Casa Nostra Guidebook

Michelle
Casa Nostra Guidebook

City/town information

About a 40 minute drive away! Long known as “Muskoka’s Downtown”, Downtown Bracebridge is located just steps away from the natural beauty of the Bracebridge Falls. A stroll along our streets and alleyways will lighten your spirit and tempt your taste buds. Visit. Parks, trails, beaches and more - Bracebridge has everything you need!
132 locals recommend
Bracebridge
132 locals recommend
About a 40 minute drive away! Long known as “Muskoka’s Downtown”, Downtown Bracebridge is located just steps away from the natural beauty of the Bracebridge Falls. A stroll along our streets and alleyways will lighten your spirit and tempt your taste buds. Visit. Parks, trails, beaches and more - Bracebridge has everything you need!
About a 25 minute drive away! During the summer Gravenhurst comes alive with colourful hanging flowers! But it’s always a great idea to spend some time wandering downtown. Gravenhurst’s downtown can be found along Muskoka Road South, between Phillip Street and Brown Street. Along this stretch you’ll find all the best that Ontario small towns have to offer, historic buildings, quaint cafes, and cute shops. All of which Gravenhurst has plenty of. Many of the restaurants in Gravenhurst can be found along this stretch, along with a few cute cafes. And you’ll find ample parking along the main street, but there is a three-hour limit. If you’re looking for cute cottage country shops to browse or pick up a souvenir or two then you’re in luck!
97 locals recommend
Gravenhurst
97 locals recommend
About a 25 minute drive away! During the summer Gravenhurst comes alive with colourful hanging flowers! But it’s always a great idea to spend some time wandering downtown. Gravenhurst’s downtown can be found along Muskoka Road South, between Phillip Street and Brown Street. Along this stretch you’ll find all the best that Ontario small towns have to offer, historic buildings, quaint cafes, and cute shops. All of which Gravenhurst has plenty of. Many of the restaurants in Gravenhurst can be found along this stretch, along with a few cute cafes. And you’ll find ample parking along the main street, but there is a three-hour limit. If you’re looking for cute cottage country shops to browse or pick up a souvenir or two then you’re in luck!
About 20 minute drive away Located on the Indian River, between Lake Muskoka and Rosseau, downtown Port Carling is known as the “Hub of the Lakes” and is filled with opportunities to shop, dine and explore. Browse multiple unique shopping experiences, featuring clothing, art and cottage décor. Enjoy cocktails or a bite to eat with friends overlooking the Indian River. Cruise the lakes in a wooden antique boat. Explore the local heritage at the Muskoka Lakes Museum that includes an original settler’s log home. See “The Wall”, a photo mosaic produced with thousands of individual pictures that create the image of the RMS Sagamo passing through the Port Carling locks. Add downtown Port Carling to the bucket list and you will see why it is one of Muskoka’s top spots.
126 locals recommend
Port Carling
126 locals recommend
About 20 minute drive away Located on the Indian River, between Lake Muskoka and Rosseau, downtown Port Carling is known as the “Hub of the Lakes” and is filled with opportunities to shop, dine and explore. Browse multiple unique shopping experiences, featuring clothing, art and cottage décor. Enjoy cocktails or a bite to eat with friends overlooking the Indian River. Cruise the lakes in a wooden antique boat. Explore the local heritage at the Muskoka Lakes Museum that includes an original settler’s log home. See “The Wall”, a photo mosaic produced with thousands of individual pictures that create the image of the RMS Sagamo passing through the Port Carling locks. Add downtown Port Carling to the bucket list and you will see why it is one of Muskoka’s top spots.

Sightseeing

Located about a 10 minute drive away! In the winter this place is great skating, snowshoeing, playing bog hockey and sipping on some hot milled wine and cider! In the Spring it's great for some maple syrup, hiking, seeing wildlife. In the summer is great for touring blueberry hill and seeing cranberry blossums. In the fall it's great to see the harvest, take a wagon tour, enjoy the colourful trails and to of course enjoy the Cranberry Festival.
110 locals recommend
Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery
1074 Cranberry Rd
110 locals recommend
Located about a 10 minute drive away! In the winter this place is great skating, snowshoeing, playing bog hockey and sipping on some hot milled wine and cider! In the Spring it's great for some maple syrup, hiking, seeing wildlife. In the summer is great for touring blueberry hill and seeing cranberry blossums. In the fall it's great to see the harvest, take a wagon tour, enjoy the colourful trails and to of course enjoy the Cranberry Festival.
The falls occur because the water from Bala Bay on Lake Muskoka is draining into Moon River. Located right in the heart of Bala!
25 locals recommend
Bala Falls
25 locals recommend
The falls occur because the water from Bala Bay on Lake Muskoka is draining into Moon River. Located right in the heart of Bala!
Located in Torrance ON just off Hwy 169, which is about a 10 minute drive away! Hardy Lake Provincial Park is a great place to stop and explore one of the 3 trails to explore. There is a lovely 3km trail that traverses rocky outcrops, natural shoreline and forested areas. This trail is of moderate difficulty with some steep ascents and declines. The 8km trail circles the lake with wonderful views of untouched shoreline. This is considered a 'wilderness' trail and can be challenging for novice users! The trail travels over shoreline, wetlands and forested areas and requires some moderate navigation skills. The trail requires at least 2-3 hours to complete. A 7km trail on the South East side of the park traverses through forest and over wetlands to the shore of Lake Muskoka providing splendid views of one of the 'big lakes'. This trail is also challenging, and users should be prepared to navigate thick bush.
76 locals recommend
Hardy Lake Provincial Park
Highway 169
76 locals recommend
Located in Torrance ON just off Hwy 169, which is about a 10 minute drive away! Hardy Lake Provincial Park is a great place to stop and explore one of the 3 trails to explore. There is a lovely 3km trail that traverses rocky outcrops, natural shoreline and forested areas. This trail is of moderate difficulty with some steep ascents and declines. The 8km trail circles the lake with wonderful views of untouched shoreline. This is considered a 'wilderness' trail and can be challenging for novice users! The trail travels over shoreline, wetlands and forested areas and requires some moderate navigation skills. The trail requires at least 2-3 hours to complete. A 7km trail on the South East side of the park traverses through forest and over wetlands to the shore of Lake Muskoka providing splendid views of one of the 'big lakes'. This trail is also challenging, and users should be prepared to navigate thick bush.
Located about a 25 minute drive away! Great Place to Spot The Gravenhurst Lighthouse!
Lighthouse Narrows
Located about a 25 minute drive away! Great Place to Spot The Gravenhurst Lighthouse!
About a 5 minute drive away, "The museum was formerly a boarding house operated by Fanny Pike at the beginnings of the 1900s and now houses artifacts from the Muskoka region from its founding by Thomas Burgess as well as those pertaining to Lucy Maud Montgomery, the author of the Anne of Green Gables series and The Blue Castle. It is the only museum of its kind outside of Prince Edward Island to do so. It sees visitors from around the world regularly, especially for the annual Anne of Green Gables Day, with re-enactments of Montgomery's two-week visit to the region in 1922." (wikipedia.com)
7 locals recommend
Bala's Museum
1024 Maple Ave
7 locals recommend
About a 5 minute drive away, "The museum was formerly a boarding house operated by Fanny Pike at the beginnings of the 1900s and now houses artifacts from the Muskoka region from its founding by Thomas Burgess as well as those pertaining to Lucy Maud Montgomery, the author of the Anne of Green Gables series and The Blue Castle. It is the only museum of its kind outside of Prince Edward Island to do so. It sees visitors from around the world regularly, especially for the annual Anne of Green Gables Day, with re-enactments of Montgomery's two-week visit to the region in 1922." (wikipedia.com)
Great place to walk along the boardwalk, see some shops and even take a nice little lake cruise with Muskoka Steamships!
58 locals recommend
Gravenhurst Muskoka Wharf
Bay Street
58 locals recommend
Great place to walk along the boardwalk, see some shops and even take a nice little lake cruise with Muskoka Steamships!
Located near Huntsville ON, which is about an hour drive away! Sugarbush is the largest sugarhouse open to the public year-round in The District Of Muskoka. They offer maple syrup tasting and tours between the months of May and October!
39 locals recommend
Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm
2389 Muskoka District Road 10
39 locals recommend
Located near Huntsville ON, which is about an hour drive away! Sugarbush is the largest sugarhouse open to the public year-round in The District Of Muskoka. They offer maple syrup tasting and tours between the months of May and October!
Located on Lake Muskoka, The key is a great place to get some drinks and have fun with some live music
95 locals recommend
The KEE to Bala
1012 Bala Falls Rd
95 locals recommend
Located on Lake Muskoka, The key is a great place to get some drinks and have fun with some live music

Food scene

Best Ice Cream place in Muskoka! Coca-Cola themed with wonderful old vintage soda shop vibes! Located right in the heart of bala and about a 5 minute drive away! Usually only open in the summer!
15 locals recommend
Ice Dreams Soda Shop
3131 Muskoka District Road 169
15 locals recommend
Best Ice Cream place in Muskoka! Coca-Cola themed with wonderful old vintage soda shop vibes! Located right in the heart of bala and about a 5 minute drive away! Usually only open in the summer!
Located right in the heart of bala this place has great baked goods! Usually Only open in the summer!
48 locals recommend
Don's Bakery
3119 Muskoka District Road 169
48 locals recommend
Located right in the heart of bala this place has great baked goods! Usually Only open in the summer!
About a 5 minute drive away! Great restaurant on the Bala Bay! Lovely outdoor patio right on the water!
11 locals recommend
Lakeside Bala Limited
3068 Muskoka District Road 169
11 locals recommend
About a 5 minute drive away! Great restaurant on the Bala Bay! Lovely outdoor patio right on the water!
Located about a 5 minute drive away! They have a wonderful outdoor patio right on the lake! Open year-round!
28 locals recommend
Bala Falls Pub
1010 Bala Falls Rd
28 locals recommend
Located about a 5 minute drive away! They have a wonderful outdoor patio right on the lake! Open year-round!
Located about a 20 minute drive away! Right on Lake Rosseau with a lovely patio on the water! Next to some lovely shops, great to have a nice meal and some good shopping! Although this lovely restaurant is only open during the summer :(
66 locals recommend
Turtle Jack's Port Carling
123 Medora St
66 locals recommend
Located about a 20 minute drive away! Right on Lake Rosseau with a lovely patio on the water! Next to some lovely shops, great to have a nice meal and some good shopping! Although this lovely restaurant is only open during the summer :(
This great firefighter themed breakfast place is located only about a 5 minute drive away in the heart of Bala.
10 locals recommend
The Hook & Ladder
3119 Muskoka District Road 169
10 locals recommend
This great firefighter themed breakfast place is located only about a 5 minute drive away in the heart of Bala.

Activities

Located about a 45 minute drive away! 60 acres of family fun! It is said to be like Christmas in the summer. Includes Opportunities to meet Santa and his elves and make sure you get a chance to try out all the rides! It actually happens to be located half-way between the equator and the North Pole, on the 45th parallel.
184 locals recommend
Santa's Village: Muskoka's Theme Park
1624 Golden Beach Road
184 locals recommend
Located about a 45 minute drive away! 60 acres of family fun! It is said to be like Christmas in the summer. Includes Opportunities to meet Santa and his elves and make sure you get a chance to try out all the rides! It actually happens to be located half-way between the equator and the North Pole, on the 45th parallel.
Located about a 30 minute drive away in the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa. Great place to relax and unwind
Spa Rosseau
1050 Paignton House Rd
Located about a 30 minute drive away in the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa. Great place to relax and unwind
Only about a 35 minute drive away! Established in 1919 Windermere Golf and Country club is a great place for a getaway! Located on Lake Rosseau, the property is surrounded by amazing views of Muskoka. The golf course has a 18 championship layout!
12 locals recommend
Windermere Golf & Country Club
1012 Golf Ave
12 locals recommend
Only about a 35 minute drive away! Established in 1919 Windermere Golf and Country club is a great place for a getaway! Located on Lake Rosseau, the property is surrounded by amazing views of Muskoka. The golf course has a 18 championship layout!
Only Around 40 minutes away, Mount St. Louis is a great place to do some skiing/snowboarding!
174 locals recommend
Mount St. Louis Moonstone
24 Mt St Louis Rd W
174 locals recommend
Only Around 40 minutes away, Mount St. Louis is a great place to do some skiing/snowboarding!
Located in Bracebridge about a 35 minute drive away! This movie theatre usually as 3 movies on a time Cash only, for your convenience the Theatre has an ATM! Box Office opens 45 Minutes prior to show time.
25 locals recommend
Norwood Theatre
106 Manitoba St
25 locals recommend
Located in Bracebridge about a 35 minute drive away! This movie theatre usually as 3 movies on a time Cash only, for your convenience the Theatre has an ATM! Box Office opens 45 Minutes prior to show time.
Great Outlet mall located in Cookstown which is a little over an hour drive away!
102 locals recommend
Tanger Outlets Cookstown
3311 Simcoe 89
102 locals recommend
Great Outlet mall located in Cookstown which is a little over an hour drive away!
JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa is on the shore of Lake Rosseau in Muskoka about a 30 minute drive away! Guest can enjoy spectacular views, spacious accommodations, several award winning restaurants, a luxury spa, and world-class Golf! They offer lots of different activities during the year, things like snowshoeing and sledding during the winter and waterskiing and wake boarding during the summer!
21 locals recommend
JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa
1050 Paignton House Rd
21 locals recommend
JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa is on the shore of Lake Rosseau in Muskoka about a 30 minute drive away! Guest can enjoy spectacular views, spacious accommodations, several award winning restaurants, a luxury spa, and world-class Golf! They offer lots of different activities during the year, things like snowshoeing and sledding during the winter and waterskiing and wake boarding during the summer!
The Rock is a world-class golf facility designed by legendary golfer Nick Faldo. Sculpted on the shores of Lake Rosseau in picturesque Muskoka, The Rock is one of Canada’s most beautiful courses. Using the site’s natural, dynamic topography, the course will challenge golfers over 18 holes across 6,649 yards. Get ready to challenge your game with the narrow, tree-lined fairways, sloping greens, rock outcroppings, hardwood trees, and rolling hills.
12 locals recommend
The Rock
1185 Juddhaven Rd
12 locals recommend
The Rock is a world-class golf facility designed by legendary golfer Nick Faldo. Sculpted on the shores of Lake Rosseau in picturesque Muskoka, The Rock is one of Canada’s most beautiful courses. Using the site’s natural, dynamic topography, the course will challenge golfers over 18 holes across 6,649 yards. Get ready to challenge your game with the narrow, tree-lined fairways, sloping greens, rock outcroppings, hardwood trees, and rolling hills.
As soon as you arrive at the first tee at Taboo, you understand what makes this golf course a Top 100 Course in Canada. The rugged and vibrant Canadian Shield landscape is a big part of what makes golf here truly special, including graceful white pines, mature red oaks and bold and pink granite outcroppings. The 18-hole Taboo Resort Golf & Spa in Gravenhurst, ON is a resort golf course. Taboo Resort Golf & Spa measures 7340 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 145 and a 75.1 USGA rating. The course features 4 sets of tees for different skill levels.
30 locals recommend
Taboo Muskoka Resort & Golf
1209 Muskoka Beach Rd
30 locals recommend
As soon as you arrive at the first tee at Taboo, you understand what makes this golf course a Top 100 Course in Canada. The rugged and vibrant Canadian Shield landscape is a big part of what makes golf here truly special, including graceful white pines, mature red oaks and bold and pink granite outcroppings. The 18-hole Taboo Resort Golf & Spa in Gravenhurst, ON is a resort golf course. Taboo Resort Golf & Spa measures 7340 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 145 and a 75.1 USGA rating. The course features 4 sets of tees for different skill levels.