+20 Awesome Things to do in Huntsville All Year Long
Surrounded by beautiful lakes, a plethora of outdoor adventures and a thriving art scene, there’s no mistaking why Huntsville Ontario is one of the top destinations in Muskoka. Best known as the gateway to Algonquin Park, there’s a long list of things to do in Huntsville Ontario beyond the park. The area is filled with historic and cultural attractions like the Muskoka Heritage Place and Group of Seven outdoor murals. Plus, Huntsville is a fantastic getaway destination for outdoor adventurers. You’ll find everything from hiking trails to Treetop Trekking and golfing to skiing.
Huntsville holds a special place in my heart because I lived there for a bit and fell in love with its natural beauty and arts vibe. Ever since, I visit multiple times a year. I’ve visited in every season and think each has a wealth of reasons to visit. But my favourite is fall!
So, whether you’re looking for a fun day trip or a getaway to soak in all the attractions in Huntsville, this guide shares everything you need to know before you go. I’m sharing my favourite things to do, hidden gems as well as where to eat and stay.
The Best Things to do in Huntsville
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Visit Lions Lookout
As one of the most popular lookouts in Muskoka, Lions Lookout is totally worth the crowds! The best part is that you can escape them by venturing away from the main lookout to the other ones scattered around the top of the hill.
For those who haven’t visited, Lions Lookout is a towering park with sweeping views of downtown Huntsville and Fairy Lake (the main draw). It’s an ideal spot to soak in the fall colours in Huntsville but is just as beautiful in the summer or winter.
There are two ways to access the lookout. You can hike the 1.3 km trail, Lions Lookout Trail, from the intersection of Camp Kitchen Road and Forbes Hill Drive. There’s a parking lot there. Or you can drive up the steep winding road and park at the top of the hill. There is minimal parking though.
To avoid the crowds, try visiting during the week.
Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery
One of the biggest Huntsville attractions is the incredible Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery! For those who love art or are looking for a scavenger hunt of sorts, the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery is a fun and fantastic way to explore Huntsville and the surrounding area.
The Group of Seven are one of Canada’s most famous group of painters from the early 20th century who exquisitely showcased the Canadian landscape in their art. Ontario is chalked full of places the Group of Seven painted, from Thunder Bay to Toronto. Huntsville Muskoka and surrounding area was one of their favourites.
Throughout Huntsville there is over 30 murals that are reproductions of the Group of Seven’s original art. You can find many of them right downtown as well as more scattered across Muskoka. There are pamphlets available at the Muskoka Tourism office on Highway 11 as well as in a few of the shops in Huntsville.
Related Post: +7 Ontario Group of Seven Locations
Browse the Shops
If you’re looking to do some window shopping in Huntsville, you’re in luck! There are so many unique and fun shops in downtown Huntsville.
My favourtie shop is Cedar Canoe Books! This independent bookstore screams Muskoka vibes with a canoe hanging on the one wall. Plus, the shelves are lined with a wealth of Canadian books, non-fiction to literary.
Another shop I love popping into is The Topiary. Noted as being one of the largest crystal retail stores in Northern Ontario, its full of wonderful gift ideas, jewellery and more. I love that when you buy something they smudge it for you.
Downtown Huntsville is also home to one of the best chocolate shops, The Nutty Chocolatier. It’s full of handmade chocolates, retro candy and ice cream.
For clothing head over to Muskoka Bear Wear for cozy causal items, and for a more elevated cozy look, pop into Wolfe Co. Apparel & Goods. Wolfe Co. is also home to a cozy cafe and a hidden gem. The change rooms are located in a bank vault!
A great shop for bath and beauty products that are made in Canada and using only natural ingredients, is Soapstones Natural Skincare. My friend loves their soaps and I love their Muskoka Cranberry lotion.
Dine at Huntsville Restaurants
There are so many great restaurants in Huntsville, and specifically downtown. I love the diversity in cuisine, you can find everything from classic Canadian pub grub to Indian food.
One of my favourite places to eat is the Mill on Main. Located in downtown Huntsville, the Mill on Main is a pure Canadian pub taken to the next level. With a range of options, from nachos to pizza as well as fish and chips and more, you’ll dine surrounded by local art and with an option of a covered patio.
A great place to eat in Huntsville in the summer for its two-tiered patio and views is the On the Docks Pub. They’ve been a staple of Huntsville for 20 years and have everything from vegan quesadillas to burgers.
If you’re looking for international cuisine, two great spots are Seng’s Authentic Thai Cuisine and Marigold Unique Flavour.
Hiking in Huntsville
Chances are if you’re planning a trip to Huntsville Ontario you’re looking to experience some of that amazing Muskoka natural beauty! One of the best ways to do that is hiking! Muskoka is home to a ton of great places to hike but many of the top spots are found in and around Huntsville.
A few top hiking trails in Huntsville include Fairy Vista Trail, a section of the Trans Canada Trail and one of the best Ontario boardwalk trails – Hunter’s Bay Trail. Hunters Bay Trail is 4.6 km and is great for hiking and cycling. The trail takes you by scenic overlooks and begins at the Centre Street Bridge near Uponor.
The Fairy Vista Trail is 3.4 km and can be accessed at the corner of Fairyview Drive and Hwy #60. It runs through a mix of habitats and is great any time of year. Like most communities, there is a section of the Trans Canada Trail – now known as The Great Trail that runs through Huntsville. The 52 km section of the trail running through Huntsville takes you through a variety of habitats, from woodlands to downtown and even a portion of Hunters Bay Trail.
A couple of other trails to consider area Avery Park Trail and Grandview Inn Nature Trail.
Visit Arrowhead Provincial Park
One of the best parks in Huntsville is Arrowhead Provincial Park. Located ten minutes north of downtown it’s a must visit for the day or even just a couple of hours. During the winter you can enjoy snowshoeing or cross-country skiing along their trails and don’t forget to bring your skates for their skate trail! In the fall you’ll want to stop by Big Bend Lookout for a sweeping forest view. And in the spring it’s a fantastic stop for birders spotting migrating species.
Arrowhead is home to five different trails, all of which are 3 km and under. If you’re looking for a magical trail in Arrowhead take the Stubb’s Falls Trail that leads you to, yup, you guessed it, a waterfall!
Plus, it’s one of the best places to swim in Muskoka, with three beautiful beaches.
Other trails in the park are the Homesteaders Trail and Mayflower Lake Trail.
Address: 451 Arrowhead Park Road
Attend the Muskoka Maple Festival
There’s always something fun to do no matter what time of year. If you’re looking for things to do in the spring in Huntsville, then check out the Muskoka Maple Festival. As one of the top Ontario maple syrup festivals, it takes place on the last Saturday of April every year in downtown Huntsville.
The free event in Huntsville boasts so much to do, taste and experience that celebrates the maple syrup season. The Muskoka Maple Festival is a family-friendly event that transforms Main Street into a pedestrian zone of sweetness!
Be sure to come hungry! There are a host of different tasty maple goodies from baked goods to maple flavoured drinks. You’ll also find a host of local vendors selling everything from fresh maple syrup to fabulous crafts by local artisans. Along with a pancake breakfast, maple everything and live music, you’ll also be entertained by the talented buskers.
Insider Tip: During this time of year, you can also partake in the Muskoka Maple Trail. Similar to the Chocolate Trail in Stratford, you can enjoy visiting a bunch of great shops, restaurants and places across the region to enjoy their maple-inspired offerings. It runs from mid-March through April.
Muskoka Heritage Place
Those looking to learn more about the area or a great family friendly activity in Huntsville will love Muskoka Heritage Place. Named the Ontario’s Choice for Top Small Museum/Historic Site, it’s beloved by locals and visitors alike. Located just outside downtown on 90 acres is where you’ll find this museum, pioneer village, and scenic train.
Within the museum and Pioneer Village there are over 100 artifacts, hands-on exhibits, a beaver pond, farm animals and so much more. They’re also a range of activities for both children and adults where you can step back in time to try your hand at candle dipping or pioneer baking. The fun doesn’t stop there!
The Muskoka Heritage Place is also home to a Rail Museum and The Portage Flyer steam train. The best part is you can even climb aboard this over 100 year old train for a scenic train ride along the Muskoka River. The train ride is 30 minutes long and runs from late May to early October. If you plan on visiting during a weekend or in the fall be sure to book in advance on their website.
Address: 88 Brunel Road
Take a Fall Drive
There’s nothing sweeter than a fall drive in Muskoka! If you plan on visiting Huntsville in the fall then be sure to take some time and enjoy a scenic fall drive. Muskoka is one of the best places in Ontario to experience the fall colours. There are a few driving routes I’d recommend to enjoy a slice of fall in Ontario in the Huntsville area.
Muskoka Road 10 – Hope off Highway 11 and head towards Port Sydney and Lake Mary.
Baysville Scenic Tour – Enjoy the scenic route from Baysville along Muskoka Road 117 towards Dorset and then up 35 to Dwight and back to Huntsville. This route can take up to 3 hours and covers roughly 80 kilometres.
Highway 60 – One of the most popular fall driving routes in Ontario is through Algonquin Park. And if you’re in Huntsville in the fall then try the scenic drive along Highway 60.
Algonquin Theatre
Ontario is home to some incredible theatres, like Stratford and Niagara-on-the-Lake. If you love enjoying a night of theatre you’re in the right place. Huntsville is home to the Algonquin Theatre. This 408 seat theatre is located downtown and puts on an array of performances from plays to concerts as well as drama classes.
Even if you don’t plan on taking in a performance be sure to pop into their Partner Hall art space. Located on the main floor of the Algonquin Theatre and in partnership with The Huntsville Art Society, you’ll find a fabulous art gallery that features local artists.
To find out more about performances, to see their calendar and to learn about upcoming displays visit their website here.
Address: 37 Main St East
Sandhill Nursery
Best known for their Fall Festival and Instagrammable umbrella installations, Sandhill Nursey has been a stable for gardening needs for over 20 years.
Sandhill Nursery is a family-owned business that sells a variety of plants to beautify your garden. There’s everything from trees to perennials. Plus, along with their main shop that’s full of home and garden décor, they also have a number of other buildings.
One of my favourites is their Christmas cabin that is like stepping into a Hallmark movie. But there are other buildings with discounted Christmas items, plants and one for workshops.
At the centre of the dreamy property is a new addition, The Rusty Rake. I love the fun play on words for this fun café that sells an assortment of goodies, from apple cider to charcuterie boxes.
I highly recommend visiting during their Fall Festival. It runs from mid-September through October. The whole property is decorated with giant skeletons, orange umbrellas, and a full fun zone. Great for families with kids and adults looking for fun photo-ops, there’s everything from pumpkin huts to pumpkin bowling.
Address: 1686 Aspdin Road
Go to Sugarhill Maple Syrup Farm
One of my favourite hidden gems in Huntsville is Sugarhill Maple Syrup Farm. Located along scenic Muskoka Road 10, its roughly 10 minutes from downtown.
Most people only consider visiting maple syrup farms in the spring, but many are great to visit in the summer and fall. And Sugarhill is one of those!
Sugarhill is open from March through to the end of October. You can visit during the spring to see the maple syrup production in action. An idea weekend to visit is the first in April, which is Maple Weekend. They have a variety of things going on like tastings of fresh sap and taffy.
My favourite time to visit is in the fall, during the week, when you can enjoy their sprawling 100 acre sugarbush to yourself! Pop into the shop to grab some of their incredible maple products. I recently bought their maple syrup barbeque sauce to try. They also sell Ontario’s first Maple Creemee, which is a soft serve vanilla ice cream made with their maple syrup.
After you drop the goodies off in the car, head out for a short hike through their sugarbush. This dreamy hike is ideal in the fall, no melting snow or bugs. Plus, the forest is bursting with fall colours.
I love that the easy 1.2 km trail has a scattering of signs sharing information about the various trees, maple syrup production, and more.
Address: 2389 Muskoka District Road 10
Visit the Brunel Locks
Another one of Muskoka’s hidden gems is the Brunel Locks. Often when we think of locks in Ontario, we think of Peterborough, but Muskoka has them too!
A few minutes south of downtown Huntsville is the Brunel Locks. Set along the Muskoka River, the locks, originally built in the 1870s, make fun a nice roadside stop while day tripping in the area.
The Brunel Locks were built to allow passage from Fairy Lake to Mary Lake. At the time, it was also home to a water-powered sawmill, which was the longest operating one in Muskoka, running from 1871 to 1954.
In use from Victoria Day long weekend to Thanksgiving, if you visit during this time, you could see them in action. Even afterward it’s a lovely place to stop. There’s a small park overlooking the river and views of the dam.
Address: 561 Brunel Road
Visit Port Sydney Falls
For those looking for waterfalls in Huntsville, head south to Port Sydney. Turn onto Ontario Street off of Muskoka Road 10. After the bend, you’ll see a little elevated area where there’s enough room to park two or three cars.
From here, it’s a short walk down to the base of the Port Sydney Falls. Also known as the Port Sydney Slide, because of the type of waterfall it is, it’s a beautiful spot to visit year-round.
But please remember to be safe around waterfalls. It is not advised to swim here and the rocky area around the falls can be slick, so watch your footing.
More Outdoor Activities in Huntsville
Treetop Trekking – Looking for some fun outdoor activities in Huntsville to live out your Tarzan and Jane fantasy? Then try Treetop Trekking in Huntsville! They offer a range of courses that take you through the trees on wooden bridges, cables, and ziplines. There’s also a Night Trek option to try your skills under the darkness of night.
Dog Sledding – There are so many great things to do in Huntsville in the winter! One such winter activity is dog sledding and you can enjoy this incredible experience at North Ridge Ranch. North Ridge Ranch offers one and one-hour and half-day tours where you can enjoy winter in Ontario in a unique way.
Skiing – Another great place to go in Huntsville in the winter is Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area and Muskoka Ski Club. If you’re looking for some great skiing or snowboarding Hidden Valley Highlands is a must. Home to 15 groomed trails, night skiing, and a resort to stay and play at!
Wagon Rides – Whether you’re looking for unique things to do in Huntsville or more winter fun then consider visiting Back of Beyond Equine Centre. They offer wagon rides for maple season, winter sleigh rides, as well as fun hands-on experiences with their horses.
Axe Throwing – Have you always wanted to channel your inner Viking? Find Your Wild has you covered with a range of fun activities including axe throwing as well as snowshoeing, paddleboarding and more! Check out their website to book your wild time!
Golfing – Another great outdoor activity in Huntsville is golfing. It’s one of the most popular summer sports and you’ll find a bunch of great golf courses in Huntsville and the area. A few to check out include; Huntsville Downs Golf Course, Grandview Golf Club and Grandview Inn Course, Deerhurst Highlands Golf Course, and Deerhurst Lakeside Golf Course.
Things to do Near Huntsville
Chase Waterfalls – One of the best things to do near Huntsville is to chase some of the incredible waterfalls in Muskoka. A few waterfalls near Huntsville that you’ll want to visit include Stubb’s Falls in Arrowhead Provincial Park, Ragged Falls just outside Algonquin Park, and Marshs Falls in Lake of Bays.
Dorset Tower – For epic views, especially in the fall, pop over to Dorset Tower. Standing over 100 feet tall, the Dorset Lookout Tower is a popular attraction in Muskoka. If you plan to visit try going during the week and early in the morning. You’ll be reward with some of the best views in Muskoka though!
Nearby Hiking – There are so many great places to hike in Muskoka! And you’ll find a bunch of fantastic places to hike near Huntsville. The obvious is Algonquin Provincial Park that’s home to over 20 trails that range from easy to difficult. Another great place near Huntsville to go hiking is Limberlost Forest. This nearly untouched wilderness is home to more than 70 km of trails.
Dyer Memorial – One of Ontario’s hidden gems and a sweet spot to take your significant other while visiting Huntsville is the Dyer Memorial. Standing over 40 feet high, this granite monument is located in the Dyer Memorial Nature Reserve and was built in memory of Clifton Dyer’s wife Betsy.
Nearby Small Towns – There are so many great small towns in Ontario to visit and Muskoka small towns really come to life in the summer! A few small towns near Huntsville that you’ll love for their charm, fabulous cafes and restaurants, and other great local attractions include Bracebridge, Baysville, and Gravenhurst.
Trip Planning Information for Huntsville
Whether you’re planning a day trip to Huntsville or planning a Muskoka road trip I’ve got you covered! If you’re looking to visit on a day trip I recommend leaving early, especially if you’re travelling from Toronto. Huntsville is approximately 2.5 hours north of Toronto off of Highway 11. For those looking to make it a weekend in Huntsville or to stay at least a few days then this Muskoka road trip itinerary might inspire a few stops along the way.
Trying to decide when the best time of year to visit Huntsville? The simple answer is any time! Throughout the year you can enjoy nearly all of the things to do in Huntsville I mention above. If you fancy winter then you’ll love winter hiking and snowshoeing the many trails, warming up with some great grub downtown and the arts knows no seasons. Summer sun seekers will love soaking in the sunshine on the water, patio season and other outdoor adventures. My favourite time to visit is the fall. Huntsville is full of great spots to soak in the fall colours.
There is a wealth of places to stay in Huntsville Muskoka that range from classic hotels to resorts that come with a host of things to do, as well as camping and more. You’ll find the Huntsville accommodation guide at the bottom of the post.
Where to Stay in Huntsville
Planning a weekend in Huntsville or perhaps a summer vacation? There is a ton of fantastic places to stay in Huntsville that range from resorts to vacation rentals and everything in between. You’ll find downtown hotels as well as charming bed and breakfasts scattered around the area.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites – One of the most popular hotels in Huntsville is the Holiday Inn Express & Suites. Located just off the highway it’s close to downtown and has modern and spacious rooms, an indoor swimming pool, and breakfast included. Rates start at $119 CAD
Best Western Plus Muskoka Inn – Another great Huntsville accommodation is the Best Western Plus Muskoka Inn. Located just off the highway, you’ll enjoy their complimentary breakfast, indoor pool and hot tub, and contemporary rooms. Rates start at $110 CAD
Deerhurst Resort – One of the best places to stay in Muskoka is located in Huntsville. Deerhurst Resort is a waterfront resort that’s less than 7 kilometres from downtown Huntsville. The resort is home to a spa, two outdoor swimming pools, a couple of restaurants, rooms and suites, and a range of other activities on site. Rates start at $149 CAD
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