Bracebridge, “The Heart of Muskoka”, is a beautiful small town on the north branch of the Muskoka River. With its central location within Muskoka, it is the headquarters for the district government. CottageLINK Rental Management offers a wide selection of Muskoka cottage rentals, many of which are located in and near Bracebridge. We often get questions from guests asking what there is to do in the area. Here is our guide to the top things to see and do for an unforgettable visit there!
Bracebridge’s ease of access from Toronto, multitude of lakes and waterways, and stunning terrain, makes it a very popular destination. It’s particularly busy in the summer, but it’s a beautiful destination with plenty to do in all seasons.
How to Get to Bracebridge | Muskoka, Ontario
Bracebridge is an easy 2 ½ hour, 200 km drive from Toronto, along Hwy 400 and then Highway 11 once you’ve passed Barrie. Bracebridge “proper” is just west of Highway 11, with several access from the highway to choose from.
History of Bracebridge and Historic Walk | Muskoka, Ontario
History of Bracebridge
In 1860 John Stoughton Dennis discovered Bracebridge when his surveying group traveled by canoe to the vicinity of the falls. With a rough-hewn bridge close to the falls, the location was convenient for crossing, and also as a source of water power.
In 1864, North Falls, as it was called then, was renamed, possibly inspired by Bracebridge Hall, the Washington Irving novel which also gave Gravenhurst its name. Bracebridge was incorporated with the new name as a village in 1875. By 1889, when it grew large enough to be incorporated as a town, the population was 1,600. Industries included a grist mill, flour mill, sawmill, and woolen mill, along with two large tanneries, which used local hemlock to tan the hides. They all took advantage of the ample water power provided by the river.
Bracebridge Downtown Historic Walkway
The Downtown Historic Walkway is a great way to learn more about Bracebridge’s rich history. This historic trail guides visitors around Bracebridge Bay with informational checkpoints along the way.
Woodchester Villa
Referred to locally as “The Bird House,” this unique home was originally set amid 100 acres adjoining the Muskoka River, and was considered quite innovative. It’s an eight-sided structure, influenced by 19th-century architectural philosopher Orson Squire Fowler, who believed it to be a more economical way to build but also that it would lead to heightened well-being.
Woodchester Villa was also the first home in Bracebridge to have forced air heating and ventilation shafts, as well as electric lighting and poured concrete walls. In addition, many of the home’s original furnishings have been preserved. This is a popular attraction and should be booked in advance.
Things to See and Do in Bracebridge | Muskoka, Ontario
Bracebridge Bay Park and Falls
Bracebridge Bay Park is located in the heart of Bracebridge near the Bracebridge Falls. Put in a canoe or kayak and paddle the river, or enjoy swimming from the dock and sandy beach. There are 2 acres of walkways, and picnic tables, docks, and a children’s beach, and the park is also part of the above historic walk.
There are several other waterfalls surrounding Bracebridge, apart from Bracebridge Falls. In the nearby vicinity you’ll find High Falls, Wilson’s Falls, South Falls, and Potts Falls. Here are the top waterfalls to explore during your Muskoka cottage rental. While waterfalls are pretty at any time of year, for the best volume of water, early spring is the time to go when the spring melt adds to the waters going over the falls.
Muskoka Heritage Place
This will appeal especially to history buffs, but even more so to anyone interested in trains! It’s a museum and heritage village, representing a small Muskoka community mainly consisting of early settlers to the area. The added bonus is that there’s also a steam museum, and guests are invited to ride on the historic Portage Flyer train. Sadly, the “Engineer for a day” opportunity on the Portage Flyer is so popular that it’s been sold out until 2027, but they do accept names on the waiting list.
Kelvin Grove Park, Bracebridge
This park is directly opposite Bracebridge Bay Park, and features floodlit tennis courts and picnic tables, and a children’s playground with a breathtaking view of the Bracebridge Falls.
Dads of Muskoka Disc Golf
This course was created by a group of young men from the Bracebridge area, looking to create a family-friendly attraction. The course is located at the Peake Fields Ballpark Complex in Bracebridge, and is great for disc golfers of all ages and skill levels. The course is free, and offers a moderate to challenging course that’s short, wooded and tight with multiple elevation changes and course features such as boardwalks, stairs, bridges, and raised tees through the forest.
If you prefer real golf, Bracebridge has a number of excellent courses to choose from. Here’s where you can enjoy a day at the golf course in Muskoka!
Santa’s Village, Bracebridge
It’s always Christmas in Bracebridge! Kids of all ages will be delighted by this small theme park, full of rides and attractions, and they’re even able to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus too, any time of year! There are 60 acres of family fun, and the park is set to add 3 new rides to the park in 2024. The park is suitable for even the youngest of children, but adults will enjoy it too. In addition to the rides, there’s also a zip line and aerial park, with an aerial adventure course and a zip line canopy tour.
Rotary Gardens
This two acre destination garden is one of Bracebridge’s hidden gems. Built in 2005 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Rotary International, there’s an entrance pavilion, benches, water features, perennial and annual gardens, woodlands, and arbours and pathways. The garden is sure to inspire gardeners and nature lovers alike!
Bracebridge on the Water | Beaches | Boating | Fishing | Scenic Cruises | Watersports
Bracebridge Beaches
With so many lakes and waterways around, Bracebridge is lucky to have many small beaches to choose from! Area beaches include Bowyer’s Beach Park, Clear Lake Beach, Holditch Street Beach, Muskoka Falls Beach, and more. Kirby Beach is one of the largest, and most popular, with a scenic view of Strawberry Bay, Lake Muskoka, and it has picnic tables, a playground, and seasonal public washrooms there.
Boating in Bracebridge
With so many waterways nearby, you’ll find lots of boating options! You most likely will have a private waterfront associated with your Muskoka cottage rental, along with an assortment of non-motorized watercraft to enjoy. If you wish to also rent a motor boat to enjoy some watersports or fishing, here’s where to find a Muskoka boat rental on your vacation.
Even if you’re staying at a non-waterfront cottage, or one with a no-motor lake, you’ll be able to trailer a boat to many different lakes and rivers in the area. Here are the Muskoka boat launches in the area that you can use to launch your boat.
Fishing in Bracebridge
You’ll find all of Ontario’s popular sportfish in the lakes and rivers of Bracebridge, Muskoka, but the area is particularly known for lake trout, walleye, smallmouth and largemouth bass, and northern pike.
Muskoka Mike’s Fishing Charters
Muskoka Mike’s Fishing Charters has been operating for over 25 years, specializing in walleye, pike and bass fishing. Gather your family or large group and book a charter on Lake Muskoka with this very experienced fisherman guiding you on a fully rigged bass boat. Fishing equipment is provided, but you need to arrange for the appropriate licensing.
Scenic Cruises in Muskoka
The Muskoka River Cruise, Muskoka Cruises
Relax on the spacious decks aboard the Lady Muskoka II. The ship sets sail from Bracebridge, and makes its way down the Muskoka River to the base of the Bracebridge Waterfall, narrated with stories of Muskoka’s rich history.
Bracebridge Watersports and Rentals
Of course, with so many lakes and rivers in the area surrounding Bracebridge, watersports rule! Whether your preference is for swimming, splashing around, floating, canoeing, kayaking, and stand up paddleboarding, or you prefer faster-paced sports like water skiing or tubing, you’ll be sure to find what you need here. Many Muskoka cottage rentals include the free use of canoes, kayaks, or SUPs (stand up paddleboards), if you’re not lucky enough to have what you need at the cottage, you can still enjoy them on a rental basis!
Non-Motorized Watersport Rentals
For outdoor adventurers, LIV Outside in Bracebridge offers equipment rentals for summer and winter sports. In addition, they offer self-guided or guided tours and adventures. In the winter, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, and fat biking equipment is available, and in the summer, canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding, an on-site climbing wall, and bicycles can be rented to explore the local rural roads and trails.
If you’re interested in trying the relatively new and growing sport of stand up paddleboarding, Muskoka SUP has you covered! They specialize in only stand up paddleboards, renting high quality inflatable boards for your enjoyment.
If you wish to rent a motor boat instead, for fishing, water skiing, tubing, and more, here’s where to find a Muskoka boat rental on your vacation.
Maple Lane Farms
Maple Lane Farms offers trail rides for all riders. No experience is necessary. The trail is approximately 1.5+ hours long, and each ride includes an introduction to your horse, an equipment / tack lesson, and a beginner riding lesson on how to independently control your horse. The property has fields, and a beautiful wooded trail, across bridges, with lots of breathtaking Muskoka views.
Shopping
Bracebridge has many options, with most of the large chain and department stores available. We find the downtown area is particularly nice to shop though, with so many locally-owned independent businesses ranging from home decor and giftware, shoes, florists, art galleries, and boutiques.
Restaurants
While Bracebridge has most of the usual chain restaurants, which you can go to at home, why not try a unique experience and go to a locally owned restaurant while you’re on vacation?
There are options for every palate and budget in Bracebridge! Ethnic options abound, with Mexican cuisine available at El Pueblito, Mucho Burrito, or Playa Cabana Muskoka, Italian dining at Basilico, and Asian Fusion at Wabora, Marigold Unique Flavour Indian, Thai, and Indo-Chinese.
Casual dining options include Hotdog Gurl, the Wing House, and The Oven Woodfire Pizza.
If you’re wanting a good sports pub in a family-friendly setting with a kids menu, head to the Bracebridge Barrelhouse. For steak and seafood, try Andrea’s Steak and Seafood. Bistro and cafes include Fine Thymes Bistro and Bakery and Deli Lama, traditional pub fare at Griffin Pub, and American cuisine at Nick’s.
For more dining options in the wider Muskoka area, here are the best restaurants in Muskoka.
Muskoka Brewery
Stop by to shop for locally made beverages or enjoy a refreshing drink on the patio. There’s a selection of beer, spirits and even some alcohol-free drinks. There’s also a snack menu with kid-friendly options, and the patio is dog-friendly too!
Events | Muskoka Arts & Crafts | Muskoka Pioneer Power Annual Show | Bracebridge Fall Fair and Horse Show | Fire and Ice Festival
Muskoka Arts & Crafts
Muskoka Arts & Crafts Inc. was originally founded in 1963, but has grown to be one of the most well established arts organizations in Ontario, with a diverse membership ranging from hobbyists and amateurs up to professional full-time artists.
In addition to hosting frequent artist exhibits, the organization holds several large events throughout the year. The summer show is held in mid-July, an autumn charity auction and crawl in late September, and a holiday market in late November, perfect to do some holiday shopping!
Muskoka Pioneer Power Annual Show
Each summer in early July, the Muskoka Pioneer Power Show is held at the J.D. Lang Activity Park in Bracebridge. For anyone who’s interested in antique automobiles, internal combustion engines, farm tractors, steam engines, and any other type of antique farm and forest equipment, this is a great show to attend!
Drop by the heritage display rooms, demonstrations, log cabin, blacksmith shop, Linn tractor, engine displays, country store, see the classic & antique vehicles and antique tractor pulls, and watch the grand parade!
Bracebridge Fall Fair and Horse Show
The Fall Fair and Horse Show is held in mid-September annually. Highlights include midway rides, a Ferris wheel, carousels, and bumper cars, live animals and a petting zoo, classic carnival games, and a variety of interactive exhibits.
Fire and Ice Festival, Bracebridge
This festival is held annually in late January, and offers a unique approach to the traditional winter carnival. There’s outdoor skating and ice sculpting, a warming fire, the Great Canadian Lumberjack Show, a kids’ parkour obstacle course, downtown tube run, and even an indoor activity centre for those less outdoorsy. You’ll find all that and much more at Fire and Ice Bracebridge!
You can see all the private cottage rentals that are available in Bracebridge, on our Muskoka Cottage Rentals page. Our friendly CottageLINK Rental Management team is happy to help you find the perfect cottage, assist you with planning your vacation, and answer any questions you have before, during, and after your stay!
Other Frequently Asked Questions
What’s it like to live in Bracebridge, Ontario?
National Geographic Traveler magazine named Bracebridge one of the top 20 Best Must See Places in the World. The community is rich in arts, culture, and of course natural beauty, and it has most of the amenities and services you’ll find in much larger communities, while still retaining a small town feel. As a result, we feel that Bracebridge is not only a great place to visit, but an even better place to live.
Is Bracebridge the largest town in Muskoka?
Today, the Muskoka Region continues to grow, as more and more people discover its charms and decide to move there full-time. Bracebridge is the second largest town in Muskoka today with a population of 17,305 according to their municipal website, with an average rate of growth of approximately 1% annually. By comparison, Huntsville is the largest Muskoka town at 21,096, and Gravenhurst is the third largest at an expected 12,679 in 2024.
What is the history of Santa’s Village?
Santa’s Village was created in 1955, by a group of local business people. Since Bracebridge is located on the 45th parallel, halfway between the equator and the North Pole, it was felt that it would be an ideal location for such an attraction. Santa’s Village continues to grow in size and popularity, attracting over 80,000 people each year.
