Neighbourhoods

The Allure of Muskoka!

Just a few hours north of Toronto, the District of Muskoka is located in central Ontario's lake country and is renowned as the premiere cottage country locale. Muskoka is known for so many attributes from its beautiful pristine lakes, rugged landscape, natural splendour, abundant wildlife and quaint communities, it is the playground of the north. Sometimes referred to as "The Hamptons of the North" Muskoka is certainly the place to find magnificent waterfront homes and boathouse. But here too you can still find original homesteads dating back to the 1800's as well as rustic seasonal cottages.

The landscape is everything from classic granite shores with windswept pines, to island getaways. The three "Big Lakes" as they are referred to are Lakes Joseph, Rosseau and Muskoka. They are surrounded by literally hundreds of smaller land locked lakes and smaller chains of lakes. Whether you are looking for action and activity or peace and tranquility, it can be found here in Muskoka.

Although many communities make up Muskoka, each offers something unique and special. The most southerly part of Lake Muskoka is in Gravenhurst, which is also known as "The gateway to Muskoka". Of special significance to Gravenhurst is that it is home to the Seguin steamship which is the oldest operating steamship in North American. Gravenhurst is also home to Grace & Speed, which showcases the largest in water collection of antique & wooden boats. gravenhurst.ca

Bala is known as the Cranberry Capital of Ontario, and each autumn is host to the weekend long Cranberry Festival. balacranberryfestival.on.ca/

Port Carling is affectionately known as The Hub of the Lakes" as this is considered to be the central core of Muskoka. Port Carling is where two of the premiere lakes, Rosseau and Muskoka, connect through locks and has a variety of interesting shops and restaurants. Port Carling also is home to "The Wall" which is the worlds largest historic mosaic mural which draws visitors form around the world. muskokalakes.ca

Historic Windermere is ideally situated on the east shore of Lake Rosseau and has a number of places to have a bite while overlooking the waterfront. The original hotel dubbed “The Lady of the Lakes” was built in 1860. She was destroyed by fire in 1996 and was rebuilt to her former historic glory. windermerehouse.com

The Village of Rosseau, at the far north end of Lake Rosseau and is a charming community with great dining, the original General Store and interesting shops. discover.hubpages.com

Other communities of interest are Bracebridge and Huntsville. And not to be overlooked, Lake of Bays is surrounded by three very distinct communities, Baysville to the south, Dorset to the east and Dwight to the north.

For the golf enthusiast, the area is surrounded by numerous private and public golf courses alike. There are three ClubLink courses, Rocky Crest, The Lake Joseph Club & Grandview. Private and semi private include Oviinbyrd Golf, Port Carling G & CC, Muskoka Bay, Windermere, Seguin Valley, Taboo, and so many more.

Being at the lake in the summer will include all sorts of water activities, from swimming and fishing to waterskiing and paddle boarding. In the winter months you can enjoy quiet activities like snowshoeing or spend the day on the snowmobile trails exploring the region.