Once Discovered, Never Forgotten

The would be farmer's who received the first land grants in Muskoka in the mid-1800's quickly determined that it was not a place where one could easily live off the land - they were going to have to live off the water and the woods as well. Muskoka's first rustic lodges were born as those settlers opened their homes to hunters and anglers who were drawn by the region's resources.

Over the years lodges proliferated and grew; some became resorts while other groups built their own private retreats. The rocky shores echoed with the timber man's axe and the hunter's rifle while the lakes were plied by mighty steamships bringing a new kind of settler: those who came just to be in the presence of nature.

Today, Muskoka holds that same appeal. There is a vast array of accommodations, attractions and amenities to be found amongst the friendly towns, island-dotted lakes and forested hills. From outdoor adventure enthusiasts to leisure travellers, Muskoka has something for everyone.

Stretching from Algonquin Park in the northeast to the 30,000 Islands on Georgian Bay in the west and to the Trent-Severn Waterway in the South, Muskoka's 4,000 square kilometres feature 1,600 lakes, rivers and streams waiting to be discovered.

Muskoka waters team with Bass, Pike, Trout, Walleye, and Muskie and Georgian Bay has the added attraction of Salmon as well. Charter a flight, travel by boat, take a hike or just drop a line in at the end of a dock: there are as many ways to find fish in Muskoka as there are fish waiting to be found. Muskoka's many campgrounds, lodges, marinas and outfitters are ready to help with rentals, bait, gear, ice huts, licenses and tips to the best locations. Share your stories at the end of the day and keep your catch for yourself; there's plenty more where they came from.

All that water makes Muskoka a boater's paradise as well. A canal and locks connect three of the area's largest lakes, Muskoka, Joseph and Rosseau, and the Huntsville area boasts the chain of Mary, Fairy, Vernon and Peninsula Lakes. The magnificent Lake of Bays stretches from near the heart of Muskoka to the region's eastern reaches, and Muskoka is home to many of the 30,000 Islands of Georgian Bay. The Trent-Severn travels from Georgian Bay at Port Severn and through Sparrow Lake. Come to Muskoka and cruise in luxury, exhilarate with speed, or paddle under your own power. From the history and tradition of locking through at Port Carling to the one-of-a-kind marvel of the Marine Railway at Big Chute, Muskoka holds a lifetime of boating experiences.

Winter transforms Muskoka's lakes into snow-blanketed sheets of thick ice, perfect for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or ice fishing. On ice and land Muskoka features almost 2,000 kms of snowmobile trails and over 600 kms of cross-country ski trails. There's even great downhill skiing in Hidden Valley. Again, Muskoka's outfitters and accommodators are ready to help with anything you might need, from gear and gas to a stay at a cosy B&B or grand resort.

Come spring the paths that were skied or snow-shoed become a vast array of hiking trails. Over 40 hiking trails in Muskoka provide close to 300 kilometres of nature and wildlife viewing across all types of terrain. There are short, easy hikes and longer more challenging excursions. The Trans-Canada Trail passes right through the heart of Muskoka, with extensive sections in Gravenhurst, Bracebridge and Huntsville. Along with Muskoka's many multi-use trails, outfitters and accommodators often have their own trail systems and feature specialized uses such as mountain biking, horseback riding and off-roading.

Of course, summer in Muskoka is perfect for either exhilaration or relaxation. Between the trails and the waterways lie a fantastic assortment of shops, galleries, boutiques, live theatre, festivals and events. Muskoka is also one of North America's great golf destinations, with over 20 spectacular courses laid out around the rocks, trees and water that will appeal to players of any level. When you're done golfing or fishing or waterskiing or racing with the wind in your face, unwind at one of our fabulous eateries or just sit back in a comfortable Muskoka chair and watch the sun set.

In the Algonquin language, 'Muskoka' means "land of the red earth" and while pink granite outcroppings and sunsets that colour the skies crimson are yearround features, Muskoka really earns its name in autumn. Fall is the time of the cranberry harvest and the breathtaking cavalcade of fiery orange and red leaves. Take it in from the water, from the air, from the top of the Dorset lookout tower or on foot in the cool, scented air: to come without a camera would be a terrible mistake. If your preferred fall activities run along sporting lines, many camps, lodges and outfitters in Muskoka can help again with licenses, rentals and tips to the best locations.

Wildlife is abundant in Muskoka, and our secluded woods and bogs are home to deer, moose and bear. Over 50 types of mammals can be found throughout the region, and Muskoka's 250-plus species of birds include everything from hummingbirds and cardinals to partridge and wild turkeys. Most iconic of all, however, is the Loon, whose haunting calls echo across the waters and along the rocky shorelines making a visit to Muskoka impossible to forget.

To plan a Muskoka getaway that is perfectly tailored to you, please call 1-800-267-9700 or visit
www.discovermuskoka.ca