Discover the Magic of Muskoka in Fall: A Guide to Stunning Colours and Scenic Hikes
Muskoka is consistently named a top destination in Canada. Recently recognized by The Telegraph, Cottage Life, The Globe and Mail, Forbes, Travel + Leisure and more. The beautiful backdrop is a popular hotspot with celebrities with a number of high profile visitors to the region (Victoria Beckham waterskiing anyone?).
Here’s why you should make Muskoka your next fall destination.
The Allure of Fall Foliage:
Muskoka is renowned for the dazzling displays of fall colours. As September rolls into October, the greenery transforms into a kaleidoscope of red, orange, and yellow hues, painting the landscape in brilliant shades (the inspiration behind many Group of Seven masterpieces).
Whether you’re driving along the winding roads (take in a scenic driving route), kayaking on the waters (watersport rental options), or simply enjoying a cozy spot by the lake (Muskoka lookouts), the vibrant leaves provide a stunning backdrop that’s perfect for photography and relaxation.
Explore the Cranberry Capital:
Cranberry Harvest: Sept 21 – October 31
Muskoka is known as the cranberry capital of Ontario with Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery harvesting thousands of cranberries every year.
Visit in the fall for the Bog to Bottle
signature experience, hop in the cranberry bog and have your own Ocean Spray moment or sample cranberry products made straight from the farm.
Take in the Stunning Display from the Water
Take a fall cruise to enjoy the calvacade of colour on the Muskoka Lakes.
- Muskoka Steamships sail on the Wenonah II on Lake Muskoka
- Muskoka Cruises enjoy the fall colours as you cruise down the Muskoka River or on Lake Rosseau
- Sunset Cruises see the cavalcade of colour on a cruise of one of the three lakes
- SS Bigwin view the spectacular colours as you travel around Lake of Bays
- Island Queen enjoy the colour as you travel through channels of an eco-system
Interactive Stargazing Events
Muskoka: Home of the Stars
Different locations: October 17 – November 20
Muskoka is home to exceptional dark skies, perfect for stargazing. Across the region you can take in different events from astro-photography, stories and hikes under the stars and guides for beginners!
Click here to register & learn more.
Take in the Fall Colours from the Trails
For hiking enthusiasts, Muskoka offers a variety of trails that cater to all skill levels. Here are a few must-visit spots:
- Lions Lookout Trail: Located in Huntsville, this trail is a moderate climb that rewards you with a panoramic view of the town.
- Algonquin Provincial Park: Just a short drive from Muskoka, Algonquin Park is a haven for nature lovers.
- Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve: Peaceful trails that wind through forests and along the shoreline. The Solitaire Trail around the lake is moderately challenging and offers stunning views.
- Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail: Known for its striking views over Lake Muskoka. The moderate hike to the lookout is well worth the effort, especially when the autumn colors are at their peak.
Small-Town Charm and Cozy Accommodations
Beyond the natural beauty, Muskoka is home to charming small towns that offer a warm welcome and plenty of activities. Muskoka has over 100 places to stay, with a range of options from cozy bed and breakfasts to luxurious lakeside resorts and cottage rentals.
Many of these operators embrace the autumn season with special fall packages that include guided hikes, fall-themed activities, and opportunities to enjoy the starry nights by a bonfire.
Explore Huntsville:
Muskoka Must Do’s:
- A day visit to Arrowhead Provincial Park
- Hike to the Lion’s Lookout over looking Huntsville
- Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery self guided tour with 103 murals
- Enjoy a fall event from Huntsville Festival of the Arts including Nursery Nights
- A hike along the boardwalk at Hunter’s Bay Boardwalk Trail
- Throw an axe in the forest at Find Your Wild
- Step Back in Time at a Pioneer Village at Muskoka Heritage Place
Guide to Huntsville:
PLACES TO STAY: Looking for places to stay in Huntsville, the getaway to Algonquin Park? Check out our comprehensive guide to accommodators in Muskoka. From Hotels, Motels, Bed & Breakfasts, Cottage Rentals, Resorts and more!
Click here for 21 Places to Stay in Huntsville
THINGS TO DO: Huntsville is home to endless adventures from outdoor explorations, shopping downtown and an art and culture hotspot.
Click here for 52 Things To Do in Huntsville
Wondering when to visit to see the fall colours? Check out the guide below. This is just best estimate based on historical data
- Early fall colour viewing opportunities: September 22 – September 28
- Peak maple fall colour viewing opportunities: September 29 – October 10
- Peak golden encore fall colour viewing opportunities: October 11 – 19
Muskoka offers a wide range of events from live music, family fun and celebration for the local cranberry harvest.
- August 31: September 1: Sam Roberts Band at The Kee to Bala
- September 14: Nursery Nights at Sandhill Nursery with Elliott Brood
- September 18: Ennis Sisters at Gravenhurst Opera House
- September 19: Matthew Good & His Band at Algonquin Theatre
- September 21: Nursery Nights at Sandhill Nursery with Danny Michel
- September 21: Brass Transit at Gravenhurst Opera House
- September 28 – October 31: Cranberry Harvest at Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery
- September 28 – 29: Gravenhurst Autumn Arts Tour
- September 28: Nursery Nights at Sandhill Nursery with Madison Violet
- September 28: No Sugar Tonight at Gravenhurst Opera House
- October 4: The Liverpool 4 at Gravenhurst Opera House
- October 5: Nursery Nights at Sandhill Nursery with Angelique Francis
- October 6: Tom Cochrane Songs & Stories at Deerhurst Resort
- October 10: Classic Albums Live: Supertramp “Crime of the Century” at Gravenhurst Opera House
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October 12: Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise Aboard Wenonah II
- October 18 – 20: Bala Cranberry Festival
- October 18: The Piano Men at Gravenhurst Opera House
- October 24: Donovan Woods at Algonquin Theatre
- October 25: The Legendary Downchild Blues Band at Gravenhurst Opera House
- October 25 – 26: Oktoberfest Muskoka
- October 26: Classic Lightfoot Live at Gravenhurst Opera House
Looking to learn more? Check out the comprehensive Waterfall Guide to Muskoka
1. Bala Falls – Located in the heart of charming Bala, the Bala Falls is a great spot to stop and enjoy a picnic with the family with an incredible backdrop.
2. Minnehaha Falls – This hidden gem of a waterfall is a bit difficult to find, but once you find the trail it’s worth the trek! Be prepared to hike on loose soil, steep slopes and some slippery rock.
3. Ragged Falls – Named one of the 10 best waterfalls in Ontario, this waterfall on Oxtongue River is a must-see. There is roughly a 1km hike to this beautiful cascade from a parking area
4. Oxtongue Rapids – This amazing destination on the Oxtongue River is believed to be the inspiration for The Red Maple, one of A.Y. Jackson’s (member of the Group of Seven) most celebrated paintings.
5. Hatchery Falls – Take a 20-minute hike along a well-marked trail with a beautiful waterfall waiting for you at the finish line, Hatchery Falls.
6. Bracebridge Falls – Explore one of the trademark sights of the community at the Bracebridge Falls. Located right downtown, the Silver Bridge and Bracebridge Falls is an iconic scene.
7. Wilson’s Falls – is the wildest and most scenic falls on the North Branch of Muskoka River. Located just to the north of the Downtown area off of River Road
8. Muskoka Falls -This brilliant waterfall is carved into a large gorge at Muskoka Falls, showing the eroding power of the falls over thousands of years.
9. High Falls and Little High Falls – Bracebridge
There are five waterfalls located at the High Falls site. These include Pott’s Falls, Muskoka Canyon Falls, Little High Falls, Big High Falls and a 5th man-made falls to accommodate the High Falls Water Park.
Enjoy a winter sleigh ride with @backofbeyondequine! Snuggle up, glide through the trails and end with a campfire, hot chocolate, and marshmallows. 🐴 Located just south of Huntsville.
#DiscoverMuskoka #DiscoverON #ExploreCanada #Muskoka
🫖Indulge in the tradition of high tea at @thebluewillowteashop. With monthly menu updates and a charming location at the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst, it’s a year-round delight! 🤩
#DiscoverMuskoka #DiscoverON #ExploreCanada #Muskoka #hightea #Gravenhurst
Romance at its finest! 😱😍 Saturday nights at @johnstons_cranberries are pure magic! Skate the torch-lit trail, cozy up by the fire, sip a hot sheila, or enjoy wine and fondue on the patio.
Snowshoe trails are also open for headlamp hikes!
#DiscoverMuskoka #DiscoverON #ExploreCanada #Muskoka
🔥🧊The Bracebridge Fire & Ice Festival is back on Saturday, January 25th! @fireandicebracebridge
🎟️ Tickets are on sale now: $10/adults, $5/kids (kids 5 and under are free!).
🔥 FIRE: Fire performers, marshmallow roasting, the Bracebridge Hall biergarten and a spectacular fireworks finale!
🧊 ICE: Interactive ice displays, live ice carving, axe throwing, skating at Memorial Park, the GLICE rink and the famous @downtownbracebridge snow tube run! 🤩
Make it a weekend to remember. Explore Bracebridge’s vibrant downtown, enjoy local eats, stay at a charming accommodator and soak up the magic of Muskoka in winter. ❄️✨ @visitthebridge
#BracebridgeFireAndIce #WinterInMuskoka #DiscoverMuskoka #DiscoverON #ExploreCanada #Visitthebridge
A warm up between laps! ⛷️
📍 @skihiddenvalley
📸 @hvresortmuskoka
#DiscoverMuskoka #DiscoverON #ExploreCanada
Here are 7 must-do Muskoka activities to kickstart your winter adventure planning! ❄️
1️⃣ Bracebridge Fire & Ice Festival (January 25th) – One of SIX amazing winter festivals in the region, featuring snow tubing through downtown! @fireandicebracebridge 🎥 @limelightmuskoka
2️⃣ Dog sledding with Northridge Ranch – Experience the thrill of a dog sled ride through the snowy Muskoka wilderness. @northridgeranch
3️⃣ Crystal Head Vodka Icebar - Head into a freezer (literally) at @jwmuskoka for a tasting journey🍸.
4️⃣ Relax and recharge at Windermere House with saunas overlooking Lake Rosseau (day passes available). @windermere.house
5️⃣ Explore new trails – With hundreds of kilometres to choose from, why not try cross-country skiing at Arrowhead Provincial Park? @arrowheadprovpark 🎿
6️⃣ Catch an epic event – Whether it’s Beerhurst at @deerhurstresort, Brett Kissel at @jwmuskoka, Tap Takeover Beerfest at @canvasbrewing or Choir!Choir!Choir! at @gravenhurstoperahouse, there’s something for everyone! 🎤
7️⃣ Skating trails – A super popular Muskoka activity! After a skate at Arrowhead, visit @1858caesarbar__huntsville, or warm up with a delicious cheese fondue at Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery after a skate. 🧀
Winter in Muskoka has it all—get out there and explore, it will leave you wanting more.
#DiscoverMuskoka #DiscoverON #ExploreCanada #Muskoka
@arrowheadprovpark Fire & Ice nights will begin next weekend🔥🧊 These evening skates will be on Friday and Saturday nights from 6:00-9:00pm (weather depending).
Specific ‘Daily Vehicle Permit + Fire & Ice’ permits are required to attend the evening skate. This pass allows access to the park for the entire day, and can be reserved up to 5 days in advance on the Ontario Parks Reservations website.
These events almost always sell out, so we strongly recommend reserving your permit online ahead of time!
Skate rentals are available at the Pavilion, beside the Visitor Centre⛸️
#DiscoverMuskoka #DiscoverON #ExploreCanada #Muskoka
When the ice is fresh and the beer is frosty!🍻@clearlakebrewingcompany outdoor rink is open with live music every Friday and Saturday night.
📍 @muskokabeerspa #DiscoverMuskoka #DiscoverON #ExploreCanada #ODR #outdoorskating
Feeling stuck in the city and not sure how to embrace winter? ❄️ Escape to Muskoka and discover endless adventures! From cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to dog sledding, ice fishing, snowmobiling, downhill skiing, snowboarding, and skating—the adventures are endless. Plan your getaway with over 60 places to stay ❄️.
#DiscoverMuskoka #DiscoverON #ExploreCanada #Muskoka
@explorecanada @ontariotravel
Hey @tessavirtue17 and @morganrielly, this looks like a perfect date idea 😍🫶⛸️
📍 @johnstons_cranberries
#DiscoverMuskoka #DiscoverON #ExploreCanada #Muskoka
It’s time to try one of Muskoka’s most popular activities! ⛸️
The Ice Trail at Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery is now open daily, plus “Light the Night” skating or snowshoeing every Saturday evening (weather permitting). @johnstons_cranberries
Arrowhead Provincial Park’s Skating Trail opens this Saturday for day use and they also offer “Fire & Ice” torchlight skating every Friday and Saturday evening (weather permitting). @arrowheadprovpark
Make it a getaway to remember with 65 accommodators offering cozy winter stays.
Be sure to book ahead to secure your spot!
#DiscoverMuskoka #DiscoverON #ExploreCanada
Muskoka makes everyone feel like a kid 🥰 @thekrafty_family at @deerhurstresort ❄️⛸️
#DiscoverMuskoka #DiscoverON #ExploreCanada
Experience Gravenhurst: Muskoka Must Do’s
- A fall cruise on the historic RMS Segwun or impressive Wenonah II sailing from the Muskoka Wharf
- Explore the Muskoka Discovery Centre with 9 million dollar expansion
- Dine and stroll at Muskoka Wharf overlooking Lake Muskoka
- An exceptional high tea experience at Blue Willow Tea Shop
- See art and culture at Gravenhurst Opera House
- Visit to the historic Bethune House
Guide to Gravenhurst
PLACES TO STAY: Looking for places to stay in Gravenhurst, the gateway to Muskoka? Check out our comprehensive guide to accommodators in Muskoka. From Hotels, Motels, Bed & Breakfasts, Cottage Rentals, Camping, Resorts and more!
Click here for 15 places to stay in Gravenhurst
THINGS TO DO: Gravenhurst has fantastic activities from iconic boat cruises, hiking trails and more.
Click here for 31 things to do in Gravenhurst
