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 111 to 120 of 667 Properties

2 - 1196 CRANBERRY ROAD Muskoka Lakes (Medora) Ontario $1,495,000 ID#: X12373309

Engel & Volkers Toronto Central

Discover the rare serenity of Medora Lake, just minutes from Bala, at 1196-2 Cranberry Rd. Tucked away on 6.5 acres of pristine old-growth forest, this private retreat offers an expansive...

  • 3 Beds
  • 2 Baths
1042 AMANDA LN - 1750 FRANK COOPER TRAIL Gravenhurst (Ryde) Ontario $1,495,000 ID#: X12376344

Engel & Volkers Toronto Central

Private Riley Lake Gem. Nestled on a sprawling 10.87 acres with 291' of pristine waterfront, this custom home delivers the perfect balance of rustic living, natural beauty, and lakeside fun....

  • 3 Beds
  • 1 Baths
1013 JUDDHAVEN ROAD Muskoka Lakes (Medora) Ontario $1,495,000 ID#: X12363173

Royal LePage Lakes Of Muskoka - Clarke Muskoka Realty

Incredible investment opportunity just minutes from the JW Marriott in Minett and future Clevelands House Development. This commercially zoned (C3) property features multiple income streams and strong long-term potential in...

  • 3 Beds
  • 3 Baths
6198 GO HOME LAKE SHR Georgian Bay (Gibson) Ontario $1,490,000 ID#: X12016866

Sotheby's International Realty Canada

*** Boat Access Only *** This exceptional 2.53-acre property, located on a private point of land on Go Home Lake, offers panoramic views to the east, south, and west with...

  • 3 Beds
  • 1 Baths
2 LESLIE DRIVE W Bracebridge (Monck (Bracebridge)) Ontario $1,475,000 ID#: X12410198

Royal LePage Lakes Of Muskoka Realty

With 150 frontage accessing Lake Muskoka, a grandfathered boathouse, two docks, a fully renovated home and a guest bunkie you literally have everything that you could ever want in a...

  • 3 Beds
  • 3 Baths
2749 BRUNEL ROAD S Huntsville (Brunel) Ontario $1,450,000 ID#: X12336421

Sotheby's International Realty Canada

Charming Custom Log Home on Nearly 10 Acres located just minutes from both Baysville and Huntsville, 5 minutes from a public boat launch on to Lake of Bays and close...

  • 5 Beds
  • 3 Baths
1317 WEST LIONSHEAD ROAD Gravenhurst (Wood (Gravenhurst)) Ontario $1,450,000 ID#: X12465239

Keller Williams Experience Realty

BOATING FOR DAYS, RELAX FOR LIFE! -- on this ultra-wide section of the Severn River! WATCH THE VIDEO! - 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathroom year-round home or cottage on a wide,...

  • 4 Beds
  • 3 Baths
16 - 1023 CARLO ENTERPRISE ROAD Muskoka Lakes (Watt) Ontario $1,449,500 ID#: X12358571

Royal LePage Lakes Of Muskoka Realty

Immaculate year round home/cottage on popular Three Mile Lake! Custom built in 2007 w/over 3,300 sq ft, loads of features & an abundance of wonderful indoor & outdoor living spaces...

  • 4 Beds
  • 3 Baths
1-1356 & 1357 PENINSULA ROAD Muskoka Lakes (Medora) Ontario $1,449,000 ID#: X12308178

PSR

Your Next Chapter on Lake Joseph Starts Here. Positioned on 260 feet of coveted southwest shoreline, this property offers charm, privacy, and room to grow in one of Muskoka's most...

  • 3 Beds
  • 1 Baths
8 DANDELION LANE Bracebridge (Monck (Bracebridge)) Ontario $1,400,000 ID#: X12465499

Chestnut Park Real Estate

Perched on the west side of Bracebridge with road access to both Hwy 118W and the Covered Bridge subdivision, this 4-acre parcel, a former orchard of the farm that has...

  • 3 Beds
  • 2 Baths
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