Issues To Do In Huntsville Ontario | Final Weekend Itinerary

When it will get darkish within the forest, it will get darkish. No road lights, porch lights, or automobile lights, simply the sunshine flickering from the celebs, the moon, and their reflections within the ripples of the black lake. This, and the spotty web within the wilderness, is the true definition of unplugging. Unplugging is among the major causes to go out to Cottage Nation’s Muskoka Area. The largest metropolis/city in Muskoka Area is Huntsville.
Discovering issues to do in Huntsville Ontario is straightforward as Huntsville is one among Ontario’s most beloved four-season locations, good for an Ontario weekend getaway. This city is a vibrant, huge, and wondrous playground that pulls guests from each nook of the world to benefit from the serenity and heat of a small neighborhood nestled amongst the lakes and bushes overflowing from close by iconic Algonquin Provincial Park.
What makes Huntsville so particular is connecting everybody’s soul with the outside whereas experiencing every little thing a flourishing neighborhood can provide. All people says hello and is so pleasant.
This text is now obtainable as a cell app. Go to GPSmyCity to download the app for GPS-assisted travel directions to the attractions featured in this article.
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When to Go to Huntsville, ON
Huntsville is beautiful in all seasons, but the most popular time to visit is during the summer. The warmer months allow you to enjoy all the outdoor activities that this town is known for.
Spring: May – June
Summer: July – August
Fall: September – October
Winter: November – April
How to Get to Huntsville
If you’re coming by car, Huntsville is a two-hour drive north of Toronto or about an hour and fifteen minutes south of Ottawa. You can also fly into the town’s airport, which offers daily flights on Air Canada Jazz from destinations such as Montreal or Quebec City.
If you’re travelling by bus, Greyhound buses depart from Ottawa, Montreal, and Toronto. If you’re travelling from downtown Toronto, it will take about four hours to get to Huntsville. There are also night bus options available. The buses cost between US$37 – US$59.
If you’re travelling by train, VIA Rail offers trains that depart from major cities in Eastern Canada and trek almost up to Huntsville. These trips can take four days depending on where your starting point is but are generally a much more affordable option than flying into town! However, since you’ll need to take a bus to complete the trip, this form of transportation is not ideal.
Best Huntsville Things to Do
Huntsville is a quaint, one-of-a-kind town where you can get lost in the magic of nature and discover your own space. The community offers over 100 restaurants to enjoy delicious cuisine worldwide, 120 kilometres of pristine lakeshore to explore on foot or by boat, and over 300 km of backcountry to get lost.
Algonquin Theatre
The Algonquin Theatre has hosted various plays, musical performances, meetings, videos, presentations, and school groups. As you stroll along the historic streets of downtown Huntsville, you can view the breathtaking bronze statue of Tom Thomson, created by local sculptor Brenda Wainman-Goulet.
This piece of history incorporated within the Civic Square illustrates the Town’s motto “touch the past, embrace the future.”
Algonquin Outfitters
Historic downtown Huntsville is Algonquin Outfitters’ home of its largest retail location, with three floors of great gear and clothing for outdoor adventures. Located on Main Street, at the Brunel Street intersection, and backing onto the beautiful Muskoka River, the Huntsville store offers an amazing retail experience.
It is primarily a specialty outdoor store emphasizing camping equipment, paddlesports, bikes, Alpine and Nordic skis, snowshoes, outdoor clothing, and footwear. Reservation is recommended.
Muskoka Heritage Place
The Heritage Place is an amalgam of buildings and stories from the area as it developed through the late 1800s and into the 1900s. There are costumed Docents throughout to provide a take on the history of the times of the schoolhouse, bakery, and other buildings. A journey that begins with Muskoka’s first people. There are hundreds of artifacts, features, and even a self-guided scavenger hunt that would challenge all ages. Learn more HERE!
Heritage Place Train Station
It takes great skilled manpower and resourcefulness to operate a historic antiquated railway. Imagine yourself in 1904, heading toward South Portage and Lake of Bays.
You can take a scenic trip that takes about 30 minutes along the Muskoka River onto Fairy Lake Station to see the technical aspects of the railway. There is an oral presentation inside the train.
Lions Lookout
The Lions Lookout Trail can be accessed at the Forbes Hill Dr and Camp Kitchen Road intersection behind the Active Living Centre at the Canada Summit Centre. The trail follows Camp Kitchen Road along the Muskoka River to Fairy Lake. It then crosses the Portage Flyer railway tracks and heads up a steep slope to the top of the sports track.
The trail continues around the track, and along the roadway to Forbes Hill Dr. The view from the top of the track across Fairy Lake is magnificent, and the trail is 1.5km long and has steep inclines. So be sure to tackle this before you arrive, and strap on some good hiking shoes.
Canvas Brewing Co.
Canvas Brewing Co. was born from a love for the native panorama and a ardour for contemporary, well-made craft beer. Their debut brew is a German-inspired lager ale with the flavour of an ale and the crisp end of a beer. With a candy, malty aroma and flavour, Canvas Kolsch finishes dry and refreshingly with a touch of German hops.
The house of Canvas Brewing Firm, the most recent craft brewery within the area, was established in downtown Huntsville in late 2018. Positioned simply east of the swing bridge, their brewery will boast two outside patios, a taproom with 20 faucets and a 3200 sq. ft. occasion house.
Group of Seven Outside Gallery
We talked briefly about The Group of Seven and their views on the quaint city of Elora earlier than. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to discover the Group of Seven Outside Gallery in Huntsville.
Canada’s iconic painters, The Group of Seven, had been identified for portray the distinctive great thing about our Canadian panorama and never solely can reproductions of the Group of Seven’s authentic items might be discovered round downtown Huntsville however unfold all through Muskoka –– 30 murals or so.
Maps can be found on the Muskoka Tourism workplace on Freeway 11 and at just a few retailers in Huntsville. Our expensive pal/colleague pal Stephanie talks about it right here: +7 Ontario Group of Seven Locations
Muskoka River
Naturally, you’ll be able to’t go to Huntsville with out taking the time to discover the Muskoka River! The waterfront is the perfect spot to absorb the city’s pure magnificence, with the Swing Bridge being an amazing place to absorb magnificent river views.
Boat Cruise
Nothing says cottage nation greater than boats –– effectively, that and Muskoka Chairs and fishing. In case you don’t have a ship, you’ll be able to take a 45-minute tour round Fairy Lake with Tom Thomson Cruises.
The cruise will present you all of the gorgeous sights of Muskoka that impressed the long-lasting artwork of Tom Thomson.
Greatest Huntsville Ontario Eating places
When you’re in Huntsville, deal with your self to the perfect cuisines the city has to supply. Even higher than their meals is the attractive, welcoming environment of those eating places, chocolatiers and bakeries. You’re positive to stroll away with a smile in your face.
That Little Place By The Lights
Positioned downtown Huntsville, a family-owned restaurant resides. That Little Place By The Lights showcased a European vibe in Huntsville and was even featured on a meals community present, “You Gotta Eat Right here.”
Serving you varied genuine Italian dishes corresponding to Italian pasta, gnocchi, and pizza. In response to earlier prospects, essentially the most really useful order right here is lasagna, gelato, and ravioli.
Huntsville Brewhouse
The Huntsville brewhouse is understood for its brisket sandwich and the perfect veggie and turkey burger on the town. With street-facing home windows that draw as much as welcome within the contemporary air, that is the spot to be within the downtown core.
Its extra-small batch brewing facility features a full kitchen with a seated capability of 100+ individuals. A comfortable ambiance will encourage you to seize their best-selling trout tacos and fish and chips whereas sipping your favorite beers and wines.
The Nutty Chocolatier
We had been first launched to this scrumptious chocolate on a day journey to Port Perry.
The Nutty Chocolatier is an journey right into a time when life was slower and sweeter, and the shopper was King. Every of its shops all through Ontario, Canada, is charmingly old style. Providing the best, richest Belgian chocolate, truffles, and hand-crafted chocolate specialties.
The Nutty Chocolatiers’ unbelievable assortment of imported candies and an incredible number of treats will please all ages. The do-it-yourself fudge and “Create Your Personal Flavour” yogurt cones, particularly, are to die for.
BeaverTails
We’ve been enormous followers since we tried BeaverTails throughout our weekend getaway in Ottawa.
At this little spot, their specialty is in the name. A BeaverTail is often described as a flat donut. It can be dressed with themed toppings, including Apple Pie, Oreo, and Strawberry Cheesecake.
If sweets aren’t for you, there are a few savoury options, like the Poutail, poutine on a BeaverTail, and the SayCheese, a giant mozzarella cheese stick with a BeaverTail pastry coating. The restaurant has some classic touches, including a vintage canoe hanging in the seating area to bring you back.
Seng’s Authentic Thai Cuisine
Honest food and honest drinks set the foundation of the Seng Thai Cuisines menu. Established in August 2018, SengThai’s menu is inspired by northern Thailand cuisine, which Soukhaserm (owner) says is quite different from the food in southern Thailand.
The meals is wholesome and made contemporary to order. Their best-selling dishes are pad thai, a stir-fried rice noodle dish, inexperienced curry, and spicy tom yum sizzling and bitter Thai soup.
Stomach Ice Cream
In case you’re craving ice cream –– who doesn’t? Head over to Stomach Ice Cream. This native, small-batch creamery has developed fairly the next!
Kawartha Dairy
In case you choose a traditional ice cream joint, look no additional than Kawartha Dairy, positioned on Freeway 60 simply exterior the city centre! Established in 1937, Kawartha Dairy has a variety of scrumptious ice cream flavours. And in the event you can’t resolve which one to go for, why not pattern just a few earlier than you resolve?
Huntsville Nature
In case you’re heading to Huntsville, Ontario or the Muskoka Area, it’s almost definitely to get misplaced in its pure magnificence and recharge your batteries!
Arrowhead Provincial Park
Arrowhead Provincial Park is a 10-minute drive north for energetic adventurers or nature lovers.
It’s one of many favorite provincial parks providing varied actions year-round. Through the winter, guests can partake in snowshoeing, cross-country snowboarding, and ice skating alongside the paths. Head to the Massive Bend Lookout for that iconic bending lake shot within the fall. Through the summer season, it’s all about chook watching, tenting and mountain climbing.
The park is dwelling to 5 trails, all beneath 3 kilometres. One of the common trails is Stubb’s Falls Path, which results in a surprising waterfall. Different trails within the park are the Homesteaders Path and Mayflower Lake Path.
Huntsville Hikes ON
If mountain climbing is your power supply, we’ve put collectively a superb and detailed listing of Huntsville Hiking trails in Huntsville and the surrounding area for you to explore, but in a nutshell:
- Fairy Vista Trail is a 3.4-kilometre path accessed at Fairview Drive and Hwy #60.
- Hunter’s Bay Trail is a 4.6-kilometre trail great for biking and hiking.
- The Great Trail is a 52-kilometre section of the Trans Canada Trail.
- Lions Lookout Trail is a 1.3-kilometre that can be accessed at Camp Kitchen Road and Forbes Hill Drive.
Huntsville Fishing Spots
With pristine freshwater lakes, Muskoka offers the perfect fishing grounds for all levels of fishers, from beginner to expert. If you’re the definition of unplugging means fishing, we put together a great list of Huntsville fishing spots on lakes, rivers, boats, and docks. Some of them include the following:
- Mary Lake is a great place for Anglers of all levels of experience can find something to enjoy. The lake is teeming with potential catches from smallmouth and largemouth bass to northern pike, lake trout, perch, and sunfish.
- Lake Vernon is a premier fishing destination in Huntsville. From shore or boat, you’ll find abundant fish; trout, bass, pike, and walleye. It’s also an excellent ice-fishing lake too.
- Chub Lake has a wide range of fish species to catch, together with northern pike, crappie, and walleye.
Huntsville Tenting
If tenting is your vice, Huntsville has loads of spots for {couples}, mates and households trying to discover the tree-covered hills and glowing lakes. For anybody searching for to expertise the wilds of Ontario, we’ve put collectively an amazing listing for tenting in Huntsville. Listed here are just a few from that listing!
- Arrowhead Provincial Park is Ontario’s hottest tenting website. This lakeside vacation spot stays open all 12 months spherical, offering guests with ample pure magnificence.
- Deer Lake RV Resort & Campground Positioned beside attractive Deer Lake, this 120-acre park has 200 RV websites, every with a picnic desk, water and electrical energy.
- Lagoon Tent & Trailer Park is ideal in the event you love the outside however don’t love the thought of a tent. Right here you’ll be able to e book the campground cottage with every little thing, together with a totally outfitted kitchen + sink.
- Muskoka Tenting Web site is for these in search of one thing somewhat quieter.
Map + Lodging in Huntsville, Ontario
Staying in a stunning house can add to your journey to Huntsville. There are attractive log cabins, stone homes, and splendid visitor homes to relaxation your head and recharge for an additional day of journey. You may even arrange a tent in one of many nice Huntsville campgrounds. Take your decide – you gained’t be upset.
Cedar Grove Lodge
An eco-friendly cottage resort on stunning Peninsula Lake, Cedar Grove Lodge is stretched alongside 1500 toes of picturesque Muskoka shoreline. A lot of their log cabins have wood-burning fieldstone fireplaces. Packages embody three meals per day that are served in our eating room. Should attempt right here is to expertise “A Muskoka Custom”.
Muskoka Visitor Nest
Right here you could find a luxuriously appointed spacious queen bed room with a backyard view, overhead ceiling fan, and tastefully embellished four-piece ensuite tub. Chill out and revel in your luxurious lodging with a personal entrance.
The attractive sunken lounge with a wood-burning stone fire opens onto a pleasant backyard, stone patio, and the Muskoka River. Absolutely outfitted kitchenette with a number of gourmand teas, coffees, and bottled spring water supplied. Get pleasure from Muskoka, paddling within the visitor canoe, swimming, watching the geese off the dock, or studying within the hammock.
Morgan Home Mattress and Breakfast
This historic stone home affords a novel nation expertise from its surrounding 80 acres of ponds, meadows, and forest. Morgan Home has been fantastically restored, and the old style kitchen supplies a hearty home-cooked breakfast in an inviting setting. The gardens and ponds entice visitors to wander or cling about with e book.
Deerhurst Resort
With a whole lot of resorts located within the Ontario area, Deerhurst Resort stands out as a super vacation spot. First established greater than 100 years in the past, this resort is positioned on Peninsula Lake close to Huntsville and is just 10 minutes away from downtown.
It has luxurious facilities like a golf course, spa, an escape room and winter actions like snowboarding, wakeboarding, snowshoeing and ice skating – Deerhurst is good for {couples}, teams of mates, or a household trip.
Issues to Do in Port Sydney
Port Sydney is a stunning little city simply 12km south of Huntsville. If you end up having performed all the Huntsville actions that curiosity you, head to this picturesque spot. You gained’t remorse it.
Historical past of Port Sydney
Though the Port Sydney space had been visited many occasions within the early 1800s, it was not till Stephenson Township was surveyed in 1861 that settlers started to trickle into the realm. Settlers needed to come to the realm up the arduous Muskoka Street or Muskoka River that led northward from Bracebridge to Huntsville. They had been inspired by free (with some stipulations) land grants.
Over the intervening years, these guests developed roots within the village that mingled with these of the unique settlers. They helped to protect the century-old properties, and now their great-grandchildren benefit from the space all through all 4 seasons.
The village has developed a novel high quality of historical past and sweetness that’s cherished by those that have settled right here and by the various who go to Port Sydney.
Port Sydney Seaside
The sandy seaside in Port Sydney affords near 80 metres of shoreline on Mary Lake. Enterprise south down Muskoka Street 10 and check out the attractive waterfalls. The seaside affords swimming, boating, and fishing in Mary’s Lake, one among Huntsville’s greatest fishing spots.
Fish on this peaceable lake, swim and keep in a single day at Marys Lake campground or lodge. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout within the spring and fall and catches brown, lake trout, and kokanee salmon.
A campground is true subsequent to Mary’s Lake with house for RVs and tents and is open Might-October. Swimming can also be top-of-the-line issues to do in Mary’s Lake, however the city of Huntsville is suggested {that a} swimming advisory has as soon as once more been issued for Port Sydney Seaside. Swim classes might be relocated from Port Sydney to Hutcheson Seaside.
Jamieson’s Common Retailer
Jamieson’s Common Retailer was began to make regionally sourced merchandise extra accessible inside the neighborhood. Positioned within the coronary heart of Port Sydney, Jamieson’s Common Retailer is a neighborhood selection retailer designed to be a one-stop store with good espresso, baked items, groceries, and pierogies. Every part you would presumably want for heading to the cottage is right here. Jamieson’s Common Retailer is understood for its best-selling Kawartha ice cream and pizza.
Port Sydney Falls & Port Sydney Dam
Carry tubes and revel in sliding down the rapids. Surrounded by cottage nation subsequent to Mary’s Lake, you’ll discover the Port Sydney Slide just under the dam. There’s a sturdy present down from the falls, and sporting a life jacket is really useful.
The river spills over a big incline of bedrock alongside massive sections of uncovered bedrock just under it. It’s extra of a pure “water slide” than a cascade or plunge “Waterfall”. Parking is close to the slide and affords a pleasant view of Mary Lake and the dam.
Maple Syrup Season
Be for you write to us to inform us that Maple Syrup just isn’t meals, we’re right here to inform you that we’re Canadian and it’s –– meals. As such, we’d be remiss if we didn’t point out The Muskoka Maple Competition and the Maple Path.
Throughout spring, Huntsville and the encompassing provide many alternatives to pattern scrumptious treats, browse distinctive crafts, hearken to nice music and absorb the environment. An incredible Maple Syrup farm to go to is Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm which we’ll focus on in a single second, however we additionally curated a listing of the perfect Maple Syrup Festivals Ontario has to supply!
Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm
Sugarbush Hill is a “State of the Artwork” sugaring operation within the coronary heart of Muskoka, a district of 1,600 lakes and limitless forests. It’s located simply 10 minutes south of the picturesque city of Huntsville.
Sugarbush Hill is family-owned and operated by Tom Stehr, household, and mates. Other than their genuine maple syrup, additionally they serve the perfect ice cream to die for.
Final Ideas on Huntsville Canada Factors of Curiosity
Huntsville has lots to see and do, from stunning eating places to thrilling trails and simple sightseeing. Huntsville affords the proper escape for any soul, no matter age or pursuits.
So pack your luggage, and prepare for a incredible weekend away. Please remark beneath in case you have any questions or wish to gush over your expertise of Huntsville’s points of interest. We’d love to listen to from you!