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Ontario · Canada
The lakes and cottages region north of Toronto and Algonquin Provincial Park, with forests, lakes, canoeing, moose and the colorful autumn foliage.
In the photo: Lake of Bays among Muskoka’s forests
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Get to know the place
Muskoka is the lakes region north of Toronto, about a two-hour drive, on the granite rocks of the Canadian Shield. For more than a century people from southern cities have spent their summers there in waterfront cottages, with boats, canoes and wooden docks.
Huntsville, in northern Muskoka, is the town nearest Algonquin Provincial Park, created in 1893 and the oldest provincial park in Canada. At about 7,600 km², the park includes thousands of lakes and rivers connected by canoe routes through a forest of maples, birches and conifers. Highway 60 crosses the southern part of the park and provides access to short trails, the visitor centre and lakes with canoe rentals.
In autumn, the maples of Algonquin and Muskoka turn red and yellow, and the region is one of Ontario’s most popular places to view fall foliage. In late spring and early summer, moose often appear beside Highway 60, attracted by salt left on the road during winter.
In winter the area offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and skating on groomed trails over ice.
This destination brings together 1 city: Huntsville.
One destination, many paths
Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.
Boundaries: Statistics Canada (Statistics Canada Open Licence) / geoBoundaries. Adapted by Cidade Turismo.
✈ Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), in Mississauga · 220 km to Huntsville
Huntsville is about 215 km from Toronto via Highway 400 and Highway 11. The most used airport is Toronto Pearson (YYZ). Ontario Northland buses connect Toronto and Huntsville.
The local experience
Provincial park of about 7,600 km², created in 1893, with thousands of lakes, mixed forest, short trails and canoe rentals along Highway 60.
Provincial park north of Huntsville, with lakes, Stubb's Falls, forest trails and, in winter, a skate trail through the woods.
Lookout on a rocky hill above Huntsville, with views of Fairy Lake, the Muskoka River and the town, especially popular in autumn.
Before you go
A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.
June to August for lake activities, canoeing and trails. Fall colors usually arrive from late September to early October, first at the higher areas of Algonquin. Moose commonly appear along Highway 60 in May and June. Mosquitoes are numerous in May and June.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Three days: one day in Huntsville and at Arrowhead, two days along Algonquin’s Highway 60 corridor with trails and a canoe trip.
Huntsville has hotels, inns and waterfront cottages about 45 km from Algonquin’s west entrance. Inside the park there are campgrounds and some rustic lodgings. Muskoka rental cottages often require week-long stays in summer.
Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.
Get your questions answered
Generally from late September to early October. The park publishes a seasonal color report.
Moose often appear beside Highway 60, especially in May and June, in early morning and late afternoon. Keep your distance and do not stop in the middle of the road.
Yes. Buses reach Huntsville, but there is no regular transport to the park’s trails and lakes.
Two days for trails and a canoe trip along the Highway 60 corridor; more time for canoe trips into the interior.
The same as Toronto: UTC−5, and UTC−4 from March to November (daylight saving time).
