Huntsville, Ontario is the largest of the 3 main Muskoka towns, the others being Bracebridge and Gravenhurst. Huntsville is popular with cottage vacationers on Lake of Bays, Mary Lake, Fairy Lake, Lake Vernon and Peninsula Lake. Easily accessible by plane, car or bus from the city of Toronto. Most travelers arrive via Hwy 400 northbound to Hwy 11. Huntsville is known for its rich history and culture. The Huntsville Art Society is a hub of local artists that offers workshops, exhibitions, and events throughout the year. The town is also home to several festivals, including the Huntsville Festival of the Arts and the Muskoka Chautauqua. Live music is held at Rivermill Park by the water where you can dine on the patios at The Little Place By Lights or The Pub On the Docks to enjoy a meal with a show.
Huntsville is the gateway to Algonquin Park, a large provincial park that is home to several stunning lakes. As the most northern of the 3 main Muskoka towns, it serves as a hub for the region. Many cottagers who live or vacation on one of the many beautiful nearby lakes come to Huntsville to eat at restaurants and buy groceries and supplies. These lakes offer visitors an opportunity to travel by boat through a 3-chain lake system so you can fish on Fairy Lake, swim in Peninsula Lake and water-ski on Lake Vernon all in one trip. A local secret is “beaching” your boat at the mouth of the Big East River on Lake Vernon and having a picnic lunch. Nearby you can find Hutcheson Beach with a park perfect for little ones. If you need to rent a boat, Huntsville Marina is conveniently located on Peninsula Lake, close to town center or non-motorized activities like paddle boards, canoes or kayaks can be borrowed from Algonquin Outfitters right on the river. A beautiful walk any time of year is the Hunters Bay trail, with boardwalks along the water which can take you from Peninsula Lake to Lake Vernon, perfect for sunsets or fall colours.
