Port Carling is a small town that’s ideally located in the midst of Muskoka, Ontario. Only 7,650 residents live there full time, but during the summer months that population tends to triple, or even more! Known as “the hub of the lakes” because you can access three of the largest lakes in Muskoka; Lakes Rosseau, Joseph and Muskoka from Port Carling.
Surrounded by all this water, Port Carling features an abundance of year-round attractions and activities. You can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, boat tours, hiking, and golf in the summer months. During the winter, partake in hockey, curling, ice skating, cross country skiing and snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
The town is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, and is very picturesque. Include a visit to Port Carling during your stay to take some pictures, do a little shopping, and enjoy a meal. In terms of accommodations, there are many waterfront cottage rentals to choose from. View our Muskoka cottage rentals and start planning your trip today!
History of Port Carling
The town now known as Port Carling was originally settled and named Obajewanung (or Obogawanung) in the 1850s. This name roughly translates to “gather place”. As the white settler population grew in the area the Ojibwe moved closer to Parry Sound, and Obajewanung became known as Medora Township.
Small area settlements began clearing land for agricultural use. The settlers had been encouraged to migrate there because of the Free Grants and Homesteads Act of 1868. Settlers were granted access to land on the condition they cleared 15 acres of land and built a home there.
In 1868/1869 Benjamin Hardcastle Johnston opened a post office in Medora Township. He named the post office Port Carling after the then Ontario Minister of Public Works, John Carling. He was instrumental in having locks built connecting Lakes Muskoka and Rosseau, allowing ships to travel between the lakes. This led to an economic boom in the area and increased tourism. The subsequent opening of more and more resorts provided places for summer guests to stay.
Tourism rapidly increased, and by 1895 the village had grown to a year-round population of over 100. These residents petitioned to separate from Medora Township, which was granted in 1896, officially becoming known as Port Carling. Port Carling amalgamated with other townships in 1971, becoming known as the Township of Muskoka Lakes.
How to Get to Port Carling from Toronto
Port Carling is approximately 2 ½ hours (225 km) from Toronto. There are two possible routes. Take Highway 400 most of the way, or switch to Highway 11 past Barrie. The Highway 400 route is a little shorter, so we’ll highlight that one here.
Head north on Highway 400 from Toronto. Continue, staying on Highway 400 when it separates from Highway 11 just past Barrie. Exit onto Lake Joseph Road, then Muskoka Road 169. From there, turn left onto Highway 118, which will take you the rest of the way to Port Carling.
Port Carling Attractions | Port Carling Wall | Muskoka Cruises | Port Carling Beach
Port Carling Wall
This is a 111 x 45 foot wall mosaic composed of over 9,000 separate pictures that put together form a huge mosaic depicting the RMS Sagamo passing through the Port Carling locks in about 1922. It’s 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.
Your visit to the wall can be combined with the Port Carling Mural walk, a 2.5 km. hike to see the various murals located throughout Port Carling.
Muskoka Cruises
Take a cruise on Lake Rosseau or the Muskoka River, right from the docks in Port Carling! Muskoka Cruises offers 90 minute cruise options on both, as well as Wine Tasting & Charcuterie Wednesdays.
Or take a cruise with Sunset Cruises on the historic Peerless II boat, the last supply boat to operate on the Muskoka lakes. It was originally built in 1946, and was used to deliver gasoline and home heating oil until 1994 when it was decommissioned, and sold. It’s been operating as a recreational cruise vessel since 2003.
Port Carling Beach
Hanna Park has one of the best public beaches in the area, but also has a fantastic and elaborate playground for kids, a basketball and volleyball court and a covered pavilion for picnics.
Port Carling Outdoor Activities | Fishing | Watersports | Golfing | Hiking the Hazlewood Trail | View the Lakes Chair Tour
Port Carling Fishing
The three lakes that are directly accessible from Port Carling are Lakes Muskoka, Rousseau, and Joseph. They’re all over 20 km long, and linked to each other by a system of locks and rivers. These three large Muskoka lakes are well known for the lavish vacation homes owned by the rich and famous, including Hollywood celebrities, pro athletes, and famous musicians.
What’s less well known is that the big three lakes also provide some of the best fishing in Ontario, including trophy-sized walleye, lake trout, and northern pike. All of Ontario’s most popular sportfish can be caught in the lakes and rivers nearby but the fishing is particularly good for walleye, lake trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass, and northern pike. Here you’ll find more information and some helpful tips to help you discover incredible fishing in the Muskoka Region, and where to find docks and boat launches in Muskoka.
Port Carling Watersports
With so many lakes, you’ll find many options for participating in your watersport of choice!
Many cottage rentals include one or more non-motorized watercraft, such as kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards, and paddle boats, and they are required to also provide a boat kit, which is required to take with you on Ontario waterways. Unless you have your own PFDs, it’s a good idea to ask if they are also provided before booking your accommodations.
If you have your own boat, make sure the waterfront cottage rental you book is on a lake that permits that, with a public boat launch or a marina to launch, and suitable docking for your boat. No boat of your own, no worries! Many marinas offer boat rentals, and will deliver to the lake for an additional fee. As long as you have a boat license, and the lake is suitable for boats with motors, you’re good to go!
If you just want to try a sport without going to the expense of renting a boat, why not try a company that gives lessons, such as SWS Muskoka?
SWS Muskoka, Port Carling, Ontario
In addition to water skiing and wakeboarding, which have been around for many years, this ski school offers lessons in two new summer sports. If you’re new to water skiing and wakeboarding, lessons are a great idea! Check out the Cable Park to practice your skills without the aid of a boat.
Golfing
If you’re an avid golfer, this is the place to come! Port Carling has many premier 18 hole golf courses. While some of these courses are private, member’s only courses, there are also a number of courses open to the public too. Choose from any number of courses, including The Rock Muskoka, North Granite Ridge Club, Windermere Golf and Country Club, and Bigwin Island Golf Club, all within Port Carling!
Hiking the Hazlewood Trail
Just a few minutes northwest of Port Carling you’ll find Hazlewood Trail. This historic trail once linked Port Carling to Port Sandfield. It was named for a pioneer family, the Hazlewoods, who settled on Lake Rosseau, and was their trail to Port Carling. The trail has some moderate to steep climbs, and goes through mature hardwood forest and a large beaver pond.
View the Lakes Chair Tour
For a fun adventure for the family, try the View the Lakes Chair Tour in Muskoka Lakes. Take this self-guided tour to discover ten unique Muskoka Chairs placed to highlight the top views across Muskoka Lakes. Get ready to take lots of pictures!
Cultural Activities & Events in Port Carling, Ontario | Muskoka Lakes Museum | Muskoka Chautauqua | Hike the Lakes Scavenger Hunt
Muskoka Lakes Museum
This museum is located on Bartleman Island, and is family-friendly, with interactive activities for all ages. Every weekend in the summer, the museum offers classic games such as croquet and bocce ball, and visitors can enjoy those too, along with the regular admission to the museum.
In addition, the museum offers walking tours of Port Carling guided by a long-time resident Susan Daglish. Tours take about an hour and start at the museum, taking you to such highlights as the locks, the photo wall, churches, the First Nations village, and other historically significant locations throughout Port Carling.
Muskoka Chautauqua
Muskoka Chautauqua is one of the longest-running cultural institutions in the region. Taking place over 9 days in August each year, visitors can experience diverse programming that includes documentary film screenings and discussions, movement and meditation classes, visual arts workshops, an art gallery in the woods, and musical performances.
Hike the Lakes Scavenger Hunt
Held annually during the month of May, try this great adventure through the area at the Hike the Lakes Scavenger Hunt. As an added incentive, there are 10 chances to win 1 of 10 $100 gift certificates to a local business of your choice.
Port Carling Shopping
For the shoppers in the group, they’ll be happy to discover a wide variety of stores in Port Carling. You’ll find upscale cottage decor at the Lock and Quay, and furniture and decor at Hilltop Interiors. Rosseau General Store is a great place to go for your groceries!
Quality women’s and children’s clothing and gifts are on offer at Bridgeport, and more clothing options at Lemonwood, Campus Crew, and Tommy Bahama. If you’re an antique lover, you’ll find those at Barn Boarded and Fleur Muskoka. Browse for used books, antiques and jewelry at Auntie Doodie’s.
Port Carling Farmers Market
This is held every Thursday at Hanna Park. From stores specializing in spectacular cottage décor to both antique and modern boat shops to vintage clothing and the latest styles, there’s something for every shopper in Port Carling. For these and other finds, also check out the Port Carling Farmers’ Market every Thursday at Hanna Park. And you’ll also discover unique souvenirs at the Muskoka Lakes Museum on Bartleman Island. Use our Member Search to find Chamber member stores, restaurants and experiences in Port Carling.
Port Carling Restaurants and Eateries
As you might expect, there is a wide variety of options when it comes to dining out. Enjoy casual fare such as pizza at PIE Muskoka or sausage on a bun at Pete’s Links. There are breakfast and lunch options at York and Mason, fine dining at Portside Fusion, or fine takeout options and catering at The Sherwood Inn.
You’ll also find excellent restaurants in the JW Marriott and the Rosseau Muskoka Resort and Spa. Field of Greens has fresh produce and a fabulous bakery, and also ready to go gourmet meals and seafood. Follow up your meal by stopping by Mooskoka’s for a delicious ice cream! Here’s more information on the best restaurants in Muskoka.
Port Carling is incredibly beautiful in all seasons, and you’ll always find lots of activities to enjoy along with the spectacular scenery. Here are the top winter activities to do in Muskoka, Ontario, and if your trip is planned for the fall, the best places to see fall colour during your Ontario cottage rental.
Book your Muskoka cottage rental accommodations today and start planning your trip to this beautiful spot!
