Key Takeaways: Huntsville, Ontario, is a four-season escape in Muskoka’s Cottage Country, offering everything from outdoor adventures and scenic hikes to cozy accommodations and vibrant local culture. Whether you're planning a romantic weekend or a nature-filled getaway, there’s no shortage of things to do in Huntsville.
When night falls in the forest, it gets dark. There are no streetlights, porch lights, or car lights, just the light flickering from the stars, the moon, and their reflections in the ripples of the black lake. This, and the spotty internet in the wilderness, is the true definition of unplugging. It’s one of the main reasons people escape to Cottage Country’s Muskoka Region. At the heart of it all is Huntsville, the largest city/town in the area.
Finding things to do in Huntsville, Ontario, is easy, as it’s one of the province’s most beloved four-season destinations, perfect for an Ontario weekend getaway. This town attracts visitors from every corner of the world to enjoy the serenity and warmth of a small community nestled amongst the lakes and trees overflowing from nearby iconic Algonquin Provincial Park.
But what makes Huntsville so special? It offers a unique opportunity to connect your soul with the outdoors while experiencing everything a small-town community can offer. Everybody here says hi and is so friendly!
When to Go to Huntsville, ON
Huntsville is beautiful in all seasons, but the most popular time to visit is during the summer. The warmer months allow you to enjoy all the outdoor activities that this town is known for. That said, every season has something to offer:
- Spring (May – June): This is a quiet and refreshing time to visit, as the snow melts and the forests come back to life. It’s also a great time to beat the crowds.
- Summer (July – August): Peak season in Muskoka, the summer months offer long sunny days, lively lakes, and a bustling downtown. This is when outdoor adventure is in full swing.
- Fall (September – October): With crisp air and beautiful fall colours, autumn in this area is truly breathtaking. It’s an ideal time for scenic drives, cozy getaways, and peaceful hikes.
- Winter (November – April): Don’t count out the colder months. The town turns into a snowy playground, with plenty of winter activities, such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, skating, and more.
How to Get to Huntsville
By Car
Huntsville is a two-hour drive north of Toronto or about an hour and fifteen minutes south of Ottawa, making it a great day trip destination. You can also extend your road trip by checking out some popular destinations along the way, including Barrie, Orillia, Gravenhurst, and Bracebridge.
By Bus
Buses are available to Huntsville from Ottawa, Montreal, and Toronto. If you’re travelling from Toronto, the best option would be to travel with Ontario Northland, but other companies, like FlixBus, are available depending on your starting point. The trip from Toronto with Ontario Northland will take about four hours and cost between $40 and $64 one-way. There are also night bus options available.
By Train
If you’re travelling by train, VIA Rail offers trains that depart from major cities in Eastern Canada and trek to Toronto, where you can then board a bus to Huntsville. There is also the option to take the GO Train from Toronto to Barrie and then transfer to a bus. These trips can take four days, depending on your starting point, but are generally a much more affordable option than flying. However, since you’ll need to take a bus to complete the trip, this form of transportation is not ideal.
By Plane
Huntsville used to have an airport of its own, but the runway is now closed, leaving Muskoka Airport (YQA) in Gravenhurst as the nearest option, followed by a short bus trip. However, not all destinations fly to YQA, making this option even more complicated. If you’re coming from a distance, it is best to fly into Toronto and take a bus from there.
Best Things to Do in Huntsville
Huntsville is a quaint, one-of-a-kind town where you can get lost in the magic of nature and discover your own space. The community offers over 100 restaurants to enjoy delicious cuisine from around the world, 120 kilometres of pristine lakeshore to explore on foot or by boat, and over 300 km of backcountry to get lost in. Here are a few of the local attractions that we most recommend:
Algonquin Theatre
The Algonquin Theatre first opened its doors in 2005. Since then, it has hosted various plays, musical performances, meetings, videos, presentations, and school groups. You can check the theatre’s website to find out if there are any comedians, orchestras, or other performers you are interested in available during your trip.
Stroll Downtown Huntsville
The historic streets of downtown Huntsville offer much to see and explore. You can view the breathtaking bronze statue of Tom Thomson, created by local sculptor Brenda Wainman-Goulet. It’s a tribute to the incredible artist who spent a lot of time both in Huntsville itself and in Algonquin Provincial Park.
The town is also home to many beautiful historic buildings worth checking out. What better way is there to embrace the Town’s motto, “touch the past, embrace the future.”
Algonquin Outfitters
Also located downtown Huntsville is the largest retail location of Algonquin Outfitters, with three floors of great gear and clothing for outdoor adventures. It is located on Main Street, at the Brunel Street intersection, and backs onto the beautiful Muskoka River.
It is primarily a specialty outdoor store emphasizing camping equipment, paddlesports, bikes, Alpine and Nordic skis, snowshoes, outdoor clothing, and footwear. However, it also offers many great opportunities to get outdoors in the area, including canoe trip packages, guided motorboat tours, and more. There are also gear rentals available for self-guided adventures. Reservations are recommended for any gear rentals or travel plans.
Muskoka Heritage Place
Muskoka Heritage Place is a collection of buildings and stories from the area as it developed through the late 1800s and into the 1900s. There are costumed Docents throughout to provide a true historical pioneer village experience at the schoolhouse, bakery, and other buildings. There are hundreds of artifacts, features, and even a self-guided scavenger hunt that would challenge all ages. This is a great option if you’re searching for things to do in Huntsville with kids.
Take a Ride on a Historic Train
Rotary Village Station, part of Muskoka Heritage Place, was built as a recreation of a 1920s Ontario train station. Here, you can tour The Steam Museum to learn more about steam travel and the impact it had on the development of the area, or take a scenic ride on either the 1948 Diesel Electric Locomotive (spring and fall) or the 1926 Steam Locomotive (summer).
The train will travel along the Muskoka River to the Purser’s Cabin at the end of the track on the shores of Fairy Lake. The full experience will take approximately 25 minutes, including a 7-minute train ride each way and a stop at the Fairy Lake station to explore the exhibits and take in the beautiful sights.
Hike the Lions Lookout Trail
There are some gorgeous opportunities to hike in Huntville. A great example of this is the Lions Lookout Trail, which can be accessed at the Forbes Hill Dr and Camp Kitchen Road intersection behind the Active Living Centre at the Canada Summit Centre. The trail follows Camp Kitchen Road along the Muskoka River to Fairy Lake. It then crosses the Portage Flyer railway tracks and heads up a steep slope to the top of the sports track, where it continues around the track and along the roadway to Forbes Hill Dr.
The view from the top of the track across Fairy Lake is magnificent. The trail is 1.5km long and has steep inclines, so it may not be suitable for those with mobility concerns. If you are heading out on the trail, make sure you have good hiking shoes.
Canvas Brewing Co.
Canvas Brewing Co. was born from a love for the local landscape and a passion for fresh, well-made craft beer. The newest craft brewery in the region, it was established in downtown Huntsville in late 2018. Their debut brew is a German-inspired lager ale with the flavour of an ale and the crisp finish of a lager. With a sweet, malty aroma and flavour, Canvas Kolsch finishes dry and refreshingly with a hint of German hops.
Located just east of the swing bridge, their brewery boasts two outdoor patios, a taproom with 20 taps, and a 3200 sq. ft. event space. This is a must-see top for those looking for things to do in Huntsville with a group of adults (19+). If you’re visiting during the week, they host Trivia Thursday and have live music on Fridays and Saturdays.
Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery
We talked briefly about The Group of Seven and their views on the quaint town of Elora before. However, the impact on this group of artists on our province extends far beyond a single town. If you’re an arts lover, check out the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery in Huntsville.
Canada’s iconic painters, The Group of Seven, were known for painting the unique beauty of our Canadian landscape. Not only can reproductions of the Group of Seven’s original pieces be found around downtown Huntsville, but there are also approximately 30 murals spread throughout Muskoka.
Maps are available at the Muskoka Tourism office on Highway 11 and a few shops in Huntsville. Our dear friend/colleague Stephanie talks about it here: +7 Ontario Group of Seven Locations
Muskoka River
Naturally, you can’t visit Huntsville without taking the time to explore the Muskoka River! The waterfront is the ideal spot to take in the town’s natural beauty, with the Swing Bridge being a great place to take in magnificent river views. It’s also a popular paddling destination.
Boat Cruise
Nothing says cottage country more than boats. Well, that, Muskoka Chairs, and fishing. If you don’t have a boat, you can take a 45-minute tour around Fairy Lake with Tom Thomson Cruises. The cruise will show you all the stunning sights of Muskoka that inspired the iconic art of Tom Thomson.
Best Restaurants in Huntsville
While you’re in Huntsville, we highly recommend treating yourself to the best cuisine the town has to offer. Even better than their food is the beautiful, welcoming atmosphere of these restaurants, chocolatiers, and bakeries. You’re sure to walk away with a smile on your face.
That Little Place By The Lights
Located downtown Huntsville, you’ll find the family-owned restaurant That Little Place By The Lights. This unique spot showcases a European vibe in the heart of Huntsville and was even featured on the Food Network show, “You Gotta Eat Here.” They serve authentic Italian dishes, such as Italian pasta, gnocchi, and pizza. According to previous customers, the most recommended orders here are lasagna, gelato, and ravioli.
Huntsville Brewhouse
The Huntsville Brewhouse is an extra-small brewing facility that offers not only great drinks but also serves as one of the must-see restaurants in downtown Huntsville. It has a full kitchen with a seating capacity of 100+ people, allowing them to welcome larger crowds. It’s best known for its brisket sandwich, the best veggie and turkey burger in town, as well as (of course) it’s beer selection.
With street-facing windows that draw up to welcome in the fresh air, this is the spot to be for a relaxing drink and a bite to eat. The cozy ambiance will encourage you to kick back and enjoy time with friends or family. We recommend you grab their best-selling trout tacos or an order of fish and chips while sipping your favourite beers and wines.
The Nutty Chocolatier
We were first introduced to this delicious chocolate on a day trip to Port Perry.
The Nutty Chocolatier is an adventure into a time when life was slower and sweeter, and the customer was King. Each of its stores throughout Ontario, Canada, is charmingly old-fashioned, offering the finest, richest Belgian chocolate, truffles, and hand-crafted chocolate specialties.
Their incredible assortment of imported candies and an amazing variety of treats will please all ages. The homemade fudge and “Create Your Own Flavour” yogurt cones, in particular, are to die for.
BeaverTails
At this little spot, their specialty is in the name. A BeaverTail is often described as a flat donut. It can be dressed with a variety of fun toppings, including Apple Pie, Oreo, and Strawberry Cheesecake. We’ve been huge fans since we tried BeaverTails during our weekend getaway in Ottawa.
If sweets aren’t for you, there are a few savoury options, like the Poutail, poutine on a BeaverTail, and the SayCheese, a giant mozzarella cheese stick with a BeaverTail pastry coating. The restaurant has some classic touches, including a vintage canoe hanging in the seating area to bring you back.
Seng’s Authentic Thai Cuisine
Honest food and honest drinks set the foundation of Seng Thai Cuisine. Established in August 2018, their menu is inspired by the food in northern Thailand. Soukhaserm (owner) says this cuisine is quite different from the food in southern Thailand!
The food is healthy and made fresh to order. Their best-selling dishes are pad thai, a stir-fried rice noodle dish, green curry, and spicy tom yum hot and sour Thai soup.
Belly Ice Cream
If you’re craving ice cream, you’re not alone. When you’re in Huntsville, you can satisfy this craving by heading over to Belly Ice Cream. This local, small-batch creamery has developed quite the following! Of course, enjoying a cool treat is one of the best things to do in Huntsville during the summer months. It’s the perfect way to cool off when the temperatures climb.
Kawartha Dairy
If you prefer a classic ice cream joint, look no further than Kawartha Dairy, located on Highway 60 just outside the town centre! Established in 1937, Kawartha Dairy has a range of delicious ice cream flavours. And if you can’t decide which one to go for, why not sample a few before you choose?
Huntsville Nature
If you’re heading to Huntsville, Ontario, or the Muskoka Region, it’s most likely to get lost in the great outdoors and recharge your batteries! Here are just a few of the great opportunities the area has to offer:
Arrowhead Provincial Park
Arrowhead Provincial Park is a 10-minute drive north of Huntsville. The park is home to five trails, all under 3 kilometres. One of the most popular trails is Stubb’s Falls Trail, which leads to a stunning waterfall. Other trails in the park are the Homesteaders Trail and the Mayflower Lake Trail.
The park offers something for nature lovers year-round. During the winter, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating along the trails. Head to the Big Bend Lookout for that iconic bending lake shot in the fall. During the summer, it’s all about bird watching, camping, and hiking.
Huntsville Hikes ON
If hiking is your energy source, we’ve put together an excellent and detailed list of Huntsville Hiking trails in Huntsville and the surrounding area for you to explore, but in a nutshell:
- Fairy Vista Trail is a 3.4-kilometre path accessed at Fairview Drive and Hwy #60.
- Hunter’s Bay Trail is a 4.6-kilometre trail great for biking and hiking.
- The Great Trail is a 52-kilometre section of the Trans Canada Trail.
- Lions Lookout Trail is a 1.3-kilometre trail that can be accessed at Camp Kitchen Road and Forbes Hill Drive.
Huntsville Fishing Spots
With pristine freshwater lakes, Muskoka offers the perfect fishing grounds for all levels of fishers, from beginner to expert. If your definition of unplugging is fishing, we put together a great list of Huntsville fishing spots on lakes, rivers, boats, and docks. Some of them include the following:
- Mary Lake is a great place where anglers of all levels of experience can find something to enjoy. The lake is teeming with potential catches from smallmouth and largemouth bass to northern pike, lake trout, perch, and sunfish.
- Lake Vernon is a premier fishing destination in Huntsville. From shore or boat, you’ll find abundant fish: trout, bass, pike, and walleye. It’s also an excellent ice-fishing lake.
- Chub Lake has a variety of fish species to catch, including northern pike, crappie, and walleye.
Huntsville Camping
If camping is your vice, Huntsville has plenty of spots for couples, friends, and families looking to explore the tree-covered hills and sparkling lakes. For anyone seeking to experience the wilds of Ontario, we’ve put together a list of great spots for camping in Huntsville:
- Arrowhead Provincial Park was already highlighted above, and for good reason! This lakeside park remains open all year round, offering visitors a great place to escape into nature.
- Deer Lake RV Resort & Campground is located beside gorgeous Deer Lake. This 120-acre park has 200 RV sites, each with a picnic table, water and electricity.
- Lagoon Tent & Trailer Park is perfect if you love the outdoors but don’t love the idea of a tent. Here you can book the campground cottage with everything, including a fully equipped kitchen + sink.
- Muskoka Camping Site is for those looking for something a little quieter.
Cabins, Resorts, and Hotels in Huntsville, Ontario
Your accommodations can easily make or break any trip. Luckily, there are many gorgeous log cabins, stone houses, and luxurious resort hotels to choose from in and around Huntsville. Take your pick – you won’t be disappointed.
Cedar Grove Lodge
An eco-friendly cottage resort on beautiful Peninsula Lake, just a short drive from Huntsville, Cedar Grove Lodge offers 19 lakeside cottages along the lake’s picturesque Muskoka shoreline. Many of their log cabins have wood-burning fieldstone fireplaces for that added ambiance.
Packages include three meals per day, which are served in the dining room. Other perks of the resort include free use of their canoes, row boats, paddle boats, windsurfers, and SUPs, free pontoon boat tours, a sandy beach with a water trampoline and aquatic “Jungle Jim,” and close proximity to many local attractions.
Muskoka Guest Nest
Are you looking for a more secluded getaway with the luxury of five-star accommodations? Muskoka Guest Nest might be the perfect location for your next trip! Here you’ll find a spacious queen bedroom with a garden view, an overhead ceiling fan, and a tastefully decorated four-piece ensuite bath.
The beautiful sunken living room with a wood-burning stone fireplace opens onto a delightful garden, stone patio, and the Muskoka River. It has a fully equipped kitchenette with a selection of gourmet teas, coffees, and bottled spring water. Enjoy the relaxing vibe of Muskoka, paddling in the guest canoe, swimming, watching the ducks off the dock, or reading in the hammock.
Morgan House Bed and Breakfast
This historic stone house offers a unique country experience with its surrounding 80 acres of ponds, meadows, and forest. It’s also conveniently located near some of the area’s most popular attractions, like Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area and Deerhurst Highlands Golf Course.
Morgan House Bed and Breakfast has been beautifully restored, and the old-fashioned kitchen provides a hearty home-cooked breakfast in an inviting setting. Take the opportunity to relax by wandering the grounds, exploring the gardens and ponds, or hanging about with a good book.
Deerhurst Resort
With a wide assortment of different accommodations, including cozy hotel-style rooms and multi-room vacation rentals, Deerhurst Resort is a well-known and well-respected destination. First established more than a hundred years ago, this resort, located on Peninsula Lake near Huntsville, has grown into a stunning spot for families, couples, and groups to enjoy. Today, it has a wide variety of activities on-site, like a golf course, spa, and an escape room. In the winter, it offers skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.
The resort is only 10 minutes away from downtown, offering convenience, comfort, and a beautiful place to spend your time. Plus, it’s pet-friendly!
Plan Your Next Weekend Getaway to Huntsville, Ontario
If you’re looking for a beautiful getaway without having to travel too far from the GTA, Huntsville is the perfect destination. Here, you’ll find plenty to see and do, from beautiful restaurants to exciting trails and so much more. It’s the perfect escape for any traveller, regardless of your age or interests.
What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for a fantastic weekend away.
Please comment below if you have any questions or want to gush over your experience of Huntsville’s attractions. We would love to hear from you!
FAQs
Are There Any Local Events and Festivals in Huntsville, Ontario?
Yes! Huntsville hosts several events and festivals throughout the year. In summer, enjoy the Muskoka Sound Music Festival or Huntsville Art Crawl. Autumn brings fall fairs and studio tours, while winter features holiday markets and snow-themed celebrations. Be sure to check the local events calendar before your visit for the most up-to-date listings.
What Are Some Things to Do in Huntsville if You Love the Outdoors?
Nature lovers will find no shortage of activities to enjoy in Huntsville and the surrounding area. You can hike forested trails, paddle through pristine lakes, go biking, fishing, or hang out and have a picnic by the water. During the winter, the area is a great place to go snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. If you love the outdoors, Huntsville should definitely be on your bucket list.
Where Can I Hike in Huntsville With a View?
For breathtaking views, check out trails like the Lions Lookout Trail right in Huntsville or the nearby Lookout Trail in Algonquin Provincial Park. These hikes reward you with beautiful panoramic scenes of the town, forests, and lakes. Don’t forget your camera!
What Are the Best Places to Stay in Huntsville, Ontario, for a Romantic Weekend?
If you’re wondering where to stay in Huntsville, Ontario, for a romantic weekend, you’re in luck. The town offers plenty of charming options, including cozy lakeside cabins, boutique inns tucked into the forest, and upscale resorts like Deerhurst Resort. Many accommodations in the area feature fireplaces, spa services, and beautiful views, all adding to the atmosphere for a relaxing and intimate couples’ getaway.
