The Muskoka region has often been described as one of the most scenic areas of Ontario, with picturesque villages, rolling hills and thousands of kilometers of shoreline. Located just north of Toronto, many city dwellers escape the rush of the surrounding cities and head to this tranquil serenity.
The region was originally settled by the Ojibwa tribe as they founded the land for its abundance of fishing, hunting and trapping with the many lakes and forested areas. As the European settlers began to move in, farming land began to develop and the lumber industry took off. The Europeans also created a demand for transportation through the lake system. This brought forth the steamship era, in which lock systems were installed to create an adjoining routes throughout the lakes. Currently there are still remnants of this era as steamships provide tours.
Now the Muskoka region has developed as a resort destination, with many celebrities and professional athletes building large mansion like summer getaways. Most of these expensive properties can be found along the shores of the region’s three largest lakes: Lake Joseph, Lake Muskoka, and Lake Rosseau. The area is also home to an abundance of summer camps, taking advantage of the thousands of lakes and wooded land. The native roots are still widely recognized in the region as many art studios have focused their attention on native arts and crafts. Small towns such as Huntsville and Bracebridge offer a variety of shops and restaurants, situated along the shorelines of some of the most beautiful lakes in the country.
Most recently, the region was recognized on an international stage, hosting the G8 summit in 2010 and in 2011, National Geographic Traveler voted the region as the #1 on their list of ‘10 Best Trips’. Make sure to come and experience the beauty of the region that so many others have witnessed!