Take it from a longtime resident, these are the the places and events you’ll be sure to enjoy

Everyone who knows about Muskoka is sure to have thoughts of big cottages, dockside parties, boating, wakeboarding, and other typical summer home to dos.

However, the region we know and love has so much more to offer both residents and visitors alike. While there are other posts about Things to do in Muskoka, many are target marketing to attract certain demographics or generalized sponsored pieces that the businesses mentioned paid for.

And hey, good for them. But, every once in a while, it’s nice for readers to get an opinion based solely on the discretion of the writer.

On that note, here are my top 10 things to do while visiting Muskoka this summer . . .

Visit Nuit Blanche North. Literally my favourite free community event of all time in Huntsville, Ontario. The evening of artistic expression features a huge variety of mediums on display – from painting to sculpting, music to dance and everything in between. The event organized and executed by the Huntsville Festival of the Arts deserves a Save the Date on everyone’s calendar – July 22, beginning at 8 p.m. in Downtown Huntsville. The best part is that the majority of the event is family friendly, with a little more risqué pieces being saved for the latter part of the night.

Swimming at Skeleton Lake. Okay, I’m probably going to get in trouble for sharing this, but the giant sandbar attached to the public access area/mini-beach is absolutely amazing for families. Walk and walk and walk in the water for what seems like forever and you’re still only waist deep. Also, legend has it that the freshwater lake was created by a meteor. To keep some semblance of secrecy, you’ll have to find the way there yourself. It’s a bit of a ways out and in between a couple of communities.

Golfing. It almost doesn’t matter what course you choose because Muskoka’s natural environment is so stunning even the small ones are enjoyable to play. For private courses, you can’t go wrong with the trio of Clublink offerings, the Grandview Golf Club in Huntsville, Lake Joseph Club in Port Carling, and Rocky Crest Golf Club in MacTier. Public that are a must visit include the Deerhurst Highlands in Huntsville, North Granite Ridge in Port Sydney, and South Muskoka Curling and Golf Club in Bracebridge. Meanwhile, Windermere Golf Club is semi-private, with July and August being members only, but other times of the year being open to all.

A Steamship Cruise. Whether it’s a lunch or dinner cruise or one of their specialty offerings, there is something fun and nostalgic about being on either the Wenonah II or RMS Segwun. Located at the Gravenhurst Wharf and under the auspices of the Muskoka Steamships and Discovery Centre, the cruises are a great way to get a unique view (and some fun photos) of the Big Three Lakes (Muskoka, Joseph and Rosseau).

Checking out the Open Water Swim Championships. Presented by Swim Ontario at Gull Lake Rotary Park on July 15 and 16, it promises to be an interesting weekend of athletic accomplishments.

Farmers Markets. It feels like every little town, township and village boasts it’s own Farmers Market. They’re all good for their own reasons and often you can find homemade delicacies, farm fresh produce, original artisan works, and many other unique items that aren’t readily available anywhere else. Here is a quick breakdown: Bala on Mondays, Dwight and Gravenhurst on Wednesdays, Huntsville and Port Carling on Thursdays, Baysville and Rosseau on Fridays, Bracebridge on Saturdays. Here is a list and map of Muskoka Farmers Markets for you.

Activities in Arrowhead Provincial Park. The larger, more popular Algonquin Park is only 30 minutes or so east, but Arrowhead is my favourite for hiking, swimming, taking photos, and just about any naturally occurring outdoor activity. The small but might park is great for camping with families as it has plenty of areas that offer easy walking and hiking trails plus a few beach spots to go for a dip. Plus, I live a very short drive away, so there is a bit of regional bias.

Muskoka Arts & Crafts Summer Show. It’s an annual event that features a ton of creativity (over 180 juried artisans) plus live entertainment, kids activities, local breweries, a food market, and more. Taking place from July 14 to July 16 at Annie Williams Park in Bracebridge, the event has a small $7 admission for those aged 13 and up, with kids 12 and under getting in for free. Learn more at https://muskokaartsandcrafts.com/summer-show/

It’s Patio Season! There are so many amazing pubs and restaurants in each Muskoka community with waterfront patios – or at the very least elevated patios that look over a lake or the Muskoka River. It’s not even a matter of me choosing my faves, it’s a matter of you picking which place you like best in the town or township where you find yourself. Seriously, the next chance you get, make sure to enjoy a cold beverage on a hot summer’s day by the water with a few friends, co-workers or acquaintances – you’ll thank me later.

Outdoor Concerts and Entertainment. Music on the Barge in Gravenhurst is always a fun event to attend. Bracebridge has its Bandshell Concert Series has an eclectic line-up of artists. Huntsville has Movie on the Docks and many other outdoor events. Plus, there are plenty of smaller events that pop up in Muskoka Lakes and Lake of Bays throughout the summer.

There you have it, some non-sponsored things to do in Muskoka this summer from a longtime resident. Hopefully this gets you started on a fun and fantastic summer season!

And maybe we’ll share a chat and a beverage on a patio one day!

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