This is an excerpt from my new book, “Ontario Escapes: 19 Great Places to Visit Right Now.” It’s available from Apple Books (and only for Apple devices) for just $4.99 Canadian. What a deal! Here’s the link for the book: https://books.apple.com/ca/book/ontario-escapes/id1523750857
Chapter 11: Gravenhurst and Muskoka
WHAT: There’s a reason some folks call Muskoka Toronto’s
playground. Located just two hours (maybe less given
COVID-19 traffic, or lack of same) north of the city, you’ll find
amazing lakes strewn with rocky islets and towering, deep green
trees. It’s as pretty as a postcard, and easy to reach.
WHERE: Gravenhurst, the closest major Muskoka town to the
Greater Toronto Area, is about 180 kms from downtown Toronto.
GOOGLE MAP COORDINATES:
Sawdust City Brewing Co. WJCF+QV Gravenhurst, Ontario
JW Marriott The Rosseau 5995+75 Minett, Ontario
LIV OUTSIDE Gear + Adventures: 2MMQ+46 Bracebridge,
Ontario
Hardy Lake Provincial Park 2F2J+WM Torrance, Ontario
Here are some great ways to enjoy the best of Muskoka.
HEAVENLY HIKING
Hardy Lake is a provincial park south of Bala with free parking
and no entry fee. There are several beautiful trails, although
they’re not very well marked. (https://www.ontarioparks.com/
park/hardylake)
The simplest, and one of the prettiest hikes, is along the shores
of the lake to a swimming spot on a large, rocky point of land
that juts out into the lake. You can do a loop around the entire
lake, which is the better part of an afternoon for most hikers.
The route to the swimming spot and back is perhaps 3 to 4 kms
of easy hiking, with beautiful rock formations and sweet-smelling forests. Waterproof sandals are okay, but I recommend
old running shoes or hiking boots.
The nearby Torrance Barrens is another good spot for a hike,
with massive rock outcroppings. It’s also a dark sky preserve, so
it’s sensational for star-gazing.
A SPECTACULAR RESORT
JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort and Spa.
JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort and Spa is a fabulous
property that sits high on a hill overlooking Lake Rosseau. They
did a major renovation a couple years ago and gave the place a
woodsy, classy look.
There are several swimming pools and a great waterfront,
complete with kayaks and canoes and (COVID-19 permitting)
water slides, inflatable climbing gear and more. The indoor
restaurants weren’t open at press time but they were serving
great food on the Cottages patio, which offers outstanding lake
views. The one-bedroom suites have full kitchens and
enormous, double sink bathrooms with a shower and tub. Be
sure to ask for a lake view.
LOCAL BEER
Sawdust City was the first and is still the only craft brewery in
Gravenhurst. Their Little Norway lager is a light, crisp beer that’s
perfect for the cottage or their large outdoor patio on a
summer’s day. The West Coast IPA packs a ton of flavour without making you feel like you bit into a pine tree.
For lunch, try the outstanding barbeque chicken pizza, with a
perfect, thin, crispy crust. It’s right on the main street in town and
is fashioned from an old Canadian Tire store.
GREAT TOWNS TO EXPLORE
Port Carling is an attractive town in central Muskoka. The locks,
which are used for boaters to get from Lake Muskoka to Lake
Rosseau, are both functional and beautiful, with lovely flowers in
spring, summer and fall and a pretty park. Grab an ice cream
and watch the boats go by on a warm, summer’s day.
Bracebridge has one of Ontario’s prettiest downtowns, with
handsome brick buildings, lovely flower displays and locallyowned shops such as Kala House of Colour and The Owl Pen for
used books.
In addition to Sawdust City, Gravenhurst is home to The Oar
Restaurant and Relish Kitchen and Market.
Kayaking on the Muskoka River. JIM BYERS PHOTO
ROLLING ON THE RIVER
LivOutside is a Bracebridge company that rents kayaks, canoes,
stand-up paddle-boards, bikes and other gear you can use to
get out and enjoy the best of Muskoka.
My wife and I recently took two of their kayaks for a spin on the
south branch of the Muskoka River, where we spotted massive
Canadian shield rocks, towering pine trees, quiet creeks with
turtles sunning themselves on a log, brilliant yellow lily pad
flowers and much more. It’s a perfect tonic for troubled times.
They also have a rock-climbing wall. Algonquin Outfitters in
Huntsville can set you up for a canoe or kayak trip along Fairy
Lake or the Muskoka River.
GOLF GALORE
Taboo Muskoka is a lovely golf course outside Gravenhurst, with
a resort of the same name on the south end of Lake Muskoka.
The Rock Golf Course is a fun course next to the JW Marriott.
Muskoka Bay is a fantastic course with plenty of
exposed Canadian Shield rock.
For something more casual, try The Fairways at Kirrie Glen,
between Bracebridge and Port Carling. It’s a fun, pretty, nine-hole course with a nice patio.
BEAUTIFUL BOAT RIDES
The RMS (Royal Mail Ship) Segwun and the Wenonah II are outstanding,
handsome boats that ply the waters of Muskoka, taking visitors
past rocky islands dotted with cottages and towering pines,
maples and birch trees.
The Segwun dates back to 1887 and is the oldest operating
steam driven vessel in North America. Her partner ship, the
Wenonah II, is a new ship and just as romantic. Both dock at the
marina in Gravenhurst, at the south end of Lake Muskoka.
The Lady Muskoka ship can be found on the Muskoka River in
Bracebridge, while the small but beautiful SS Bigwin can be
found in Dorset and plies beautiful Lake of Bays.
The JW Marriott has a small pontoon boat that tours Lake
Rosseau.
Jim’s Tips
Be sure to check websites or phone ahead for potential
COVID-19 restrictions before you travel.
In Gravenhurst, Peter’s Players is a super small, super casual bar/
nightclub with great acts. This summer they’re doing their shows
at the Muskoka Drive-In so they can practice safe social
distancing.
Sherwood Inn is a small, family-run place with good food and a
terrific setting on Lake Joseph, just north of Bala.
In Bala, Don’s Bakery has been luring visitors for decades with
tasty butter tarts, fresh bread, and other specialties.
Farmers markets can be found on various days in summer in
Gravenhurst, Bracebridge and Huntsville. You’ll find fresh local
produce, as well as great meats, clothes, candles, condiments
and more.
More information: Discover Muskoka.
