The shimmer of the water just beyond tall stands of pine and cedar, birch and maple, rolling hills and jutting cliffs and vibrant air, mist-cloaked sunrises and sunsets in intimate lakes and hills; in Muskoka Lakes you’re never far from the most quintessential experiences of the near North.
From the rustic to the luxurious you’ll find it all here waiting to be discovered. Muskoka Lakes is a must see and do spot for the cottage country lifestyle. Centrally located in the middle of Muskoka’s ‘big three lakes’ (Muskoka, Rosseau and Joseph), the area is well known for it’s great waterways, iconic cottages and historic towns.
The Waterfront Trail in Muskoka Lakes includes two signature cycling loops circumnavigating Lake Rosseau and Lake Muskoka. Here you’ll find many unique places to spend the night, shop, explore or enjoy food by the water. The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail connects the Muskoka Lakes communities of Port Carling, Torrance, Bala, Minett and Windermere.
Whether you prefer small communities, rural areas, country settings or stunning waterfront properties, Muskoka Lakes is the perfect destination for creating memorable experiences. The spectacular nature of the area creates ample opportunities to explore the great outdoors, including hiking, canoeing, kayaking, golfing or cycling. Located on the Indian River, between Lake Muskoka and Rosseau, downtown Port Carling is known as the “Hub of the Lakes”. See “The Wall”, a photo mosaic produced with thousands of individual pictures that create the image of the RMS Sagamo passing through the Port Carling locks. Bala, known affectionately as “Ontario’s Cranberry Capital”, hosts the annual action-packed Bala Cranberry Festival every fall. You will love the fresh crisp air on one of our eight amazing trails including Hardy Lake Provincial Park, Huckleberry Rock Lookout, and the Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve, the first such protected area in Canada.
Two Signature Cycling Loops
Port Carling serves as the hub for the two signed signature cycling loops in Muskoka, the 90km Lake Muskoka Loop, circumnavigating Lake Muskoka, and the 66km Lake Rosseau Loop, circumnavigating Lake Rosseau. It’s recommended that you do the Lake Rosseau Loop clockwise as there several hills made more challenging if you tackle them in the opposite direction.
Signage Coming Soon
Trail Attributes
Distance: 112km
- The Trail in Muskoka Muskoka Lakes follows mostly seasonally busy rural roads.
- Muskoka Roads 169 and 181 in particular are seasonally busy and many sections do not have paved shoulders, some of which are restricted by rock cuts.
- The Trail in Muskoka Lakes is recommended for more experienced cyclists comfortable riding with traffic, including truck traffic.
- Between Brackenrig (near Port Carling) and Bracebridge, there is a lightly signed connector along Falkenburg Road for those wanting a quieter experience.
- The topography in Muskoka Lake, particularly the area on the north shore of Lake Muskoka and around Lake Rosseau can be very hilly, though also exceptionally scenic.
Trail Tips:
- Spend a few days on the 90km Lake Muskoka Loop or 66km Lake Rosseau Loop for a true taste and experience of the area.
- We recommend travelling the Lake Rosseau Loop in a counter-clockwise direction, making some of the larger hills easier to manage.
Protecting. Connecting. Celebrating. The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.
The Waterfront Regeneration Trust is a registered charity. Charitable Registration Number: 86767 9821 RR0001
