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21 Awesome Things to Do in Muskoka in Winter 2024


When most people think of the Muskokas, they imagine summer cottages and peaceful lakes.

But did you know that there are a ton of awesome things to do in Muskoka in winter?

If you are a fan of winter activities, or even if you are not, Muskoka should be on your bucket list of places to visit!

Why Muskoka?

Muskoka is definitely a popular summer tourist location. It is well known for its beautiful summer homes and warm-weather activities on the water.

That being said, it also boasts some great winter adventures. This makes Muskoka one of the most spectacular places to go in Ontario in the winter.

Muskoka-in-Winter-greenery-and-pinecones

If you are not familiar with the area, Muskoka is Ontario’s cottage country. It sits between Georgian Bay and Algonquin Provincial Park and is home to over 1,600 lakes.

Three major towns make up the Muskoka area – Gravenhurst to the south, Bracebridge in the center and Huntsville to the north. With so much natural beauty and open space, you are sure to find a few wintery things to do in Muskoka that will make the whole family happy.

How to Get to Muskoka

Muskoka is just two hours north of Toronto, so the easiest way to get there is to drive. You will need to take Highway 400 North until you hit Highway 11.

From there, you continue north until you reach Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, and Huntsville. A word of caution; this highway can get pretty nasty in the winter.

Muskoka-in-Winter-snowy-road

Before you head out, check the road conditions, as certain parts of the highway may be closed due to poor visibility. And of course, always make sure you drive accordingly.

If you don’t want to drive, you can also fly! There are direct flights into the Muskoka Airport near Gravenhurst, from both Billy Bishop Airport in Toronto, as well as from Toronto Pearson International Airport. Once you land in Gravenhurst, you can easily rent a vehicle to get around.

✈️ Find the best rate for flights with SkyScanner here.

21 Top Things to Do in Muskoka in Winter

Muskoka is a wonderful place to visit in the winter with kids. With so many family-friendly things to do, Muskoka is a great option for a weekend getaway or even an extended stay.

1. Ice Skate Through a Forest

We will be mentioning Arrowhead Provincial Park several times throughout this post, as it really is a one-stop shop for winter activities. For $18, you can purchase a Daily Vehicle Permit, which allows you into the park for the day, with in-and-out privileges.

Muskoka-in-Winter-Ice-skating-through-the-forest-at-Arrowhead-Provincial-park-in-Muskoka

A bucket-list item for many Ontarians, the ice-skating trail in Arrowhead is an amazing family-friendly experience. 1.3 km of trail winds through the snow-covered Muskoka woods in a complete loop.

Muskoka-in-Winter-Mr.-Bump-and-I-skating-on-the-trail-at-Arrowhead-Provincial-Park-in-Muskoka

It was the perfect “track” for the kids to whip around on, while at the same time, quite romantic for Hubby and me to meander through. The thick forest and fresh snow made the trail very peaceful… another bonus.

There is a great seating area, complete with shoe cubbies and a fire pit to keep you warm while you change into your skates. The trail starts just a few feet away from the seating area.

Muskoka-in-Winter-Firepit-by-the-skating-trail-in-Arrowhead-Provincial-park-in-Muskoka

And if you are lucky enough to be in Muskoka on select Saturday nights in January and February, Arrowhead Park hosts Fire and Ice Nights on the skating trail. Imagine the romance of skating under the stars, while the trail is illuminated by hundreds of tiki torches.

Fire and Ice Nights are definitely one of the most epic ice skating experiences in Canada. Skate rentals are also available for a fee if you did not bring your own.

2. Do Some Winter Hiking

The Muskoka region is filled with many opportunities to go for amazing winter hikes. While both Arrowhead and Algonquin Parks offer groomed hiking trails, other options also exist in the area.

Muskoka-in-Winter-family-winter-hiking

The Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve is a publicly accessible private park with 10,000 square kilometres of untouched nature and over twenty private lakes. Located near Huntsville, Ontario, the private forest reserve contains more than 70 km of hiking, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing trails that are open to the public and free to use.

The park is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Just be aware, that there are no facilities available at this park, which may not be ideal for kids.

3. Go Cross-Country Skiing in Arrowhead Provincial Park

Cross-country skiing at Arrowhead is another one of the family-friendly things to do in Muskoka in Winter. There are 9 different groomed Nordic ski trails, which include 28 km of classic ski trails and 16 km of skate ski trails. The trails range from beginner to expert level.

Muskoka-in-Winter-Hubby-and-Miss-Somersault-cross-country-skiing-in-Arrowhead-Provincial-park-in-Muskoka

The well-groomed paths take you through snow-covered forests that are very scenic and quiet. And with just small elevation changes, it is fairly easy for even a beginner to navigate.

Of course, Arrowhead has ski rentals for all ages, making it easy for families to try something new with the kids. A half-day rental for a family is about $86.

4. Spend the Day Exploring a Winery

About an hour’s drive from Huntsville you will find Bala, the home of Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery. This awesome place is filled with some pretty unique things to do in Muskoka in winter.

Ice-Skating

One of the biggest winter draws to the Winery is the ice skating trail! The trail is a 1.2km loop around 12 acres of cranberries! With trees and forested areas on one side of the trail and cranberry beds on the other, it really is a unique and family-friendly experience.

A daily trail pass will cost you $12 for adults and $8 per child. Skate rentals are available for $10 per half day. They even offer skate sharpening.

Muskoka-in-Winter-Cranberry-Trail-Sign-at-Winery

There is a changing tent located steps from the trail, offering benches to change into skates, and cubbies to store your shoes. There were also fire pits along the skating trail, where you could stop for a rest or warm up.

Light the Night Skate

Every Saturday night, the winery holds a Light the Night skate. The entire trail is illuminated by 400 tiki torches from 6 pm until 9 pm. Just incredible!

And you definitely cannot leave the winery without heading to McArthur House to sample the hot mulled wine (and hot apple cider for the kiddos). We also indulged in some chili and gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. AH-MAZING!

Muskoka-in-Winter-Light-the-Night-Skate-on-the-cranberry-marsh-in-Bala

And surrounded by all that deliciousness, we couldn’t resist purchasing some of their locally produced wine (the cranberry-blueberry was my fave) and jams. On a side note, the winery also hosts wine tasting during the day. 

Other Winter Activities

Because we visited the winery in the evening for Light the Night, we didn’t get to take advantage of the other activities offered here. There are snowshoe trails (and rentals), toboggan hills, as well as a Bog Hockey acre for games of shinny.

You could easily spend a day here, enjoying everything this beautiful winery has to offer. I know we will be back to do just that!

5. Experience Eclipse “Walk with Light”

Eclipse “Walk with Light” is a unique and interactive light and sound experience that takes place at the Rotary Village Station in Huntsville, Ontario. There, you will find thousands of lights set to music and spoken word, that will respond to the sounds made by visitors passing through the display.

Participants walk a circular path of light through the forest, where they will see unique heritage buildings and illuminated soundscapes. All the displays are themed around the seasons of the year as well as the cycles of the moon.

If you are visiting on Friday or Saturday, you can usually find live entertainment, as well as sandwiches, doughnuts, and beverages.

But if you are looking to do something truly unique, head to Eclipse on Thursday nights for their Muskoka Goat Away. This is when visitors get to walk a goat under the lights!

The best part is, tickets for Eclipse are pretty inexpensive, making this a very family-friendly experience.

goat

6. Warm Up While Visiting a Museum

If you are visiting Muskoka for several days, then be sure to take the time to visit the museums. And there are actually quite a few to choose from.

A few of the popular choices include the Muskoka Heritage Place in Huntsville, the Muskoka Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst, the Bethune Memorial House, or if you are a fan of Anne of Green Gables, then be sure to visit the Lucy Maud Montgomery Museum in Bala.

7. Try Snowshoeing in Arrowhead Provincial Park

Arrowhead Provincial Park has about 8 km of snowshoe trails to explore. These trails are well-marked, absolutely gorgeous, and perfect for families or beginners.

Because snowshoeing is as easy as walking with big shoes on, it is a great way for families to get outside and enjoy some fresh air. Arrowhead has several different trails to explore, with varying degrees of difficulty.

Muskoka-in-Winter-Kids-snowshoeing

And if you are looking for a little more of a challenge, try your hands at off-trail snowshoeing through the mature hardwood forest. If the snow is deep, this may be difficult for younger kids, but the views are spectacular!

Once again, Arrowhead has is snowshoe rentals for all ages, if you did not bring your own. The cost is about $15 for 3 hours.

8. Go Dog Sledding

One of the most unique things to do in Muskoka in winter, and a definite bucket list item for us, is going dog sledding! Imagine taking an exhilarating ride through snow-covered forests, while steering your own sleigh!

Located on the edge of Huntsville, North Ridge Ranch specializes in running Alaskan Huskies that have been specifically trained as sled dogs. This family-run operation has more than 45 years of dog sledding experience in Ontario.

North Ridge Ranch tours take place on private trails that wind across 500 acres of property. The trails pass through dense forests, along the river, and through scenic winter wonderlands.

Muskoka-in-Winter-dog-sledding

The small, guided tours only allow 4-5 guests per sled tour, ensuring that each participant has the opportunity to take the reins. The tours average two and a half to three hours in length and cover about 20 km of the Muskoka wilderness.

There are also one-hour tours available for people who are short on time, or for families visiting with young children. And of course, halfway through the tours, there’s a fun stop involving hot cocoa and snacks!

Tours start at about $145 per person for adults.

9. Go Snowtubing at Arrowhead Provincial Park

What could be more nostalgic than flying down a hill on a tube or toboggan! Relive those fond childhood moments on the groomed tubing track at Arrowhead Provincial Park, which is perfect for kids of all ages.

Muskoka-in-Winter-Snow-tubing

Arrowhead provides the tubes on-site, and access to the park also gives you access to their snowshoe trails and the famous ice skating trail. You will also find a nice fire pit at the top of the tubing hill, which is perfect for warming up between runs.

10. Do Some Stargazing at Torrance Barrens

The Torrance Barrens is a Conservation Reserve located in the Muskoka community. In 1999, the Barrens became the world’s first permanent Dark Sky Park, with the Royal Astronomical Society also offering it the unprecedented title of “Dark Sky Preserve”.

Fun Fact: Both the Township of Muskoka Lakes and the Town of Gravenhurst possess a ‘Dark Sky By-law’, which regulates lighting in the community with the goal of preserving the night sky.

And if you love stargazing, the Torrance Barrens is one of the few places in the world that offer such an accessible opportunity to view the Milky Way. This is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Muskoka in winter!

The main dark sky viewing area at Torrance Barrens is on the smooth granite outcrop immediately behind the Ministry sign on Southwood Road. This area is also accessible to vehicles, making it easy to unload telescopes or astrophotography gear.

Muskoka-in-Winter-winter-stargazing

You can also walk along the main trail (follow signs), across the boardwalk, and up the first ridge, for some jaw-dropping, fully unobstructed, 360-degree panoramas.

11. Go for a Ride in Santa’s Sleigh

If you are in Muskoka around Christmastime, a ride in Santa’s sleigh would be a fantastic family experience! North Pole Stables offer a private visit with Santa that is sure to make everyone smile.

Hop aboard the one-horse open sleigh for the 15-minute journey through the forest to get to Santa’s North Pole Stables. As your sleigh pulls up, Santa himself will come out to greet you!

Muskoka-in-Winter-horse-drawn-sleigh

While you visit with Santa from your sleigh, his helper will take a family photo using your own phone. You can then enjoy a candy cane, and end your visit with a cup of delicious hot chocolate.

12. Try Out Winter Camping in Algonquin Park

If you really love the snow and don’t mind the cold, then winter camping in Algonquin park would be a truly unique experience.

Mew Lake is the only campground located inside Algonquin park that operates all year long. And the best part is, you will be setting up your tent on a ‘developed’ campsite complete with electricity and water.

Muskoka-in-Winter-winter-camping

Located at km 30.8 of Highway 60, Mew Lake features comfort stations, a general store and laundry facilities. Go for a hike or snowshoe during the day, then cozy up by the campfire at night.

Reservations are required and can be made by visiting the website.

13. Grab a Bite to Eat in Town

Depending on where you are staying, there are so many great places to eat in and around Muskoka. If you are staying in the Huntsville area, The Main Street Local Kitchen comes highly recommended by the locals.

Their burgers and local craft beer were a hit with adults in our group. The food was delicious and the service was amazing!

The restaurant is small, family-friendly, and very inviting. We would definitely recommend this place if you are staying in the area!

14. Explore the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery

One of the educational, fun, and FREE things to do in Muskoka in winter, is to take a self-guided tour of the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery. The Gallery is a public art experience that is designed to engage the community, residents, visitors, and tourists alike.

An incredible mural collection, The Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery features over 80 world-class reproductions of famous artwork by Tom Thomson and Canada’s iconic Group of Seven artists.

Muskoka-in-Winter-Welcome-to-Huntsville-Sign

The murals are hand-painted by select mural artists from across Canada and are displayed on the exterior walls of businesses and public buildings throughout the Huntsville, Lake of Bays, and Algonquin Park regions.

The murals located in downtown Huntsville are within walking distance of each other, while the rest require a short drive. Explore at your leisure, and learn about Canadian art in a unique way!

15. Explore Frozen Waterfalls

One of the best things to do in Muskoka in winter is to explore some of the many gorgeous waterfalls while they are partially frozen. And considering the area has over 1500 lakes, you won’t be hard-pressed to find one nearby.

In fact, you won’t even have to go far, since there are actually three gorgeous waterfalls right in town. Both Bracebridge Falls and High Falls are pretty popular and are located right downtown.

Go for a hike, or grab that Instagrammable photo. Either way, chasing waterfalls should definitely be on your Muskoka winter itinerary.

16. Go Fat Biking in the Snow

Fat bikes are one of the newest ways to explore Muskoka in winter. Called the ‘monster trucks of mountain bikes,’ fat bikes feature oversized tires that easily grip the snowiest of trails, and are very stable and easy to use, even the kids!

Located in Bracebridge, Liv Outside Adventures offers two-hour guided rides, fat bike rentals, and an on-site network of miles of groomed, single-track winter bike trails through the Muskoka woods.

Muskoka-in-Winter-Fat-biking-in-snow

Self-guided fat bike tours are also available on Saturdays during the winter and are recommended for groups of at least 2-3 people. Fat biking is open to kids aged 12 and up.

Prices start at $39 per person for a 2-hour rental and $49.50 per person for a guided tour. Equipment rental is included in the price of guided tours.

17. Go Downhill Skiing

One of the best places to go downhill skiing and snowboarding in Muskoka is at the Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area. The attraction features several runs that range in difficulty from easy to extreme.

Muskoka-in-Winter-downhill-skiing

Discover Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area is open from mid-December to the end of March for day and night downhill skiing and snowboarding. Very family-friendly, Hidden Valley offers a snow school, full-service cafeteria, kids camp, childcare, ski & snowboard instruction and rentals, repair shop, and retail store.

Hidden Valley is open Thursday to Monday 9:00 am-4:00 pm, and Thursday to Saturday 4:30-9:00 pm. Rentals are available for the full or half-day, as well as for Day or Night skiing.

18. Snowmobile Your Way Through the Muskokas

One of the best, and quickest, ways to see Muskoka in winter is by snowmobiling. Travel along the scenic 1,200-kilometer network of tracks that are managed by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs.

Snowmobiling not only offers a unique perspective of Muskoka’s winter landscape, but it also presents a virtually unlimited opportunity for touring the area. And as long as the kids aren’t too young, it can be a pretty fun way for the family to explore the region.

Muskoka-in-Winter-snowmobiling

To ride in Ontario you must have a valid driver’s license and purchase a trail permit. And if you don’t have your own snowmobile, there are plenty of places in Muskoka where you can either rent one or join a tour group that provides one.

19. Attend the Fire & Ice Festival

One of the best things to do in Muskoka in winter is to attend the annual Fire and Ice Festival in Bracebridge. Usually taking place in late January, the festival transforms the downtown area into a magical winter wonderland.

The festival includes a ton of family-friendly things to do including performances by fire artists, interactive ice displays, ice sculpture carvings, fire pits, ice skating, and a grand finale of fireworks.

However, one of the main draws to the Fire and Ice Festival is the incredible tube run. This epic attraction in downtown Bracebridge closes down Manitoba Street to create awesome tubing lanes.

Winter-Fireworks

With the street covered in a ton of extra snow for the event, adults and kids alike will have a ton of fun sliding down the huge hill. Just keep in mind, kids have to be at least 38 inches tall to ride.

Tickets to the Fire and Ice Festival are $10 for 13 years old and up, $5 for 6-12 years old, and no ticket is required for kids under 5. There is plenty of free parking across town, as well as free shuttles running from various locations downtown.

20. Ice Fish on Three Mile Lake

Ice fishing is one of the things to do in Muskoka in winter that many people don’t think of. If your family enjoys fishing, then booking a specialty package might be the perfect activity.

A package with Muskoka Shores Cottages includes a two-night accommodation, a heated ice hut, a BBQ lunch on the ice, transportation to and from the ice huts, a BBQ shack, and a washhouse on the ice.

Muskoka-in-Winter-ice-fishing-huts

With all these comforts and conveniences available, this is the perfect way to experience a new winter activity with the family. And if you are just looking for a single-day hut rental, Muskoka Shores also has daily pricing available.

21. Enjoy the Views from a Lookout

There are a ton of lookouts in Muskoka each with absolutely gorgeous vistas. And the best part is, during the winter, a fresh blanket of snow makes the scenery look even more magical.

If you happen to be staying in Huntsville, head over to the popular Lions Lookout. The hike to the lookout is only 1.3 km, but the view of the town below and the sweeping views of Fairy Lake, are definitely worth the minimal effort.

Of course, if you happen to be enjoying one of the many winter activities in Arrowhead Park, then be sure to check out the Big Bend Lookout. A short walk from the parking lot on Roe Campground Road takes you to the lookout point. There, you will have sweeping views of the Big East River and the surrounding Muskoka area.

Muskoka-in-Winter-Forest-Path

Where to Stay in Muskoka in Winter

With many cottages, hotels, and AirBnBs to rent in the surrounding areas, finding a place to stay in Muskoka is pretty easy.

If you are looking for a hotel, the Holiday Inn and Suites Huntsville is not only perfect for its proximity to Arrowhead Provincial Park, but they are also very family-friendly.

The hotel offers free breakfast, as well as a decent-sized pool for the kids to burn off some energy.

Muskoka-in-Winter-Pool-at-the-Holiday-Inn-Huntsville

We found the rooms to be clean, with comfortable beds and a decent-sized bathroom. The hotel had plenty of free parking as well.

We were also quite happy to take advantage of the hotel’s late check-out option on our last day. For an extra $20 (based on availability), we were able to check out at 1 pm, when the weather turned out to be a little too blustery for outdoor activities.

🏨 Find the best rates for all Muskoka hotels here.

Muskoka in Winter FAQs

Is Muskoka nice in the winter?

Muskoka not only offers a ton of cool things to do in the winter, but it is also very scenic. From gorgeous forests to incredible lakes and provincial parks, Muskoka is a photographer’s dream. Just make sure you bundle up, as it does get chilly in the winter!

Do people live in Muskoka year round?

Yes! Approximately 60,000 people call the Muskoka region “home” all year round. About twice as many people live in the area part-time.

Are there wolves in Muskoka?

Yes. Wolves have been spotted in the 39 townships surrounding Algonquin Park. The Algonquin Wolf is considered a “threatened” species. Hunting and trapping of these wolves are banned.

Are there black bears in Muskoka?

Yes. Muskoka is not just cottage country, it’s bear country too. While hiking through the provincial parks, you may come face to face with a black bear, so always be bear aware.

Can I drink tap water Muskoka?

Yes! The Ontario Ministry of the Environment ensures that there is always safe drinking water in Muskoka.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Muskoka in Winter

With so many wonderful things to do in Muskoka in winter, you could fill a weekend or an extended stay! Why wait ’til summer to enjoy all that Muskoka has to offer??

Have you had a really unique winter experience in Muskoka? We want to know all about it!

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