Why Honeymoon in Muskoka
The appeal is unhurried lake life. You wake to loons calling across the water, take coffee to the end of the dock and decide between a paddle and a swim. Afternoons might mean a boat ride to a village for lunch or a hike over pink granite. Evenings bring sunsets, fire pits and a sky full of stars far from city lights.
Muskoka also suits couples with different interests. There is golf at several well-regarded courses, spas at the larger resorts, antique boat museums and art galleries. One of you can fish at dawn while the other sleeps in. Algonquin Provincial Park sits just beyond Huntsville for wilder hiking and canoeing. It feels far from the city yet stays a short drive from a major airport.
When to Go
Summer, from late June through August, is the classic season. Daytime highs are usually in the 70s and low 80s Fahrenheit, lakes warm up enough for swimming and every resort, restaurant and boat tour is running. Weekends are busy, so midweek stays often have better rates and calmer roads.
September is a wonderful honeymoon month, with warm days, cool nights and far fewer people. Fall color typically peaks in late September and early October.
Late May and June are green and quiet, but this is blackfly season, so bring repellent. Winter brings snow, skating and snowshoeing, though many resorts operate on reduced schedules and some businesses close. From November to April, Muskoka is more of a cozy cabin escape than a lake getaway.
Where to Stay
Lake Rosseau and Lake Joseph are home to many of the region's lakefront resorts. JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort and Spa at Minett is a large full-service option with pools, a spa and lake views. Windermere House, a historic resort on Lake Rosseau, has a long veranda and a classic Muskoka feel. On Lake Joseph, Sherwood Inn is a smaller, quieter choice with cottages near the water.
Around Huntsville, Deerhurst Resort sits on Peninsula Lake with golf and plenty of activities. Near Gravenhurst, Taboo Muskoka occupies a peninsula on Lake Muskoka.
Renting a private cottage is the other great option, especially if you want your own dock, kayaks and a hot tub. Book months ahead for July, August and fall color weekends.
Romantic Things to Do
- Cruise Lake Muskoka on the RMS Segwun, a restored 19th-century steamship that sails from the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst.
- Paddle a canoe or kayak at sunrise, when the water is glassy and the loons are calling.
- Rent a boat and explore the islands and channels around Port Carling.
- Stargaze at the Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve near Gravenhurst.
- Drive to Dorset Lookout Tower for fall color views over Lake of Bays.
- Spend a day in Algonquin Provincial Park, hiking short trails or paddling Canoe Lake.
- Visit Johnston's Cranberry Marsh in Bala for tastings and a walk through the bogs.
- Book a couples massage at a lakefront spa.
Getting There and Around
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is the gateway, with nonstop service from a long list of US cities. From Pearson, it is roughly a two to two-and-a-half-hour drive north on Highway 400 and Highway 11 to the heart of Muskoka, depending on traffic and which lake you are heading to. Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings in summer can be very slow, so plan around them.
A rental car is the easiest way to explore. Resorts are spread out and public transport is limited. Some resorts offer airport transfers for a fee if you prefer not to drive.
On the water, many resorts rent canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. Boat rentals and water taxis are available in towns such as Port Carling and Gravenhurst.
Food and Drink
Muskoka dining ranges from lakefront fine dining at resorts to casual spots in Bracebridge, Gravenhurst and Huntsville. Many menus feature Ontario produce, lake fish such as pickerel and seasonal dishes tied to local farms.
Treats are part of the culture. Look for butter tarts at bakeries and roadside stands, along with fresh berries in summer. Muskoka Brewery in Bracebridge is the best-known local brewer. Cranberry wine from the Bala area makes a quirky souvenir.
For something special, book a dinner cruise or a lakeside table at sunset. Restaurants in smaller towns can close early, so make reservations ahead in summer and fall, especially on weekends.
Honeymoon Tips
Bring layers. Even on warm summer days, evenings on the water can be cool. Fall nights can dip near freezing.
Pack insect repellent for late May through July, when blackflies and mosquitoes are active, especially near the woods.
If you rent a boat, ask about operating rules. Canada requires proof of competency to operate many powered boats, though rentals usually provide a temporary checklist. Wear life jackets on the water.
Book early for fall color, since late September and early October weekends fill up quickly. For the best stargazing, choose a cottage or resort away from towns and plan around the new moon. Keep a hat and sunscreen handy, since the reflection off the water adds up.
