Situated only two hours from Toronto lies the area of Muskoka. Known locally as ‘cottage country’, homes and a range of accommodation are dotted around the beautiful and remote lakes here. On a trip to Muskoka, you’ll most likely find yourself enjoying the stunning surroundings as well as the breadth of activities on offer. From playing golf, relaxing at the Spa, enjoying fine dining to getting out on the water whether it be paddling or boating, there’s always something new to try.
Travelling onwards, arrive at Algonquin Provincial Park, where you can experience the Canadian wilderness. Algonquin is home to more than 2,400 lakes and is explored by hiking and paddling. You might be lucky enough to see moose, otter, beaver and more wildlife on your journey in Algonquin. Choose to stay at one of the lodges inside the park for a unique stay.
Located 90 minutes from Toronto is the Blue Mountain Resort. Here activity, adventure and relaxation await. Set on the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, this adventure playground offers a range of accommodation for your stay from apartments to hotels. Walk around the village, wander into boutique stores and grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants – you might even be lucky enough to experience one of the village’s great festivals. There’s an attraction for everyone; go zip lining and tree top walking at the Scenic Caves Adventure, travel down the RidgeRunner on the mountain coaster and after your day of adventures, relax at the Scandinave Spa in the hot and cold plunge pools.
For unspoiled beauty on a large scale, make your way to the world-famous Algonquin Provincial Park with more than 2400 lakes. With hundreds of interconnected lakes, the park is perfect for beginner or expert canoeists. Swim and paddle in crystal-clear waters. Ride a bike along an abandoned railway line or hike interpretive trails. The anglers among you might be lured by the brook trout and lake trout fishing – some of the best on the planet. Hikers will love the interpretive trails and come winter, everyone will enjoy snowshoeing or riding in a dogsled. On your travels you’re bound to see wildlife – from hawks and great blue herons to moose, beaver and deer. Book a lodge or a lakeside resort, or get even closer to nature and stay in a well-groomed campground. Listen for the call of the loon as you recharge at a local lodge or lakeside cottage from Voyageur Quest. Explore the park on a canoe trip or just relax at a yoga retreat from Northern Edge Algonquin.
Must Sees
- Algonquin Outfitters offer fantastic half and full day guided excursions in Algonquin Provincial Park. Enjoy paddling and see the wildlife on this quintessential Canadian experience
- Backcountry campers are treated to two thousand kilometres of canoe routes, nearly 2,000 campsites and vast expanses of rugged beauty.
- The Algonquin Park Visitor Centre’s viewing deck offers a breathtaking panorama of the wild Algonquin landscape.
- The Algonquin Art Centre showcases work from Tom Thomson, Robert Bateman and many other artists inspired by the Park.
- A Winterdance Dog Sled Tour, a Canadian Signature Experience, situated not far from Algonquin Provincial Park. Cross-country ski, snowshoe, and yes, even camp await during Algonquin’s best kept secret: stunning winters.
- The Algonquin Logging Museum brings to life the story of logging from the early square timber days to the last of the great river drives.
You don’t have to venture more than a couple of hours from the cities to savour Ontario’s natural beauty. Discover the pristine air of Muskoka, a treasured holiday destination for generations of Canadians. Cruise in a vintage steam-powered vessel, dip a paddle into blue waters, get to know charming towns or simply relax lakeside. A picturesque area renowned for its deep-blue lakes, rugged granite landscapes and boreal forests, Muskoka is perfect for explorers. Cruise past luxurious cottages on the historic RMS Segqun in Gravenhurst. Explore charming towns like Bala and Port Carling. Wander through artists’ studios and galleries. Take the Bog to Bottle Discovery Tour at Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh
- Golf Muskoka; are home to some of North America’s best courses such as Taboo, Windermere and Deerhurst.
- The Algonquin Theatre in Huntsville, and the renowned Huntsville Festival of the Arts are both crowd-pleasers.
- Santa's Village and Sportsland is a family fun attraction in Bracebridge.
- Paddle our lakes, including the “big three” lakes; Muskoka, Rosseau and Joseph, as well as Lake of Bays, Fairy, Mary, Peninsula, and dozens more.
- Take a brewery tour and sample some unique and delicious local beer, or discover Johnston's Cranberry Marsh's Bog to Bottle local wine.
Situated less than two hours north of Toronto lies The Blue Mountain Resort. Overlooking the pristine waters of Georgian Bay, this is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors with your friends or family, you can be as adventurous as you feel like! Go hiking, cycling, caving, golfing or skiing at this four season resort. Take a Segway tour or ride a gondola to enjoy panoramic views of this stunning area.
Blue Mountain’s lively pedestrian village features accommodation, shopping, outdoor and indoor dining and entertainment plus festivals and events all year round. Browse boutiques along the cobblestone streets of the Village, picking up your souvenirs for friends and family back home. After a day of activities why not head to the Scandinave Spa to try the hot and cold plunge pools in this tranquil forest setting. Further north, explore the ruggedly beautiful Bruce Peninsula National Park, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, or head to Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, the world’s longest freshwater beach.
Must sees:
- The Scenic Caves Nature Adventures offer you the opportunity to discover ancient rock formations and enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding areas. Try your hand at tree top walking before enjoying a ride on Canada’s longest twin zip line, it’s 2550 feet long!
- Travel down the mountain on the Ridge Runner , at a speed of up to 42 kilometres per hour down the one kilometre track – you can control your speed!
- The Timber Challenge High Ropes are just one of the many outdoor adventures on offer at the Blue Mountain Resort. There’s also the Apex Bag Jump, golf, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, golf and rock climbing
- The Scandinave Spa is located amongst the trees and offers a chance to experience the tranquillity of the surroundings whilst relaxing in the hot and cold plunge pools. After a day of enjoying the thrill of Blue Mountain, it’s a great place for adults to relax and unwind
- There are many winter activities to enjoy at the Blue Mountain Resort. You may wish to go on sleigh rides, skating, snow mobile, snowshoe and of course ski on one of the 42 trails