25 Activities for Your Muskoka Summer Bucketlist

It is no secret that Muskoka stands as one of Canada's premier destinations, brimming with summer activities! While it's famed for its breathtaking beauty, crystal-clear waters, and inspiring sunsets, Muskoka offers much more than just scenic views. From family attractions to outdoor adventures, live entertainment to culinary delights, here are some must-try experiences if you're vacationing in Muskoka! You won't regret them.

Water Adventures

Renowned for its waterways, rivers, and lakes, Muskoka is perfect for paddling and boating. Here are some of our favorite standout experiences:

1. Try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on the Muskoka River with Liv Outside, a local favorite. They also offer self-guided summer adventures, guided tours, and experiences like canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding and cycling.

   

   
   

2. Explore Algonquin Park with guided tours from Algonquin Adventure Tours. You might even spot a moose! They also have landscape photography workshops, canoe lessons, and tout and bass fishing tours, among other experiences.

   
   

3. Enjoy paddling in Algonquin Park at The Portage Outpost and grab a bite at Lake of Two Rivers Cafe and Grill.

   

   
   

4. Experience the ultimate Muskoka cruise aboard the Lake Rosseau Cruise and Muskoka River Cruise. Sunset Cruises is a more intimate and private option too.

   
   

5. Embark on the flagship 30,000 Island Cruise of world-renowned Georgian Bay. And for a unique adventure, try the 40-passenger Islander vessel and elevate your Georgian Bay experience.

   
   

   Outdoor Escapades

   For those who love the outdoors, Muskoka offers plenty of adventurous experiences:

   
   

6. Book a Treetop Trekking excursion and zip, swing, glide, and trek through the Muskoka forest canopy. Their adventures include a three-hour forest canopy tour filled with zip lines, monkey cables, Tarzan swings, balance bridges, and much more. It is truly amazing and SO exciting!

   

   Photo credits: Horseshoe Resort

   
   

7. Ride the Old Railway Bike Trail in Algonquin Park with Algonquin Outfitters’ Lake of Two Rivers. It is 16km long, and it is suitable for families including pets and little children.

   

   Photo Credits: Discover Muskoka

   
   

8. You HAVE to visit Tour Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, an animal rehabilitation center with native wildlife like bears, foxes, and moose. Their goal is to care for injured and orphaned wildlife, and once rehabilitated, release these animals back into the wild for a second chance. It is very heartwarming and an amazing mission.

   
   

9. Hike one of the 100 hiking trails in Muskoka, with favorites like Limberlost Forest and Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Reserve.

   
   

   
   

   Family-Friendly Activities

   Muskoka is magical for children, offering these family attractions:

   
   

10. Enjoy KidZone at Muskoka Steamships and Discovery Centre.

    
    

11. Travel back in time at Muskoka Heritage Place. They have a pioneer village with preserved buildings, a museum & steam train. You can also take a tour of the village with activities like candle dipping, rug making, and more.

    

    Photo Credits: Huntsville Adventures

    
    

12. Watch the SWS waterski shows at Windsor Park, Bala. The shows are open to the public and free to attend. They offer entertainment for all ages, featuring thrilling performances by the Canadian National Ski Show Team and their own team. They perform crazy stunts with so much elegance and technical precision to make the audience love the show.

    

    Photo credits: Discover Muskoka

    
    

    Adult Escapes

    For adult-focused fun, try these experiences:

    
    

13. Take the award-winning Bog to Bottle Tour at Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery. They have several activities including:
    a. Sip n’ Sounds Sundays where you can relax and enjoy a show featuring a new artist every time.
    b. The Bog to Bottle Discovery, which is a guided journey from cranberry bog to Muskoka in a bottle. Specifically in summer, you can learn about Muskoka cousins – cranberries and blueberries – as the guided tour goes past cranberry beds and up Blueberry Hill. Afterwards, you can enjoy a wine tasting that highlights the amazing flavor of blueberry wines
    c. They also have a Wine and cheese patio, featuring a cheese plate that includes seasonal, local cheeses, artisanal crackers, and other cranberry goodies.

    
    

14. You MUST know that Muskoka is home to 5 craft breweries across the region, so you can go visit Muskoka Brewery, Canvas Brewing, Lake of Bays, Sawdust City, and Clear Lake Brewing for an amazing experience. Then, you can relax at Muskoka Beer Spa and enjoy local brews from Clear Lake Brewing Co.

    
    

    Live Entertainment

    Muskoka is a live entertainment hotspot with over 75 live music performances! Highlights include:

    
    

15. Bala Legion Presents Beach Party Boys on August 10.

    
    

16. Peter’s Players, known for great shows.

    
    

17. The Kee to Bala, a summer concert tradition since 1942.

    
    

    On the Water

18. Learn to waterski or wake surf with Muskoka Wake. This is a premier water sports school, offering lessons in wakeboarding, wake surfing, waterskiing, and flyboarding for all ages and skill levels. They also have flyboarding and private lessons to suit your needs. If you are traveling with kids, they also have kid’s summer camps, running Monday through Friday beginning in July.

    

    Photo credits: Reatrify

    
    

19. Take the 6-Hour Algonquin Park Canoe Trip by Algonquin Park Adventure Tours. You can paddle up to 10 miles, take a short hike, swim, cliff jump, and spot animals like moose and turtles.

    
    

    Golfing

20. Hit the links at Muskoka’s incredible golf courses, including Deerhurst Highlands Golf Course, Bigwin Island Golf Club, The Rock Golf Course, North Granite Ridge Golf Club, Rocky Crest, and Taboo Muskoka.

    

    Photo Credits: Bigwin Island Golf Club

    
    

    Local Markets and Breweries

21. Visit a different farmers' market every day in Muskoka, offering local artisan gifts and treats. Vendors are always selling fruit and vegetables, organic produce, honey, fish and seafood, baking, arts and crafts, and more!

    
    

22. Rent a boat or jet ski and enjoy water skiing or wakeboarding on Lake Muskoka. If you're a beginner, you can book a lesson with Ski-mazing Watersport Surf. Or, for a more relaxed experience, try paddleboarding or join a guided tour to explore the expansive waterways of Muskoka.

    

    Photo Credits: Boat Rentals Canada

    
    

    Shopping and Arts

23. Whether you’re looking for luxury goods or unique handcrafted items, Muskoka's charming downtown stores have it all. Explore local shopping or visit the many antique stores. We love Muskoka Shipyards in Gravenhurst, SWS Pop Up Village in Muskoka Lakes, and Stan W Tait Jewellery Studio & Gallery in Bracebridge.

    
    

24. Take in the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery across Downtown Huntsville, featuring 103 beautiful recreations.

    
    

25. You can book some art workshops, including watercolor and acrylic painting, photography, printmaking, journaling, etc, in the Muskoka Place Gallery.

    

    
    

    Conclusion

    
    

    Muskoka offers a diverse array of activities and experiences that cater to all ages and interests, making it one of Canada's top summer destinations. Whether you're seeking thrilling outdoor adventures, relaxing water excursions, vibrant live entertainment, or unique shopping and culinary delights, Muskoka has something special for everyone. From paddling its pristine waterways to exploring its rich cultural heritage and enjoying family-friendly attractions, a vacation in Muskoka promises unforgettable memories. Embrace the beauty, adventure, and charm of this stunning region, and discover why Muskoka is more than just a picturesque escape—it's a place where lasting memories are made.

    
    

    For an amazing experience book your stay now at the Stillwater Lakehouse.