Canada - Muskoka (Cottage Country)

Muskoka - Bracebridge

Bracebridge is a small town of 16,000 people and is the second largest town in the Muskokas. It is known as the Heart of Muskoka because it is in the centre of the area. The best place to visit in Bracebridge is the large bridge the town is named after or, more accurately, the waterfall beneath the bridge. There is a walkway next to the falls where you can feel the mist as it comes off the water. This walkway is also a part of the Heritage trail that goes through the centre of town. It is marked with plaques decribing the history of the area and is a very interesting hike and read.

There's not much to do in Bracebridge unless you came to swim. Which you probably did. So I'll let you in on the best swimming spots!

Swimming in Bracebridge

In the actual town the best place to swim is at the falls in the Muskoka River. There's a wharf with a jumping board and even a small beach. It's a lovely place to swim and many locals gather there in the summer. On the side with the dock, there is also a playground so the area is perfect for taking children. Just be careful if you try to swim from one side of the river to the other here because the waterfall causes some pretty strong undertows that can pull an inexperienced swimmer under the water or further down the river. Always put children in lifejackets if you're going to let them swim here.

In July, the Canada Day celebrations also occur at this wharf and they are quite a sight. I recommend attending the fireworks if you're going to be around on July 1st. Entry is by donation with a recomendation of $10 donation per family (as of 2014). Just make sure you get there early and bring a blanket or chairs to sit on as the place really fills up and there are only a few picnic tables avilable.

There is also a great little beach called Boyer's Bay on the outskirts of town. There is a parking lot across the street and a good mix of sandy beach and grass area. There is plenty of shade and a small dock. The great thing about this beach is that it is very shallow even out to the bouoys. This makes it ideal for taking smaller children and the shallow water means that it is one of the first beaches to warm up in the summer.

Swimming just outside of Bracebridge

There is another great beach just outside of Bracebridge in the municipality of Milford's Bay. It has plenty of space, two floating docks (one in the shallow area and one in the deep area), and a large, long dock for fishing/boating. It's one of the best places for swimming and has room to do a little bit of everything. There is also an ice cream truck that frequents the beach in the summer time.

Swimming in Port Carling

One of my favourite beaches is at Hanna's park in Port Carling. It's a small beach but it has a dock with jumping boards of varying heights which can be lots of fun. But the best part about this beach is the park that's right beside it which includes a massive play structure. It has rope bridges, it has monkey bars, it has climbing walls, it has metal "microphones" that let you talk to people listening in different parts of the structure. It's a child's dream and is big enough for those who are children at heart to join the little ones in the fun. Definitely check it out if you want to keep the kid's busy for a loooong time.

Muskoka - Gravenhurst

Gravenhurst is a beautiful area and I highly recommend visiting it. The town is small but there is so much nature to be explored. Many hiking trails are available and it's right on Lake Muskoka. These photos were taken from my grandmother's cottage on Lake Muskoka.

These photos were taken on one of the many hiking trails in Gravenhurst.

Near Muskoka - Killbear Provincial Park

Killbear is the most beautiful park on Georgian Bay. I've been visiting Killbear since I was born, at least once or twice a year. Killbear is well known for its black bears and rattlesnakes. It is a conservation area and all of the animals are protected by the government. The eastern massasauga rattlesnakes are a threatened species that are protected and researched in Killbear. You may be lucky enough to see one if you visit but they mostly keep to themselves.

Killbear park is right on Georgian Bay and has many great beaches to choose from. This picture is right beside my favourite beach. These rocks are great for hiking and house many frogs and tadpoles. It's a wonderful spot for fishing and the beach to the left (light house point) leads to a great spot for cliff jumping.

Killbear has a bunch of campgrounds with different styles of campsites to choose from. Some have electricity and some are even right across from the beach (although those site cost more). The prices to stay in Killbear are very reasonable, too.

The sunsets are gorgeous so make sure you stay up to watch them. The water is usually cold earlier in the season but gets warm closer to August. Swimming, boating, kayaking, wind-sailing, and canoeing are just some of the many activities to do on the water. Killbear has a bunch of great hiking trails as well including a combined biking/hiking trail that goes all the way through the park.

There is a small convenience shop just outisde of the park where you can buy gas (though it's a lot more exensive), firewood, fishing supplies, treats, ice cream, and more. My favourite things to do at Killbear are swim, cliff jump, make s'mores and nachos on the fire, hike, and watch the sunset. If you're going to visit, be prepared for bugs. They are everywhere, especially at night so bring lots of bug repellant and/or bug nets.

There is also a visitor's centre that is a must-see for all new campers. It gives information on the history of the area, the animals you could find, and has a great little exploration area for kids. The campground hosts events throughout the summer such as learning programs for kids and guided hikes. Definitely a good idea to check them out if there are any running while you're visiting.

I hope this post inspires you to visit Muskoka. It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.

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