Everything you need to know about planning a trip to Muskoka

by YP Contributor

Muskoka is the true heart of Ontario cottage country – a picturesque region ripe with stunning views, sumptuous food, and outdoor activities for kids and adults alike. [Image credit: iStock.com/Orchidpoet]

The breathtaking wilderness is always at your fingertips in Muskoka. There are many protected provincial and national parks in the area to discover, including:

• Arrowhead Provincial Park has a number of hikes ranging from “easy” (Big Bend lookout) to “moderate” (Mayflower Lake Trail); they also are well known for their wide selection of winter activities, including snowshoeing and tiki-torch skating.
• Algonquin Provincial Park is a place where visitors can hike, canoe and watch wildlife (black bears, white-tailed deer and loons are native to the area).
• Georgian Bay Islands National Park is famous for great boating, mountain biking and hiking (just watch out for rattlesnakes). You can even camp a night in their new “oTENTiks,” structures that are a cross between A-frames and prospector tents.

For high-scale Canadian fare drop by Cottages Restaurant, located in the JW Marriot. If you’re looking for something more casual, grab tacos at the famed Toronto-born taqueria, Grand Electric Muskoka, then be sure to check out the nearby cocktail bar, café and lifestyle boutique, Frankie’s Surf club, where you can grab a coffee and designer sweater. Sample some of the best wine and refined European cuisine at Tall Trees Restaurant, which is located in a charming white house, or if you’re in the mood for sushi pop by Wabora Japanese Fusion Steakhouse. R&L’s Bistro (upscale Canadian fare in a minimalist environment) and Rombos Family Restaurant (family-friendly Greek and Italian food) are also restaurants worthy of note.

• The RMS Segwun is North America’s oldest operational steamship; take a ride on and learn about the history of the Muskoka Lakes navigation company.
• If you’re sick of the outdoors drop by Bala’s Museum, which celebrates the life and writings of Canada’s Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables. Drop by the nearby Bala waterfalls afterwards.
• Windermere House is perfect for those whose idea of fun includes lounging in the spa, getting a five-star mani-pedi, or relaxing with a drink at the country club.
• Go for a tour and syrup tasting at Sugarbush Hill Farms where you can sample and learn about the production of fine Canadian maple syrup.

With all the fresh air and adventure you will need a quiet place to rest your head. Port Cunnington Lodge has lovely cottages available with a glorious view of Lake of Bays (and many include whirlpool bathtubs). Tulip Inn is a charming family-run hotel, with both rooms and cottages for rent at reasonable prices ($64.95 a night during low season, $94.95 during high season).  JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa, overlooking Lake Rousseau, is a pricier option – but it’s been rated one of the top twenty resorts in Canada by National Geographic Magazine. Hart of Muskoka is a more rustic option, which offers a “Beers of Muskoka” tour of three local craft breweries. Finally, Deerhurst Resort is an upscale resort with on-site hiking trails, indoor rock climbing and a Shizen Spa.

Jam-packed with protected wilderness and magical wildlife, Muskoka is a place you will never forget. Whether you’re satisfying your sweet tooth, hiking up a storm, or basking in the brilliant wilderness, Muskoka is a Canadian region worthy of your next holiday.