It’s official. Labour Day has come and gone, the nights (and even a few of the days) are getting cooler, and the kids are back to school. It must be time to pack it in and say goodbye to Muskoka for another year, right?
Wrong.
Not only is Muskoka still bustling with lots of fun things to do, there are some things that you can only do in Muskoka in the Fall. So don’t be in too big of a hurry to pack up the cottage, because there’s so much more adventure to be had! Here are a few of my favourite Things to Try Out in Muskoka this Fall.
This Place Could Use a Little Colour
Let’s jump straight to the obvious choice – if you do nothing else in Muskoka this Fall, you simply must experience the Fall Colours. Muskoka is known far and wide for its gorgeous Autumn leaves, so grab a camera and some comfortable shoes, and go take a walk in the woods! If you’re curious when the very best times to see the leaves are, check out the Ontario Fall Colour Report to find the best colours in your area.
You don’t have to go on foot, though. If you really want a view of the fall foliage that you’ll never forget, then you’ll want to…
Take to the Skies
Rent a plane for the afternoon and get a bird’s eye view of everything Muskoka has to offer. Take the opportunity to see cottage country in a whole new way – you’ve definitely never seen fall colours like this! We just rented a 4-seater from Georgian Bay Airways – the plane landed right at our cottage and took us over to Henry’s Fish Restaurant* for a really fun adventure. The views from the sky were breath taking.
*Henry’s is now closed for the season, but there are many other options for your own airway adventure – the sky is literally the limit on this one!
Get Back to Nature
If you prefer to keep your feet on solid ground, head out on an adventure to one of our Provincial Parks. I probably don’t have to bring this up because I’m sure you already know, but we have AMAZING Provincial Parks in Muskoka. I know, I know. You already knew that. But for all of you first-time cottagers out there, you don’t want to miss Algonquin Park – it’s absolutely incredible. If you drive through the park, I recommend stopping at the Visitor Centre, Logging Museum and Art Centre. Drive carefully, though – you wouldn’t believe the size of the Moose, and it’s always best to appreciate them from a safe distance!
Muskoka’s Vineyard
Why not take a wine tour in our very own backyard? You don’t have to drive hours for a great glass of vino or a beautifully crafted beer. Book a tour with Brew Tours – they offer a number of different tours, and their Muskoka Edition showcases three of the main craft breweries within the Muskoka region: Lake of Bays Brewery, Muskoka Brewery, and Sawdust City Brewing Company. Take the opportunity to learn more about the rich history of the Craft Beer industry!
Work on Your Handicap
Golfing is one of Muskoka’s greatest gifts – we have some of the most beautiful courses in the country! Most courses don’t close until October, so you still have time to practice your back swing! If you’ve been playing your favourite course all season, why not try out a different one this fall? We recently tried The Ridge at Manitou, which is absolutely gorgeous – from the manicured greens to the top notch club house. Whether you’ve been playing for years or you’re new to the game, you can try out a new adventure with Golf Muskoka.
The Eye of the Beholder
Muskoka is such an artistic area, and if you have ever wondered what all of the murals are throughout the area, then this tour is for you. The Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery features 90 mural replicas of works by the Group of Seven. Get in the car, grab some snacks, and immerse yourself in the work of some of Canada’s most famous artists. Private tours are also an option.
Explore Your Inner Art Collector
The Artists of Limberlost in Huntsville may be closed officially for the season, but you can still contact each one of the 7 artists and book your own private tour. I have several pieces in my home from these talented people and I would highly encourage you to visit them if you haven’t already.
Dinner for Two
After a full day of exploring the everything that Muskoka has to offer this fall, you’re sure to be hungry, so let’s finish off this list with some fine dining! If you’re in the mood for something new, I recommend going to Crossroads in Rosseau for lunch or dinner – or stick around for both!
I love this restaurant for its ambiance and for the view of the lake. The food quality is always great and they even have gluten free options for those of you like me that have food intolerances. Either way, you’re in for a treat.
What’s your favourite thing to do in Muskoka in the Fall? Share your stories in the comments.