The Best Muskoka Summer Activities and Events

It's time for sun, fun, and beautiful views! How do you spend a day in Muskoka? How do you narrow it down? Muskoka is bursting with enticing summer recreational options  – festivals, farmer's markets, water sports, dining, breweries, golf, and other opportunities to get out and explore the outdoors or just relax on the water abound.

Do your summer plans include a few weeks or months in Muskoka? You’ll find plenty of things to do in the popular vacation district, including these activities and events.

Things To Do In Muskoka

Festivals and Events

• SWS Water Ski Shows
• Canada Day Celebration and Fireworks
• Muskoka Pioneer Power Show
• Muskoka Arts & Crafts Summer Show
• Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival

Places to Visit

• Muskoka Brewery
• Muskoka Farmers Markets
• Golfing In Muskoka
• The Kee to Bala
• Waterfalls In Muskoka
• Georgian Bay Islands
• Go For A Cruise On An ATV
• Sunset Cruises

SWS Water Ski Shows

When? Every Tuesday June-September

Where? Windsor Park in Bala

Held every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., the SWS Water Ski Show showcases the athletic ability and showmanship of an elite group of water skiers. As you watch their amazing feats, you’ll probably be tempted to try a few of their moves the next time you’re on the water. If you’re a water ski novice, SWS offers private water ski and wakeboard lessons that will help you perfect your skills.

Canada Day Celebration and Fireworks

When? July 1

Where? Birds Mill Mew and Bracebridge Bay, Bracebridge

Celebrate Canada’s Birthday with a day of fun at Bracebridge’s Canada Day Celebration. The celebration starts at 4 p.m. with activities, live music, and kids’ activities in Birds Mill Mew. At 5, the action moves to Bracebridge Bay for the Duck Derby, Beer Garden, and Floaty Race. When the sun goes down, the sky lights up with an amazing laser and fireworks show.

Muskoka Pioneer Power Show

When? July 7, 8, & 9

Where? J.D. Lang Activity Park, Bracebridge

There’s no better way to celebrate the brave Canadians who settled the Muskoka area than with a visit to the Muskoka Pioneer Power Show. In addition to classic and antique vehicles on display, the show features sawmill demonstrations, antique tractor pulls, engine displays, heritage display rooms, the Mowry shingle mill, and a grand parade.

Muskoka Arts & Crafts Summer Show

When? July 19 – 21

Where? Annie Williams Park, Bracebridge

The Muskoka Arts & Crafts Summer Show is the ideal place to find one-of-a-kind artwork and interesting accessories for your vacation cabin or your Markham home. The three-day outdoor show features the work of more than 200 artisans, in addition to food vendors and live music.

Tall Pines Music and Arts Festival

When? July 19 & 20

Where? Annie Williams Park, Bracebridge

Muskoka Brewery

If you’ve had a long day and want to sit back and enjoy a nice cold brew, Muskoka Brewery is the perfect spot. Muskoka Brewery, located in Bracebridge, handcrafts premium beers that are as distinct and refreshing as the location they come from.

Muskoka Farmers' Markets

Fresh, nourishing produce, support for local farmers, and unparalleled ambiance. Farmers' Markets are one of our favourite Muskoka attractions in summer. With several places to choose from and daily markets available, take a glimpse into your rich options for Muskoka Farmers' Market.

Rosseau Farmers' Market

One of our favourite options is the Rosseau Farmers' Market on Fridays. Every Friday from 9am - 2pm hosted down by the Waterfront Park starting the last Friday in June up till the third Friday of September. They have a huge selection of vendors to fulfill all of your needs. They carefully analyse each vendor before selecting them to offer their goods and services to you. Come for lunch, to have a look around, to shop, and to take in the fantastic live music. Arrive by sea in your boat or float plane due to this convenient location on the lake. If you're in town, hop on the shuttle service that travels straight to the market.

The Bracebridge Farmers' Market

From the Victoria Day long weekend in May through the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday, the Bracebridge Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Bracebridge Farmers' Market in lovely downtown Bracebridge offers produce galore and plenty of other artisan-made treasures. The Farmers Market is located next to the Norwood Theatre in Memorial Park on Manitoba Street.

Golf Courses in Muskoka

Muskoka is known as one of the best golf destinations in Canada. Your Muskoka summer activity bingo card must include playing a few holes. Muskoka golf has something for everyone, from picture-perfect 9-hole courses to challenging 18-hole courses practically carved out of the Canadian Shield.

Lake Joseph Golf Club

Hit the links with beautiful views of Cox Bay, Lake Joseph Golf Club.  This course was rated the greatest new course in the country by Golf Digest after architect Thomas McBroom successfully exploited the granite crags, towering trees, and heaving topography of the magnificent Muskoka region.

You do need a membership to enjoy this course, however the membership allows you access to every course in the Clublink Family.

Some other excellent golf courses to consider in Muskoka:

• The Rock Golf Club
• North Granite Ridge Golf Course
• Rocky Crest Golf Course
• Muskoka Highlands Golf Links
• Bigwin Island Golf Club
• Taboo Golf Course

The Kee - A Muskoka Summer Tradition

One of the longest standing traditions - The Kee to Bala since 1942 - in the Muskoka region, is the summer concerts. They host some of the top performing artists and throw quite the party. 

Enjoy Some of Muskoka’s Wonderful Waterfalls

The Muskoka region features over a dozen breathtaking hiking and waterfalls to explore. There are several different options to enjoy a nice tranquil option or the more popular locations. Here is a short list of some of the waterfalls to discover when you are in Muskoka.

• Bracebridge Falls
• High Falls
• Bala Falls
• Wilsons Falls
• Minnehaha Falls on Skeleton

Explore The Boat Only Accessible National Park – Georgian Bay Islands

The best way to see the famed 30,000 islands — the world's biggest freshwater archipelago — is to visit Georgian Bay Islands National Park. Because this island can only be reached by boat, you'll have to take the DayTripper from Honey Harbour, but that only adds to the thrill of seeing the Park's natural splendour. To make the most of your Georgian Bay outdoor exploration time before catching the boat back to the mainland, we suggest renting a bike or taking a picnic.

Cruise The Backwoods on an ATV

Rent an ATV, explore 1,700 kilometres of backwoods tracks with Backcountry Tours' ATV rentals, and make Muskoka your playground. You may either pick up the ATV at the trailhead or have it delivered to your chalet! Backcountry's Land has access to 30 lakes and various river crossings, making it the most exciting way to explore deep into the magnificent Ontario woods. Backcountry Tours is Canada's largest off-road adventure company, so you can be assured that you'll be in safe hands on this excursion.

Enjoy A Gorgeous Sunset Cruise

Sunset Cruises provides tourists seeking an alternative to the larger ships with the opportunity to cruise on the Peerless II. Captain Potts will take you on a tour of Muskoka beauties only accessible by smaller ships. The Peerless II voyage is exquisite, intimate, instructive, historical, and delightful. They go where the big boats don't go on our Sunset Cruises. You can enjoy these cruises from late June till the end of October.