5 Romantic Day Trips to Take this Winter

Fall in love with one of these magical winter experiences

Winter in Muskoka is magical. With its fluffy snowflakes, starry winter skies, and peaceful forests, it truly looks like an image made for the front of a holiday card. Embrace the cool temperatures with some quality time with your loved one. Celebrate the cold with that special someone in your life with one of these romantic winter day trips. Grab your boots, mittens, and sweetheart and get ready to make the most of winter together.

Read on to learn more about 5 romantic winter day trips in Muskoka.

A Magical Winter Sleigh Ride at Back of Beyond

2572 Muskoka Rd. 10, Huntsville

Imagine cozying up with your loved one in the back of a horsedrawn-sleigh and gliding through the fluffy snow together. The moon and elegant trailside lanterns are the only sources of light, and snow-capped pine trees line your route through the serene forest. As the snowflakes fall, you lean in for a kiss.

Sound like a too-good-to-be-true scene straight out of a romantic holiday film? Luckily, you can play the lead role in this (all-true) scene this winter with the Back of Beyond Equine Centre’s Romantic Evening Sleigh Ride. Book this intimate sleigh ride for the ultimate romantic experience this winter. You’ll dash through the snow-covered trails together and then enjoy a warm beverage and roasted marshmallows beside a crackling campfire

Side note – this is truly the most magical setting to ask your special someone that very important question. Previous visitors have raved about the owners’ hospitality and help to make this experience the absolutely perfect time for a winter proposal.

Visit the website for more information

Skate the Cranberry Ice Trail & Drink Mulled Wine

1074 Cranberry Road, Bala

Lace up your skates, pull on your toque, and bring your special someone for a romantic afternoon of ice skating at the Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery. Skate along their 1.2 km ice trail that loops around 12 acres of cranberries and laugh together as you stumble (or flawlessly glide…) past cranberry beds and the beautiful Muskoka forest. Be sure to stop by the waterfalls for a quick photo and then warm up your chilly fingers by the fire.

Afterwards, stop by the winery for a hot cup of mulled wine or cran-apple cider. Or, pick up one of their pre-packaged food options, including cheese plates, hummus, salsa, and daily features, to enjoy beside the firepit.

For a one-of-a-kind experience, visit the Farm on Saturday nights to try Night Skating by Torchlight. The trail is lit up with over 400 elegant torches, creating a magical evening of skating under the stars.

Please note that all activities at Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery must be pre-booked online. Please provide your license plate number when booking to help the Farm manage visitation numbers.

Visit their website for more information

Sip Hot Cider & Take a Heritage Tour

2832 Hwy 60, Dwight

Spend an afternoon exploring the charming community of Dwight with your sweetheart. Start by visiting Erika’s, a quaint, family-run bakery located just off of Highway 60. Choose from one of their many hot drinks, including coffees, teas, cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolates, and hot apple cider. Don’t forget to pick up one of their delicious Apple Fritter doughnuts or Toffee Shortbread cookies to enjoy later on. Call in your order to 705-635-9490 or text to 705-571-9490 and then pick it up curbside.

Next, grab your hot drink and your honey and begin on a heritage walking tour of the village. Start your tour at Gouldie Park on Dwight Bay Rd, accessed off Hwy 60 and near Dwight Beach. Check out this online map, created by the Township of Lake of Bays Heritage Advisory Committee, to guide your tour of the community.

Some must-see landmarks include the Alderside Log Cabin and Treasures Past and Present. Originally built in 1881, the cabin was later used as a summerhouse for visiting tourists. It is believed to be the oldest building in Dwight. Treasures Past and Present is one of the area’s first trading posts and was run by Earl Boyden, the uncle of Canadian author Joseph Boyden.

Visit their website for more information

Enjoy a Cozy Lunch and Visit a Scenic Waterfall

Ecclestone Drive, Bracebridge

For a leisurely romantic afternoon with someone special, visit picturesque downtown Bracebridge this holiday season.

Start your afternoon of romance with a cozy lunch at the Old Station Restaurant. Standing on the site of a former service station, this eatery offers classic comfort foods alongside great service. Share one of their delicious appetizers, like the Balsamic Bruschetta with ripe tomatoes and crumbled goat cheese or Breaded Brie with maple blackberry coulis. Then, choose a tasty burger, soft sandwich, or traditional pub-style dish.

Afterwards, stroll down Manitoba Street to the Bracebridge Falls. Admire the charming downtown shops as you walk with your sweetie. Stop at Silver Bridge to take in the beauty of the falls and fully understand why they’re such an iconic stop in Muskoka. Don’t forget to snap some cute couple selfies together!

Looking to walk longer? Continue to Bracebridge Bay Park and learn more about the region’s unique history through the ten historic information plaques posted along the route.

Click here for more information

Enjoy a Snowshoe Adventure & a Sweet Dessert

Hwy 60, Algonquin Park

Head to Huntsville this winter for an afternoon of snowshoeing followed by a trip to a local restaurant to split a sweet treat with your loved one.

Arrowhead Provincial Park maintains a variety of trails suitable for snowshoeing. The trails range in difficulty from easy to moderate and in length from 1-7 kilometres. For a full afternoon of snowshoeing, try the Beaver Meadow Trail (7 km). It circles a large beaver pond and passes by the Porcupine Bluffs, the shoreline of an ancient lake. For a shorter snowshoe trek, check out the Stubb’s Falls Trail (2 km). This is an easy trail that stops at a scenic waterfall.

Don’t have your own snowshoes? No problem! Book a special Snowshoe Safari with Find Your Wild and they’ll provide the snowshoes. Also located in Huntsville, Find Your Wild offers both half or full-day guided adventure tours in the Muskoka wilderness. With the half-day excursion, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the woods at the Find Your Wild headquarters and later enjoy a light snack beside the fire. The full-day excursion lets you explore Algonquin Park and participate in some wildlife tracking with an experienced guide.

Finish off your day of activity with a quick trip to 3 Guys and a Stove, just 10 minutes away from Arrowhead Provincial Park, and enjoy a delectable dessert with your honey. Try the Chocolate Fudge Cake with hot amaretto glaze or the White Chocolate Cheesecake served with Scottish honey and fresh strawberries. They’re currently offering both curbside pick-up orders and indoor dining.

COVID-19 Modifications

The Muskoka region, including the restaurants and local businesses discussed above, have taken several precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing procedures must be followed. Masks are required for entry into all buildings and when social distancing is not possible. Frequent hand-washing is encouraged and everyone must self-isolate if experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. For more information regarding COVID-19, please visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website.