Weekend getaway from Toronto · #4 of 10
Muskoka (Gravenhurst & Bracebridge)
Classic cottage country of forest and 30,000-island lakes. Cruise Lake Muskoka on the 1887 steamship RMS Segwun from Gravenhurst, then chase waterfalls and craft beer in Bracebridge. Peak season is summer on the water.
Muskoka is Toronto's ultimate cottage getaway: rugged granite, towering pines, and island-flecked lakes. Start in Gravenhurst with a steamship cruise, then explore Bracebridge's waterfalls and craft beers.
Getting there
Trust me, Friday traffic on the 400 is no joke. Head out before 3 PM or wait until after 8 PM to save your sanity.
Day 1 - Gravenhurst and Lake Muskoka
Vintage steamships, wharf vibes and easy lake living- 18:30 AMDrive
Drive north into cottage country
Cruising up the 400 and Hwy 11, watch the flat fields transform into dramatic granite and pine. Gravenhurst welcomes you at Lake Muskoka's southern tip.
📍 Gravenhurst, Ontario
- 211:00 AMSight
Stroll the Gravenhurst waterfront
Wander the lively boardwalk and docks where Muskoka's steamship history kicked off. The wharf is packed with cute local shops and sun-soaked patios.
📍 Gravenhurst Wharf, Gravenhurst
- 312:00 PMFood
Lunch by the water
Snag a lakeside patio spot at the wharf for a pre-cruise bite. Bonus: you are just a few steps away from the ship docks.
- 41:30 PMActivity
Cruise on the RMS Segwun
Hop onto the coal-fired RMS Segwun, built back in 1887. She is North America's oldest operating steamship, ready to glide you past stunning island cottages and boathouses.
📍 Muskoka Steamships, Gravenhurst
Tip · Definitely book your spot online first! Cruises run from about June to October and sell out fast on weekends.
- 54:30 PMActivity
Dock time and a swim
Embrace true cottage style: claim a spot on a public dock or your cabin's edge, dip your toes in, and watch the sun dip low.
- 67:00 PMFood
Dinner in Gravenhurst
Grab dinner in town or back at the wharf. If you are lucky, you will catch live summer tunes under a spectacular, slow-burn golden sunset.
Day 2 - Bracebridge falls and breweries
Cascading waterfalls, historic main streets and ice-cold craft brews- 79:00 AMDrive
Coffee and the drive to Bracebridge
Take a quick 20-minute cruise up Hwy 11 to Bracebridge. This charming town is literally built around a crashing waterfall on the Muskoka River.
📍 Bracebridge, Ontario
- 810:00 AMSight
Bracebridge Falls
Check out the roaring falls right downtown, crashing right next to the historic old town hall. The loop trail around the basin is a breezy 30-minute stroll.
📍 Bracebridge Falls, Bracebridge
- 911:00 AMActivity
Wilson's Falls trail
Take the short, scenic river path to Wilson's Falls. It is a quiet, mossy hideaway that looks exactly like a Group of Seven painting.
📍 Wilson's Falls, Bracebridge
Tip · Throw on shoes with good grip; those rocky paths get pretty slippery from the misty spray.
- 101:00 PMFood
Lunch on the main street
Stroll over to Manitoba Street in the historic core. It is the perfect spot to grab lunch and browse local bakeries, cozy cafes, and boutiques.
- 112:30 PMActivity
Muskoka craft brewery stop
Cool off with a local tasting flight. Muskoka's amazing craft beer scene has blossomed right alongside its cottage culture.
Tip · Designated drivers, stick to the local root beer! The drive back down the 400 requires your full focus.
- 124:00 PMDrive
Drive home ahead of the rush
Head south on Hwy 11 and the 400. Beating the sunset by hitting the road by late afternoon will save you from the dreaded Sunday bumper-to-bumper crawl.
📍 Bracebridge, Ontario
Where to eat
Snag a lakeside table just steps from where the steamships dock. It is the easiest way to enjoy dinner right on the water.
This historic stretch is packed with cafes and bakeries, making it your go-to spot for a quick, tasty bite between waterfall hikes.
Local tasting rooms are everywhere now. Stop in to sample a flight of fresh brews any time of the afternoon.
When to go
Peak cottage vibes: the steamships are cruising, the lakes are warm, and towns are buzzing. Just be sure to book ahead!
Fiery autumn leaves reflecting off dark lakes is Muskoka at its most gorgeous. Plus, the cruises keep sailing into October!
A peaceful, snowy wonderland. The steamships might be resting, but snowshoe trails and cozy fireside weekends are wide open.
The waterfalls are roaring with winter meltwater! Just keep in mind that the blackflies like to join the party by late May.
Good to know
- Lock down your Segwun cruise tickets and lodging well in advance if you are visiting in July or August.
- Skip the traffic headache: slip out of Toronto before 3 PM on Friday, and head back home from Muskoka by 4 PM Sunday.
- Do not forget your swimsuit and plenty of bug spray, especially if you are heading up in early summer!
- While the Ontario Northland bus can get you to both towns, having your own wheels makes exploring so much easier.
