Gravenhurst is a small, picturesque town along the south shore of Lake Muskoka, Ontario. Affectionately known as the “Gateway to Muskoka,” it started life in the 19th century as a small logging town. Today, Gravenhurst is known as a prime vacation spot for visitors from all over. Visitors are drawn to its stunning, natural beauty and the amount of activities that are available. Here are the top activities in Gravenhurst to enjoy year round.
Gravenhurst is an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and adventure amidst the beauty of nature. Its location, just a few hours from Toronto, makes it very accessible too! Gravenhurst is renowned for its water-based activities, thanks to its proximity to a number of lakes and waterways. If you’re not fortunate enough to own your own cottage here, the team at CottageLINK Rental Management can help you find a private Muskoka cottage rental for your family and friends!
How to Get to Gravenhurst from Toronto
Gravenhurst is just 2 hours straight north of Toronto. The route is quite simple, head north along Highway 400, switching to Highway 11 just after you pass Barrie. The highway will then take you right to Gravenhurst before heading further north towards Bracebridge, Huntsville, and points further north.
The History of Gravenhurst, Muskoka, Ontario
Gravenhurst became the first incorporated town in Muskoka in 1887. It was originally named McCabe’s Landing, after James McCabe and his wife, who led guiding expeditions on Lake Muskoka. Gravenhurst, known as the “Gateway to Muskoka Lakes”, built a welcoming arch on the main road into town. Over the years, this arch has changed, but it still welcomes guests into the town today.
Like many other cottage country towns, Gravenhurst was first a lumber town. While some lumber is still produced there today, Gravenhurst is now mainly known as a vacation spot.
The Muskoka Wharf originally was the hub of transportation activities in the area. The wharf provided seasonal access to Lake Muskoka for the logging industry and passenger steamships. A.P. Cockburn built the first steamship in 1865, the Wenonah, before going on to build many more steamships. Still the home port of RMS Segwun, Gravenhurst holds the honour of having the oldest operating steamship in North America. You can learn about the history at the Muskoka Discovery Centre.
Gravenhurst Historic Murals Walk
Learn more about Gravenhurst’s history in this easy self-directed 2.1 km walk. Follow the 14 murals placed around downtown Gravenhurst. Each mural tells a story from the past, about rail travel, steamships, the lumber trade, and the ice industry. The historic murals walk is just one of the many top activities in Gravenhurst to enjoy.
Top Summer Activities in Gravenhurst – Swimming | Boating | Steamship Cruises | Fishing | Hiking & Biking | Events
Gravenhurst’s lakes and rivers are the main attraction for visitors from all over. As such, water-based activities are a major part of the experience. Muskoka’s many lakes are generally clean and clear, great for swimming and watersports of all kinds!
Source: Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce
Swimming
Many people come to Gravenhurst because of the swimming, as Muskoka lakes have the reputation of being cleaner and less weed-prone than lakes further south. Of course “swimming” can mean anything from people who like to swim across an entire, large lake and take it very seriously, to kids wanting to jump in off a swim raft or dock, avid diving enthusiasts, or children splashing around in the shallows. Whatever your version of swimming is, swimming is definitely one of the top activities in Gravenhurst!
When arranging for your private Muskoka waterfront cottage rental, be sure to ask questions about the waterfront if it’s not clearly noted as to what type of swimming can be expected at the cottage you’re interested in. Some waterfronts are weedier than others, but they’re great for fishing and boating. Others have deep-water swimming only, which is usually more clear of weeds, but perhaps not perfectly suitable for toddlers and young children to splash around in. Some cottages have mainly shallow waterfronts, which may not ever get deep enough for those wanting a more “deep-water” experience. Our tips on choosing your ideal waterfront cottage rental might help you decide!
Gull Lake Rotary Park
If you had to compromise on the waterfront when you found the perfect cottage for your group, or if you’ve booked a non-waterfront property, why not take the family to one of the public beaches? Gull Lake Rotary Park is the largest public beach in Gravenhurst, offering swim docks and even lifeguard supervision for added security.
Boating
Another one of the top activities in Gravenhurst is boating. Boating enthusiasts have many options, ranging from performance powerboat rides to quiet paddles in a canoe, kayak, or stand up paddleboard. Most cottage rentals include at least one non-motorized watercraft, typically kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddleboards, or you can bring your own motorized boat if you prefer more fast-paced boating adventures! Don’t worry, if you don’t have a boat of your own there are rentals to be had in the area. Here’s where to find a Muskoka boat rental on your vacation.
Muskoka Steamships
Muskoka Steamships offers visitors a nostalgic journey on a steamship, similar to what the early visitors would have ridden on, through the Muskoka lakes. RMS Segwun is North America’s oldest operating mail steamship, having been in operation for over 135 years. Take a ride on the Wenonah II, a modern interpretation of a steamship, which was named in honour of Wenonah, the first steamship to sail Lake Muskoka. Take advantage of the discounted admission for bearers of steamship cruise tickets, and visit the Discovery Centre before or after your cruise.
Fishing
Muskoka is a popular destination for fishing as well, and with so many waterways you’ll find endless opportunities to cast your line! Here’s a very helpful map showing what fish you can expect to find in various Muskoka lakes. Be sure to check out the local fishing regulations before your arrival, as you should expect enforcement on the lakes.
Hiking & Biking
Gravenhurst is also a great destination for hiking, with a variety of hiking trails varying in difficulty. Cooper’s Falls trail is part of the Great Trail, and presents a challenging 8 km hike through diverse landscapes. For a more moderate hike, try the Devil’s Gap Trail, where you should expect to find beaver dams, marshland, and open meadows, interspersed with Canadian Shield rock, marshland, and open meadows.
Devil’s Gap is so named because of a local folklore tale, about a farmer who was traveling the old colonization road with a wagon & a team of oxen. Unfortunately, they became stuck. After trying unsuccessfully to free the wagon the farmer gave up and went for help, only to return to find that the wagon and oxen had disappeared without a trace. Ever since, the gap in the rock has been known as the Devil’s Gap.
For a more accessible hiking experience, try the Chamberlain Trail. This trail is a 4.2 km loop through hardwood forest, rock cuts, meadow, and even through neighbourhoods in part, making this an easier trail for those not wanting anything too rugged or remote.
Biking enthusiasts will find there’s lots to keep them busy in Gravenhurst! For road biking and touring, Bikemap offers a range of routes sorted into categories ranging from flat to hilly, quick rides and long tours throughout the region.
Mountain biking trails also abound in the area, rated from easy to moderate, and AllTrails has those covered in this helpful guide. Taboo Muskoka offers a weekend recreation schedule with rentals, offering a guided bike ride, mountain bikes, and fat tire bikes.
Events
Annual events held in the summer months include the Muskoka Boat and Cottage Show and Muskoka Ribfest, held the last weekend of July, the Tall Pines Music and Art Festival the third weekend in July, the Gravenhurst Car Show, held over Father’s Day weekend in June.
Top Winter Activities in Gravenhurst – Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing | Snowmobiling | Skating | Ice Fishing | Events
Gravenhurst is a winter playground too, with so many activities and events to do you’ll never have time to be bored! Trails in the winter can be used for snowshoeing and fat biking. See the top winter activities to do in Muskoka, Ontario. Gravenhurst also holds an annual winter carnival over Family Day weekend so that’s a great weekend to visit!
Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
Gravenhurst Nordic Trails is operated on property that hosts a campground during the summer months, opening up their property for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, on looped trails that are suitable for the whole family to try.
Snowmobiling
Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trails run right through Gravenhurst, making this a great destination for snowmobilers too! Route C101D will take you up to Bala to the northwest of Gravenhurst, and to the northeast you can head either to Bracebridge and beyond, or east to the Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park.
Skating
For outdoor skating enthusiasts, you have the option of clearing the snow from the lake ice in front of your Muskoka cottage rental (be sure the ice is safe first!), and create your own private rink, or head to the Muskoka Wharf, which maintains public outdoor rinks for both skating and hockey.
Ice Fishing
Most area lakes can be used for ice fishing in the winter months, as long as the ice is safely thick to venture out on and you have the necessary equipment. Some of the best lakes for fishing are Lake Muskoka, Lake Rosseau, and the Lake of Bays. Fish hut rentals can be had in the area as well, for added comfort.
Events
Yearly events held in the winter include the Winter Carnival, held over Family Day weekend (the middle weekend in February). The Santa Claus parade is generally held on the last weekend of November.
There’s so much to do at all times of year, and winter can be one of the best seasons to enjoy, since it’s less crowded, and there are no worries about bugs or sunburns either! There are winter activities in Muskoka abound, so you won’t lack things to do! Here are the top winter activities to do in Muskoka, Ontario and the best winter events for your Muskoka cottage rental.
Top Indoor Activities in Gravenhurst – Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre | Gravenhurst Opera House | Bethune Memorial House
While we hope all your days are sunny and pleasant, at least throughout the day, there’s also lots to do if the weather doesn’t cooperate. Many of the top activities in Gravenhurst are indoors, providing fun and entertainment even on the rainiest of days.
Discover some history at the Bethune Memorial House, explore the Muskoka Steamships and Discovery Centre, browse the local art galleries, or do some shopping! Or maybe treat yourself to a pampering spa visit for more low-key, relaxing fun. Read on for more of the top activities in Gravenhurst to enjoy.
Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre
The Muskoka Discovery Centre can be a great rainy day activity, if you have the misfortune of such weather one day. Learn about the history of how steamships played such an integral role in the development of Gravenhurst over the years in a fun and entertaining setting. This is a great family destination, with a Kidzone for kids to enjoy along with their dose of history.
If you have children in your group, why not book one of the Kids’ Cruises? Pirate Cruises are offered every year, and costumes are encouraged!
Gravenhurst Opera House
Don’t worry if you’re not an opera fan – this is Gravenhurst’s community performing arts venue. The Gravenhurst Opera House is open year-round, offering a wide variety of live performances, ranging from concerts, to orchestras, kids shows and adult comedies.
Bethune Memorial House
The birthplace and family home of one of Gravenhurst’s most famous people is known as Bethune Memorial House. Dr. Norman Bethune came to be internally known for his service as a frontline trauma surgeon, when he developed a mobile blood transfusion service during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930’s, later supporting the Chinese Communist Party’s side during the second Sino-Japanese war. Bethune helped bring modern medicine to rural China, and became the face of Canada to millions of Chinese citizens as a result of his efforts. In China, he is remembered and celebrated to this day.
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’ activity area has a military theme, featuring a winding wooden and sand-bagged trench complete with a “training area”. Kids 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”.
Top Activities in Gravenhurst – Shopping
Gravenhurst has a vibrant arts community, and charming boutiques and quaint cafes offer a break from the outdoor adventures. The B.I.A. puts on an annual sidewalk sale., generally held on the second weekend of August.
Muskoka Road is Gravenhurst’s “main” street, and you’ll find a great selection of stores and boutiques, gift shops, home and cottage decor, and art galleries there, ending at the Muskoka Wharf area overlooking Lake Muskoka.
Be sure to stop by The Shipyards, with over 4,000 square feet of shops and products. The main floor shops offer a selection of jewelry, clothing, home decor and gifts. Upstairs on the second floor, there are over 30 pop-up vendors offering a variety of handcrafted gifts and original art. Take a break from shopping and drop by The Wheelhouse Café, Lounge & Winebar and rest your feet while enjoying the view of the Muskoka Steamships.
The Muskoka Store has been a draw for decades, and offers a fine selection of sporting equipment and cottage apparel. It’s a great place to go shopping for your quality Muskoka souvenir hoodie!
Top Activities in Gravenhurst – Food and Drink
Although you’ll find the usual franchises that are ubiquitous throughout Ontario, there are many unique local food options that offer more of a taste of Gravenhurst. Here are some of the best!
For upscale dining in a waterfront setting, a visit to Dock of the Bay Steak & Seafood Grille is a must, offering high-quality menu options. Select some wine from their extensive list and enjoy the ambiance while dining with an amazing view of Muskoka Bay.
The Oar and North Catering is another great option while you’re in the area, either to dine in the restaurant or arrange catering for your gathering. Dining options are casual, serving lunch and dinner, with traditional and vegetarian dishes made from fresh, simple, and tasteful ingredients.
Family-owned Old Mill Family Restaurant serves breakfast and lunch amily-style, with a specialty in British style Fish and Chips.
Blue Willow Tea Shop has been in business since 2006. With an idyllic waterfront location at Muskoka Wharf, they offer a unique version of ‘High Tea’ in the lake view dining room and patio. Afterwards, shop at the vintage boutique. Be sure to reserve in advance, especially in the summer months, as this is a popular experience.
Roksy’s Cafe bistro specializes in Eastern European cuisine, serving sandwiches, hot and cold drinks, alcohol, and all-day breakfast. It’s even dog friendly!
Sawdust City Brewing has a very nice patio that’s dog-friendly. Check out their selection of craft beers and seasonal brews, along with wine, spirits & cider, with a quality, single malt scotch selection, and enjoy freshly prepared food as well.
For more information on great restaurants to check out during your Gravenhurst waterfront cottage rental vacation, here are some of the best restaurants in Muskoka to enjoy!
Conclusion
Gravenhurst has lots more to offer than the lakes and waterways that draw tourists there every summer. There are lots of activities for everyone in your group to enjoy, from rugged, challenging hikes to lake tubing, learning about history in a fun setting, or just relaxing by the side of the lake at your waterfront cottage rental. Whatever your choice of activity, or preferred season, Gravenhurst will be sure to give you a memorable getaway and the team here at CottageLINK Rental Management would be happy to assist you in planning your next trip!
