Spring has nearly sprung in Muskoka!
Nothing better than seeing the arrival of spring in Muskoka; warmer weather, melting snow, budding trees, and blooming flowers! Immerse yourself in the lively forests and secluded waterways. Embark on a wildflower hike and uncover delicate orchids, enjoy the melodies of birds, paddle towards roaring waterfalls, and explore the renowned Maple Trail of the region. There’s no better time to start planning your spring fling getaway than right now!
Enjoy the Outdoors
There are so many options for hikers to choose from in the springtime. In Gravenhurst and Bala, you can find lady slipper orchids and trilliums along the granite shorelines as well as in the hardwood forests of Hardy Lake Provincial Park. Nearby, in the Torrance Barrens Conservation Area you can find carnivorous sundew and pitcher plant in the wetlands. In Lake of Bays, the Limberlost Forest & Wildlife Reserve has 70 km of scenic trails that lead to lakes, lookouts, and mossy woodlands.
Bracebridge, commonly referred to as the heart of Muskoka, is renowned as the prime destination for mountain biking enthusiasts in the region. Located adjacent to Highway 11 North, the Bracebridge Resource Management Centre boasts an extensive network of 19 km woodland trails that run parallel to the Muskoka River. LIV Outside, situated in Bracebridge, offers self-guided half or full day cycling tours with a range of networks and trails suitable for riders of all expertise levels. Visitors can enjoy the ease of renting all necessary equipment from LIV Outside without the hassle of transporting their own equipment for a seamless experience. There are plenty of other locations to explore for cycle touring, training and trekking.
Paddle by Muskoka’s Beautiful Waterfalls
The optimal period for canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding along the river and catching sight of the breathtaking waterfalls is from spring to early summer. Bracebridge offers a chance to paddle on the Muskoka River and admire the splendid South Falls, which holds the record for the tallest vertical drop waterfall in the region. If you are on the fringes of Algonquin Park, then you can take pleasure in a half-day paddle in the wilderness, starting from Oxtongue Lake and culminating at Ragged Falls. There are many waterfalls to explore in Muskoka!
Hop on the Muskoka Maple Trail
Over 30 stops across Muskoka celebrating Maple season in Muskoka!
Described as the epitome of Canadian cuisine trails, this seven-week festivity dedicated to everything maple offers stops and destinations throughout Muskoka: the Muskoka Maple Trail. Indulge in maple-infused sweets, drinks, and culinary delicacies, visit a genuine sugar shack, take a memorable horse-drawn sleigh ride into the maple forest, learn to make taffy-on-snow, and much more! The culinary trail takes place from March 8 to April 26, 2024, with the highly anticipated Maple Festival to close out the trail on April 27. Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm, a local sugaring facility, is open for visitors all year round and the perfect place to start exploring all things maple in Muskoka.
Family Attractions
Looking for activities for the whole family that are appropriate in any weather conditions? Muskoka is home to incredible attractions, art and culture exhibits and family fun!
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Muskoka Discovery Centre: Located in Gravenhurst, the Muskoka Discovery Centre offers interactive exhibits and displays that showcase the history, culture, and natural environment of the Muskoka region. Families can learn about the area’s steamship heritage, explore hands-on exhibits, and enjoy scenic views of Lake Muskoka. Don’t miss the 9 million expansion featuring the Muskoka Story.
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Muskoka Escape Room – ZigZag: Put your problem-solving skills to the test at Muskoka’s escape room. Where families work together to solve puzzles, uncover clues, and escape from themed Muskoka rooms within a set time limit. It’s a fun and challenging activity that encourages teamwork and communication.
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Indoor Sports Facilities – Climb Muskoka: Climb Muskoka is a 6,400 sq. ft indoor rock climbing facility in Bracebridge. Take in a full range of bouldering terrain, 33′ route walls with top rope, lead and auto belay stations. A second story mezzanine has space for stretching, free weights and cardio equipment.
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Art Galleries and Studios: Explore Muskoka’s vibrant arts scene by visiting local art galleries and studios, where families can admire works by local artists and even participate in hands-on art workshops or classes. It’s a great way to unleash your creativity and support the local arts community. Don’t miss the self led Group of Seven tour in Downtown Huntsville.
- Shopping and Dining: While not specifically geared toward families, Muskoka’s downtown core’s offer boutiques, and restaurants that provide a fantastic way to spend an afternoon. Enjoy a leisurely day of shopping or treat yourselves to a delicious meal at one of Muskoka’s many restaurants or breweries.
Attend an Event
Muskoka hosts world-class events every season of the year. From rocking musicians, art tours, brewery tours and so much more. Click here to access the event calendar.
March 30: An Evening with Big Sugar at Deerhurst Resort (By HfA)
March 31: Tegan & Sara: The Not Tonight Tour at Deerhurst Resort (By HfA)
April 12-May 5: Muskoka Arts and Crafts Spring Art Show
April 13: Trans Canada Highwaymen at JW Marriott
April 26: Grace 2: Celebrating The Tragically Hip at Gravenhurst Opera House
April 27: Muskoka Maple Festival
May 18: Muskoka 2/4 Craft Beer Festival in Huntsville
Spring in Muskoka is quickly approaching, so don’t miss out on all the spring fun to be had! Whether you’re looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth, to revitalize your sense of adventure or get in touch with nature, do it in the fresh Muskoka air! Book your getaway before it’s too late and get that spring back in your step!
