Month: June 2024

Muskoka is known for its lush forests and pristine lakes that attract visitors from all over the world. Being such a popular vacation destination, it is only fitting that it has a great beer scene as well. From traditional ales to innovative brews, this guide will take you on a journey through the best breweries in Muskoka, each offering a unique taste of local flavors and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that embodies the spirit of the region.

Muskoka Brewery

Sawdust City Brewery

Lake of Bays Brewery & Taproom

Huntsville Brewhouse

Bracebridge Barrel House

Trestle Brewing Company

Clear Lake Brewing

Canvas Brewing Company

Muskoka Brewery

Muskoka Brewery, in Bracebridge, has been crafting premium beers since 1996. Founded by Gary McMullen and Kirk Evans, their love for the region and its natural beauty inspired the creation of iconic brews like the Muskoka Cream Ale and Mad Tom IPA. They also have canned cocktails, food service, and an extensive non-alcoholic menu. Visitors to the brewery can enjoy tours, tastings, and a laid-back atmosphere that perfectly captures the essence of Muskoka. The brewery also hosts events, including a weekly trivia night, Thursdays from 6:30 to 8pm.

Sawdust City Brewery

Situated in Gravenhurst, Sawdust City Brewery is a cornerstone of Muskoka’s craft beer scene. Established in 2011, the brewery takes its name from the town’s history as a hub of the lumber industry. Sawdust City is renowned for its innovative brews, blending traditional techniques with bold flavors, as well as its extended dog friendly patio with a timber framed lattice. The brewery’s rustic taproom provides a cozy setting to sample their diverse selection of beers, from hoppy IPAs to rich porters. They also host events, like trivia every other Tuesday, bingo every Wednesday, and live music every Saturday.

Lake of Bays Brewery & Taproom

Lake of Bays Brewing Company has three locations. This one is situated on the shores of Lake of Bays in Baysville, Ontario, and consists of a retail store and tasting taproom. Established in 2010, the brewery’s name reflects its commitment to using pure, natural ingredients sourced from the region. With a focus on quality and sustainability, Lake of Bays offers a range of brews suitable for every palate. Visitors can enjoy tours of the brewery by booking ahead.

Huntsville Brewhouse

Located in downtown Huntsville, this is the second of three Lake of Bays Brewing Company establishments. Enjoy locally sourced food, in-house brews, and then you can take your favourite beers home with you. The menu is extensive, and the weekends have a special brunch menu.

Bracebridge Barrel House 

Located in Bracebridge, this is the third of the three local Lake of Bays Brewing Company establishments. As well as an extensive menu and drinks list, events like trivia and game nights are hosted here. Private bookings with catering are also available, perfect for any celebration.

Explore Muskoka:

Why Muskoka Is Such A Popular Destination

Things to Do in Muskoka: A Year-Round Guide to Vacation Activities

Muskoka Golf Guide

Muskoka Boat Rentals: How to Rent a Boat in Muskoka

Trestle Brewing Company 

This brewery is located in downtown Parry Sound on the waterfront, where the Seguin river flows into the harbour. Originally a train station, it opened as a brewery in 2018, and has a spectacular view looking towards Georgian Bay, and the iconic CPR Trestle bridge, hence the name. The brewery includes a taproom with a connected waterfront patio with a great menu and beers brewed on site. There are events, including a weekly trivia every Wednesday.

Vacation Planning:

The Ultimate Cottage Packing List

What to Do When it’s Raining on Vacation at the Cottage

Dog Safety Tips for Cottage Country

Clear Lake Brewing 

Located in Torrance and named for the adjacent Clear Lake, this brewery serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as its own beer. Furthermore, there’s an onsite spa opened from May 1st to October 31st, complete with hottubs, saunas, steam room, and a pool. There’s also live music every Friday and Saturday night. Clear Lake Brewing values sustainability as well, and has a Silver certification in Sustainable Tourism.

We hope this guide helps you enjoy your Muskoka vacation, with all the variety of libations it has to offer. Our cottage country site has lots of information that can help you plan your perfect cottage vacation, and if we can help in any way, please send us an email or give us a call.

Canvas Brewing Company 

Located in Huntsville east of the swing bridge, this brewery opened in 2019 and features 20 taps and a 3200 square foot event space, perfect for any gathering including weddings. There are lots of events, including weekly trivia on Thursdays, and live music Fridays and Saturdays.

Muskoka is home to some amazing wildlife, from animals as big as a moose, to as small as a chimpmunk. No matter the time of year, there is always enchanting wildlife to encounter. Just remember to do it safely!

Types of Wildlife

Black Bears: Majestic Guardians of the Forest

The American black bear (Ursus americanus), also known as the black bear, is the continent’s smallest and most widely distributed bear species. Since they hibernate through the winter, spring and early summer mornings offer the best chance to catch a glimpse of black bears foraging for food in Muskoka’s dense forests, or even in the lake, as they swim for pleasure and to hunt fish. Keep your eyes peeled along wooded trails or from the comfort of your lakeside cottage, but always remember to practice bear safety and admire these gentle giants from a safe distance.

White-Tailed Deer: Graceful Wanderers of the Woods

The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) can be recognized by the characteristic white underside to its tail, which it raises when it is alarmed to warn the predator that it has been detected. Its coat is a reddish-brown in the spring and summer, and turns to a grey-brown throughout the fall and winter. Spring and summer are ideal times for spotting deer, while autumn brings the spectacle of rutting aka mating season, with bucks showcasing their antlers in majestic displays.

Moose: The Mighty Royalty of the North

The moose, Alces americanus, is the world’s tallest, largest and heaviest extant species of deer, and the tallest, second-largest, land animal in North America, falling short only of the American bison in body mass. One of the most iconic Canadian animals, they really are a sight to behold. Explore Muskoka’s marshes and wetlands during the cooler months for a chance to encounter the mighty moose. Remember to practice moose safety, as they are extremely strong, and can be territorial.

Red Fox: Clever Denizens of the Forest

The red fox, Vulpes vulpes, is the largest of the true foxes, and are usually found in pairs or small groups consisting of families. The children often stay with their parents to help with new babies. Autumn evenings offer the best chance to spot these cunning creatures, their russet coats blending seamlessly with the vibrant foliage of the forest.

Beaver: Master Builders of the Wetlands

Beavers are one of the most iconic Canadian animals. They are large, semi aquatic rodents, famous for cutting down trees with their buckteeth and using them to build dams along the river, which they then live in. There are two existing species: the North American beaver, Castor canadensis, and the Eurasian beaver, C. fiber. Venture to Muskoka’s ponds and streams during the early mornings or evenings to observe the industrious beaver at work. Look for their distinctive dams and lodges, evidence of their remarkable engineering skills and their importance in shaping the region’s aquatic ecosystems.

Porcupine: Quiet Dwellers of the Forest Floor

Porcupines are large rodents with coats of sharp spines, or quills. Coloured in various shades of brown, grey and white and mostly nocturnal, they live in wooded areas and can climb trees, where some species spend their entire lives. Keep a sharp eye out for them during the cooler hours of dawn or dusk, high in the trees or scuttling along the forest floor.

Eastern Cottontail Rabbit: Delightful Inhabitants of Meadows

The eastern cottontail, Sylvilagus floridanus, resides in grassy areas, clearings, and old fields supporting abundant green grasses and herbs, with shrubs in the area or edges for cover, as well as wooded thickets, forest edges, and suburban areas with adequate food and cover. They are also found in swamps and marshes and usually avoid dense woods. These charming creatures can often be seen hopping among the wildflowers or nibbling on tender grasses, adding a touch of whimsy to the landscape.

While this article has described the most popular land animals inhabiting Muskoka, there is also a rich and diverse bird population that would excite even the most experienced ornithologist.

Places To See Wildlife

For those eager to see wildlife, there are several different ways to go about it, from visiting sanctuaries and wildlife centres, taking guided tours, or exploring parks on your own. No matter what you choose, don’t forget your binoculars! 

Tours

Several companies in Muskoka offer specialized tours led by knowledgeable naturalists. These tours provide unique opportunities to observe and learn about the region’s wildlife while supporting conservation efforts. Whether you choose a guided hike, boat tour, or wildlife photography excursion, you’re sure to come away with unforgettable memories of Muskoka’s wild beauty.

• Muskoka Wild, located near Port Sydney, offers guided snowmobile and snow bike tours during the winter.
• Algonquin Nature Adventures has animal habitat and lectures, canoe trips, and more. Meet by Huntsville for these tours. 
• Canadian Adventure Expeditions offers several different tours. 

Sanctuaries

Sanctuaries offer a chance to see wildlife up close and personal, as the organizations take in injured wildlife for rehabilitation. 

• Aspen Valley is a wildlife sanctuary located near Rosseau. You can book a tour and see the animals up close, where 100% of the proceeds go directly towards caring for them.
• The Muskoka Wildlife Centre is an interactive learning park ten minutes south of Gravenhurst, where visitors can interact with the animals under the guidance of trained professionals.

Parks

There are many gorgeous parks in Muskoka, just teeming with wildlife. Some of the aforementioned tour companies guide through these parks, but nevertheless, we’ve listed a few of the most renowned parks for your to explore on your own, if you so choose. 

• The Georgian Bay Biosphere is one of 18 UNESCO reserves in Canada. It stretches 175 kilometres from the Severn River to the French River. This part of Lake Huron contains the largest collection of freshwater islands in the world.
• Arrowhead Provincial Park is a stunning natural reserve near Huntsville, renowned for its forest and lakes, and a beautiful waterfall hike to Stubb’s Falls. 
• Algonquin Provincial Park, while technically not in Muskoka, is 7,635 square kilometres of forests, bogs, lakes and rivers. The only way to explore the interior of this park is by paddle or on foot. It is located northeast of Dwight.

Explore Muskoka:

Why Muskoka Is Such A Popular Destination

Things to Do in Muskoka: A Year-Round Guide to Vacation Activities

Muskoka Boat Rentals: How to Rent a Boat in Muskoka

If you’re planning a cottage vacation to enjoy wildlife viewing in Muskoka, we’ve put together several guides that can help you in all the other aspects of your trip as well. If we can help in any way, please send us an email or give us a call.

Vacation Planning:

The Ultimate Cottage Packing List

Dog Safety Tips for Cottage Country

Things to Do in Muskoka: A Year-Round Guide to Vacation Activities

Muskoka, with its shimmering lakes and dense forests, offers an idyllic escape for those seeking tranquility amidst nature’s embrace. While exploring its natural wonders on foot is undeniably charming, taking to its waters unveils a different dimension altogether. Boat tours in Muskoka present an opportunity to delve deeper into its beauty, revealing hidden coves, historic sites, and breathtaking vistas.

Historic Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre

Muskoka River Cruises

Lake Rosseau Cruise

Wine Tasting & Charcuterie Wednesdays

Private Charter on Lake Windermere

Historic Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre

Glide across the serene waters of Lake Muskoka aboard a historic steamship. There are several different cruise ships to choose from. The Wenonah II was built in 1907 with entertaining in mind and offers ample room onboard while being fully wheelchair accessible. The RMS Segwun, built in 1887, is North America’s oldest operating coal-fired steamship and the sole survivor of a fleet of Muskoka lakes steamships. Cruises run during the summer, and give an opportunity to witness iconic landmarks like Millionaire’s Row, where grand cottages dot the shoreline, narrating tales of Muskoka’s opulent past. 

Location: Gravenhurst

Nearby Towns: Bracebridge, Huntsville

Duration: 1.5 hours and up

Inclusions: Light snacks and beverages available for purchase onboard.

Price: starts from $10 

Muskoka River Cruises

Dive into Muskoka’s past aboard the Lady Muskoka II, a modern vessel with a nostalgic charm. This historical cruise takes passengers on a leisurely journey along the Muskoka River, passing by landmarks like the iconic Bracebridge Falls and the picturesque Wilson’s Falls. Listen to tales of early settlers and indigenous peoples as you cruise down these historic waterways.

Location: Bracebridge

Nearby Towns: Gravenhurst, Huntsville

Duration: 1.5 hours

Price: $45 per adult, $30 per teen, $20 per child (5-12 years old)

Explore Muskoka:

Why Muskoka Is Such A Popular Destination

Things to Do in Muskoka: A Year-Round Guide to Vacation Activities

Muskoka Golf Guide

Muskoka Boat Rentals: How to Rent a Boat in Muskoka

Lake Rosseau Cruise

Embark on a journey aboard the Lady Rosseau in Muskoka, where you’ll delve into rich history and encounter extraordinary, world-class cottage architecture. Let the tranquil tour immerse you in nature’s embrace. Muskoka’s pristine waters, crisp air, and breathtaking scenery attract billionaires, sports entertainers, and celebrities from around the globe, who spend their summers here.

Location: Port Carling

Nearby Towns: Windermere, Bracebridge

Duration: 1.5 hours

Price: $45 per adult, $30 per teen, $20 per child (5-12 years old)

Wine Tasting & Charcuterie Wednesdays

Join us for an unforgettable evening aboard the Lady Rosseau! Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the water with expansive views of Lake Rosseau with world-class cottage architecture. Each ticket includes three flights of wine provided by Bottles & Barrels. The tour ships out every Wednesday night this summer at 5:30pm and goes until 7. Charcuterie boxes must be purchased prior to 6pm the Monday before.

Location: Port Carling

Nearby Towns: Windermere, Bracebridge

Duration: 1.5 hours

‎Includes: Three flights of wine

Add ons: Charcuterie boards

Price: $45 per adult, $30 per teen, $20 per child (5-12 years old)

Private Charter on Lake Windermere

Get away from the crowds and privately charter one of our luxury top of the range Nautique boats, that comes complete with a friendly and knowledgeable skipper. You can charter private boats by the hour and create your own unique experience for your family or friends. Perfect for a family day out, honeymoons, romantic anniversaries or other special occasions. The boats all have built in drinks chillers so you can even bring a bottle of bubbly to celebrate whilst we take care of the driving. The qualified and experienced team can get you anchored in a quiet cove, where you can take a dip from the built-in swim platform or even have a wake surfing lesson, or give you a tour of the shoreline to see a unique and exclusive view of some of the very special properties dotted around the lake, or maybe a take a trip in style to a local lakeside hotel for afternoon tea. All the boats can easily accommodate groups of 10 or more. 

Location: Windermere

Nearby Towns: Port Carling, Bracebridge

Duration: Customizable

Inclusions: Custom catering options available upon request.

Muskoka’s boat tours offer a gateway to its natural splendor and rich history. Whether you’re mesmerized by the allure of sunset cruises or yearn for wildlife encounters and waterfall adventures, there’s a tour to suit every preference. For any other help in planning your vacation, our cottage country site has lots of information that can help you plan your perfect cottage vacation, and if we can help in any way, please send us an email or give us a call.