As the summer comes to an end, we look ahead to Fall! Muskoka’s biggest and brightest season. From outdoor festivals to art events, the fall is full of activities and attractions for locals, tourists and anyone looking for a fun adventure. Whether you’re planning a trip or just want ideas on how to spend your time in Muskoka this month, here arefall events that everyone should check out! These unique activities will make sure you have an unforgettable Muskoka fall getaway. So come explore what Muskoka has to offer – dare we say it could be even better than summer? Discounted getaways, reduced boat traffic and a sense of calm in the region as the seasons change. Don’t miss out on fall in Muskoka!
Fairs & Festivals
Think that Muskoka shutters up after Labour Day? Think again! Consider a trip to Bracebridge to attend one of the most charming family events of the colourful season. For over 156 years, locals and visitors alike have gathered in this picturesque town to celebrate the farming season, to recognize our neighbours’ harvest fare and handiwork, and to enjoy great fun and entertainment. The event will feature; horse shows, rides, local vendors, delicious eats, live music, square dancing and so much more! Come out to the Bracebridge Fall Fair this September for Great entertainment, fantastic food, exciting thrills and attractions, and good people!
September 7: Severn Bridge Fall Fair –The fair is celebrating its 149th year. This years theme is a Lil Bit Corntry. September 13 – 15 : Bracebridge Fall Fair– For over 156 years, locals and visitors alike have gathered in this picturesque town to celebrate the farming season, to recognize our neighbours’ harvest fare and handiwork, and to enjoy great fun and entertainment. September 20 – 22: Huntsville Fall Fair – Enjoy the 142nd fall fair at the Huntsville Fair Grounds September 21-October 26:The Peca Petting Farm Fall Edition – Join The Peca Farm for the Petting Farm Fall Edition every Saturday starting September 21st to October 26th. 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. September 28: Honey Bee Festival – Come enjoy the festivies. Pancake Breakfast, Speed Boat Tours, Market Place, Live Entertainment & more. October 18 – 20: Bala Cranberry Festival Every year, on the weekend after Thanksgiving, Bala hosts the annual Cranberry Festival with lots of fun, entertainment, food and shopping. October 25 – 26: Oktoberfest Muskoka–Every October for a music, culinary and beer festival that will take place in participating breweries and restaurants across Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Lake of Bays, Muskoka Lakes and Georgian Bay. November 1 – 3: Elvis & Co Music Festival – Elvis & Co is back in 2024! This 3-day music festival features not only the music of Elvis but also the artists and brands influenced by the King of Rock ‘n Roll. November 8 – 10: Huntsville’s Girlfriends Getaway Weekend – Girlfriends! It’s time for some you time, with a stellar lineup of girls-only fun and relaxation.
Family Fun
Ongoing Family fun this fall! Check out Halloween Spooktacular at Santa’s Village over select dates this September and October. The Sandhill Nursery Fall Festival is the perfect kick-off to celebrate the harvest season, where the 100-acre property is transformed with beautiful living displays, art installations, giant mazes, a beer garden, a scavenger hunt, fall-themed games and even an epic pumpkin slingshot where you can launch pumpkins far out into the field to see if yours flies farthest.
Select Dates September 28 & October 27: Halloween Spooktacular at Santa’s Village This is your opportunity to dress the whole family up and show your creativity Saturdays 11am-8pm and Sundays 11am-5pm. September 14 – October 27 Fall Festival at Sandhill NurseryFor a fantastic fall, embrace beautiful colours, the seasonal harvest, and fun. September 20 – October 20: Muskoka Cranberry Route A fun-filled (and tasty) trail inspired by Muskoka’s love for cranberries!
The Cranberry Harvest starts September 21, 2024! Harvest is the most exciting time of the year. It’s when we (quite literally) get to see the fruit of our labour! We start two weekends before Canadian Thanksgiving and are usually finished by October 31st. Drop by and learn about this unique crop! Throughout the harvest there are, Harvest Activities, Wagon Tours, Wine Tastings, Cranberry Plunges, Hiking Trails and Beautiful fall scenery. There is no charge to visit the store/café area of the farm. If you want to explore beyond the store/café, you need a farm pass. There are also activity fees for tours, wine tasting and the cranberry plunge. For more information on this exciting time of year click here!
September 21- October 31, 2024
Live Music in Muskoka
There’s no shortage of live music this fall in Muskoka.
September 6 – 22: Muskoka Arts & Crafts Presents Prince Edward County Art Swap at Mac on Main September 28 – 29:Gravenhurst Autumn Arts Tour is a two-day event in Gravenhurst featuring local artists as well as from across Muskoka October 18 – November 3: Craft Ontario & MAC present Explore Craft in Muskoka at MAC on Main October 29: Muskoka Arts and Crafts presents The Great Pumpkin at The Chapel Gallery November 9– December 8: Muskoka Arts & Crafts present the Holiday Market at MAC on Main. Juried artisans, festive music, food & drinks. This a free event donations are welcome.
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 accommodationsFor 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 1st week of October
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 Boardwalkor hop on the Peninsula Trail (2km).
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.
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.
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 Resortor Hidden Valley Resort. Looking for a jumping-off point? Huntsville has a great collection of value options like Best Western and Skyland Motel.
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!
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 orBondi Resort.
One of the best spot to take in the fall colours is on this route at the Dorset Fire 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!
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, Muskoka Custom Cottage Rentalsor Tend Concierge. Buckle up and settle in for a long trip packed with stops, scenery and a some serious bonding time!
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.
