couple sitting on a dock at sunset

Top Things to Do Around Huntsville During Your Muskoka Cottage Rental

Located in the heart of Muskoka, and only a 2.5 hour drive from Toronto, Huntsville is renowned for the many great lakes nearby, including what are often referred to as the “Big Three”, which includes Lake Joe, Lake Rosseau and Lake Muskoka. However, there are many other incredible lakes in the area including Lake of Bays, Lake Vernon, Skeleton Lake, Butterfly Lake and many others (with over 250,000 lakes in Ontario we won’t try to name them all!). It is the perfect spot to enjoy a traditional Muskoka cottage rental in Ontario or even just for a day trip if you’re staying in a nearby town. If you’re looking to be right in the action of Huntsville, make sure to check out all of our Huntsville cottage rentals.

Below are the top things to do around the area, all conveniently within only a short drive from downtown Huntsville! With so much to see and do, including, boat tours, shops and restaurants and scenic tours, you will find yourself short on time. If you are looking for a Muskoka cottage rental in and around the Huntsville area then we have you covered! 

1. Visit Algonquin Provincial Park as a Day Trip During Your Muskoka Cottage Rental

Located just a short drive from Huntsville, Algonquin Provincial Park is something you will not want to skip, regardless of the season. Algonquin was Ontario’s first Provincial Park and is one of the largest by size. With endless hiking and backpacking trails, the ability to canoe for days, and over 1,500 species of plants and 300 species of birds, your inner nature lover will have no shortage of fun exploring the area. Whether hiking, biking or canoeing, there is no shortage of trails. You may even be lucky enough to see Algonquin Park’s most famous animal when driving into the park, a moose! Keep an eye on the sides of the roads, that’s where they are most likely to be spotted. 

Moose sitting in a field. You may be lucky enough to see one during your Muskoka cottage rental.

2. Take a Boat Tour on Lake of Bays

Lake of Bays is one of the largest lakes in the Muskoka region and is popular for its boating and water sports. You can rent a boat, do a guided tour to check out the scenic views or try your luck at wakeboarding or water skiing. Lake of Bays Marina is a popular destination to rent a boat or to get some lessons from the pros and there are also many other locations where you can find a Muskoka boat rental on your vacation.

3. Visit the Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery

For a taste of local culture, head to the Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery. Located just outside of Huntsville, the farm offers a variety of activities including wine tastings, tours of the vineyards, and a farm-to-table restaurant. You can also shop for local products in the farm’s market, including cheese, honey, and handmade crafts. It is most well-known for its Cranberry Marsh which is sure to wow you, with over 300,000lbs of cranberries grown annually!

4. Play the Slots at the Deerhurst Resort Casino

Just a 10 minute drive from downtown Huntsville, the Deerhurst Resort is a popular destination for tourists. The resort also offers golfing, hiking and an incredible spa. Rainy day or looking for some excitement one night? Deerhurst Casino offers over 200 slot machines and table games. 

5. Take a Picturesque Drive on the Muskoka Road

The Muskoka Road is a breathtaking drive that takes you through the heart of Muskoka and its many great views, of both lakes, forests and, if you’re lucky, wildlife! There are many great lookout spots and small towns that you can stop at to either enjoy the shops, restaurants or grab a drink to cool off. The road goes from Bracebridge to Gravenhurst and is perfect for all seasons, especially the Fall to enjoy the colours. If you happen to be heading North of Muskoka you won’t want to miss Screaming Heads – A Midlothian Fantasy which is just West of Burks Falls and includes a fantasy castle and monolithic landscape of giant heads across over 300 acres.

Cottage lakefront with a view of the water and the fall tree colours in the background. A spectacular view during a fall Muskoka cottage rental

6. Check Out the Muskoka Heritage Place

The Muskoka Heritage Place is the best way to learn about the history of Muskoka and is the perfect spot to spend a day with the family. While at Muskoka Heritage Place, you will have the opportunity to check out the museum, on-site blacksmith shop, sawmill, log cabin and the famous steam train, the Portage Flyer Train. While the Museum remains open in the winter (Mon – Fri), other activities like the Village and steam train are only open from May – October. 

7. Explore Arrowhead Provincial Park

Arrowhead Provincial Park is another popular destination for a day trip. Whether you’re looking for a casual hike or a challenge, the Park has trails for everyone. Don’t forget to check out Stubb Falls while you’re in Arrowhead Provincial Park which is just one of many waterfalls to explore during your Muskoka cottage rental. The park is also well known for its mountain biking trails. If you don’t own a bike, you can check out where to rent a mountain bike in Muskoka.

8. Visit the Dorset Lookout Tower

The Dorset Lookout Tower is a popular destination for tourists given the stunning views. Located just on the outskirts of Huntsville, the Dorset Lookout Tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding forests and lakes. Climb to the top for a bird’s eye view of Muskoka or explore some of the many trails nearby. 

9. Enjoy A Day on The Links at One of the Many Great Muskoka Golf Courses

Muskoka is renowned for its many great golf courses and while not all of them are right in the Huntsville region you will not be disappointed you made the drive! These courses include North Granite Ridge Golf Club, Deerhurst Highlands Golf Course, Deerhurst Lakeside Golf Course, Muskoka Highlands Golf Course, The Rock Muskoka and South Muskoka Golf and Curling Club.

10. Dyer Memorial

Dyer Memorial is one of Muskoka’s hidden gems in Huntsville, located just 10 minutes out of town. It is a good spot for geocaching and has many great trails leading from the memorial. It is a great spot for a picnic to enjoy the tranquility.

Looking for That Perfect Muskoka Cottage Rental?

Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or just looking to get out of the city and enjoy the peace and quiet of Cottage Country, Huntsville and its surrounding areas has something for everyone. Looking to discover everything that Muskoka has to offer? We here at CottageLINK Rental Management manage hundreds of cottage rentals in Ontario, including many in the Muskoka area. So why wait? Contact us now and let us find that perfect cottage getaway for you and your group! 

CottageLINK Rental Management
Email: info@clrm.ca
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