Your Guide to Thanksgiving in Muskoka - Discover Muskoka: Plan Your Trip

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Your Guide to Thanksgiving in Muskoka

Enjoy an exciting Thanksgiving weekend in Muskoka. Take a hike, go on a driving tour, climb to a lookout, tour the Cranberry Marsh, view the fall colors on a boat cruise, and at the end of the day, enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants. If you’re staying at a cottage, let the Farmer’s Daughter help plan your Thanksgiving menu for a relaxing stay.

Hiking Trails

Thanksgiving; a time to slow down, spend time with family and friends, and reflect on the past year. After recent years spent apart; reminiscing about summer adventures, sharing new opportunities and catching up around the dinner table over a Thanksgiving feast is a tradition that most people love and missed. Why not extend those conversations to the fresh, crisp autumn air of Muskoka? Learn more

Driving Routes

Stretching from the vast wilderness of Algonquin Park in the east to the windswept shores of Georgian Bay in the west, Muskoka is crisscrossed with open roads. Watch the endless lakes and trees slip by as you go sightseeing, or stop at a waterfall for a picnic or photo op. Learn more

Boat Cruises

Everyone knows that cruising is a quintessential Muskoka experience. The serene beauty of the lakes, coupled with the charm of the historic vessels, makes for an unforgettable adventure on the water with a Muskoka Boat Cruise. Enjoy a Thanksgiving Weekend Cruise aboard one of these boats. Make your reservations – you don’t want to be disappointed.

Muskoka Steamships departs from the Muskoka Wharf Gravenhurst are offering 1 hour cruises. Learn more

Muskoka Cruises sails from Bracebridge on a River Cruise and Port Carling on Lake CruiseLearn more

Sunset Cruises aboard the Peerless II you sail on Lake Rosseau Thanksgiving Weekend. Learn more

SS Bigwin takes you on a cruise around Lake of Bays. Departs from 2 locations Dwight Beach and Dorset Town Dock. Learn more

Island Queen invites you on a 3 hour cruise of Georgian Bay’s famous 30,000 Islands. An adventure at every turn!  Learn more

Cranberry Marsh

Visit the Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery during the Cranberry Harvest until the end of October. 
Click here to book a Cranberry Harvest activity.  Activities offerd are wagon tours, wine tasting, cranberry plunge, hiking trails, fresh cranberries and beautiful fall scenery!

Lookouts

Three popular locations for enjoying fall colors over Thanksgiving Weekend are Muskoka Lakes, Huntsville, and Dorset.

Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail, Muskoka Lakes:  Take a stroll along a 2.5 km loop trail that winds through some of the oldest rocks in the world. The trail is moderately challenging and offers a unique hiking experience on the Canadian Shield. The pink granite surface of the rock has been exposed by glaciation, erosion, and fire over the years. Don’t forget to visit the scenic lookout, known for providing one of the best sunset views in all of Muskoka. To stay on the trail, follow the white ribbons on trees and white paint on rocks.

Lion’s Lookout Trail, Huntsville: The Lions Lookout Trail starts at the intersection of Forbes Hill Dr and Camp Kitchen Road behind the Active Living Centre at the Canada Summit Centre. The 1.5 km trail follows Camp Kitchen Road along the Muskoka River to Fairy Lake, crosses the Portage Flyer railway tracks, and goes up a steep slope to the top of the sports track. The view from the top of the track across Fairy Lake is stunning.

Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower:  The Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower in the charming town of Dorset on Lake of Bays, Ontario, offers one of the most remarkable views in the area. The breathtaking 360-degree view of the beautiful Muskoka landscape is truly an experience you must have for yourself.

Events

Until Oct 27: Sandhill Nursery Fall Festival
Join Sandhill Nursery’s Fall Festival for a family-friendly celebration featuring local musicians, street performers, a pumpkin slingshot fundraiser, KryArt walk, food trucks, and more. Learn more

Until Oct 31: Cranberry Harvest is the most exciting time of the year. It’s when they (quite literally) get to see the fruit of their labour! They start two weekends before Canadian Thanksgiving and are usually finished by October 22nd. They harvest only once a year. They have 27 acres to pick and produce around 300,000-400,000 lbs of cranberries. Learn more

Oct 12: The Peca Petting Farm Fall Edition
Come and pet the animals, play games, get some pumpkins and baked goods and go on a hayride!! Get ready for a cozy Fall on the farm. Learn more

Oct 12: Amanda’s Exoctic Animals at The Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame. Come and learn about exotic animals like snakes, spiders and more. Included in the cost of admission to the Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame, this experience will be great for the whole family!  Learn more

Oct 12: Fall Art Walk at Muskoka Heritage Place
Immerse yourself in a world of artistic and cultural excellence with the Heritage Art Walk and Sale, presented by Muskoka Heritage Place in partnership with the Huntsville Art Society. Learn more

Oct 12 – 13: Santa’s Village Spooktacular
Get ready for a frightfully fun time as Spooktacular happens Saturdays: 11AM – 8PM & Sundays: 11 AM – 5 PM
Enjoy a haunted train ride through the spooky woods, eerie pumpkin trails, Trick-or-treating (don’t forget to bring your own bag!) and plenty of surprises waiting to give you chills!
Plus, all regular rides will be operating, weather permitting!
Save $3 by booking online in advance!
For tickets and prices, click here

Oct 12: Thanksgiving Open House at Muskoka Lakes Museum
Join the Muskoka Lakes Museum as we celebrate the end of our 60th anniversary season! Join us for seasonal treats, apple cider, butter churning, apple pressing, fall crafts, and more!
This will be your last chance in the season to purchase items from the gift shop, and everything is on sale! Learn more

Entertainment

Oct 10 – 12: Three Fires International Film Festival at Muskoka Foundry
Oct 11 – 12: Blue Rodeo at The Kee
Oct 11: Tartan Terror: Celtic Invasion at Algonquin Theatre
Oct 11: The Poets “A Tragicallly Hip Tribute” on Foundry Stage

Thanksgiving Dinner

Farmer’s Daughter: Let them handle your Thanksgiving Feast this Year! Let them handle your Thanksgiving this Year! Enjoy a gourmet Thanksgiving feast, made from scratch by their chefs. Gluten-free and vegan options available. Learn more

Field of Greens: Make this Thanksgiving unforgettable with a chef-prepared meal, all made fresh from scratch! Whether it’s a succulent turkey or a full holiday spread, pre-order now and let us handle the cooking.
To pre-order: Email fieldofgreenspc@outlook.com, call (705)-765-1895 and ask for Chef David or Christine, or visit the store at 1 Bruce Wilson Dr, Port Carling, ON. Learn more

Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet at Eclipse Restaurant Oct 13
Advance reservations are required for Thanksgiving dinner buffet, and availability is limited. Please note, this dining experience is open to both resort guests and general public.
Learn more

Turkey to Go Dinner from Deerhurst Resort: For those who prefer a more private celebration, we also offer a convenient ‘Turkey to Go’ option. Whether you’re a guest at the resort looking to savour a delicious meal with your family in the comfort of your suite, or you’re heading home to celebrate, our ‘Turkey to Go’ package provides everything you need for a perfect Thanksgiving feast. Learn more

Taboo Muskoka: Enjoy a warm and delicious lakeside Thanksgiving dinner,from Friday, October 11 to Monday, October 14, at the Boathouse Restaurant, where they’ll be serving special Thanksgiving dinners. Learn more

Cliffside Restaurant at Muskoka Bay Resort: Cliffside Restaurants esteemed culinary team is excited to present a delightful selection of gourmet dishes perfect for families, including a chef-carved turkey, artisanal stuffing, a vibrant salad bar, smoked honey-glazed ham, and a variety of delicious desserts to satisfy every palate. Enjoy this delicious buffet on October 13th from noon-8pm.  Reservations

Join us for an inviting evening with your near and dear ones to make your holiday celebration special. We can’t wait to welcome you at Cliffside Restaurant! Learn more

Thanksgiving Stay Packages

Bayview Wildwood: It’s Turkey time! All-inclusive packages include lakeside accommodation, meals, scheduled programming, entertainment and use of resort amenities. Colours ablaze. Crisp fall air. Family walks. Time to relax with family and friends. Enjoy a mouth-watering roast turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Make it a great Thanksgiving Weekend this year for your whole family. Package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner daily with a delicious Thanksgiving brunch on the Monday. Learn more

Deerhurst Resort: Celebrate a memorable Thanksgiving at Deerhurst Resort in the heart of Muskoka. Enjoy the beauty of fall with your family by the lakeside and explore a variety of outdoor activities, from a peaceful hike through the colourful woods to a fun-filled ATV ride or a final paddle on the water. After your adventures, gather together to enjoy delicious meals prepared by our talented culinary team, including a special Thanksgiving turkey dinner buffet on Sunday! Learn more

Rocky Crest Resort:  This special includes accommodation in a lakeside suite on beautiful Lake Joseph. Book the first two nights at our regular rate and save 50% off on the third and fourth nights! Enjoy all of the amenities that Rocky Crest has to offer including golf at the Rocky Crest Golf Club, The Lake Joseph Club and Grandview’s O’Meara Course, hiking our extensive network of trails, swimming in our heated lakeside pool, dining at one of our 3 on-site restaurants and more! Learn more

Sherwood Inn: When spending Thanksgiving Weekend at Sherwood, buy two nights at the regular price, and get the 3rd and 4th nights for just $99! Learn more