Muskoka Map - Cottage Country Lakes, Towns & Resorts
Welcome to Muskoka, Ontario's legendary cottage country and premier recreational destination, where pristine lakes, granite shores, dense forests, and charming towns create an idyllic escape just two hours north of Toronto. Known as the "Hamptons of the North," Muskoka has been a beloved summer retreat since the late 1800s, attracting visitors and cottage owners with its breathtaking natural beauty, excellent boating and fishing, world-class resorts, and quintessential Canadian wilderness experience.
Our comprehensive interactive map helps you navigate the Muskoka region's three major lakes - Lake Muskoka, Lake Rosseau, and Lake Joseph - collectively known as the "Big Three," along with hundreds of smaller lakes dotting the landscape. Explore vibrant towns including Gravenhurst (the Gateway to Muskoka), Bracebridge (home of Santa's Village), Huntsville (hub for Algonquin Park access), and Port Carling (the "Hub of the Lakes"). Discover marinas, public beaches, boat launches, hiking trails, golf courses, and attractions ranging from historic steamships to luxury spas.
Whether you're planning a family cottage vacation, romantic resort getaway, outdoor adventure, or simply exploring the region's scenic highways and waterways, this map provides essential information about accommodations, dining, activities, and natural attractions. From the famous Muskoka chairs on countless docks to the haunting call of loons echoing across misty morning waters, Muskoka embodies the quintessential Canadian cottage experience. Use our interactive map to plan your perfect Muskoka escape and create lasting memories in this beautiful corner of Ontario.
Muskoka Towns & Communities
Gravenhurst
Gateway to Muskoka
Historic downtown with shops and restaurants, Muskoka Wharf boardwalk, RMS Segwun steamship cruises, Bethune Memorial House, Muskoka Discovery Centre. Population: 12,500.
Bracebridge
Heart of Muskoka
Beautiful waterfalls in town center, Santa's Village theme park, Muskoka Heritage Place, vibrant downtown, access to Lake Muskoka. Population: 16,000. Known as the "Heart of Muskoka."
Huntsville
Northern Hub
Largest Muskoka town, gateway to Algonquin Park, Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery, Lion's Lookout scenic viewpoint, Arrowhead Provincial Park. Population: 19,000. Year-round destination.
Port Carling
Hub of the Lakes
Historic locks connecting Lake Muskoka and Lake Rosseau, Muskoka Lakes Museum, boutique shopping, marinas, restaurants. Central location between the Big Three lakes.
Bala
Cranberry Capital
Small town on Lake Muskoka, Bala Falls, Bala Bay Trading Post, cranberry festival in October, popular with boaters. Gateway to Moon River and Georgian Bay.
Dorset
Village in the Clouds
Charming village on Lake of Bays, Dorset Lookout Tower (360° views), Robinson's General Store, art galleries, gateway to Haliburton. Elevation provides stunning vistas.
The Big Three Lakes
Lake Muskoka
Largest of the three: 145 square km surface area, 58 km long. Towns: Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Bala, Port Carling. Features: Over 200 islands, excellent fishing (bass, pike, muskie), multiple marinas and boat launches, mix of cottage properties and luxury estates. Public beaches at Gravenhurst and Bala.
Lake Rosseau
Luxury resort destination: 38 square km surface area. Towns: Rosseau, Port Carling (via locks). Features: Home to historic resorts including Taboo and Windermere House, upscale cottage properties, clear waters ideal for swimming, renowned for celebrity cottages, scenic island landscapes. Connected to Lake Joseph via Indian River.
Lake Joseph
Most exclusive lake: 57 square km surface area. Towns: Port Sandfield, Port Carling (via locks and rivers). Features: Known as "Lake Joe" to locals, most private and secluded of the Big Three, luxury estates and celebrity properties, excellent water quality, pristine shorelines, quieter boating compared to Lake Muskoka.
Additional Notable Lakes
- Lake of Bays: Large lake near Huntsville, 115 km shoreline, scenic beauty, Dorset and Baysville communities
- Mary Lake: Huntsville town lake, public beaches, Lion's Lookout viewpoint, easily accessible
- Peninsula Lake: Connected to Lake of Bays, Deerhurst Resort, popular for water sports
- Fairy Lake: In Huntsville town center, waterfront boardwalk, smaller and family-friendly
- Vernon Lake: Near Huntsville, quiet fishing lake, less developed
How to Use This Map
- Explore Towns: Click and zoom to discover Muskoka's communities, their amenities, and unique attractions
- Lake Navigation: View the layout of major lakes, boat access points, marinas, and public beaches
- Accommodations: Locate resorts, cottage rental areas, hotels, and campgrounds throughout the region
- Activities: Find attractions, golf courses, hiking trails, provincial parks, and recreational facilities
- Plan Routes: Use the map to navigate between towns and lakes via Highway 11, Highway 118, and scenic secondary roads
- Seasonal Information: Note that many attractions and marinas operate seasonally (May-October)
Top Muskoka Attractions & Activities
Water Activities
- Boating: Rent pontoon boats, motorboats, or kayaks from numerous marinas. Explore interconnected waterways
- RMS Segwun: North America's oldest operating steamship. Scenic cruises from Gravenhurst Wharf (seasonal)
- Swimming & Beaches: Public beaches in Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville. Crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming
- Fishing: Excellent bass, pike, muskie, and lake trout fishing. Multiple fishing charters and guides available
- Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Popular on calmer lakes and bays. Rentals available at most waterfront resorts
Land Activities
- Hiking: Lions Lookout (Huntsville), Dorset Lookout Tower, numerous trails in provincial parks
- Golf: World-class courses including Taboo Resort, Deerhurst Highlands, Muskoka Bay Club
- Cycling: Scenic roads and dedicated trails. Bike rentals available in major towns
- Provincial Parks: Arrowhead, Hardy Lake, Oastler Lake - camping, hiking, swimming, winter activities
- Santa's Village: Family theme park in Bracebridge with rides, attractions, and water park
Cultural & Historical
- Muskoka Discovery Centre: Maritime heritage museum in Gravenhurst featuring antique boats
- Muskoka Heritage Place: Living history museum with pioneer village and 1920s farm
- Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery: 80+ large-scale reproductions along trails near Huntsville
- Bethune Memorial House: Birthplace of Dr. Norman Bethune in Gravenhurst
Luxury Resorts
- Deerhurst Resort: Full-service resort on Peninsula Lake with golf, spa, dining, activities
- Taboo Muskoka: Luxury resort on Lake Muskoka with beach club, golf, fine dining
- JW Marriott The Rosseau: Upscale resort on Lake Rosseau with spa and multiple restaurants
- Windermere House: Historic resort dating to 1870s, renovated luxury accommodations
Planning Your Muskoka Visit
Best Times to Visit
- Summer (June-August): Peak season with warm weather, all amenities open. Busy weekends, book accommodations early
- Fall (September-October): Spectacular fall foliage, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds. Cranberry Festival in Bala
- Spring (May-June): Quieter season, fishing season opens, spring flowers, some seasonal businesses just opening
- Winter (December-March): Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, ice fishing. Many resorts offer winter packages
Getting There & Around
From Toronto: 90 minutes to Gravenhurst via Highway 400 North and Highway 11. Highway 11 runs north-south through the region. Highway 118 (Muskoka Road) connects towns east-west.
Transportation: Car essential for exploring. Summer traffic can be heavy Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Limited public transit. Water taxis available between lakeside destinations.
Accommodation Options
- Cottage Rentals: Weekly rentals are standard in summer (Saturday-Saturday). Book 6-12 months ahead for peak season
- Resorts: Range from family-oriented to luxury adults-only. Many offer meal plans and activity packages
- Hotels & Inns: Available in all major towns. Boutique inns offer charming alternative to larger resorts
- Camping: Provincial parks, private campgrounds, backcountry sites in provincial forests
What to Bring
Summer Essentials: Sunscreen, bug spray (mosquitoes and black flies), swimwear, life jackets for boating, casual resort wear, light jacket for cool evenings
Activities: Fishing license if planning to fish, hiking boots, binoculars for wildlife viewing, camera for spectacular scenery