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Huntsville is the largest town in northern Muskoka, set among lakes connected by the Muskoka River on the edge of the Canadian Shield. It grew as a lumber and tannery town in the late nineteenth century and is now a year-round hub for cottagers and a gateway to Algonquin Provincial Park. Its downtown sits on a bend of the river, framed by forested hills.
Lions Lookout, on the edge of town, gives a classic view over the river, downtown, and Fairy Lake. Throughout the center, the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery displays large mural reproductions of works by the famous painters on building walls. Main Street and Hunters Bay are good for strolling, shopping, and a riverside trail, while the Algonquin Theatre and Town Hall host performances. Muskoka Heritage Place recreates a pioneer village and runs a short steam train. Just north, Arrowhead Provincial Park offers hiking, swimming, and a winter skating trail through the woods, and the Limberlost Trails wind through a private forest reserve. Algonquin Provincial Park's west gate lies a short drive east along Highway 60. Treetop Trekking offers zip lines and aerial courses, and Port Sydney Beach is a popular summer swimming spot.
Huntsville suits families and outdoor enthusiasts. Summer and autumn are busiest, with fall colors drawing many visitors on their way to Algonquin.
WiserMap travel guideHuntsville Ontario Muskoka Lakes and Algonquin Park AccessPlan a trip to Huntsville, Ontario: Lions Lookout, the Group of Seven murals, Arrowhead Provincial Park, Algonquin Park access and lakes in Muskoka.Read the guide
A short drive or walk up from downtown, Lions Lookout gives a wide view over the town, the Muskoka River, Fairy Lake and the hills beyond. It is especially beautiful during autumn colours in late September and early October. There is a small parking area and benches at the top.
Around downtown Huntsville, dozens of large murals reproduce paintings by the Group of Seven and Tom Thomson, many showing landscapes of nearby Algonquin and Muskoka. Pick up a walking map in town and spot them on building walls. The route is free and easy to follow in an hour or two.
The Algonquin Theatre on Main Street is Huntsville's performing arts centre, hosting concerts, plays, films and festival events in a building shared with the Town Hall. A Tom Thomson statue stands nearby. Check the schedule online, as shows are often busiest in summer and around the holidays.
Huntsville's Main Street crosses the Muskoka River and is lined with shops, cafes and restaurants. From the town docks, the Hunters Bay Trail runs along the water and through forest on the edge of downtown. Summer evenings are lively, and boats tie up along the river.
This heritage site has a pioneer village with costumed interpreters, a museum of regional history and the Portage Flyer, a restored steam train that once linked two lakes on the shortest commercial railway in the world. Summer is the best time, when the train runs and buildings are open.
On the Muskoka River between Fairy Lake and Lake Vernon, the Brunel Locks let boats pass between the lakes. A small park beside the lock has picnic tables and lawns where you can watch boats move through in summer. It is a peaceful spot a few minutes from downtown.
The Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve, east of Huntsville, has more than 70 kilometres of trails through hardwood forest, around lakes and to lookouts over wetlands with beaver ponds. It is privately owned and open to hikers for free. Bring a map, as the trail network is extensive.
In the village of Port Sydney on Mary Lake, south of Huntsville, this sandy public beach has calm water, a dock, picnic areas and a playground. It is popular with families in summer. Arrive early on hot weekends, as parking near the beach is limited.
This aerial adventure park has ziplines, rope bridges and obstacle courses at different heights in the forest, including a zipline over a small lake. There are courses for children and adults. Book a time slot in advance in summer, and wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes.
A small family ski hill just outside Huntsville, with runs for beginners and intermediate skiers, lessons and rentals. It is a good place to learn without big crowds. In winter, the area around Peninsula Lake also has cross-country and snowshoe trails nearby.
Deerhurst Resort on Peninsula Lake is a historic Muskoka resort dating from 1896 and site of the 2010 G8 summit. It offers golf, beaches, water sports, spa services and entertainment, and many activities are open to non-guests. Book activities ahead in the summer high season.
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