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 675 Properties

2 - 1029 EAST RANKIN ROAD Muskoka Lakes (Medora) Ontario $6,999,000 ID#: X12152976

Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd.

The epitome of luxury living on the pristine shores of Lake Muskoka. Nestled within one of the most coveted locations in Muskoka, this property offers perfect South Western exposure for...

  • 4 Beds
  • 5 Baths
LOT #3 - 1250 WALDMERE ROAD Bracebridge (Monck (Bracebridge)) Ontario $6,595,000 ID#: X12170814

Sotheby's International Realty Canada

This extraordinary property on Lake Muskoka presents a unique and valuable opportunity to acquire a prime location featuring an oversized boathouse. Set on a generous 3.5-acre lot with an impressive...

  • 5 Beds
  • 3 Baths
1064 ROAD 3200 & 0 PARKERS POINT ROAD Gravenhurst (Muskoka (S)) Ontario $6,595,000 ID#: X12413316

Royal LePage Lakes Of Muskoka - Clarke Muskoka Realty

Experience the ultimate Muskoka lifestyle with this rare offering: a stunning 6,432 sq. ft. cottage on 3.2 acres with 540 feet of shoreline, combined with an exceptional 41.5-acre lot in...

  • 6 Beds
  • 4 Baths
52 - 1160 WHITESIDE ROAD Muskoka Lakes (Medora) Ontario $6,390,000 ID#: X12383395

Sotheby's International Realty Canada

An extraordinary Lake Muskoka estate offering 220 ft of private shoreline, 1.49 acres of landscaped grounds, and sweeping views across the quiet waters of North Bay. Cherished by the same...

  • 4 Beds
  • 3 Baths
22 - 1052 LONGHURST ROAD Muskoka Lakes (Watt) Ontario $6,195,000 ID#: X12417974

Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd., Chestnut Park Real Estate

Offered to the market for the very first time Birchcove is a notable historic Lake Rosseau Landmark offering unparalleled prestige on the Iconic summer sunset shores of Windermere. Family held...

  • 6 Beds
  • 4 Baths
1064 ROAD 3200 Gravenhurst (Muskoka (S)) Ontario $5,995,000 ID#: X12413296

Royal LePage Lakes Of Muskoka - Clarke Muskoka Realty

Nestled on a private 3.2 acre lot with 540 feet of shoreline on Lake Muskoka, this stunning property is built for family, entertaining, and year-round enjoyment. The 6,432 + sq....

  • 6 Beds
  • 5 Baths
800 BIG ISLAND ROAD Huntsville (Stisted) Ontario $5,995,000 ID#: X12447480

Sotheby's International Realty Canada

Embrace breathtaking sunsets with over 650 feet of southwest-facing frontage on beautiful Lake Vernon. This fully automated six-bedroom, five-bathroom cottage is a perfect retreat for families and entertaining. Step inside...

  • 6 Beds
  • 5 Baths
9 - 1184 MORTIMER'S POINT ROAD Muskoka Lakes (Medora) Ontario $5,495,000 ID#: X12389383

Royal LePage Lakes Of Muskoka - Clarke Muskoka Realty

This 3800+ sq ft, 1.5 storey Modern Farmhouse features 4 + 1 Bedrooms, a den, 6 baths, 3 separate living areas, a main floor master with walkout to a private...

  • 5 Beds
  • 6 Baths
1341 INNISFREE ROAD Muskoka Lakes (Medora) Ontario $5,395,000 ID#: X12270608

Chestnut Park Real Estate

A wonderful opportunity to own a rare piece of Muskoka's finest. Nestled on prestigious Acton Island and graced by the shimmering waters of Lake Muskoka, this stunning four Bedroom, two...

  • 4 Beds
  • 3 Baths
1298 HEMLOCK POINT ROAD Muskoka Lakes (Medora) Ontario $5,295,000 ID#: X12116445

Royal LePage Lakes Of Muskoka - Clarke Muskoka Realty

Welcome to 1298 Hemlock Point, a classic Muskoka retreat nestled on the serene shores of Lake Joseph. This inviting 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom cottage offers 3,005 square feet of living space, blends...

  • 4 Beds
  • 3 Baths
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