There are summer vacations, and then there’s Muskoka in July—where mornings start with a quiet cup of coffee on the dock, afternoons are spent on the lake with a chilled rosé in hand, and evenings stretch long past sunset with good company and the scent of a crackling fire lingering in the air.
This is Canada’s answer to the Hamptons—but softer, quieter, with just the right amount of old-money charm. Think historic lodges, wooden boats skimming across the lake, and the kind of small-town elegance that feels deeply nostalgic, even if it’s your first visit.Whether you’re renting a secluded, glass-walled cabin on the water or checking into a heritage lodge where canoe rides are as essential as breakfast, this guide is about savoring the best of Muskoka in true luxury.
Secluded & Private
- Jayne’s Cottages – A luxury rental service offering the most beautiful, fully serviced cottages on the lake—private chefs, boat charters, and the kind of effortless, tailored experience that makes a week here feel like an entire summer.
- Lakehouse Rentals in Port Carling – Sleek, modern cabins that bring Scandinavian minimalism to the Canadian wilderness.
Classic & Lodge-Like Luxury
- JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa (Lake Rosseau) – If you’re looking for hotel-style luxury with all the rustic charm of Muskoka, this is the place—sprawling lake views, spa treatments, and fine dining all in one place.
- Touchstone Resort (Lake Muskoka) – A modern take on the classic Muskoka lodge experience, with private beachfront access and an elegant spa.
- The Sherwood Inn (Lake Joseph) – Historic, intimate, and effortlessly charming—a lakeside retreat that’s been a Muskoka staple for decades.
Port Carling: The Heart of Muskoka
Port Carling is where old-world Muskoka meets modern luxury. It’s home to boutique shopping, yacht clubs, and classic wooden boats lining the docks. Stroll through town, pick up something beautiful from a local shop, and then settle in for an afternoon Aperol Spritz by the water.
Bracebridge: Charming & Historic
If Port Carling is about elegance, Bracebridge is about timeless charm. With waterfalls running through town, a historic main street, and some of Muskoka’s best restaurants, it’s worth an afternoon spent wandering.
Gravenhurst: The Classic Muskoka Experience
Home to the iconic Muskoka Wharf, Gravenhurst is where you’ll find historic steamships, lakefront dining, and the kind of nostalgia that makes you want to stay forever.
Day 1: Arrival & Slipping Into the Muskoka State of Mind
- Arrive at your private lakeside cottage or lodge.
- Afternoon on the dock – A glass of something cold in hand, feet in the water.
- Dinner at The Oar (Gravenhurst) – A sophisticated yet cozy spot for beautifully prepared seasonal dishes.
- Evening bonfire & stargazing – Because Muskoka at night is just as magical as during the day.
Day 2: Lakeside Leisure & Exploring Port Carling
- Morning coffee on the dock (because there’s no better way to start the day).
- Brunch at Abby’s Bakehouse (Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery) – Famous for its buttery, golden pastries.
- An afternoon boat charter on Lake Joseph – Explore Muskoka’s most exclusive lake, cruising past breathtaking private islands and boathouses straight out of a Nancy Meyers film.
- Cocktails at The Water’s Edge Wine Bar (Port Carling) – A quiet, stylish wine bar perfect for pre-dinner drinks.
- Dinner at Tulo’s Taqueria – A bright, fun, and refreshingly modern take on lakeside dining.
Day 3: Slow Mornings, Spa Indulgence & The Best Dinner in Muskoka
- Late breakfast at Henrietta’s Pine Bakery (Bracebridge) – Muskoka’s most famous bakery—try the butter tarts.
- A few hours at Spa Rosseau (JW Marriott) – A serene escape with lake-view hydrotherapy pools and world-class treatments.
- Lunch at The Pie Muskoka – Because no Muskoka visit is complete without an order of their wood-fired pizza.
- Sunset cocktails at Beers on the Dock (Port Sandfield Marina) – A hidden gem with an unbeatable lakeside atmosphere.
- Dinner at Touché (Bracebridge) – The ultimate Muskoka fine dining experience.
Day 4: A Perfectly Slow Farewell to Muskoka
- One last coffee on the dock, watching the morning mist rise off the lake.
- Brunch at The Boathouse (Gravenhurst) – Because every perfect weekend should end with a waterfront meal.
- A quiet walk through Hardy Lake Provincial Park – A gentle, tree-lined trail that loops around a stunningly clear lake.
- A final stop at Lake of Bays Brewing Co. – A quick toast to Muskoka before heading home.
Final Thoughts
Muskoka in the summer is more than a place—it’s a feeling. It’s slow mornings with strong coffee, long afternoons on the lake, and nights filled with fireflies and laughter.It’s the kind of escape that lingers with you long after you’ve left. So, if you find yourself here—let the days stretch, the meals linger, and the water pull you in. Because in Muskoka, summer is meant to be savored.
