When Torontonians need a break from the city during summer, where do they go?
The number one cottage destination for Toronto is The Muskokas. So here is a 5-minute highlight video about Muskoka and the on and off water reasons we love it so much. These are made up of 3 large lakes—Lake Muskoka, Lake Rosseau, and Lake Joseph and don’t forget the additional 1,600 smaller lakes in between. These are mostly part of the Trent-Severn Waterway system: The historic and scenic 386km canal route through waterways,locks,channels and man-made systems.
How long is the travel time?
It’s a good 2-hour drive depending on your destination or, for these cottagers, a short 30 minute plane ride taking these licensed pilots on their water planes right to their private waterfront docks.
The Muskokas are part of the Canadian Shield, impressing visitors with its natural granite rock atop its world-renowned landscape. The geology of the area finds some cottagers only steps away from the water…while others many, many, many steps from the water.
The Muskoka Lakes are known for their excellent water quality and natural clarity. In summer months, temperatures are very swimmable…between 25 to 29 Celcius.
Are the cottages as impressive as they seem?
The architecture can be quite stunning….like these boathouses boasting sizes larger than your average Toronto home, but still small in comparison to the cottages and outbuildings they serve. Some of these more larger boathouses can be found on Millionaires’ Row in Gravenhurst. With basic cottages priced at $2million and going upwards to $16 million, maybe you’re not in the market to buy. But there are rental properties and boat slips in the area for rent. Keep in mind, August is the peak of cottage season. Here, Touchstone Resort and Cottages start at around $400 a night, with Taboo Resort and Golf offering some golf-and-stay packages around $300 a night. Other airbnb’s and cottage rentals also ask between $350 and higher, depending on how luxurious you want to get.
What type of activities are happening?
The Muskokas are alive with activity…from kayaking, fishing, paddleboarding, water toys and sports, very large inflatable playgrounds, boating and jetskiing, these areas are just as known for adventure and action as well as getting that relaxing and quiet break from Toronto’s bustling downtown. The Muskokas have quite a famous history. Not only do a list of famous people cottage here, such as Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell Justin Bieber, Cindy Crawford, Steven Spielberg and The Beckhams.
The Group of Seven artists historically painted The Muskokas because they loved its rugged landscapes and weather-influenced trees…They felt The Muskokas perfectly embodied the raw, untamed beauty they sought to capture in their paintings. They were inspired by Muskoka’s dense forests, crystal-clear lakes, rocky outcrops, and vibrant natural colours, which reflected the spirit of the Canadian wilderness along its stony shield. With Franklin Carmichael being the a group of 7 native to the Muskokas, he often was inspired by Muskokas naturally artistic playground.
The Muskokas offer an immense list of things to do off the water as well. There are tons of dockside restaurants boaters and road trippers love to claim as a day trip destination, like this sushi restaurant next door to a marina. Local shops and boutiques have unique and quirky specialty items with brand name, curated clothing lines. No surprise that shoppers love this area too as there is much to explore and discover before they find that favourite spot to dine and drink with a cool, lakeside breeze.
Kee to Bala…what’s the lure?
If you make your way to the small town of Bala, its population 355 year-round, you need to note the historic music venue called Kee to Bala…a summer concert tradition since 1942 with its classic, rustic vibe. Although designed to look like a cottage it holds up to 900 people. It has seen sold out shows to the likes of the Tragically Hip, Sam Roberts, The Trews and Kim Mitchell who himself has spanned almost 4 decades performing at The Kee.
What other areas attract city folk?
Other surrounding cottage areas such as Parry Sound and Georgian Bay do see a lot of us Torontonians as well, but it’s The Muskokas that keep hitting the highest numbers from the city who visit its charming small towns to relax, take in outdoor adventures and explore… all in one place. Whether it’s boating on crystal-clear waters, hiking scenic trails, or simply unwinding by the lake with stunning views, Muskoka provides a rejuvenating escape.