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In autumn, as the sun sets on the granite rocks of the Canadian Shield, the
earth glows red. This is the Muskoka Lakes Region, which loosely translated
from the Algonquin native language means "the land of red earth." Muskoka is
one of Canada's greatest treasures, lying just two hours north of Toronto, Ontario.
Muskoka has been a popular summer vacation destination for over a century. The
area is spotted with dozens of resorts, lodges, cottages and private summer residences,
as well as tourist attractions and recreation.
Muskoka features countless natural vistas. Waterfalls, forests, granite cliffs
and other marvels of nature encompass the area. Lake Muskoka, Lake Joseph and
Lake Rosseau comprise the Muskoka Lakes where canoeing, fishing, power boating,
waterskiing and other water activities take place.
The district also includes six municipalities: Georgian Bay, Muskoka Lakes,
Lake of Bays, Gravenhurst,
Huntsville
and Bracebridge,
with the latter three being the main communities. Gravenhurst, located at the
entrance to the Muskoka Lakes district, was established as Muskoka's first official
town in 1864. This Victorian town is home to the Bethune
Memorial House, which was the birthplace of tuberculosis researcher
Norman Bethune. Huntsville is considered the gateway to the Lake of Bays region
and is also the western entrance to Algonquin
Provincial Park. Many travellers stop here before entering the park
for any final supplies. The town of Bracebridge sits on top of a hill and is
renowned as Canada's waterfall capital, with 22 waterfalls throughout the town.
It also hosts a range of shops, restaurants and other sites of interest for visitors.
HISTORY
Muskoka has no documented history until 1615; however, it was known that the
area was originally occupied by the Algonquin and Huron native tribes. Explorers
such as Samuel de Champlain, who travelled from France in search of Northwest
Passage to Asia, and several other missionary groups passed through the area
during these early years.
It was initially envisioned that the Muskoka area would be turned into a First
Nation Reservation, but with growing numbers of settlers and the realization
of an abundance of timber, this vision was altered. In 1868 the Free Land Grant
and the Homestead Act was passed, which gave 200 acres of land to families who
met specific criteria. A set of requirements for each piece of land was issued,
and if these requirements were met, the settler could then apply to purchase
the land.
Timber licenses were granted to lumbermen, which allowed them to cut trees
and build logging roads across the settlers' property. Eventually, the lumbermen
cleared the entire region's land, putting themselves out of business.
Construction of the railway system began in the 1870s. In 1875 it reached as
far as Gravenhurst and by 1885 travel to Bracebridge was possible. The rail
line in Muskoka was complete by 1907 when it extended to Bala
and provided better transportation between townships. Still, rail travel was
not efficient enough for some people, namely Alexander P. Cockburn who revolutionized
the transportation industry in Muskoka.
Upon exploring the area in 1865 and realizing the beauty of Muskoka's landscape,
Cockburn wanted to make the area more accessible. He sought support from the
government and guaranteed a steamship on the lakes in Muskoka if the government
would improve navigation. This agreement was met, and by 1866 a steamship called
the Wenonah was constructed and launched.
Benjamin Hardcastle Johnson was also instrumental in the development of the
Muskoka area. He built a house on the river, which became the region's first
post office. Johnson also successfully petitioned for a canal to connect Lake
Muskoka and Lake Rosseau. Although they are not as crucial for transportation,
steamships remain an integral part of Muskoka tourism today. Several local companies
offer scenic boat cruises on the area lakes.
Around the turn of the 20th century, many elite society members began making
Muskoka their summer home. In June, vacationers would arrive in Gravenhurst
with their families and house staff, and stay until September. The steamboat
departing from Gravenhurst brought them to their luxurious cottages, which still
line the shores of Lake Muskoka today. This collection of magnificent summer
homes is still referred to as Millionaire's Row. Resorts, lodges and other luxury
accommodations were also constructed at this time, which continue to contribute
to Muskoka's prosperous tourism industry.
CLIMATE
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Snowmobiling
in Muskoka |
Muskoka's climate is favourable for the great range of recreational opportunities
that are offered in the area. The summer months are pleasantly warm, with temperatures
hovering around 25° Celsius (77° Fahrenheit). Conditions are generally ideal
for outdoor activities such as golfing, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking
and hiking.
The winter season is also an exciting time in Muskoka. The temperature during
this season is not as cold as many might expect, fluctuating between 0° and
-8° Celsius (32° and 17° Fahrenheit). Snowmobiles, snowshoes, skis, ice skates,
ice fishing rods and dog sleds begin to appear as the snow starts to fall. Muskoka
has one of the most advanced snowmobiling trail systems in Canada with more
than 2,000 kilometres (1,242 miles) of groomed trails. Dozens of rental shops
for both summer and winter recreational activities can be found throughout the
area.
Spring and autumn are also nice times to visit Muskoka. In spring, the trees
and flowers begin to blossom, while in autumn the leaves begin changing colour
from green to brilliant reds.
TRANSPORTATION
Toronto's Lester
B. Pearson International Airport is the closest major airport to Muskoka.
Nearly 70 airlines serve this airport daily and flights are offered throughout
Canada, the United States and other international destinations. The Muskoka
Airport is located directly in the district, and can accommodate all
light aircrafts, corporate aircrafts and some commercial airlines. The Muskoka
Airport receives the majority of its air traffic during the summer months, when
the district receives the most visitors.
Hammond
Transportation Ltd. offers comprehensive motorcoach, town car and tour
services. Transportation to and from the Pearson International Airport can be
arranged, as well as transportation to other destinations including Algonquin
Provincial Park. The Ontario
Northland Bus also offers service from Toronto to Bracebridge, Gravenhurst
and Huntsville.
FEATURED ATTRACTIONS
Cruises on the Muskoka Lakes
The Lady
Muskoka is the region's largest cruise ship, extending 31 metres (104
feet) in length and seven metres (24 feet) in width, with a capacity for 300
passengers. Based out of Bracebridge, cruises take visitors for a two-and-a-half
hour sightseeing adventure around Lake Muskoka, passing by such attractions
as Millionaire's Row, Santa's Village and other local landmarks. Tours are offered
seasonally between the months of May and October, departing daily in July and
August. Sunset Dinner and Sunday Brunch cruises are also available in July and
August by reservation.
The
Muskoka Fleet operates out of Gravenhurst. The R.M.S. Segwun is one
of Muskoka's original coal-fired steamships. Originally built in 1887 and called
the Nipissing II, she was remodeled in 1925 and again in 1973. The Segwun steamship
has served as a Royal Mail Ship, a freight ship and a floating museum. Today
she is used as a vessel for scenic tours on Muskoka Lake. Several tour types
are offered including Breakfast, Lunch and Sunset Dinner cruises. Reservations
are required for dinner, and recommended for all other cruises.
The Muskoka Fleet has recently added two more ships to its repertoire: Wenonah
II and Wanda III. The Wenonah II is a replica of a 1907 passenger steamship.
An elegant dining room is available for special occasions to seat up to 90 guests.
The Wanda III is a Steam Yacht Charter, and was formerly the private yacht of
Mrs. Margaret Eaton - the wife of Timothy Eaton, who was the founder of Eaton's
Department Store. Several different scenic cruises are offered on both ships.
Santa's Village and Sportsland
Bracebridge, home to Santa's
Village, is located halfway between the equator and the North Pole on
the 45th parallel. This unique amusement park was built in 1955 with the vision
that vacationers could enjoy the spirit of Christmas throughout the summer.
The Kris Kringle River Boat Tour, Rudolph's Sleigh Ride Roller Coaster, Santa's
Craft Workshop, the games on Candy Cane Lane, The Elves Island Play Area and
Santa's Splashzone are some of the park's features. Santa Claus also makes an
appearance to greet visitors in Santa Square daily in addition to appearing
in several live shows.
Although Santa's Village is only open during the summer season, it reopens
in December just before Christmas for Santafest (please inquire locally for
the exact date and time of the event). Admission to Santafest is free with a
donation of an unwrapped toy or perishable food item. There are crafts for children
to make, gingerbread cookies to decorate and horse drawn wagon rides for all.
Sportsland is connected to Santa's Village and also offers "Santa-themed" activities
for all ages. Visitors can play a round of mini golf at Mister Rudolph's Birdies
and Bogeys or test their baseball skills in Babe Rudolph's Batting Challenge.
In addition to other games, there is also Rudy's Rollers In-line Skate Rental
Shop.
Algonquin Provincial Park
Although summer tends to be most popular, Algonquin
Provincial Park has so
much to offer tourists year round. The scenery and opportunities for recreation
change with every season.
The park covers nearly 7,725 square metres (2,980 square miles) of wilderness.
The trail system within the park is extensive. Fourteen day trails, located
on the north and east sides of the park, offer a casual outing. Hikers looking
for a longer, more challenging excursion will enjoy the three backpacking trails
in the park. These trails range in distance from six to 88 kilometres (approximately
four to 55 miles), and backcountry camping is permitted. Bicycle trails are
also available in the park; one is in Algonquin South, while two others are
situated along the Highway 60 corridor. Fishing, canoeing and camping are viable
summer activities as well. Cross-country skiing and dogsledding trails are open
in the winter.
Along Highway 60, the park's main corridor, visitors can enjoy the Algonquin
Visitor's Centre, the Algonquin Logging Museum and the Algonquin Gallery. These
buildings exhibit information and artefacts relating to the history and current
development of the park.
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Moose in Algonquin
Provincial Park
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Wildlife viewing is another popular activity in Algonquin Provincial Park.
Wildlife is abundant throughout the park and different species can be seen depending
on the season and time of day. Moose, white-tailed deer, black bears and beavers
are some of the most commonly spotted animals in the park. Early in the morning
and in the evening are the best times to view the park's wildlife. Algonquin
also has one of the largest wolf populations in North America. These wolves
are not often seen, but their howl can be frequently heard from a distance.
Interpretive programs, Group Education Programs and brochures with maps of
the park and trails are available through the Visitor's Centre to enhance every
visit to Algonquin Provincial Park.
Muskoka Lakes Music Festival
There is always something to do in Muskoka. If enjoying the lakes and recreation
is not enough to occupy vacationers, the Muskoka
Lakes Music Festival takes place throughout the summer in Port
Carling. An opening gala launches the event in July, which is followed
by nearly two months of musical performances by Canadian artists. Weekly events
take place including Classical-Tuesdays, Jazz-Wednesdays and Variety-Thursdays.
Additional special performances are scheduled during the festival. The event
is drawn to an end each year with the Closing Gala.
In association with the Muskoka Lakes Music Festival is the Kaleidoscope Children's Festival in June. Workshops led by local artists and other
activities are included.
Tickets for each individual performance are available, as well as season passes.
Tickets can be purchased through the Muskoka Lakes Music Festival organisation
and on-line.
