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 21 to 30 of 883 Properties

2 - 1053 BRACKENRIG ROAD Muskoka Lakes (Watt) Ontario $4,995,000 ID#: X12265028

Cottage Vacations Real Estate Brokerage Inc.

This stunning property offers an incredibly private setting on the much-sought-after south end of Lake Rosseau in Arthurlie Bay. Soak in the jaw-dropping, long NW views up Lake Rosseau from...

  • 5 Beds
  • 3 Baths
UNIT 3 - 4805 MUSKOKA ROAD 169 ROAD Muskoka Lakes (Medora) Ontario $4,995,000 ID#: X12282898

Chestnut Park Real Estate

Looking for the ultimate in privacy, luxury and elegance with world class amenities at your back door? This rarest of offerings will not only meet, but surpass those expectations. With...

  • 6 Beds
  • 4 Baths
15 - 1519 MUSKOKA RD 118 ROAD W Muskoka Lakes (Monck (Muskoka Lakes)) Ontario $4,950,000 ID#: X12171379

Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Centre

One of the last large properties on Lake Muskoka. This private point of land is ready for re-development with 775 feet of frontage, 3.3 acres and 570 feet of straight...

  • 5 Beds
  • 2 Baths
1837 PORT CUNNINGTON ROAD Lake of Bays (Franklin) Ontario $4,800,000 ID#: X12102319

Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd.

Elevate your lakeside lifestyle to unparalleled heights along Lake of Bays's coveted shores. Ideally situated with sought-after southern exposure, this remarkable property boasts the distinction of two separately deeded parcels,...

  • 5 Beds
  • 4 Baths
351 RAVENSCLIFFE ROAD Huntsville (Chaffey) Ontario $4,800,000 ID#: X12185211

Royal LePage Lakes Of Muskoka Realty

Beautiful development property with 17.2 acres, located in a fantastic in town location. Highway 11 and Highway 60 are in close proximity allowing for easy access to hospital, shopping and...

1162-2 OSBORNE POINT ROAD Lake of Bays (Franklin) Ontario $4,795,000 ID#: X12218234

Royal LePage Lakes Of Muskoka Realty

Discover old Muskoka charm on this extraordinary point of land where sunrise meets sunset across 628 ft. of pristine long lake southern views. This rare gem offers what discerning buyers...

  • 5 Beds
  • 3 Baths
30 BIGWIN ISLAND Lake of Bays (Franklin) Ontario $4,650,000 ID#: X12053791

Chestnut Park Real Estate

Discover the epitome of luxury living on Lake of Bays with the prestigious Bigwin Island Waterfront Community and its exclusive, SOLD OUT Private Golf Club. This exceptional 2,700 sq ft...

  • 4 Beds
  • 2 Baths
38 ROCKY DRIVE Huntsville (Brunel) Ontario $4,500,000 ID#: X12262940

Royal LePage Lakes Of Muskoka Realty

No wonder this property was featured on the front cover of Muskoka Life Magazine as it is suitable for year round ultimate retirement, multi-generational and recreational living. This 5000+ sq...

  • 6 Beds
  • 3 Baths
86 CLAREN CRESCENT Huntsville (Stisted) Ontario $4,495,900 ID#: X12205847

Peryle Keye Real Estate Brokerage

Luxury comes in many forms, but the most thoughtful designs don't compete w/ nature - they showcase it. At this lakefront masterpiece, the view isn't an accessory - it's the...

  • 5 Beds
  • 4 Baths
1050 FAIR-LEE PARK ROAD Muskoka Lakes (Medora) Ontario $4,400,000 ID#: X12247370

Forest Hill Real Estate Inc.

Welcome to one of Lake Rosseau's most exceptional offerings, where timeless design meets modern luxury in the heart of Muskoka. Completed in 2018, this custom remodelled, four-season cottage is set...

  • 3 Beds
  • 2 Baths
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