"Gravenhurst and Muskoka - Lakes and Forests" Gravenhurst by Faiza-Ifrah

Gravenhurst Travel Guide: 23 reviews and 53 photos

A view of Fall colours from Dorset - Gravenhurst

Land of lakes

The District Municipality of Muskoka, more generally referred to as the District of Muskoka, or simply Muskoka, extends from Georgian Bay in the west, to the northern tip of Lake Couchiching in the south, to the western border of Algonquin Provincial Park in the east. The District is located approximately two hours drive north of Toronto and about 30 minutes drive north of Barrie. Muskoka spans 6,475 km² (2,500 square miles).

The District is a scenic area having some 1,600 lakes.

The name of the municipality derives from a First Nations chief of the 1850s. Lake Muskoka was then the hunting grounds of a band led by Chief Yellowhead or Mesqua Ukie. He was revered by the government, who built a home for him in Orillia where he lived until his death at the age of 95.

There are six municipalities in Muskoka: the towns of Bracebridge (capital), Gravenhurst, and Huntsville; and the townships of Georgian Bay, Lake of Bays, and Muskoka Lakes. The Wahta Mohawk Territory and Moose Point 79 are also in the district.

Water based activities

Boats in Lake Huron (Georgian Bay)

In addition to its lakes and lakeside cottages, vacation hotels and resorts, Muskoka region is known for its picturesque villages and towns, farming communities, golf courses, country clubs, and marinas. Many summer camps are located in the region, to take advantage of the lakes, which offer opportunities for canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, waterskiing, and other water activities.

This region, which, along with Haliburton and Kawartha Lakes, is referred to as "cottage country" hosts over 2.1 million visitors annually.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Water based activities, cruises, Fall colours, a national park
Cons:Traffic jams on Highway 400
In a nutshell:Ontario's capital of water based tourism

Last visit to Gravenhurst: Oct 2010
Intro Updated Oct 17, 2010
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Reviews (10)

Gift shop at Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower - Gravenhurst

Best shopping for regional artifacts Shopping (1)

THE FASHION CLOSET & CONSIGNMENTS: Fashion conscious Muskoka women have shopped at this interesting new and consignment... more travel advice

Days Inn, Orillia near Casino Rama - Gravenhurst

Avail a cottage in cottage country Hotels (1)

Our trips into Muskoka region have been both day long trips and cottage stays. The cottage country is over constructed... more travel advice

Beware of 5 situations Warnings and Dangers (1)

I would like to alert tourists to five situations, although I think even these can add to the enjoyment and fun... more travel advice

Miss Midland Cruising on Lake Huron - Gravenhurst

Miss Midland 30,000 Islands Boat Cruises Things to Do (7)

We took a Sightseeing Cruise aboard the 300-passenger Miss Midland and experienced the crystal clear and choppy waters,... more travel advice

Comments (6)

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glabah Apr 4, 2011 at 11:09 PM

I agree completely. These are wonderful fall colors. We don't usually see those types of colors in our area.
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balhannah Mar 5, 2011 at 2:10 PM

What beautiful Autumn colours! I forget how beautiful they are until I see photo's like yours. Thanks for sharing this nice area!
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goutammitra Nov 19, 2010 at 6:40 PM

Very beautiful place. You are fortunate that you live in Green Canada! The Moose dears are so lovely!
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nomorewars Oct 31, 2010 at 6:39 PM

How delightful!!! The fall colors, the odors of another year coming to an end, the great outdoors - these are things that just seem to set my senses off. Thanks for bringing this wonderful place to my attention.
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Greggor58 Oct 17, 2010 at 5:31 PM

Useful tips Faiza and your photos of the color are terrific! Being so close to the GTA its natural that its busy,try a little further to the Eastern side of Algonquin,less busy and beautiful!Thanks for your visit and kind comments re: Quebec City pages!
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cachaseiro Oct 12, 2010 at 5:58 PM

This looks like a really nice outdoor place to visit.