Nestled in the heart of Ontario’s cottage country, Muskoka is a premier four-season destination that seamlessly blends natural beauty, vibrant communities, and a dynamic real estate market. Covering approximately 6,475 square kilometers, Muskoka is home to over 1,600 lakes, rugged granite landscapes, and dense forests that offer breathtaking scenery year-round. Known for its crystal-clear waters, charming towns, and rich cultural heritage, Muskoka attracts visitors and homeowners seeking a peaceful retreat away from the city while still enjoying modern amenities.
Muskoka Summer
The Muskoka region includes quaint yet thriving towns such as Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville, and Bala, each offering unique attractions, local businesses, and recreational activities. Muskoka’s economy thrives not only on tourism and hospitality but also on luxury real estate, outdoor recreation, and local artisan industries, making it a well-rounded and sustainable community. With its proximity to Toronto (just a two-hour drive north), Muskoka has become a sought-after destination for both seasonal cottagers and permanent residents, many of whom are drawn by the opportunity to work remotely while enjoying a higher quality of life.

Muskoka’s blend of a dynamic real estate market, diverse demographics, and rich cultural attractions makes it an enticing destination for prospective homeowners and visitors alike.

Exploring Muskoka’s Iconic Lakes

Muskoka’s numerous lakes provide an array of recreational opportunities, from boating and fishing to swimming and paddling. 

Best Lakes for Boating & Water Sports

For those who love the thrill of boating, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and jet skiing, Muskoka has several lakes with expansive open waters ideal for motorized boats and high-speed recreation:

Lake Muskoka – One of the largest and most iconic lakes in Muskoka, offering extensive boating routes, marinas, and luxury waterfront properties. Popular spots include Gravenhurst Wharf and Beaumaris Marina.

Lake Rosseau – A favorite among boaters and cottagers, this lake provides large, open waters with beautiful island properties and connects to Lake Joseph for extended boating excursions.

Lake Joseph – Known for its pristine waters and high-end cottages, Lake Joseph offers excellent conditions for waterskiing, wakeboarding, and jet skiing.
Gloucester Pool – This scenic lake connects to the Trent-Severn Waterway, making it a top choice for boaters looking to explore beyond Muskoka.

Fairy Lake – Located in Huntsville, this lake is great for boating and has a direct connection to Peninsula Lake, offering an extended boating route.

Jet Ski Maskoka

Lakes with Sandy Beaches & Swimming Areas.

While Muskoka is known for its rocky Canadian Shield landscape, several lakes feature sandy shores that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and family-friendly beach outings:

Sand Lake – As its name suggests, Sand Lake is known for its soft sandy bottom and clear waters, making it one of the best places to swim in Muskoka.

Peninsula Lake – Near Hidden Valley Resort, this lake has sandy stretches ideal for beachgoers.

Skeleton Lake – This unique lake features sandy beaches and clear, deep waters, providing an ideal spot for swimming and paddle boarding.

Mary Lake – Located near Port Sydney, this lake is a great family destination with shallow, sandy shores.

Echo Lake – A small, tranquil lake near Baysville with soft sand and gentle slopes for safe swimming.

Muskoka Beach

Best Lakes for Fishing in Muskoka

Muskoka is a top-tier fishing destination, home to various species such as smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, lake trout, and muskellunge. Here are some of the best fishing lakes:

Lake Muskoka – Offers an excellent mix of smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, and muskellunge.

Lake Joseph – Known for its deep, clear waters, this lake is a great spot for lake trout and smallmouth bass.

Sparrow Lake – A favorite among anglers looking for walleye, largemouth bass, and northern pike.

Skeleton Lake – Provides excellent fishing opportunities for brook trout, smallmouth bass, and lake trout.

Kahshe Lake – A well-known location for pike and bass fishing.

Go Home Lake – An excellent fishing destination for smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike.

Muskoka Fishing

Non-Motorized Lakes for Canoeing & Kayaking

For those looking for a quiet, motor-free environment to enjoy paddling and nature watching, several lakes in Muskoka prohibit or limit motorized boats:

Bella Lake – A peaceful, non-motorized lake near Huntsville that is great for canoeing and kayaking.

Echo Lake – A quiet and pristine lake near Baysville, perfect for non-motorized water activities.

Wolf Lake – Offers a serene paddling experience surrounded by dense forests and wildlife.

Muskoka Kayaking

Popular Attractions and Festivals

Muskoka’s allure extends beyond its real estate, offering a plethora of attractions and events that celebrate its rich culture and natural splendor.

Attractions

Muskoka Wharf: Located in Gravenhurst, this 89-acre development features retailers, restaurants, and hosts events like Pirate Fest and the Gravenhurst Farmers’ Market.

RMS Segwun: Also based in Gravenhurst, the RMS Segwun is North America’s oldest operating steamship, offering scenic cruises on Lake Muskoka.

Santa’s Village: Situated in Bracebridge, this Christmas-themed amusement park provides family-friendly entertainment, including the upcoming Yeti Trek roller coaster set to open in 2025.

Festivals

Bala Cranberry Festival: Held annually in October in the town of Bala, this festival celebrates the local cranberry harvest with food, crafts, and entertainment, attracting over 20,000 visitors.

Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival: Scheduled for July 18-19, 2025, at Gull Lake Park, this festival features live music and art, offering a vibrant cultural experience.

Fire and Ice Festival: Bracebridge’s signature winter carnival, featuring tubing, ice sculptures, and fireworks, is set for January 25, 2025.

Bala Cranberry Festival

Muskoka Real Estate

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Showing 91 to 100 of 860 Properties

1093 GLENMOUNT ROAD Lake of Bays (Ridout) Ontario $2,100,000 ID#: X12179749

Sotheby's International Realty Canada

Discover your ideal Muskoka retreat with this beautifully updated family cottage on the coveted south shore of Lake of Bays, boasting spectacular views and situated on the highly sought-after Glenmount...

  • 4 Beds
  • 3 Baths
1076 XAVIER STREET Gravenhurst (Morrison) Ontario $2,099,900 ID#: X12182525

Re/Max Professionals North

Welcome to 1076 Xavier Street situated in one of Muskoka's most desirable executive enclaves, an exceptional custom-built estate set on 7.17 acres just south of Gravenhurst's downtown. Set back from...

  • 3 Beds
  • 4 Baths
N/A SUNSET BAY ROAD Gravenhurst Ontario $1,999,999 ID#: X12169419

Royal LePage Lakes Of Muskoka Realty

RARE Vacant lot offering on Lake Muskoka! With 219 Feet of Frontage and 7.38 Acres of Land this a Outstanding Opportunity to Build your dream Muskoka Residence. Situated off a...

30 - 1078 ECHO HILLS ROAD Huntsville Ontario $1,999,000 ID#: X12095708

Royal LePage Lakes Of Muskoka - Clarke Muskoka Realty

Welcome to Northern Lights, Muskoka's premier luxury community nestled just outside Huntsville, Ontario - where refined living meets the breathtaking natural beauty of cottage country. This stunning craftsman quality-built home...

  • 6 Beds
  • 4 Baths
1030 SOUTH SUNSET BAY ROAD Gravenhurst (Muskoka (S)) Ontario $1,999,000 ID#: X12196722

PSR

Stunning south-facing cottage on Lake Muskoka in the sought-after Bear Bay, offering over 200 feet of shoreline, 1.38 acres and an ideal setup for lakeside living including a single-slip boathouse....

  • 5 Beds
  • 3 Baths
203 BONNELL ROAD Bracebridge (Macaulay) Ontario $1,997,000 ID#: X12194484

RE/MAX Professionals North

Nestled along the pristine Muskoka River just minutes from downtown Bracebridge renowned for its small town charm and as a gateway to the natural beauty of Muskoka this award-winning luxury...

  • 3 Beds
  • 2 Baths
6184 GO HOME LAKE SHORE Georgian Bay (Gibson) Ontario $1,990,000 ID#: X11997937

Sotheby's International Realty Canada

Welcome to your dream waterfront retreat in Crystal Bay on Go Home Lake! This stunning winterized Golden Eagle log home boasts 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 2,642 square feet of...

  • 3 Beds
  • 3 Baths
471 NORTH SHORE RD Georgian Bay (Baxter) Ontario $1,988,000 ID#: X12116287

Corcoran Horizon Realty

Discover 2+ acres of prime waterfront land on the stunning shores of Georgian Bay, perfectly poised for you to build your dream retreat! This exceptional property at prestigious Moore Point...

1091 STRAWBERRY LANE Bracebridge (Muskoka (N)) Ontario $1,975,000 ID#: X12195425

Re/Max Hallmark Realty Limited

Lake Muskoka Strawberry Lane (Development Lot) - Welcome to Strawberry Lane and a truly special opportunity to create your dream lakeside retreat on Lake Muskoka. This property offers wonderful potential...

29 ISLAND 26LM Gravenhurst (Muskoka (S)) Ontario $1,899,000 ID#: X12035465

Chestnut Park Real Estate

Come discover Muskoka's enchanting landscape! This extraordinary private 11-acre parcel of land unveils itself as a unique majestic place amidst the scenic panorama of Lake Muskoka. Nestled among 800 feet...

  • 5 Beds
  • 2 Baths
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