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 11 to 20 of 434 Properties

1082 BEAUMONT FARM ROAD Bracebridge (Muskoka (N)) Ontario $3,995,000 ID#: X12403777

Sotheby's International Realty Canada

Welcome to your family compound, a serene oasis nestled at the mouth of the Muskoka River! This exquisite property features a stunning 4,000 square-foot main home open concept, massive kitchen,...

  • 7 Beds
  • 5 Baths
1-1076 BIRCH POINT ROAD Gravenhurst (Muskoka (S)) Ontario $3,995,000 ID#: X12499106

Sotheby's International Realty Canada

Discover 1076 Birch Point Road - a rare and versatile opportunity on Lake Muskoka offering 390 feet of pristine shoreline and nearly 3 acres of privacy, with iconic northwest views...

  • 4 Beds
  • 4 Baths
411 CORRIEVALE ROAD S Georgian Bay (Baxter) Ontario $3,980,000 ID#: X12392621

Corcoran Horizon Realty

Experience elevated lakeside living with this exceptional newly built luxury cottage at 411 Corrievale Road, Port Severn, a rare offering in the heart of Muskoka. Set on a gently sloping,...

  • 6 Beds
  • 5 Baths
1470 ECHO LAKE ROAD Lake of Bays (Mclean) Ontario $3,550,000 ID#: X12049706

Forest Hill Real Estate Inc.

87 Acre Class A operating Granite Quarry, The remaining volumn of granite/material was professionally assessed at 7,000,000.00 MetricTonnes of material/Granite in the ground. Perfectly located in the Lake Of Bays...

1111 LAKESHORE DRIVE Gravenhurst (Muskoka (S)) Ontario $2,995,000 ID#: X12509950

Cottage Vacations Real Estate Brokerage Inc.

Welcome to 1111 Lakeshore Drive, a brand-new custom-built Linwood post & beam home and bunkie set on 178 feet of south-facing Lake Muskoka shoreline. Enjoy year-round living on a quiet,...

  • 4 Beds
  • 3 Baths
1010 RANSBURY ROAD Muskoka Lakes (Watt) Ontario $2,975,000 ID#: X12312464

Sotheby's International Realty Canada

Discover Lake Rosseau living! Built in 2008, this beautifully maintained four-season home/cottage sits on just under an acre with 210 feet of shoreline on the sought-after Lake Rosseau. Spanning approximately...

  • 5 Beds
  • 3 Baths
1676 WINHARA ROAD Gravenhurst (Muskoka (S)) Ontario $2,750,000 ID#: X11996267

Sutton Group Incentive Realty Inc.

HOME OF MUSKOKA FIRE PITS. Prime Location, 1676 Winhara Rd, Gravenhurst, Muskoka Commercial Property with C3 Zoning. The existing building, constructed in the 1980s, is 12,212 sq ft. and comprises...

  • 3 Baths
261 KIM T LANE Georgian Bay (Baxter) Ontario $2,600,000 ID#: X12482070

RE/MAX By The Bay Brokerage

Only ten minutes west of Hwy 400 (Exit 168), this extraordinary 46-acre property offers the ultimate in privacy, natural beauty, and refined lakeside living. With 482 feet of west-facing rocky...

  • 3 Beds
  • 2 Baths
19 HURON TRAIL Georgian Bay (Baxter) Ontario $2,600,000 ID#: X12497772

Keller Williams Co-Elevation Realty, Brokerage

Discover a rare and extraordinary opportunity to own more than 20 acres of pristine Muskoka forest with over 1,600 feet of private waterfront along the shores of 6 Mile Lake....

  • 8 Beds
  • 4 Baths
4 - 1027 OLD BRIDGE ROAD Muskoka Lakes (Medora) Ontario $2,599,000 ID#: X12383043

Royal LePage Lakes Of Muskoka Realty

Lakeside Luxury on Lake Rosseau 2+ Bedroom Cottage with Boathouse. Welcome to your Muskoka escape on the crystal-clear shores of Lake Rosseau. This rare 1.2-acre property features 336 feet of...

  • 3 Beds
  • 3 Baths
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