Wherever in Muskoka you decide to spend your vacation – whether at a luxurious allinclusive resort, a rustic family-run lodge or a campsite deep in the woods – there’s one thing that becomes very apparent once you’ve checked in: water is everywhere around you!
Whether you choose to go big budget or economy, you’d be hard pressed to find a resort in Muskoka that doesn’t overlook the water. From riverside rooms to lakeside cabins, the water that so defines this beautiful corner of the world is everywhere around you, lapping gently at the shore or roaring over rapids and waterfalls.
Clean and easy to swim in, Muskoka’s pristine lakes and rivers invite you to linger, fish and frolic until your heart’s content. And when the day draws to a close, there’s nothing better than sitting around a beachside bonfire sharing a S’mores sweet treat while recounting the day’s fun… except, perhaps, hanging out on a lakeside patio and dining al fresco as the sun slowly descends on your little piece of paradise.
In addition to being simply wonderful to look at, this abundance of wet stuff provides endless excellent excuses to get outside and have fun. From canoes to kayaks, powerboats to pleasant pontoon boats, beautiful beaches and an abundance of bouncy water toys, Muskoka’s resorts provide everything needed to ensure you and yours are kept as busy as you want to be, even in the cooler seasons. From catching a reflection of the region’s famous Fall colours while paddling a canoe to zipping across a frozen lake on a snowmobile or taking in a spot of ice fishing, Muskoka’s lakes offer excitement and relaxation whatever the weather. All you need to do is check-in.
Muskoka’s Northern Gateway – Port Severn’s Lock 45 Celebrates 100 Years
Widely regarded as one of Canada’s most remarkable engineering feats, the Trent-Severn Waterway stretches 386 kilometers from the town of Trenton on the shores of Lake Ontario all the way to Port Severn on Georgian Bay. Taking 87 years to complete and enabling boat traffic to reach elevations of close to 600 feet, this spectacular route connects countless lakes and rivers and remains an important link for tourism traffic through Muskoka.
Crowning this remarkable feat is the waterway’s last lock, the appropriately named Lock 45, located in Port Severn. Also referred to as the “northern gateway”, this Muskoka landmark was completed in 1915 and, despite being the system’s smallest lock, is one of the busiest due to its proximity to popular Muskoka boating destinations such as Sparrow Lake and Georgian Bay Islands National Park.
In addition to the many boaters passing through, Lock 45 is also a popular destination for daytrippers to Muskoka, especially when combined with the waterway’s most famous lock, the massive Big Chute. This engineering marvel just a short drive away (Lock 44), transports boats along rails in a giant carriage over a 19-metre rise between Gloucester Pool and the Upper Severn River (It’s also an effective means of stopping the upstream migration of lamprey eels, thereby ensuring the safety of freshwater fish.
Landlubbers are also welcome to make use of the picnic facilities adjacent to Lock 45, a pleasant experience as you watch boats of all sizes and vintages pass through. Also fun for 2015 is Parks Canada’s “Red Chairs on the Trent- Severn” program involving the installation of 10 pairs of Muskoka chairs at various locations along the waterway and offering the perfect excuse to rest awhile as you enjoy some of the best views in Canada. Further fun can also be had in and around the Town of Port Severn throughout 2015 to mark the occasion of its famous lock’s big birthday (be sure to visit our online Events section.
Muskoka for Kids – Keeping Children of All Ages Busy is Easy in Kid-friendly Muskoka
It’s certainly not difficult keeping kids busy in Muskoka. From wilderness camps to exciting adventures on the water, there’s no shortage of year-round fun for kids of all ages – and their families – in magical Muskoka.
Topping the list of kid-themed activities is a visit to Santa’s Village Family Entertainment Park in Bracebridge, an attraction that, in addition to its many rides and Santa-themed fun includes the pay-as-you-play Sportsland Park with its go-carts, mini-golf, batting cages, laser tag and river cruises. Kids aged nine and up will also want to try the Santa’s Village Muskoka Zip Lines and Aerial Park with its thrilling treetop trekking adventures, including a 340 ft. long zip line, wobbly bridges and monkey lines, as well as balance beams and Tarzan ropes. Another fun above ground attraction is Treetop Trekking Huntsville, which offers a variety of fun treetop adventures including night treks and zip-line aerial games and courses.
Also guaranteed to keep the wee un’s busy are the excellent Pirate Cruises aboard the replica steamship, Wenonah II, or a fun-filled voyage aboard world famous RMS Segwun, North America’s
oldest still operating steamship. Afterwards, explore beautiful Muskoka Wharf, home of the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre with its fascinating collection of antique boats and steamship memorabilia. Another great place to take younger kids is the Bala Museum, located in the former summer cottage of Anne of Green Gables creator Lucy Maud Montgomery. In addition to its fun displays, the museum encourages visitors to dress up in period costume and even hosts an Anne look-alike contest. Another fun outing is a steam train ride at Muskoka Heritage Place in Huntsville.
Muskoka boasts a number of thrilling adventure-themed attractions worth checking out. For teenagers with an interest in watersports, companies like Summer Water Sports offer fun waterski and wakeboard experiences, from learner classes to contests and activities suitable for those with experience. This award winning company also puts on spectacular water ski shows throughout Muskoka. Muskoka’s many kids’ summer camps also offer excellent watersport activities, in addition to options focusing on theatre, the arts and outdoor adventure.
Other area adventures worth considering include floatplane instruction and excursions with Georgian Bay Airways, as well as trail rides and day camps for horseback riders at the Barn Boots, Maple Valley Ranch or Winding Fence Farms.
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