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The District Municipality of Muskoka

The name conjures up magical images of lakes, forests, granite cliffs and spectacular shorelines. According to the Algonkin native language, Muskoka is loosely translated as “the land of red earth.” It’s easy to see why. Warm summer sunrises and sunsets bathe the granite rocks of the Canadian shield in a soft red glow and in the autumn, the leaves of the vast hardwood forests turn bright red.

Some of the best places to see wildlife are just off of Muskoka’s two main Highways. The region is home to over 250 species of birds, almost 50 kinds of mammals, 25 types of reptiles and amphibians, dozens of different fish, hundreds of plant varieties and thousands of species of insects. Suggested spots for wildlife viewing are listed below.

Georgian Bay Islands National Park - This unspoiled National Park is home to one of the most unique eco-systems in the Great Lakes. Migratory birds abound and many interpretive wildlife-viewing programs start from the Park Visitors Centre. Beausoliel Island – the largest in the park – is accessible by boat departures three times daily from Honey Harbour. Excellent campsites – either accessible or remote – are available on the Island. Docking facilities are also available.

Algonquin Provincial Park - A world-famous park right on Muskoka’s doorstep. The almost 7,700 square kms park is a vast wilderness with an abundance of northern species like moose, timber wolves and black bear. In the spring, moose are easily seen along Highway 60 and in late August, travellers can join Park Naturalists for wolf-howling outings. Be sure to visit the Visitor’s Centre before venturing out to see the wildlife. Take Highway 60 out of Huntsville and follow the signs.

Torrance Barrens Conservation Reserve - Encompassing 1,990 hectares, the Torrance Barrens is one of the most striking geological areas in Muskoka. Established as the first Dark-Sky Reserve in North America, stargazers have identified the Barrens as an ideal place to view the night sky. A fortunate combination of geography and total absence of light pollution provides a spectacular venue to see far-away galaxies, meteor showers and many constellations. Wetlands and peat-filled hollows, scattered boulders and minimal soil characterize the lunar landscape of the Barrens. The prevalence of bare bedrock resulted from the receding water levels of glacial lakes. The rare Eastern Bluebird and Cooper’s Hawk can be spotted from the Barrens, as can diverse vegetative species. The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, a threatened species, and the Five-lined Skink – Ontario’s only lizard – can also be found here. Take Muskoka Rd. 169 north from Gravenhurst. Turn west on Southwood Road and go 7 kms to the Torrance Barrens sign.

Hardy Lake Provincial Park - This little known, provincial park harbours some unusual and significant wildlife environments, including an Atlantic Coastal Plains zone, a white pine bog, and a stand of white Oak at the northern limit of its range. White-tailed deer are abundant, many species of migrating and nesting songbirds can be seen, and if you tread carefully you may scare up a Five-lined Skink (Ontario’s only lizard) sunning on the rocks. Only day use is permitted. Follow Muskoka Rd 169 from Gravenhurst to 3.5 kms west of the Walker’s Point Road turnoff.On your right is the parking lot and entrance to the park.

H. N. Crossley Nature Reserve - One of the Federation of Ontario Naturalists’ Nature Reserves, this 12-hectare site is a typical sphagnum bog of the Canadian Shield. Pitcher plants, sundew and such uncommon species as pink grass and white-fringed orchid are found there. Abandoned beaver meadows no longer host their creators, but provide suitable habitat for such other animals as moose. Getting there means a trip south of the village of Rosseau, along Hwy 632 for about 6 kms. Turn east at Burgess Road and take this for another 3 kms to a sign marking the reserve entrance.

Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary - Aspen Valley is a 120-hectare wildlife care facility, which treats injured wildlife, and whenever possible, returns them to their natural habitat. Black bears, timber wolves,porcupines, hawks, owls and many other animals from all over Muskoka receive care here. Visitors can see the animals up close and learn of the rehabilitation work being done there. Aspen Valley is open Wednesdays and Sunday afternoons, 1-4 p.m., from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving. Located just outside the town of Rosseau on Muskoka Rd. 3.

J. P. Mcvittie Nature Reserve - A newly created nature reserve located in the centre of Eilean Gowan Island on Lake Muskoka. Beg, borrow or rent a boat and launch off from Boyer’s Beach, at the end of Boyer’s Beach Road off Muskoka Road 118, west of Bracebridge. Go south to the inlet between Eilean Gowan Island and Browning Island, and dock at the municipal park. Hike in from here. You’ll find an impressive array of large trees, including a mature stand of eastern hemlock. The island has not been logged in some time and is considered to be a prime example of a Muskoka upland forest. White-tailed deer call the island home, as do many smaller mammals and a good variety of nesting songbirds.

Eleanor Island - This small island set off by itself in the southern portion of Lake Muskoka is alive with birds. Herring gulls and great blue herons nest there in droves and have painted the island white with their droppings. Designated a national wildlife area, it is administered by the Canadian Wildlife Service and the Ministry of Natural Resources. From a boat you can have a great view, as landing on the Island is strictly prohibited.

Bracebridge Resource Management Centre - One of the best wildlife viewing locations in south Muskoka. Deer, moose and even black bear have been seen in the area. Throughout spring and summer the woods echo with the flute-like notes of the Swainson’s thrush and the cascading songs of the winter wren. Brilliant coloured scarlet tanager is often seen there. The Ministry of Natural Resources manages the 607-hectare site. Take Hwy 11 north of Bracebridge and continue 2.4 kms past the MNR Bracebridge office to the marker on the east side of the Highway.

Arrowhead Provincial Park - Classified as a Natural Environment Park, you’ll find Arrowhead just off Highway 11, north of Huntsville. Songbirds are in abundance here during migration, and redstarts, blackburnian warblers and chestnut-sided warblers are just a few of the many species that stay to breed. Smaller mammals are also in evidence, including river otter.

Leslie M. Frost Natural Resource Centre - Learn about wildlife at the Frost Centre by participating in summer programs, special camps and workshops including Discovery Days, the Stewardship Series, WILD Weekend, Eco-computer Camp and much more. You can also explore the trails and classroom displays.

Arrowhead Provincial Park: Arrowhead Lake, 5 km north of Huntsville on Hwy. 11. Bala Park Beach: Along Muskoka Rd. 169, west of Gravenhurst. Baycliffe Park: Milford Bay, Musk. Rd. 118 W. Boyer’s Beach: Lake Muskoka, Golden Beach Road off Muskoka Rd. 118 W. Camp Kitchen Beach: Follow signs for Muskoka Heritage Place in Huntsville, turn left onto Camp Kitchen Rd. Follow river down to beach. Dwight Beach: Lake of Bays, off Hwy 60 at Dwight. Echo Beach: Three Mile Lake, off Hwy 141 near Raymond. Georgian Bay Island National Park: Beausoleil Is. 17 km north of Port Severn near Honey Harbour. Boat access from Honey Harbour. Gull Lake Park: off Bethune Drive in Gravenhurst.

Hanna Park: Off Bailey Street in Port Carling. Hutcheson Beach: Lake Vernon, off Ravenscliff Road in Huntsville. Jaspen Park: Moon River, off District Road 38 in Bala. Lake of Bays Park: Lake of Bays, South Portage Rd. MacTier Beach: Stewart Lake, east of town centre located on Stewart St. Muskoka Bay Park: Muskoka Bay, Musk. Rd. 169, west of Gravenhurst. Prospect Lake Beach: Hwy 118 East to Prospect Lake Rd., approx. 16 km to lake. Rosseau Beach: Lake Rosseau, in the Village of Rosseau. Six Mile Lake Provincial Park: 17 km north of Port Severn off Highway 400. Tally Bay Beach: Peninsula Lake, off Highway 60 at Hillside.

Port Sydney Beach: Mary Lake, in the Village of Port Sydney. Willow Beach: Lake Muskoka, off Musk. Rd. 118 W. Windsor Park: Bala, off Musk. Rd. 169.

No vacation is complete without sampling the local fare, and Muskoka offers a full range of excellent restaurants to match everyone’s palate and budget. Our many resorts and restaurants employ some of the finest chefs in Canada, many have won Canadian and International awards for their fine culinary expertise. Many specialty dishes and desserts include locally-sourced ingredients such as maple syrup, cranberries, spices, fish and local game. Try Muskoka Cream Ale, some cranberry wine or the best Chelsea buns on the planet. You’ll find the hospitality friendly, and the food delicious. Meet your hosts, they’ll be more than willing to look after all your needs as well as recommend things to see and do. You’ll feel like part of the Muskoka family in no time at all.

Getting to our restaurants can be as enjoyable as the food itself. It is quite common to arrive by boat, sea-doo, canoe, bike, ski, snowmobile, snowshoe, horse and – of course – by the family car. With so many restaurants located right on the water or snowmobile trails, going out for a snack becomes a vacation memory of its own. Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two, a family meal, or a special party.