As one of the top destinations in Ontario, it’s no surprise there is a bounty of things to do in Muskoka. One of the top attractions is the Johnston Cranberry Marsh in Bala! This marsh is cranberry-tastic and full of fun things to do all year long. The most popular season to visit is in the fall as it ticks a ton of great activities off the Ontario fall bucket list, like colourful hikes, wagon rides, and the infamous cranberry plunge. If you’re looking for great places to visit in Muskoka I’ve got all the top tips for visiting Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh, plus all the great things to do there year round.
Where Is Johnston Cranberry Marsh?
Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh is located at Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery five minutes north of Bala. The Muskoka Farm & Winery and the Cranberry Marsh are approximately 2.5 hours north of Toronto. Depending on where you are travelling from in Ontario, you can access Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery via Highway 400, take exit 177 for Muskoka Road 38 towards Bala. Or take Highway 11 north to Muskoka District Road 169 exit toward Bethune Drive in Gravenhurst. Then take Highway 169 through Bala. After Bala, turn left on Medora Lake Road and then turn left on Cranberry Road.
Address: 1074 Cranberry Road in Bala, Ontario
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About Johnston Cranberry Marsh
The History
Where did it all begin? Well, turns out the first commercial cranberry farm in Ontario was in MacTier. It was here that Orville Johnston first worked as a teenager during the summer months. Johnston went on to study agriculture at University. It was here that he met his wife, June, who was studying home economics. And in 1950, before he even graduated he purchased land in Bala and started building a cranberry farm. By a strange twist of fate, by the middle of the 1950s, Johnston’s would be the only cranberry farm in Ontario. Along with his incredible wife, Johnston went on to forge what is now an astounding multi-generational farm and thriving business.
It all started with that sweet cranberry but the Johnston Cranberry Marsh is so much more now thanks to Orville Johnston and his family. His son, Murray and his wife went on to push the limits of the cranberry farm by introducing a winery, Muskoka Lakes Winery. With passion, perseverance, and support from family and community, the Johnston Cranberry Farm has grown into a popular Ontario destination.
The Farm
Cranberries are a unique crop and are only native to North America. The Johnston Cranberry Farm is set on 350 acres of rugged Muskoka land. And only 27 acres of those grow cranberries. They grow five different varieties of cranberries, Stevens, Pilgrims, Searles, Bergmans, and Ben Lears. The farm is also Local Food Plus certified thanks to their sustainable growing practices.
You may be wondering, why don’t they use more of their land to grow cranberries? Well, it turns out that growing cranberries actually helps preserve wetlands. And because wetlands are so delicate, there is a general practice that no more than 10% of the land should be developed. Hence, the abundance of incredible trails, streams, forests, and wetlands found throughout the property.
With those 27 acres of cranberries, they produce 300,000 to 500,000 pounds of cranberries every year! The two weeks leading up to Thanksgiving are when harvesting begins and runs until the end of October. Whatever isn’t retailed as whole cranberries or sold to Ontario producers to make baked goods, preserves, juices, or the like is then made into their award-winning wine.
Things to do at Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery
Have I convinced you yet how awesome Johnston Cranberry Marsh is? Whether you need a little more prodding or looking to read about all the fabulous things to do at Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery then I have you covered. This place is special for many reasons, like their responsible farming practices, their focus on community, and for helping to put the charming small town of Bala on the map as the Cranberry Capital of Ontario!
Cranberry Plunge
The biggest draw for visitors to Bala in the fall is cranberries! There’s the Bala Cranberry Festival, the Muskoka Cranberry Route, and the beloved Cranberry Plunge at Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh. Not only is the cranberry plunge one of the top things to do in Muskoka in the fall but it should be on everyone’s list of fall activities in Ontario! The cranberry harvest at the Johnston Cranberry Marsh starts at the end of September and runs until the end of October.
When you purchase a Cranberry Plunge pass you actually get to don a pair of hip waders and wade through a proper cranberry marsh. The particular marsh they use for the plunge is strictly used just for the plunge and not for harvesting. And it’s heart-shaped! This is an incredible experience that both kids and adults will plunge with joy for!
After checking in, wander over to the eight-acre Old Marsh. This scenic section of the Marsh has a winding trail that takes you down a hill, across a cute covered bridge, around the marsh that’s planted with heritage varieties of cranberries, and over to the plunge pit! During your half an hour in the marsh you’ll get to snag all those Instagram-worthy photos, scoop up the strange fruit, and frolic around playing cranberry farmer for a spell.
Tips: Watch your footing as some areas are deeper than others and sometimes your feet get sucked in. Also note that hip waders are provided for you and sanitized between visitors.
Hike the Trails
Before going I knew there were trails on the farm but I was unprepared for how awesome they were! There are six unique trails at Johnston Cranberry Marsh that range in length from one to seven km. The over 10 km of trails cover an assortment of habitats from wetlands to woodlands. There is a wealth of highlights along the trails including small waterfalls, historic sites, geocaches, scenic views, and of course cranberries!
Each trail has something different to offer. Two trails, the Cranberry Trail and the Orville Lake Nature Trail, have info stations about that area’s unique significance or something to look for as well as the history of the farm. One of the trails, the Sandsmen Trail, is accessible with a gravel surface and stroller friendly. The cost to hike the trails is only $5 for the day. That’s less than most Conservation Areas and Provincial Parks and the money stays local.
Johnston Cranberry Marsh Trails
Cranberry Trail – This easy trail is 1.1 kilometres and takes you around the old marsh. Its home to 14 self-guided information stations and a geocache. Set aside 15 – 30 minutes for this trail.
Sandsmen Trail – This 1.2 kilometre trail is easy, flat and gravel covered. This trail takes you around the cranberry beds that were planted in the 1960’s by Orville Johnston and its home to the Bog Monster. Set aside 15 – 30 minutes for this trail.
Pioneer Trail – This 2 kilometre trail packs a lot into a short distance. This more moderate trail is home to tree carvings, a waterfall, the historic homestead fence, and a geocache. Set aside one to one and a half hours for this trail.
Orville Lake Nature Trail – This moderate trail is 2.5 kilometres long. Along the trail are 25 info stations, hidden pictographs, the Bog Monster, and a geocache. Set aside roughly an hour for this trail.
Medora Creek Trail – This 3.1 kilometre trail is easy to moderate. It takes you around the old marsh, the east marsh, to an iWetlands research site, and is a great one for spotting wildlife. Set aside roughly an hour for this trail.
Superberry Trail – This 7.5 kilometre trail is moderate to advance. The trail combines four trails for a full hiking tour of the Marsh in one long single loop. Set aside roughly 3 hours for this trail.
The best time, in my opinion, to hike the trails is in the fall. If you’re looking for more great places to hike in the fall check out these top Ontario fall hikes or these awesome places to hike in Muskoka!
Take a Wagon Ride
Another great addition to the list of things to do at Johnston Cranberry Marsh in Muskoka is to hop aboard a wagon ride. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity for the littles or looking to see and learn more about the farm you’ll love the wagon ride tour.
The guided wagon tour is approximately 30 minutes long and takes you around the 12 acre south marsh. The double wagon is pulled by a trusty John Deere tractor. During the tour, you’ll learn about Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh’s history, the cranberries, how they are harvested, and more! You may even get a chance to see them being harvested.
Visit the Bog Monster
If you know me or have been following along for a while you know that I love when nature meets art! And at the Marsh, this happens in a cool and unusual way! Across from the main parking lot and along the Orville Lake Nature Trail sits an odd creature. Here at the Marsh, he’s known as the Bog Monster! He’s 14 feet tall and weighs almost a tonne!
This strange Frankenstein-like creation, known originally as Koilos, was created for the Burning Man Festival in 2007 by Michael Christian. Koilos has been around the block, first in the desert of Nevada then the Distillery District in Toronto. It made its way closer when it landed on Baxter Island and was dubbed the Beast of Baxter Island. But as of 2019 the Bog Monster now calls the Marsh home and it’s only too fitting.
Koilos, or the Bog Monster, is made up of planet-like parts. The tentacle head looks like that of a sundew which is a carnivorous plant found in Ontario bogs where cranberries grow. It also sits hunched with web-like feet, similar to frogs who also call the bogs home. The Bog Monster is right at home watching over the cranberry marshes! Be sure to pay him a visit when you’re at the farm!
Looking for great places to stay in Muskoka during your visit? Check out these cute and cozy Muskoka cottage rentals
Enjoy a Wine Tasting
A popular activity at Muskoka Lakes Farm is to book a wine tasting. Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh has come a long way from bogs to bottles of wine thanks to their Muskoka Lakes Winery. They produce craft wines that are made in small batches and range in style from dry to dessert. The most popular wines are the Cranberry Wine and the Cranberry Blueberry Wine.
You can book a Bog to Bottle Discovery tour that is offered throughout the year. The tour consisted of a guided tour of how the cranberries go from the bog to the glass and ends with a tutored wine tasting of their award-winning wines. Enjoy savouring wine and cheese on the patio that overlooks the old marsh in every season! Sip and watch people take the cranberry plunge in the fall or cozy up to the fire in the winter. A wine tasting with a view is always a great idea!
Shop for Treats & Wine
Even if you’re out exploring Muskoka and just have enough time to pop into Muskoka Lakes Farm to browse their shop you’ll be pleased you did. The shop is open year-round and only closed on Christmas and Boxing Day. The shop is located right across from the parking lot and is full of incredible finds. And as small, independent growers they don’t supply major chains but instead, sell to a few small local grocery stores and rely on purchases made at the farm.
The best time to visit for fresh cranberries is in the fall but they do sell frozen cranberries throughout the year. The shop sells a wide variety of food goods including dried cranberries and blueberries, cookies, and cranberry honey that’s harvested from the bees that pollinate the cranberry blossoms. There’s also a range of preserves as well as cranberry juice and maple syrup. Don’t forget to pick up a bottle of their Cranberry Wine or cider. Beyond the food and drink, you’ll find candles, tableware, and other gift ideas.
Don’t forget to take a peek through the window in the shop to watch them sorting the cranberries!
Visit the McArthur House Café
If you’re spending the day exploring Muskoka Lakes Farm then you’ll need to refuel! And don’t worry, they have you covered with their adorable McArthur House Café. This building has strong links to the Johnston Cranberry Farm. It’s the original family home that has been converted into the café you see today.
There’s a small menu that changes seasonally but you can always count on locally sourced food and cranberry goodies. They are FeastON certified, meaning their menu is locally sourced. If you’re feeling peckish you can enjoy one of their tasty cranberry treats, like the cranberry muffin or cranberry oatmeal cookie. They also offer a fabulous local cheese plate with Mrs. J’s preserves that you can enjoy on their patio. Pair your food with a glass of one of their wines or opt for a caffeinated beverage.
Skate the Ice Trail
If you’re looking for things to do in Muskoka in the winter then add a visit to Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh to your list. There is plenty of fun things to do at the marsh in the winter including snowshoeing the trails. But they also have one of the coolest skate trails in Ontario!
The Ice Trail at the Marsh is open from the end of December through to March Break, weather permitting. Here you can skate along the 1.2 kilometre loop that takes you around 12 acres of cranberries. Flanked on either side by wonderful winter forests and cranberry beds, this is a truly unique winter experience in Ontario! Every Saturday night the skate trail transforms with 400 tiki torches for their Light the Night skating. And don’t worry if you don’t have skates as there are rentals available.
Info: Open daily 11am – 4pm, 7 days a week, and the Light the Night is every Saturday night from 6 -9pm (weather permitting)
What to Know Before You Go to Johnston Cranberry Marsh
I’ve compiled a few tips for visiting Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh in Muskoka. One thing to keep in mind when visiting is that this is a working farm. You can’t always predict what is going to happen on a working farm, so pack your patience and learn to roll with the tractors. Also, please note that things can change at any time so please visit their website for up-to-date information.
Book in Advance – Right now Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery is not accepting drop-in visitors. To maintain a safe capacity limit and follow current guidelines you must book your visit in advance online. Whether you’re looking to participate in the cranberry plunge, do a wine tasting, or hike the trails you can purchase individual activities or package deals online here. Booking online is quick and easy.
When is the Best Time to Visit? – There is no bad time to visit Muskoka Lakes Farm. They are open 363 days a year and only closed on Christmas and Boxing Day. It all depends on your expectations and what you want to do during your visit. As a fall girl through and through, I am biased when I say fall is the best time to visit Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh. But below you’ll find all the top things to do in each season.
Spring – In the spring it’s Maple Syrup season at Muskoka Lakes Farm! During the spring you can hike the trail, discover wildlife and see the cranberry vines take on a deep burgundy colour.
Summer – During the summer it’s the perfect time to enjoy wine tasting on the patio, hike the trails and see the beautiful cranberry blossoms.
Fall – Harvest time at the Marsh is filled with a host of fun things to do! Take in the wonderful fall colours during a hike on the trails, do the cranberry plunge, enjoy a wagon tour and the Bala Cranberry Festival!
Winter – The Marsh transforms in the winter! During the winter season, you can skate their Ice Trail, snowshoe the trails, play Bog Hockey, and enjoy a piping hot cup of mulled wine or cider.
Covid Restrictions – During this time you can visit and partake in the activities at the Farm as long as you can show proof of full vaccination. You must also wear a mask in common areas like at the check-in booth, in the shop and café, as well as in the changing area for the cranberry plunge.
Weather – Most activities at Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh are outdoors. So, please check the local weather forecast the day of your visit and plan accordingly. You should be prepared for rain, snow, wind, and bugs, so dress to the conditions and pack what you need.
Trail conditions – The trails can get muddy and slippery so please wear proper footwear and always check the local weather forecast the day of your visit to plan accordingly. Trails range from 1 to 7 kilometres so check the trail length before you start.
Washrooms – During harvest season there is an environmentally friendly porta-potty on-site if you do hear the call of the wild.
Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery is one of the best places to visit in Muskoka all year long. There’s something for everyone’s interests, from fun family activities to romantic wine tastings. And if you’re looking for places to stay nearby check out the map below and book your adventure today!
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