskoka, are available throughout the area.
Fishers flock to the region for species such as northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, lake trout, brook trout, walleye and muskie. Whether visitors are looking for a trophy catch or just the restful and soothing peace that comes from a day spent on the lake, they will find that choosing the services of a local fishing charter removes the guess work of finding the fish as well as the hassle of gear and rentals. Captain Action Charters caters to small groups looking for a personalized fishing experience in a safe and relaxing setting.
Surrounded by lakes, rivers and white water, paddlers can partake in kayaking, canoeing and rafting trips suited to their style and skill level. Thrill seekers can visit the Minden Wild Water Preserve, which offers 800 m (2600 ft) of Class III-IV-rated rapids. The site is privately owned and operated by Whitewater Ontario and is available for member and public use. While experienced paddlers will have no difficulty locating a place to launch, they—as well as new and inexperienced paddlers—will benefit from the knowledge of local guides such as Algonquin Odysseys.
A number of water sports like kite boarding and skiing, waterskiing and wakeboarding, and scuba diving and snorkelling are accessible on the area's many lakes. An excellent choice for families, the Basecamp offers a safe learning environment for children and adults to wakeboard or wakeski and provides a challenge for advanced boarders and skiers as well.
GOLF
Amongst lush forests, crystal-clear lakes and rugged granite rock formations, visitors can play a round of golf and enjoy serene natural beauty on the region's many golf courses. A number of Muskoka's golf courses are situated within resorts such as the Taboo Resort Golf Course, which offers a challenge for golfers of every skill level. Golfers looking for budget-friendly experiences will find them at courses like the nine-hole Beaver Run Golf Club in Bala.
Nat Caron Photography
Wedding and portrait photographer in the Southern Georgian Bay area of Ontario!
