Are you looking for a winter wonderland of fun in Ontario? Travel to one of the best winter destinations in Canada, Muskoka! In the heart of cottage country, you’ll find a wealth of winter fun activities including skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, and so much more! So, start planning for one of the best Ontario winter getaways today with this guide to Muskoka in winter!
Top Things to do in Muskoka in Winter
Whether you’re on the hunt for fun adventures in the snow or cozy places to visit, Muskoka has it all! You’ll find an array of fun things to do in Muskoka in the winter. There’s something for everyone, including plenty of outdoor adventures, cozy cafes, charming small towns, and more! So, make sure your schedule is open and start planning your getaway to Muskoka in winter!
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Winter Hiking in Algonquin Park
Ontario’s most popular park is home to some of the best winter hikes Muskoka has to offer! Algonquin Park is one of the best places to hike in Muskoka, including in the winter.
Some of my favourite trails in Algonquin Park to hike in the winter are Hemlock Bluff Trail, Lookout Trail, Spruce Bog Boardwalk Trail. Both the Lookout Trail and Hemlock Bluff offer awesome winter views.
One of my top winter hiking tips is to make sure you pack crampons. Both the Lookout and Hemlock Bluff Trails have some hills that can get icy in the winter. Ensure your safety by packing essential cold weather gear like crampons.
Spruce Bog Boardwalk Trail is a relatively easy and flat trail. In the winter you’ll find plenty of chickadees that will follow you through the forested trail section. Put out your mitt and be patient and they’ll likely land on you.
Local Tip: Not all parking lots along the Highway 60 corridor of Algonquin Park are plowed in the winter. Plus, some gates are closed to access trails like Whiskey Rapids Trail and Hardwood Lookout Trail.
Eclipse – Walk with Light
UPDATE: Eclipse Walk with Light is currently on pause.
A brand new winter attraction in Muskoka is Eclipse – Walk with Light. This incredible light and sound experience opened in late 2021 and has become one of the top things to do in Huntsville. Eclipse takes place on the grounds of Muskoka Heritage Place.
Visitors begin their walk around the “path of light” at the Rotary Village Station, the old rail station. Here you’ll find the first of many ice sculptures.
Trundling along the wide pathway you’ll find yourself lured into the forest by lights in the distance. Throughout the forested grounds, there are numerous light installations, many with sound, and some are even interactive!
Eclipse offers a variety of unique additional experiences. On various days you can walk goats through the forests, try yoga, and enjoy live entertainment on Friday and Saturdays. On weekends there are also Beavertails and poutine as well as beverages, both non-alcoholic and alcoholic varieties.
You’ll want to remember to dress warmly for the occasion as the experience is completely outdoors and at night when temperatures drop. Tickets are very budget-friendly.
Address: 100 Forbes Hill Drive in Huntsville
Hit the Skate Trail at Arrowhead Provincial Park
One of the top things to do in the winter in Muskoka is to visit Arrowhead Provincial Park! You’ll find a ton of things to do in the park, especially in the winter months. It’s one of the best provincial parks in Ontario to visit in the winter!
The most popular attraction at Arrowhead Provincial Park in the winter is their ice trail! The skating trail is 1.3 km long and takes you through the forest.
At night, during their Fire and Ice Nights the trail is lit by tiki torches. It was even named one of the most stunning natural rinks in the world by Travel + Leisure!
There are a few things to keep in mind when visiting the Arrowhead skate trail. The skate trail is open from 9 am to 5 pm. However, it closes midday for about an hour and a half for maintenance. The night skate is on from 6 pm to 9 pm and requires reservations.
Local Tip: Don’t worry if you don’t have skates. Arrowhead has rentals for ice skates. Plus, they also have washroom facilities, warm-up shelters, and an open fire pit too!
Address: 451 Arrowhead Park Road in Huntsville
Go Cross Country Skiing
Did you know that Muskoka is one of the top destinations for cross country skiing? You can cross country ski Muskoka over and over and still not experience the hundreds of kilometres of ski trails.
You’ll find a variety of awesome cross country skiing trails in Muskoka. A couple of popular choices are Arrowhead and Algonquin Parks. And if you don’t own skis, you can rent them at Arrowhead.
Algonquin Park has three awesome trail networks set up for cross country skiing. They range in difficulty and length, so there’s something for everyone’s skill level. A few recommended trails for skiing are Fen Lake Ski Trail, Minnesing Trail, and Leaf Lake Ski Trail Trail.
However, did you know that many Muskoka resorts offer cross country ski trails on their property? You can find the whole package, somewhere to stay, eat and play at many resorts!
Some fun resorts to stay at that have cross country skiing available are Bayview Wildwood Resort (with 8 km of trails), Deerhurst Resort (with 5km), and Sherwood Inn.
Two resorts with ten or more kilometres of ski trails are Cedar Grove Lodge in Huntsville and Bondi Village Cottage Resort in Dwight.
If you’re looking for winter activities in Gravenhurst then head to its KOA. At the Gravenhurst KOA you’ll find over 15 km of skiing trails that are ideal! Plus, the best part is that access to the trails is free!
Attend the Winter in the Wild Festival
If you’re looking for fun things to do in February in Muskoka than head to Algonquin Park! Every February the park celebrates winter with their annual Winter in the Wild Festival.
Algonquin’s Winter in the Wild Festival boasts a variety of indoor and outdoor events on the Family Day long weekend. There are guided birding walks and snowshoe excursions. Plus, they host a selection of presentations as well as a special lunch and more.
All of the family-friendly activities are free with the purchase of a daily park permit.
Chase Frozen Waterfalls
One of the best things to do in the region is to visit the many incredible waterfalls! With over 1500 lakes, it’s no surprise that there are so many waterfalls in Muskoka!
However, one of the best times to visit them is in the winter when they are partially frozen over! Many of these magical natural wonders are easily accessible.
If you’re looking for things to do in Bracebridge in the winter then you’ll find a bunch of awesome waterfalls right in town. Visiting these waterfalls is one of the top winter activities in Bracebridge.
There are three main waterfalls in town, one of which is right downtown! Two of the region’s top falls can be found here, Bracebridge Falls – located right downtown, and High Falls.
A few other accessible waterfalls to check out in the winter are Stubbs Falls in Arrowhead and Muskoka Falls, which is located right off Highway 11 and ON-118.
Snowshoeing in Arrowhead Provincial Park
One of the top things to do in the winter in Muskoka is to visit Arrowhead Provincial Park! You’ll find a ton of things to do in Arrowhead, especially in the winter months! It’s one of the best provincial parks in Ontario to visit in the winter!
Snowshoeing is one of the best winter activities to do in Arrowhead. There are over eight km of marked snowshoe trails.
If you’re looking for a great trail that’s rated as easy try Stubb’s Falls Trail. This 2 km roundtrip trail takes you over a bridge and to the pretty waterfall.
An alternative is the Mayflower Lake Trail. This trail is also2 km roundtrip, but is rated moderate and takes you through scenic woodlands.
Address: 451 Arrowhead Park Road in Huntsville
Go Dog Sledding
Another fun Muskoka winter activity is dog sledding! Forget about travelling to the Arctic, you can enjoy this wonderful Canadian winter experience in Muskoka! The best part is that dog sledding is a perfect thing to do for couples, friends, or families with children.
There are a couple of places where you can go dog sledding in Muskoka. One is in Algonquin Provincial Park and the other is at North Ridge Ranch.
North Ridge Ranch is located just north of Arrowhead, 20 minutes outside Huntsville. This family owned and operated business runs a variety of dog sled tours.
They offer one-hour or half-day tours, which can take up to three hours. You’ll start off with a lesson on how to operate your sleigh, a chance to meet the dogs, and enjoy an exhilarating adventure!
You can read all the wonderful reviews of North Ridge Ranch here.
Address: 1823 Williamsport Road in Huntsville
Get Festive at Santa’s Village for Santafest
If you’re looking for fun things to do in the winter in Muskoka with kids then head to Santa’s Village. This 60-acre family park is one of the top attractions in Bracebridge.
Santa’s Village is open during the summer and provides families with tons of fun things to do. But in the winter, it transforms into a festive wonderland!
Starting in mid-November and running through to Christmas, the park hosts its annual Santafest. This festive event is ideal for families planning to visit Muskoka for the holidays.
At Santafest you’ll find plenty of festive things to do, like Christmas themed rides. It’s also home to one of the best places to see Christmas lights! The display boasts 1 million lights!
Kids will love meeting Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, and the Candy Cane Express Train. Plus, there’s a Christmas Market and horse drawn wagon rides.
The park also has some great options for food to fuel your fun. There’s indoor dining in their Yule Lodge restaurant. Plus, you’ll find Beavertails and Mrs. Claus Bakeshop for your sweet tooth needs.
Address: 1624 Golden Beach Road in Bracebridge
Attend the Fire and Ice Festival
One of the top winter festivals in Muskoka is the Fire and Ice Festival in Bracebridge. The festival generally takes place every year in downtown Bracebridge in January
You’ll find a ton of fun things to do and see. The festival transforms downtown into a winter wonderland with ice displays, fire pits, ice skating, and even fire artists!
Stretching out along the main street of Bracebridge lies the main attraction of the festival, the tube run. Over fifty truckloads help to create an epic tubing hill that’s fun for all ages!
Along with the tube run, there’s a crokicurl rink at the Winter Village. The Winter Village is located in Memorial Park, which is also downtown.
Memorial Park is home to the crokicurl rink, a skating trail, and awesome festive light displays! To end the fun-filled day, the festival ends in a bang with a wonderful fireworks display!
Local Tip: There is plenty of free parking across town. However, if that is full there is additional parking throughout Bracebridge. Plus, there are free shuttles running from these locations to downtown.
Go Downhill Skiing at Hidden Valley Highlands
Muskoka is home to one of the best places to ski in Ontario, the Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area and the Muskoka Ski! If you want to add skiing to your winter in Muskoka bucket list then a visit to Hidden Valley Highlands is a must!
Hidden Valley Highlands is located in Huntsville and is home to 35 acres (14 hectares) of ski-able space! It’s ideal for people of all skill levels as well as children. They offer ski and snowboarding lessons for adults and kids, along with rentals.
There are 15 groomed trails, eleven runs, with the longest run clocking in at 580 meters or 1902 feet, a terrain park, as well as night skiing and snowboarding. And if you’re in need of fuel, there’s a fully-licensed cafeteria located on the second level of the Chalet.
Address: 1655 Hidden Valley Road in Huntsville
Visit a Lookout
While many are chasing lookouts in the autumn and summer, I recommend visiting them in the winter too! There are so many great lookouts in Muskoka and all of them are just as amazing with the trees bare and under a blanket of snow.
One of my favourite places to go in the fall in Muskoka is Huntsville. However, it’s just as amazing in winter! The top lookout in Huntsville is Lions Lookout. From one side of the hill, you can look down on the small town below, and on the other side is a sweeping view of Fairy Lake.
Another popular lookout in Muskoka can be found at Arrowhead. The park’s Big Bend Lookout is a magical view in the winter, especially after a fresh snowfall. If you’re looking for more great winter views try Lookout Park in Gravenhurst, Barron Canyon Trail in Algonquin Park, and Walker’s Point Lookout.
Visit Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery
For those looking for fun outdoor winter activities in Muskoka or just a cozy spot to visit then Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery is golden!
This family-run spot was made famous by their Johnston Cranberry Marsh’s Instagram-worthy cranberry plunge. However, there are so many things to do on the farm throughout the year.
Muskoka Lake Farm is home to one of the best skate trails in Muskoka! Their Cranberry Ice Trail is a 1.2 kilometre loop that takes you around one of their cranberry marshes.
It’s ideally paired with one of the farm’s wine tastings! Though, you can opt for hot mulled wine or hot cran-apple cider. Plus, every Saturday night the skate trail becomes a magical place with 400 tiki torches.
The farm is full of more things to do in the winter. You can play bog hockey, enjoy a guided farm tour, or go snowshoeing. There are over ten kilometres of trails at the farm.
One of the best trails is the Superberry trail. This trail is 7.5 kilometres and combines four of their trails allowing you to see the best of the property in one loop!
Address: 1074 Cranberry Road in Bala
Hunt for Stars & Northern Lights
A true Canada bucket list item is witnessing the Northern Lights. You don’t need to travel to the Arctic or into the depths of Northern Ontario, you can see them in Muskoka.
One thing to keep in mind is you’ll want to get away from any and all city lights. So, where can you see Northern Lights in Muskoka? The best place to see the northern lights in Muskoka is in Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve
This over 4,500 acre conservation area was the world’s first permanent Dark Sky Reserve. It’s located about thirty minutes west of Gravenhurst.
Torrance Barrens is a great place to go snowshoeing during the day. But it’s at night when the magic happens. Far from the lights of any small town, the park is an awesome place to take in the stunning starry night skies. Even if you don’t catch the Northern Lights, you’ll still be wowed!
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights? The prime time for viewing them is during the fall and winter. Specifically between 11pm to 3am on cloudless, cold nights.
Tip: If you’re really interested in hopefully catching the lights I recommend downloading the Aurora app. The app gives you information on KP ratings, cloud cover, solar winds, and more. It’s location specific to help you know if it’s possible to see Northern Lights.
Address: Southwood Road in Gravenhurst
Attend the Gravenhurst Winter Carnival
Another amazing festival to attend during your stay in Muskoka this winter is the Gravenhurst Winter Carnival!
Known as the gateway to Muskoka, there is a wealth of things to do in Gravenhurst all year long. However, Gravenhurst in winter is home to a fun winter festival with an adorable otter, Skokie, as its mascot.
The Winter Carnival began in 1971 and has come a long way. Taking place every February, the Winter Carnival brings a variety of activities and things to do across Gravenhurst.
Some of the key features of the event are the polar bear dip, eating competitions, walking tours, and so much more! You’ll find an assortment of things revolving around the mascot, like the Skokie pizza party. Other fun things to do include snow sculptures, live entertainment, and the demolition derby.
This family-friendly festival is always evolving each year, be sure to check out the Winter Carnival page on Facebook for up-to-date information.
Explore the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery
If you’re an art lover then head to Huntsville in the winter! Here, you’ll find one of the best places to find street art in Ontario.
Throughout Huntsville as well as other locations across Muskoka you’ll find the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery. The gallery is a collection of over 30 murals that reflect some of the best pieces of art by the Group of Seven.
Along with Northern Ontario, the Muskoka region is notorious for incredible Group of Seven locations. Many places across Muskoka and within Algonquin inspired their art, so it’s an ideal destination to take in these outdoor murals.
To find all the places where you’ll find murals you can pick up a pamphlet or opt for a scavenger hunt. Most of them are on the sides of buildings and above storefronts throughout downtown Huntsville.
The Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery also makes for an awesome winter road trip in Muskoka. You’ll find murals in Huntsville, Algonquin Provincial Park, Baysville, and more.
Snowshoe Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve
One of Ontario’s hidden gems is the Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve! This private park covered over 10,000 square kilometres of unspoiled wilderness and is located 20 minutes east of Huntsville.
If you’re looking for what to do in Muskoka in winter I recommend going snowshoeing in Limberlost. With over 70 km of trails, you can go hiking, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing within the park.
The best part, it’s free! The park is open daily from 9am to 5pm and has over 10 groomed and ungroomed trails to ski.
A few great snowshoe trails in Limberlost Forest are Solitaire Lake Loop, Buck Lake Loop, and Turtle Lake Loop. With over twenty lakes within the park, there is plenty of scenic views and even waterfalls!
The most popular trail is Solitaire Lake Loop. At 6.3 km, the trail is considered moderate and is like trekking through a winter wonderland!
Local Tip: Please read my winter hiking tips before you head out hiking and check out my essential hiking gear list. One thing you’ll definitely need is crampons! Also, I recommend visiting with a car that sits high or has four-wheel drive as the road in can get rough in the winter.
Address: S Limberlost Rd, Huntsville
Go Winter Camping at Algonquin Park
Camping is one of the best things to do in the winter in Muskoka! And one of the top parks to do it in is Algonquin Park.
The Mew Lake Campground is open all year and offers campers the perfect experience in the winter. Along with fewer campers, you’ll have a magical experience waking up in a snow globe. And don’t worry, there’s a winterized comfort station.
For those who are more adventurous, the park also offers backcountry campsites too!
Book winter camping at Algonquin here.
In addition to typical campsites, the park offers yurts at Mew Lake Campground. Staying in a yurt is ideal for those looking for more comfort and heat.
The yurts are outfitted with bunk beds, a table and chairs, electrical heat, lighting and an outlet. Sleeping up to six people, they are great for a getaway with families or friends.
Things to do Indoors in Muskoka in Winter
Cozy up at a Coffee Shop
After all the snowshoeing and outdoor adventures, you’ll want to warm up. A great place to do that is at one of Muskoka’s coffee shops.
Whether you’re looking for a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate, Oliver’s is a must. This Muskoka chain has multiple locations in the region.
Oliver’s Coffee serves locally roasted coffee, teas, hot chocolate and hot apple cider. Plus, if you’re hungry, they have a selection of light fare and baked goods. I recommend the s’mores donut and lemon poppyseed loaf.
You can find Oliver’s Coffee in Gravenhurst, Port Carling, Huntsville, Bala and Bracebridge.
For those enjoying winter in Huntsville, there are a few great coffee shops to choose from. Downtown there’s Affogato Café and Music on Main. Along with specialty coffees, Affogato Café has handcrafted chocolates and tasty baked goods.
For a different vibe head to Music on Main Café. This café is guitar shop meets warm coffee shop. The owner is full of fun stories to tell and makes a stellar chai tea latte.
Enjoy an Afternoon Tea
The Muskoka Wharf is full of shops and restaurants. It’s a popular spot in the summer for visitors taking Muskoka boat tours. But it’s also home to one of the coziest winter activities in Gravenhurst, afternoon tea.
Blue Willow Tea Shop offers one of the best afternoon teas in Ontario! As the name suggests, your afternoon tea is served on beautiful Blue Willow China.
Along with their stunning dishware, Blue Willow is known for their delicious scones. I recommend ordering a few to go too!
Plus, if you’re looking for things to do in December in Muskoka, book a festive high tea. The festive high tea comes with a selection of traditional tea items like sandwiches and scones.
In addition, it comes with tasty festive offerings. There are egg nog scones, peppermint brownies cookies, Christmas cookies, and more.
Local Tip: Blue Willow Tea Shop is a popular spot and reservations are required for tea service. For the festive high tea, I recommend booking a couple of weeks in advance.
Address: 900 Bay Street in Gravenhurst
Dine at Muskoka Restaurants
Of course, chilly outdoor adventures aren’t for everyone. So, if you’re looking for fun and cozy things to do in Muskoka during the winter then check out one of the many incredible restaurants, breweries, and cafes.
If you’re looking to warm your insides with local breweries, you’re in luck! There are a bunch of great breweries in Muskoka, including Lake of Bays Brewing Co and Sawdust City Brewing Co.
Or if wine is more your flavour of choice head to Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery. At Muskoka Lakes Winery you’ll find fun wine tastings, tasty food options, and a ton of fun things to do.
A few great Muskoka restaurants to check out this winter are The Mill On Main in Huntsville, The Old Station Restaurant in Bracebridge, and the Oar Restaurant in Gravenhurst.
Eat in the Muskoka Ice Caves
One of the coolest dining experiences in the winter can be found at the JW Marriott in Rosseau. Along with stunning accommodations, the resort has Muskoka Ice Caves.
The Muskoka Ice Caves are actually adorable transparent geodesic domes that you can dine in. They are located on the hotel’s terrace, overlooking one of the best lakes in Muskoka, Lake Rosseau.
Dining in the Ice Caves is a must addition to any Muskoka winter bucket list. But it has a steep price tag of over $250 per person.
There are two options to choose from, the dining or lounge caves. The lounge caves include tapas-style tasters. While the dining caves get a full charcoal-grilled experience. The dining cave experience includes things like bison tenderloin, white bean soup, chocolate sponge cake, and more.
Also on site is the Crystal Head Vodka Ice Bar where you can enjoy flights of vodka and delicious appetizers.
Address: 1050 Paignton House Road
Visit a Museum
If you’re looking for warm things to do indoors in Muskoka, consider visiting a museum. There are plenty of museums in Muskoka.
A few top picks include the Lucy Maud Montgomery Museum in Bala, the Bethune Memorial House and the Muskoka Heritage Place in Huntsville.
The Muskoka Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst shares the story of the Muskoka region. It celebrates the area’s past, present and future. There are a variety of exhibits, including a replica steamship, a kid’s area, and vintage wooden boats.
My favourite exhibit is the Misko-Aki: Confluence of Cultures that is on the second floor. It tells the story of Indigenous people throughout the region. I highly recommend visiting when one of the elders is on site. They offer a unique experience as they share their story and explain the various exhibits.
More Muskoka Winter Activities
If you’re still craving more activities Muskoka has so much more to offer. Whether you’re looking for more outdoor adventures or things to do indoors in Muskoka to warm up, you’ll find it all here.
Go Tobogganing
A fun activity for the whole family is tobogganing in Muskoka! You’ll find plenty of hills across the region as well as with nearby parks. One popular place to go tobogganing is in Arrowhead Provincial Park.
Arrowhead also has a snow tubes to go thundering down their tubing hill! It’s great for all ages!
Go Ice Fishing
With so many lakes in Muskoka it’s no surprise that ice fishing is a popular winter pastime. The best part is there are a lot of options for first-timers or those who don’t have a hut.
Muskoka Stay n’ Play Tours offers guided ice fishing tours and you don’t need to own the gear, they have it for you! Or if you have the gear but not the hut then head over to Muskoka Shores Cottages. They have ice huts available to rent.
Enjoy Fat Biking
If you love biking in the summer then try your legs out on some fat bikes. Fat biking is quickly becoming a popular activity and Muskoka is home to plenty of trails to hit!
A couple places to go fat biking in Muskoka include Liv Outside in Bracebridge and Hardwood Ski and Bike. Both places have bikes on-site for you to use, or you can rent them from Algonquin Outfitters in Huntsville.
Another place to go fat biking in Muskoka is in Algonquin. The Park has roughly 12 km of groomed trail along the park’s Old Railway Bike Trail. And if you don’t have a bike, head to Algonquin Outfitters in Huntsville first to rent one.
Try Ice Climbing
If you want to push yourself out of your comfort zone consider trying ice climbing. At Bracebridge’s Liv Outside you’ll find guided tours that will train you how to ice climb.
Their 70 to 100 vertical feet climb is ideal for beginners and comes with a host of safety gear.
Enjoy a Sleigh Ride
Do you fancy a sleigh ride? You can enjoy a cozy horse-drawn sleigh ride through the magical winter landscape in Muskoka. It’s perfect for families or a romantic getaway with your significant other.
Two great places to enjoy a sleigh ride include Beyond Equine Centre and Twin Maples Farm.
Go Snowmobiling
With nearly endless wilderness trails, you’ll find ample groomed trails for snowmobiling in Muskoka. For those without a sled or who are inexperienced, consider booking a tour with Muskoka Stay n’ Play. They offer guided tours to orient you to the trails, safety, and more.
Where to Stay in Muskoka in Winter
There are a ton of great Muskoka hotels across the region. So, when planning winter getaways in Muskoka, you’ll find a wide array of options. Accommodation varies from cute roadside motels to cozy cabins. Plus, there are many awesome Muskoka resorts that have a lot to offer in the winter. If you’re looking for something more private, Muskoka also has a lot of great cottage rentals!
Deerhurst Resort
One of the places to stay with a ton of the winter activities Muskoka has to offer is Deerhurst Resort. It has the perfect location! Deerhurst is close to downtown Huntsville, Arrowhead, Hidden Valley Highlands, and other Muskoka winter activities.
There are both rooms and suites with kitchenettes. Onsite amenities include a spa and restaurant. You’ll also find winter activities at the Resort which include snowshoeing, ice skating, winter disc golf. Plus, there’s the Starlight Trail, which is lit for night treks around the bay.
JW Marriott The Rosseau
For those looking for some luxury, consider a Muskoka winter getaway in Rosseau at the JW Marriott. Rooms are large and have living rooms, dining areas, and fireplaces.
There’s also a spa, indoor pool, gym, and restaurant. Other fun winter attractions include their ice bar and Ice Cave dining experience.
Bayview Wildwood Resort
Another great option for Muskoka winter accommodation is the Bayview Wildwood Resort. The resort is located in Severn Bridge on Sparrow Lake, just south of Gravenhurst.
This budget-friendly resort has a restaurant, spa, fitness centre, games room, and more! In the winter, it’s also home to a skating rink, tobogganing hill, and other winter activities.
Sherwood Inn
Located in Port Carling, the Sherwood Inn is on the shores of Lake Joseph. If you’re looking for a beautiful Muskoka spa, this is the place. The Inn has a spa, wellness centre, fitness centre, and a restaurant overlooking the water.
Tips for Visiting Muskoka in the Winter
When planning a visit to Muskoka in the winter you’ll probably have a few questions. Popular requests include Muskoka things to do in winter, how to get there, where to go in Muskoka in winter, and top attractions. I’ve got all the details for you below!
Where is Muskoka – The region of Muskoka is located in central Ontario, about 1.5 to 2 hours north of Toronto. Muskoka covers from Gravenhurst to Huntsville and even reaches over to Georgian Bay.
How to Get to Muskoka – Depending on where you’re coming from you can access most areas and towns in Muskoka via Highway 400 or 11. From Ottawa, it’s roughly 4.5 hours and you can take either ON-60 West or Highway 28 to ON-118 West. From Toronto, you can take Highway 400 and stay on there or take Highway 11.
Here’s a comprehensive Muskoka road trip itinerary from Toronto.
When to Visit – The best time to visit Muskoka in winter is January and February when snow is at its peak and most Muskoka winter festivals occur. However, visiting during March Break is great for families looking for getaways.
Best Places to visit in Muskoka in winter – The top places to visit include: Arrowhead Provincial Park, Gravenhurst, Algonquin Provincial Park, Bracebridge, and Huntsville.
Top Muskoka Winter Attractions – The best winter attractions in Muskoka include: Eclipse, the Arrowhead skating trail, Algonquin, Hidden Valley Highlands, Fire and Ice Festival, and the Gravenhurst Winter Carnival.
What to Pack – Winter in Ontario is cold so you’re going to want to pack plenty of layers. A few must-have items include winter boots, sweaters, a scarf, and mittens, as well as thermals.
Frequently Asked Questions about Muskoka in Winter
Yes, it’s totally worth visiting Muskoka in the winter! There’s plenty of fun things to do, both outdoors and indoors. Plus, there’s everything from family-friendly activities to romantic attractions.
Yes, Muskoka gets a lot of snow. One winter it received over 18 feet of snow.
Temperatures in Muskoka get as low as -5 to -20 degrees Celsius in the winter.
Yes, Lake Muskoka does freeze but not every year.
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