Life doesn’t stop in winter in the Muskoka Region, it just gets better. You’ll find amazing outdoor activities that make the most of the region’s dramatic landscape and the snow! Here are just some of the top activities for starters.
- Walk in snowshoes
If you visit one of the region’s many parks, you can find miles of great trails to explore in snowshoes. In the Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve, just 20 minutes from Huntsville, there are more than 70 kilometres of trails suitable for hiking in snowshoes. Many of the trails are clearly marked and take in some of the park’s 20 lakes, scenic views and spectacular waterfalls.
Learn more: https://limberlostforest.com/
- Go cross-country skiing
The Muskoka Region is one of Canada’s top destinations for cross-country skiing with hundreds of kilometres of great ski trails in country parks like Arrowhead or Algonquin Parks or in resorts that have trails on their own premises. Cedar Grove Lodge in Huntsville, for example, has more than 10 kilometres of trails.
Learn more: https://cedargrove.on.ca/
- Go downhill skiing
If you prefer downhill skiing, head for the Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area – it’s regarded as one of the best downhill sites in Ontario. There’s 35 acres of skiing space with runs for people of all skill levels as well as children. There are 15 groomed trails and 11 runs as well as a terrain park, night skiing and snowboarding.
Learn more: https://skihiddenvalley.ca/
- Ride a dog sled
Dog sledding is a great adventure for families and the region has plenty of trails where you can enjoy this exciting, but very relaxing winter activity. There are dog sled sites at Algonquin Provincial Park or North Ridge Ranch, which is 20 minutes from Huntsville. The Ranch offers one-hour or half-day tours lasting about three hours. The experience includes lessons on operating a dog sleigh, time to get familiar with the dogs and a snowy adventure.
Learn more: http://www.northridgeranch.ca/
- Skate the trails
If you don’t want to ski, walk or ride the trails, why not skate. At Arrowhead Park, there’s a 1.3-kilometer forested trail that takes you on a scenic skating adventure. Muskoka Lake Farm and Winery is home to one of the best skate trails in the region. The Cranberry Ice Trail is a 1.2-kilometre loop that takes you around the cranberry marshes. When you finish the trail, head for one of the farm’s wine tastings.
Learn more: https://cranberry.ca/
- Find frozen waterfalls
The Muskoka Region has more than 1500 lakes and during winter you’ll find many of their tributaries feature stunning frozen waterfalls. You don’t have to travel far though because you’ll even find them in towns. Bracebridge, for example, boasts three spectacular falls, including two of the region’s top falls, Bracebridge Falls right in the centre of town and the 50-feet High Falls.
Learn more: https://www.discovermuskoka.ca/bracebridge-waterfall-tour/
- Walk on the wild side
If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can put you survival skills to the test in the Muskoka wilderness. With guidance from wilderness experts, you can learn survival skills like fire building, climbing, navigation, tent construction and more. The programs available are one hour, two-hour or three-hour tours.
Learn more: https://wscsurvivalschool.com/event/wilderness-survival-moon-river-muskoka/
- Enjoy Gravenhurst Winter Carnival
Gravenhurst Winter Carnival takes place every February with a great range of activities across the town. You can enjoy the polar bear dip, eating competitions, walking tours, snow sculptures and a pizza party. Throughout the Festival you’ll find live entertainment around the town.
Learn more: https://www.gravenhurst.ca/en/explore-and-play/winter.aspx
- Visit the Bracebridge Fire and Ice Festival
Another great winter festival takes place in Bainbridge in January. The Fire and Ice Festival transforms the town into a winter wonderland with ice displays, fire pits, ice skating and fire artists. There’s a massive tubing hill that stetches all the way along the main street, a skating trail and a stunning festive light display, followed by an epic fireworks display to end the Festival.
Learn more: https://fireandicebracebridge.com/
- See the Northern Lights
The Muskoka Region has its very own Northern Lights show and the best place to see them is Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve, a world-first dark sky area about 30 minutes from Gravenhurst. There are no lights to distract the stunning views of stars in the night sky and the Northern Lights if you catch the right time.
Learn more: https://www.torrancebarrens.com/
