Muskoka is known for its unparalleled natural beauty, stunning landscapes, and luxurious amenities. A popular destination year-round Muskoka is also touted by esteemed publications such as National Geographic, Narcity, and Cottage Life Magazine, as one of the best scenic fall drives in Canada.
Fall Colours Tour by Steamship
Perhaps the most picturesque fall colours tour in all of Muskoka is via the Peerless II. Fall colours pop against the backdrop of the rugged and impressive Canadian Shield on Lake Rosseau, Lake Joseph and Lake Muskoka. Also known as The Big Three Lakes, these lakes are navigated via locks and rivers providing some of the most scenic cruising in Ontario.
Captain Randy Potts has been navigating the Peerless II on the Big Three Lakes for over 35 years. Captain Potts offers sunset and scenic public and private cruises aboard the historic ship that was built in Bronte, Ontario in 1946.
Tour Millionaire's Row or Seven Sisters Islands on Lake Muskoka, the Lake Rosseau Royal Muskoka Cruise or Discover Lake Rosseau. Take in the sights of ultra luxury lakehouses on Billionaire's Row on Lake Joseph. No matter which route Captain Potts takes it will be a memorable and strikingly beautiful cruise.
Muskoka Cranberry Route
Much more than a scenic fall drive, the Muskoka Cranberry Route is a self guided trip with over thirty stops along the way. Tour the cranberry marsh, sip cranberry craft beer and cider, indulge in cranberry infused culinary creations such as cranberry-infused chocolates, cranberry scones and muffins, cranberry gelato and Cranberry sausages. From wagon tours to wine tasting the Muskoka Cranberry Route is filled with adventure for friends, couples and families.
For more structured unique driving adventures, Away We Go Trips Muskoka offers curated road trip itineraries to unique destinations with some of the best scenery. AWG is a small business created by Muskoka locals who know the best spots and rich history of the region.
Huckleberry Rock Hiking Trail
T.S. Eliot wrote “The journey, not the destination matters”. In the case of Huckleberry Rock Hiking Trail, its both. The journey provides a one-of-a-kind experience as hikers traverse the historic Canadian Shield. The pink granite shield has been exposed by natures elements, glaciation, fire and erosion, along the course of this 2.5-kilometer hike.
Efforts are rewarded on this moderate hike proving the destination as climactic as the journey. The scenic lookout displays the full spectrum of fall colour set against sun dappled Lake Muskoka waters making the destination a highlight of the trek.
Bala Cranberry Festival
Awarded the Festivals and Events Ontario Top 100 Event, the Bala Cranberry Festival is a must attend fall celebration of community and cranberries. Muskoka isn’t just a summer destination, and the Bala Cranberry Festival has been extending the tourist season here since 1984.
Taking place the weekend after Thanksgiving, this three-day festival has something for everyone. A variety of live music and vendors, art exhibition, play areas and interactive kids zones, midway rides and cranberry cuisine at every turn.
Oktoberfest Muskoka
Towns and villages throughout Muskoka participate in the annual Oktoberfest Muskoka festival. Participating restaurants in Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Lake of Bays, Muskoka Lakes and Georgian Bay offer patrons traditional Oktoberfest features such as Sausages, Pretzels, Potato Pancakes, Sauerkraut and Spätzle. This cultural and culinary event takes place the last weekend in October and musicians and entertainers are on hand to provide entertainment for a truly festive vibe.
Oktoberfest wouldn’t be complete without a pint. Local participating breweries include Clear Lake Brewing Co., Lake of Bays Brewing Co., Muskoka Brewery, Sawdust City Brewing Co. and CANVAS Brewing Co. Expect beer tours complete with epicurean delights as the breweries partner with local chefs, retail vendors and food trucks to pair their craft beer with locally sourced ingredients.
The Peca Farm Huntsville
The Peca Family has been operating the farm for over 100 years and has opened their doors to visitors who long for a down to earth experience with animals and nature. Pick a pumpkin or hand feed some of the domesticated farm animals for a memorable day amid the vibrant fall colours and fields of rolling hills near Huntsville.
The family run Peca Farm is open to visitors every Saturday through to the end of October. Families can enjoy a traditional hay wagon ride and interact with animals both inside and outside the barn.
Golf in Muskoka
Perhaps one of the best ways to enjoy the fall weather and the changing of the leaves is on the course. Muskoka is home to some of the most scenic golf courses in Ontario.
Taboo Muskoka
Set along the shores of Lake Muskoka, Taboo Muskoka is known for its panoramic beauty and challenging Canadian Shield laden course.
Muskoka Bay Resort
One of Canada’s top courses, Muskoka Bay Resort in Gravenhurst, offers exceptional golfing, luxurious amenities and fine dining at Cliffside Restaurant.
The Rock Muskoka
A world-class golf course designed by golf great, Nick Faldo, The Rock is as challenging as it is breathtaking. Located near Lake Rosseau, Muskoka Ontario, The Rock is one of Canada’s most beautiful courses. The granite outcroppings and vibrant greens provide the ultimate contrast for the changing of the leaves. Members and the public enjoy dining at The Rock Golf and Grill with its varied menu and scenic locale. Players stay at the neighbouring JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa with its many amenities including numerous dining options and HyrdoSpa.
Rocky Crest Golf Resort
As the name implies, rock forms as a base for many golf courses in Muskoka. Rocky Crest Golf Resort, on Lake Joseph. ClubLink members play Rocky Crest for both the challenge and the incredible scenery carved out of the Canadian Shield and dotted with dense forests, wetlands, a beautiful lake vista and of course, granite outcroppings.
Discover Muskoka
For more recommendations on the best things to do in Muskoka this fall, reach out to a local real estate agent. Realtors who live, work and play in their communities within Muskoka are excellent resources and can help you make the most out of your visit. The Janssen Group associates cover the vast area of Muskoka Lakes including Gravenhurst and Bracebridge in the south, also known as The Gateway to Muskoka. And, north to Huntsville and Parry Sound along with Lake of Bays in the north-eastern region of Muskoka. Contact The Janssen Group for local intel or to buy or sell a home in Muskoka Lakes.
