Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve is a privately owned, but publicly accessible haven nestled in the heart of Muskoka, Ontario. There are 20 private lakes and over 10,000 acres of pristine forests, clear lakes, and winding trails on the property. This natural playground invites adventurers and peace-seekers alike. There are more than 70 km of trails for hiking, biking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing, free to the public! Fishing is not permitted at the Reserve. Accommodations are available on the property, or make this a day trip from one of our many Muskoka cottage rentals!
Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve practices Conscientious Forest Management, focusing on ensuring sustainability of the land for generations to come. Visitors are encouraged to make use of the land at no charge. The Reserve is very supportive of environmental research programs and institutes.
History of Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve
The lands now known as the Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve were originally meant for settlement. Settlements were sparsely and largely unsuccessfully settled in the mid-1800’s; however. Evidence of stone walls and remnants of gardens and apple orchards can still be seen today.
Limberlost Lodge began operating in the early 1900’s as a premier recreational resort. It was the first resort in the region to install a mechanized ski lift.
Limberlost was sold in the late 1960’s to local cottage owners, known as The Friends of Limberlost. It was then re-sold to a developer, and there were plans to build a large townhouse community along the shores of Lake Solitaire. Luckily however, those plans were never carried out. In the early 1980s Ted and Judy Rivers, acquired the Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve property with plans on restoring the hiking trails and re-opening them for public use. Shortly thereafter Lorraine Schamehorn joined them in the venture. Today the Reserve is fully operational, and open for the public to enjoy!
How to Get to Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve
Directions from Toronto: The drive from Toronto is straightforward. Head north on Highway 400, then Highway 11 just north of Barrie. Once you’ve reached Huntsville, head east on Highway 60, then north on Highway 8 to S. Limberlost Rd, which will take you to the reserve. The entire drive is about 3 ½ hours, traffic permitting.
Directions from Ottawa: Those coming from Ottawa should plan for a slightly longer drive, roughly four hours, but it will take you through some amazing scenery! From Renfrew, take Highway 60 right through Algonquin Park, entering at the eastern gate and exiting the western gate. Continue past Dwight and turn right onto Highway 8 to S. Limberlost Rd, which will take you to the reserve. Here’s our guide to discovering Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, so you can get the most of your trip through it.
Safety Tips for your Trip to Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve
Whenever you plan on visiting a remote area you should always let someone know your plans before you head out. It’s easy to lose cell service in remote areas, so having a physical map is a smart idea.
Pack for the weather, bring extra water and snacks, stay on the trails, and keep an eye out for wildlife. All of that planning will help to ensure your trip is safe and enjoyable. Be sure to complete your chosen activity well before sunset too. Darkness comes on fast once the sun goes down with all the forested lands surrounding you.
Where to Stay at Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve
A variety of accommodations are available within the reserve. Lodges, family cottages, outpost cabins, rustic outpost cabins, glamping cabins, and newly available for 2024, tent campsites are options. Please note that trailer camping is not permitted in the reserve. “Outpost” and “Remote Outpost” cabins are accessible by road but do require either 4 wheel drive or all wheel drive as they’re quite remote within the property. All sites include a firepit, picnic table, and a private outhouse, but many sites have even more features. Rates vary as to the type of accommodations, and of course your length of stay.
If you’re simply visiting the reserve while exploring the beautiful Muskoka region, perhaps you’d prefer to rent a private cottage nearby. There are many private Muskoka cottage rentals to choose from, perfect to use as a base to explore the beautiful Muskoka area!
Things to Do at the Reserve | Hiking | Biking | Canoeing | Skiing | Snowshoeing | Disc Golf | Limberlost Challenge
Hiking at the Reserve
Limberlost offers more than 70 km of woodland trails and extensive woodland roads. More than two-thirds of the trails on the Reserve are groomed, and qualify as high quality trails, rather than the rugged hiking paths you might find elsewhere, so you’ll find they are even suitable for joggers, if you wish to pick up the pace!
Large sections of the trails are widened sufficiently for hikers to walk abreast of each other, making it easier to have a leisurely walk without worrying about stumbling over rocks or roots.
The trails are open for use from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, but please note that a signed safety waiver is mandatory to complete on the website prior to heading out. Dogs are welcome as well, but must be kept leashed and on the trails. The trails are mainly shorter – ranging from less than one kilometre to 6.3 km, and from “easy to moderate” to “moderate to difficult” depending on your preferences.
Here’s a link to the Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve trail map, to help plan your trip. Each trail is clearly marked and offers its own unique views and experiences. If you’re not sure which one is right for you, stop by the office just past the Information Booth to discuss trail information, conditions, and suggestions with the staff there.
Canoeing at the Reserve
The calm waters of the Reserve’s lakes are perfect for canoeing, especially as motorboats are not permitted on these lakes. Canoe rentals are available, allowing guests to glide across the water and enjoy the quiet beauty of the surrounding nature. There’s even a canoe day trip route you can take, starting at Buck Lake and heading through several lakes, wetlands and beaver dams with some portaging required, ending at a large waterfall.
Skiing and Snowshoeing at the Reserve
When the winter season blankets Limberlost in a thick layer of snow, the reserve transforms into a cross-country skier’s paradise, with 35 km of Nordic trails, and 70 km of snowshoeing trails. The trails cater to both classic and skate skiing, and many of them are both groomed and trackset, and there are four backcountry/downhill trails as well, not groomed, traversing the former ski hill, so there are significant grade changes on those trails.
Disc Golf at the Reserve
Limberlost boasts a 9 basket (the baskets are the “holes” for disc golf) disc golf course as well, with both short and long tee positions to choose from, to make it easier for beginners or those who can’t throw as far. The wind can sometimes pose an interesting challenge too! Sturdy/athletic footwear is recommended for the course.
Also of note, the ridge the Limberlost Links course sits upon is also home to the sculpture trail, with a number of wood and bronze sculptures to view while you’re working your way through the course.
Limberlost Challenge
Each year, the reserve hosts the Limberlost Challenge, a trail-running event of various lengths of runs, ranging from 7 km to 56 km long. The running course is well marked, and there’s even a post-race meal!
Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve is well worth a visit, especially since there’s no charge for using this amazing property! Whether you’re hiking the well-maintained trails, paddling quietly through the lakes, playing some disc golf, or cozying up in a glamping cabin, this hidden gem in Muskoka, Ontario offers a much-needed escape to nature. Book your Muskoka cottage rental today and start planning your trip!
