Muskoka is a delightful destination, commonly known for its numerous lakes and rivers. While you’re staying in the area, either at your own cottage or at one of our many Muskoka cottage rentals, you may want a change of scenery to enjoy a beach day! One of the most frequent questions we get as an Ontario cottage rental agency is “Does Muskoka have any beaches?”. Yes, Muskoka has plenty of public beaches, each with its own unique appeal, and you’re certain to find at least one near you to spend a day at! Let’s take a closer look at some of the best beaches in Muskoka for swimming or soaking in the sun. There is a reason that these are such popular destinations for locals and tourists alike!
Our Choices for Muskoka’s Best Beaches
1. Kirby’s Beach | Beach in Bracebridge, Ontario
Kirby’s Beach is a popular spot for cottagers and local residents on Lake Muskoka in Bracebridge. The waterfront is clean and sandy, great for beach games, sandcastle building, and sunbathing. The water stays shallow for a long way making it a safe and enjoyable spot for families with children, and the swimming is great too! There’s ample parking, but the beach can be busy, especially on weekends.
There are picnic tables there if you prefer to bring your own food, but you may wish to drop by Bracebridge after your day at the beach and check out the many shops and restaurants downtown. The town of Bracebridge is worth exploring too, with a great main street to stroll and shop for souvenirs or grab a bite to eat after your beach day. This beach would make a nice stop before or after going to Santa’s Village nearby as well.
2. Gull Lake Rotary Park | Beach in Gravenhurst, Ontario
If you’re not comfortable with your swimming skills, or want to relax and let someone else keep an eye on the children while they splash in the water, you would prefer a beach with a lifeguard. If that’s the case, Gull Lake Rotary Park in Gravenhurst is the perfect place to go! Rotary Park offers the largest beachfront in the area, with swim docks, a large sandy beach, and plenty of facilities including picnic tables, a playground, washrooms, a snack bar, public docking, and even a beach volleyball court.
Gull Lake itself is clean and clear, providing great swimming. Ample parking facilities are available. Be sure to visit Gravenhurst to see the additional attractions such as the Muskoka Steamships and Discovery Centre, a great destination for the whole family.
3. Muskoka Beach Park | Beach in Gravenhurst, Ontario
Muskoka Beach Park is located on Lake Muskoka in Gravenhurst, and it’s a favourite public beach for locals and cottagers alike. There’s a spectacular view of the lake towards the northwest, and one of the best places in the area for viewing amazing sunsets! The swimming is incredible, with a gradual shallow walkout for hundreds of meters into the sandy bay. The small sandy beach will provide hours of sand fun for the children. Nearby Gravenhurst offers additional attractions, such as the Gravenhurst Opera House, adding to the allure of this beach destination. Visitors can enjoy a picnic at the available picnic tables, enhancing the beach experience.
4. Hanna Park Beach | Beach in Port Carling, Ontario
Hanna Park Beach, situated off Bailey Street in Port Carling, is fourth on our list of top beaches in Muskoka, offering a great beach area for swimming, a fantastic and elaborate playground for kids, a basketball and volleyball court, and a covered pavilion for picnics to escape the sun. Bring the sand toys and let the kids create their own fun sand structures on the beach while you relax and soak in the sun. While you’re in Port Carling, why not take a boat cruise on the Lady Rosseau, or check out the Port Carling wall, a truly breathtaking “Welcome to Port Carling” mosaic. It is 111-by-45-feet and comprises over 9,000 separate pictures that put together form a huge mosaic of a steamboat and is affectionately known as “The Wall”. As you get closer, you will see each individual photo captures an individual moment of time from residents of Port Carling from 1860 – 1960.
5. Dwight Beach | Beach in Dwight, Ontario
Dwight Beach, located off Hwy 60 between Huntsville and Algonquin Park, on Lake of Bays, one of Muskoka’s premier lakes. There is a fairly narrow beach, but with an amazing expansive lake view of the far shorelines. It’s just perfect for sunbathing while you’re drying off between swims. A small amount of designated parking is available, and there’s a boat launch and docking available for those with boats. While you’re there, why not drive a little further east into Algonquin Provincial Park, just 10 minutes down the road, and go for a hike or just view the scenery from the car. Or if you’re feeling lazy after a day in the sun, stop by and pick up a sweet treat from Erika’s Bakery and take it back to the cottage with you for an after-dinner dessert.
6. Avery Beach Park | Beach in Huntsville, Ontario

Avery Beach is Huntsville’s in-town beach. It’s within walking distance to the downtown core, so it’s very close to other nearby attractions. The Trans Canada hiking trail runs through the park, so you can head in either direction from the beach if you feel energetic. You’ll also enjoy the beach volleyball court, but be sure to bring your own ball if you wish to play. The Rotary Pavilion is at the park as well, and various community activities are held there. The water is great for swimming, and is shallow for about 15-20 ft but then drops off, so keep an eye on any young children or non-swimmers in the group. There are slips for docking boats and also a public boat launch.
These six beaches in Muskoka are not just about the water. They offer spacious sandy areas for play and relaxation, fun playgrounds and beach volleyball courts, clear and shallow waterfronts for safe swimming, and readily available parking for easy access. Beyond the beaches, the nearby towns are worth exploring too, since you’ll find many one-of-a-kind small shops and independently-owned restaurants. Here are some of the best restaurants in Muskoka to discover while you’re staying in the area.
Whether it’s exploring the town of Bracebridge after a day at Kirby’s Beach or visiting the Muskoka Steamships and Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst after relaxing at Gull Lake Rotary Park, or Algonquin Park near Dwight Beach, there’s always more to explore and enjoy in Muskoka. Discover the magic of Muskoka this year at your Muskoka cottage rental or waterfront cottage rental in Ontario.