Port Carling is a small town that’s ideally located in the midst of Muskoka, Ontario. The full-time resident population is only 7,650, but during the summer months that population tends to triple, or even more! It’s known as “the hub of the lakes”, because you can access three of the largest lakes in Muskoka; Lakes Rosseau, Joseph and Muskoka from the town. CottageLINK Rental Management has many Muskoka cottage rentals to choose from in the area, so you won’t have trouble finding somewhere great to stay!
Surrounded by all this water, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. The town is surrounded by beautiful terrain, and is quite pretty as well. We highly recommend heading there at least once during your vacation to soak up the atmosphere, take some pictures, do a little shopping, enjoy a meal out, or go fishing in one of the “Big Three” lakes surrounding it. Here are some tips on the top things to see and do while you’re visiting.
How to Get to Port Carling from Toronto
Port Carling is approximately 2 ½ hours (225 km) from Toronto. There are two possible routes, either going up Highway 400 most of the way, or switching to Highway 11 past Barrie, but the Highway 400 route is a little shorter, so we’ll highlight that one here.
Take Highway 400 north from Toronto, then stay on Highway 400 when it separates from Highway 11 just past Barrie. Take the Lake Joseph Road exit, then exit onto Muskoka Road 169, then left onto Highway 118, which will take you the rest of the way to Port Carling.
Outdoor Activities and Sites to Visit
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.
Fishing in Port Carling
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 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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Cultural Activities and Events in Port Carling, Ontario | Muskoka Lakes Museum | Muskoka Chautauqua
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.
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 Farmer’s 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 colours during your Ontario cottage rental. The CottageLINK Rental Management team is here to help you find your perfect Muskoka cottage rental today and start planning your trip to this beautiful spot!
