10 Epic Lookouts in Muskoka for the Best Views in Muskoka

by Stephanie · Published September 27, 2020 · Updated April 22, 2023

Who doesn’t love a good scenic lookout? I know I sure do! Whether I’m chasing views of waterfalls in the spring or sweeping viewpoints in the fall I’m always on the hunt for the best views in Ontario. And there are a bunch of epic lookouts in Muskoka that showcase its many lakes, rivers, charming small towns, and stretches of great Canadian forest! So, I’m sharing a few of my top picks for places to find the best views in Muskoka.

10 Amazing Scenic Lookouts in Muskoka

Walker’s Point Lookout

One of the newest lookout trails in Muskoka is Walker’s Point Lookout. Tucked away on a peninsula north of Gravenhurst on a winding and scenic road you’ll find a small parking lot for Walker’s Point. This short trail starts of shrouded in trees and flat but with a quick turn to the right you’ll be heading up. And at the top, standing on massive stretches of granite, you’ll be rewarded with one of my favourite lookouts in Muskoka. To the north lies the mighty Lake Muskoka. And all around it are huge tracks of forests, making it one of the best places to see fall colours in Ontario.

Location: 1470 Walkers Point Road

Parking: free

Lions Lookout

One of my favourite small towns in Muskoka is Huntsville. It’s home to a charming downtown, the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery, and flanked by two lakes, Lake Vernon and Fairy Lake. But there is always another great Muskoka lookout here!

Rising up above town is Lions Lookout that will give you a range of incredible views over Huntsville as well as Fairy Lake. Located just up from Muskoka Heritage Place, it’s a steep climb up pavement. But so worth it!

Parking: free

Big Bend Lookout

If you’re looking for a great place to go hiking in Muskoka or chase waterfalls and view – or all! – then head to Arrowhead Provincial Park. Located just north of Huntsville, Arrowhead Provincial Park is a bunch of great trails, a waterfall, and one of the best views in Muskoka. If you’re looking for views of one of the best waterfalls in Muskoka then pop over to the Stubb’s Falls Trail. But if you’re looking for sweeping forest views then Big Bend Lookout is what you’re after. Arrowhead’s Big Bend Lookout gives you an awesome view of the Big East River and beyond.

Fall is a stunning time to take in Arrowhead’s Big Bend Lookout. However, consider adding it to your Muskoka in winter itinerary! It’s just as magical!

Location: 451 Arrowhead Park Road

Parking: Park entrance fee applies

Related Post: Dreamy Ontario Fall Hikes

Huckleberry Rock Lookout

There’s a ton of things to do in Bracebridge and one is hiking. And one of my favourite hikes near Bracebridge for views is Huckleberry Rock Lookout. Located 15 minutes west of town, just off 118 West on Milford Bay Road, you’ll find a small parking lot for the lookout. The trail is a short 2.5 kilometre loop, but be prepared for a climb over granite rock and sometimes slippery conditions. But the views from the top of the rock are incredible. Here you’ll be able to see trees and water for miles. And if you’re looking for a spot to catch an epic sunset then this is it!

Location: 1103 Milford Bay Road

Parking: free

Looking for great places to stay in Muskoka during your visit? Check out these cute and cozy Muskoka cottage rentals

Gravenhurst Lookout Park

There are so many gems in the Gravenhurst area for nature lovers! And one is Gravenhurst Lookout Park! There’s a ton of things to do in Gravenhurst, from exploring historic murals downtown to strolling the Muskoka Wharf or boarding a scenic Muskoka cruise. But many forget to check out other spots around town like this lovely little park that offers beautiful views of the Wharf and the bay.

Location: 500 George Street

Parking: free

Peninsula Trail

Another great trail in Gravenhurst that deserves a spot on my list of favourite lookouts in Muskoka is the Peninsula Trail. The trail is 2.8 kilometres long and runs along one of the top Muskoka attractions, the Muskoka Wharf, and up onto a small peninsula that juts out into Muskoka Bay. Part of the trail is a winding boardwalk through the Wharf and the other is up onto the granite rock peninsula. On the peninsula, you’ll find winding trails that take you to picturesque gazebos, one looking out over the Muskoka Wharf and the other further out onto one of the best lakes in Muskoka.

Parking: free

Algonquin Park

Algonquin Provincial Park is one of Canada’s most famous parks and is one of the busiest Ontario Parks in the fall for fall colour views. Spanning 7000 square kilometres and home to over 20 hiking trails, Algonquin is home to a wealth of trails leading to awesome views. But if you’re looking for scenic lookout trails there are a few key ones. The Barron Canyon Trail is 1.5 kilometres long and takes you around the rim of the over 300 foot deep Barron Canyon and offers epic forest views! Two other great lookout trails to consider are the Hardwood Lookout Trail and Lookout Trail.

NOTE: Algonquin is running differently this fall on busy weekends. Once the park is at capacity it will no longer allow entrance. They will be sharing updates via Twitter. To learn more information check out their website here.

Parking: Park entrance fee applies

Looking for an alternative to fall lookouts in Muskoka? Consider travelling to the Haliburton Highlands to discover a few epic lookouts without the crowds!

One of my favourite fall hikes in Ontario, and Muskoka, is located nearby – the Oxtongue River Trail. Located in Oxtongue River – Ragged Falls Provincial Park is a short trail to one of Muskoka’s best waterfalls. If you’re looking for the best waterfall views in Muskoka then this is my top pick! Make sure to check out the view from the top of the falls, as well as the bottom.

Location for Oxtongue River – Ragged Falls Provincial Park: 1050 Oxtongue Lake Road

Parking: free

Dorset Lookout Tower

One of the most popular lookouts in Muskoka, drawing more than 600 vehicles a day during the fall season, is the Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower. The original fire lookout tower built in 1922 was replaced by the new one in 1967 and stand 100 feet, giving you epic 360 degree views of the area. There is also the Dorset Tower Lookout Trail, which is a 2.3 kilometre loop trail around the park.

Location: 1191 Dorset Scenic Tower Road

Parking: $16.50 (per car)

On Board a Muskoka Cruise

For those looking for a different view consider hopping on board one of Muskoka’s many cruises. There are a ton of cruises to choose from, there’s everything from sunset cruises to the ever-popular Millionaire’s Row cruise, and even one that combines both a cruise and a hiking tour. A Muskoka cruise offers a whole new perspective from the lake to shore, instead of the normal land to the lake. So check out all the amazing cruise tours here and be sure to climb to the top deck for those epic views.

One of my favourite cruises is the Miss Midland 30,000 Island Cruise leaving from downtown Midland. The tour lasts nearly 3 hours and takes you up through Georgian Bay and around Beausoleil Island. You’ll learn all about the natural wonders of the area as well as the historic and Indigenous stories behind some of the names of the places you pass.

Beausoleil Island

For more incredible views in Muskoka head to Beausoleil Island. Located in the Georgian Bay Island National Park, the world’s largest freshwater archipelago, Beausoleil Island can be accessed from spring through summer. You can catch the Day Tripper boat in Honey Harbour that will take you there and bring you back. (Make sure to be ready for pick up at the designated spot.) There are a variety of hiking trails on Beausoleil but the best one for day trippers is Fairy Trail. The 2.5 kilometre loop trail takes you around the northern part of the Island and through an enchanted forest but also to Group of Seven worthy views of Georgian Bay and windswept pines, as well as the adorable Fairy Lake.

Muskoka Trip Planning Tips

1. Visit during the Week

When planning your Muskoka road trip timing can be everything. Muskoka can be crazy busy in key hotspots during the summer and fall. So, if you’re looking to avoid the crowds try visiting during the week.

2. What to Bring

Depending on the time of year you’re visiting there are a few Muskoka trip essentials you should pack. If you’re enjoying a day trip to Muskoka, make sure to bring your trusted water bottle, a classic picnic blanket, and along with the standards of a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and smile, bring along a cooler to bring back some goodies. For all of your hiking essentials check out my must-have hiking gear list.

3. Where to Eat in Muskoka

There are tons of great local restaurants and cafes across Muskoka. But if you’re a true foodie try their Savour Muskoka trip along a culinary trail where you’ll find some of the best made in Muskoka dining, beer, and treats. A few of my favourites include; The Pasta Shoppe Bakery & Fine Foods in Bracebridge, Whimsical Bakery in Huntsville, and Turtle Jack’s in Port Carling.

4. Where to Go in Muskoka

Muskoka is located a few hours north of Toronto and is a popular Ontario road trip destination. There are a ton of great small towns, thousands of lakes, and fun things to do in Muskoka. It stretched from Georgian Bay in the west to the edge of Algonquin Park in the east. But one thing to note is that Muskoka is the region and also known as the Muskoka District. It is broken up into areas such as, Muskoka Lakes which covers the area around Port Carling, Bala, and Hardy Lake Provincial Park. Then there is Georgian Bay, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, and Lake of Bays.

5. Where to Stay in Muskoka

If you’re looking for places to stay in Muskoka I have a few great options. But on top of all the hotels, inns, and resorts there are a ton of awesome Airbnb and vacation rental options. You can stay in everything from a tiny home to a luxury lakeside private retreat.

A few popular choices for accommodation in Muskoka include the following; Taboo Muskoka, which has a ton of amenities and is located in Gravenhurst, for more budget-friendly options, yet still, traveller favourites, try the Quality Inn in Bracebridge, and the Best Western Plus Muskoka in Huntsville.

What are your favourite Muskoka lookout points?

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. In clicking through and purchasing from these links you will not be charged anything extra but I will receive a small commission to help run this blog.

PIN IMAGE FOR LATER REFERENCE!

10 Epic Lookouts in Muskoka for the Best Views in Muskoka