Muskoka is best known for being the premiere cottaging destination in Ontario, as its rugged terrain full of forests, clean lakes and rocky cliffs lends itself perfectly to all the outdoor activities you can imagine!
But, did you ever wonder how it got to be such a popular vacation destination in the first place? There’s a rich history to discover, and Muskoka has some fascinating museums and sites to explore. Learn about the Indigenous heritage of the region, the history of steamship travel, tour through pioneer settlements, and learn about the history of vacationing in the 1800’s that led to Muskoka becoming a vacation destination that’s popular enough to attract Hollywood celebrities.
Museums and Historical Sites
Muskoka Lakes Museum (Port Carling)
The Muskoka Lakes Museum in Bala is one of the best places to learn about early life in the area. It focuses on the history of boat building and steamship travel, tourism and cottage development right up to the recent past. Since Muskoka is located on Indigenous land, being the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg (Chippewa or Ojibway) and Wahta Mohawk people you’ll find a gallery devoted to the history of the Indigenous People.
The museum is located between two locks in the centre of Port Carling, Ontario, on an island. Please note there is no parking or vehicle access on the island, but free parking is available nearby. After parking, travel to the island museum by footbridge, making getting there half the fun!
While you’re in Port Carling, here are more of the the top things to see and do.
Muskoka Discovery Centre (Gravenhurst)
One of the top activities in Gravenhurst, Muskoka to enjoy is The Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst. This is a hands-on museum that is suitable for all ages, and kids will love the Kidzone! The Discovery Centre focuses on science, local history, and the region’s famous boating and steamship heritage, and there’s an ever-changing display of antique wooden boats.
Muskoka Heritage Place (Huntsville)
One of the top things to do around Huntsville, Muskoka Heritage Place in Huntsville comprises a museum, pioneer village, and the Portage Flyer train. This train has been relocated to the site so you can experience a ride back in time. Enjoy the thrill of a short (under a mile) but leisurely ride in the authentic open-air coaches along the river.
Children are encouraged to explore the locomotive and learn how it operates. Participate in a self-guided scavenger hunt activity with five levels of difficulty for an extra challenge!
Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery (Huntsville)
The Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery is a unique open-air art experience in downtown Huntsville. The exhibit is comprised of large murals painted on various buildings’ exterior walls throughout Huntsville. These murals are based on paintings by the famous Group of Seven artists, who were inspired by the landscapes of Muskoka and Northern Ontario.
Since the murals are spread throughout the town, it turns a simple outdoor walk into a cultural experience. Follow a self-guided tour and get a better idea of how the region influenced some of Canada’s most iconic artwork.
While you’re in Huntsville, why not visit one of Muskoka’s hidden gems, The Dyer Memorial , about 15 minutes outside of Huntsville near Arrowhead Provincial Park.
Bethune Memorial House (Gravenhurst)
The Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site is the well-preserved childhood home of Dr. Norman Bethune, a Canadian doctor known internationally for his medical work and humanitarian efforts. These efforts began with the Spanish Civil War as a front-line trauma surgeon, and in later years he was responsible for bringing modern medicine to China.
If you have children in your group, be sure to check out the adjacent First World War-themed family activity area. This is a child-friendly version telling of the work of Bethune and other medical staff during the war. Inspired by Bethune’s story, the kids’ unique activity area has a military theme, featuring a winding wooden and sand-bagged trench complete with a “training area.” Children will be delighted by the historically accurate trench, down to the rubber rats and pretend barbed wire. Children can even dress in military costume and participate in mock searches for the enemy through periscopes, while hearing sporadic “gunshots”.
Where is Muskoka, Ontario?
Muskoka is located about two hours north of Toronto, and can be reached on major highways, making it an easy trip from Southern Ontario. On weekends, particularly during the summer months, this trip can take a lot longer as traffic heading to Cottage Country can be quite heavy at times.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When did Muskoka become a vacation hotspot?
Muskoka was the first Ontario “cottage country” destination beginning in the late 1800s, when Southern Ontario city dwellers discovered they could find relief from the hot, stifling cities by heading north into the countryside.
Although it’s an easy few hours by private car today, with the possible annoyance of traffic jams on busy weekends, at that time it required an onerous full day of travel by train and steamship, and sometimes a shuttle boat ride from the steamship dock to your hotel or resort.
What role did steamships play in Muskoka tourism?
Steamships were the backbone of early Muskoka tourism, allowing access to otherwise remote shorelines and helping shape the region’s reputation as a premier vacation destination.. By the early 1900s, Muskoka had firmly established itself as one of Ontario’s premier summer retreats, and there were dozens of major resorts, lodges, and hotels there to accommodate.
Because it generally took an entire day of travel between trains, steamship, and sometimes a further boat shuttle to the end destination, guests usually stayed for extended periods, sometimes for an entire summer. The trip there was part of the experience!
What are the historic “grand hotels” of Muskoka?
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Muskoka was home to several luxurious “grand hotels” that catered to wealthy vacationers from the south. These resorts and hotels included Windermere House, Rosseau House, and Royal Muskoka Hotel. Rather a different experience than a private cottage, these large lakeside resorts offered not only elegant accommodations and fine dining, but also social activities.
Luckily, those of us who are not wealthy can still enjoy Muskoka today, as there are private vacation rentals suitable for all budgets.
Final Thoughts
Discover that Muskoka is more than a 4 season vacation spot. The area museums, steamship history, and historic sites add depth to a region often associated only with lakes and cottages and summer entertainment. They tell the story of early settlers, the Indigenous history of the area, steamship travel, and artistic endeavours. Visiting a few of these sites can give a fuller appreciation of how it became the place it is today.
