Must-See Muskoka Fall Colour Driving Routes

Best Fall Colours in Ontario

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. Better still, pack your bags and stay for a while at one of our incredible accommodations For information on the percentage of colour change and leaf fall, read our Ontario Fall Colour Report

Driving Route	Distance	Fall Colours	GPS Link
Lake Muskoka Circle Tour	95KM	Prominently yellow and oranges. Peak 1^st week of October	Click here for a Map with Points of Interest
Lake Rosseau Circle Tour	70KM	Prominently oranges. Peak last week of Sept/1^st week of October	Click here for a Map with Points of Interest
Big Chute & Georgian Bay Tour	50KM	Prominently yellow and oranges. Peak 2^nd week of October	Click here for a Map with Points of Interest
Chain of Lakes Tour	110KM	Prominently oranges and reds. Peak last week of Sept	Click here for a Map with Points of Interest
Lake of Bays Circle Tour	80KM	Prominently oranges and reds. Peak last week of Sept.	Click here for a Map with Points of Interest
The Grand Tour	245KM	Different prominent colour based on timing.	Click here for a Map with Points of Interest

Lake Muskoka Circle Tour

Approx. 95 km / 55 miles
About 1 ½ – 3 hours depending on the number of stops

Click here for a Map with Points of Interest

This circle tour of Lake Muskoka starts and ends in Gravenhurst, with stops in the charming towns of Bala, Port Carling and Bracebridge along the way. Here are some of the stops you won’t want to miss:

Take in the fall colours from the Gravenhurst Wharf. Explore the Muskoka Wharf Boardwalk or hop on the Peninsula Trail (2km).
If you’re looking to extend your time in Gravenhurst, check out the Residence Inn at the Wharf or The Chalets on Lake Muskoka, Taboo Muskoka or Muskoka Bay Resort are also great options if you’re looking for some golf too! Love beer? Stay overnight at Muskoka Beer Spa in Torrance, Bala Bay Inn or The Dudley Inn.
Continue your adventure through Bala, the Cranberry capital of Ontario! Explore Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery check out the bog or the picturesque trails.
Your adventure continues through Downtown Bracebridge, a perfect stop for a fall stroll. Head over to the waterfalls, and watch the rushing water. Stop at Rich Hill Candles and make a candle. Make a night of it with a stay at Inn at the Falls, Touchstone Resort, Sleep Inn, Quality Inn and Wellington Inn.

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Lake Rosseau Circle Tour

Start & End at Port Carling
Approx. 70 km / 45 miles
About 1 ½ – 2 ½ hours depending on the number of stops

Click here for a Map with Points of Interest

This circle tour of Lake Rosseau starts and ends in Port Carling. Stops in the village of Windermere and Rosseau will uncover hidden gems! Looking to adventure on foot? Check out the ‘View the Lakes Chair Tour’ with Muskoka chairs hidden on 9 trails or lookouts across the Township of Muskoka Lakes.

The driving route highlights include:

Huckleberry Rock is one of the best fall lookouts. It can be very busy, so we recommend arriving early. The trail is 2.5km with a moderate difficulty.
Looking to stay in Port Carling? Enjoy the iconic Sherwood Inn.
Head north and stop into JW Marriott The Rosseau for an overnight stay or a tasty meal. From their stunning verandah take in the stunning colours over Lake Rosseau.
15 minutes further north explore Rosseau, home to the Rosseau General Store from 1874, or enjoy a meal at Crossroads Restaurant. If you get one of those beautiful fall days, head down to Rosseau Beach.
As you wrap around the lake, explore the historic village of Windermere. Book a stay at Windermere House with views over Lake Rosseau and take a walk through the quaint town.

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3. Big Chute & Georgian Bay Tour

Start & End @ Port Severn
Approx. 50 km / 30 miles
About 1 – 2 hours depending on the number of stops

Click here for a Map with Points of Interest

On this tour of Georgian Bay Township, you will see everything from the beautiful fall colours to the renowned wind-swept pines that make Georgian Bay famous.

Tour highlights include the Big Chute Marine Railway, Port Severn which is home to the last lock on the Trent Severn waterway. Stop and admire the 30,000 islands in Honey Harbour.

Extend your time in the region, with a stay at one of the amazing accommodators. Like Christie’s Mill, Rawley Resort, Severn Lodge or Sunnylea Resort.

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4. Chain of Lakes Tour

Featuring Vernon, Mary, Fairy and Peninsula Lakes
Start & End @ Huntsville
Approx. 110 km / 65 miles
About 2 – 4 hours depending on number of stops

Click here for a Map with Points of Interest

This 100 km tour starts and ends in Huntsville, looping around popular lakes; Vernon, Mary, Fairy and Peninsula. The Chain of Lakes Tour is closer to Algonquin Park making the leaves peak here a little earlier than other regions, but the hilly backdrop is stunning for leaf peeping.

Stay in Huntsville and extend your tour! Click here for the full list of hotels, resorts, lodges and inns in Huntsville. Stay at a full-service resort or lodge like Cedar Grove Lodge, Deerhurst Resort or Hidden Valley Resort. Looking for a jumping-off point? Huntsville has a great collection of value options like Comfort Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Home2 Suites and Rodeway Inn King William.

Explore The Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery while in the region. Celebrating the legacy of Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven, this outdoor gallery is a unique tour featuring over 90 mural replicas from Canada’s most famous artists. Start in downtown Huntsville, admiring the 35 murals all within walking distance before hopping in your vehicle with stops in Lake of Bays and Algonquin Park.

Make a stop in Port Sydney and check out the rapids at Mary Lake Falls.

In Huntsville, you don’t want to miss Lion’s Lookout with breathtaking fall views. Don’t miss Hwy 2 on your way out of Huntsville for the real colour POP!

If you’re looking to extend your route, take Hwy 60 through Dwight to the western gates of Algonquin Park!

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5. Lake of Bays Circle Tour

Start & End @ Baysville
Approx. 80 km / 50 miles
About 1 ½ – 3 hours depending on the number of stops

Click here for a Map with Points of Interest

Starting and ending in the charming town of Baysville, this circle tour of Lake of Bays is highlighted by great views, and quaint shops and eateries in Baysville, Dorset and Dwight. Extend your stay at a true Muskoka experience like Port Cunnington Lodge, Lumina Resort, Bondi Resort or Glen Manor Cottages.

One of the best spot to take in the fall colours is on this route at the Dorset Lookout Tower. It is a busy stop, so we recommend getting there early!

Rest stops you can take along the way include Lake of Bays Brewing Company in Baysville. Or stretch your legs with the 2.5km historic walking trail around Baysville.

The Lake of Bays Circle Tour is right at the getaway to Algonquin Park, a great spot to spend a couple days before venturing into the park!

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6. The Grand Tour

Start & End @ Bracebridge
Approx. 245 km / 150 miles
About 4 – 6 hours depending on the number of stops

Click here for a Map with Points of Interest

See it all! If you’re in the mood for a long haul, Muskoka’s Heart tour is one to look at! With 245 kilometres of ground to cover, this tour should take roughly 4 – 6 hours. We recommend breaking it up with some overnight stays across Muskoka. Try a cottage rental like Jayne’s Cottages, Tend Concierge, Ontario Cottage Rentals. Buckle up and settle in for a long trip packed with stops, scenery and a some serious bonding time!