Top 11 Muskoka Winter Activities By A Local Expert

Have you ever experienced a winter in Muskoka? You’ll find all the winter sports and activities Canada is known for in this wild winter wonderland.

I was born and raised in Muskoka, near Huntsville, and live there now. I love showing my friends around the area. Therefore, I have compiled the best activities to do in Muskoka, but they change drastically by season, so we are going to focus on the winter here.

Due to Muskoka’s location being east of the Great Lakes, this area consistently gets a solid amount of snow, as compared to southern Ontario. However, with climate change, I have seen that consistency dwindle to the point where we can no longer predict snow levels.

This lack of snow does have a big impact on our culture and the availability of our fun winter activities. But, let’s stay hopeful that when you visit, it will be a winter wonderland!

The Best Muskoka Winter Activities

Most of our classic things to do in winter are some sort of sport or outdoor activity. The people who live in Muskoka love it because we are so connected to nature and are able to get outside – no matter what the weather.

So come get your snow gear on and let’s get outside!

1. Snowshoeing/Hiking

Snowshoes look kind of like big tennis rackets strapped to your boots which allow you to cross really deep snow without sinking in really deep and wasting a lot of energy. This technique was first used by the indigenous peoples of Canada, before sharing it with European settlers as they attempted to survive the harsh winters.

Now, snowshoes are used mostly for fun and going off-trail into deep snow. If the trail is already hard-packed, I wouldn’t bother with snowshoes and just go for a hike in your normal winter boots.

You can rent snowshoes from Algonquin Outfitters in Bracebridge, Haliburton, Huntsville or Oxtongue Lake then take them to any trail you want.

Here are some trails where you can go snowshoeing and/or hiking and links to directions:

• Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail, Bracebridge
•  Hazelwood Trail, Port Carling
• Skeleton Lake Fish Hatchery Trail, Utterson
• Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery, Bala
• Arrowhead Provincial Park – paid entry, has a lovely visitor centre to warm up in but gets extremely busy. Plan your visit here and check snowshoe rental prices.
• Algonquin Provincial Park – paid entry, can snowshoe anywhere except on skiing trails
• Resource Management Centre Trails, near Bracebridge
• Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve, near Huntsville

Here are some more resources to find the perfect trail near you:

• The township of Muskoka Lakes also has a trail map including some of the above trails.
• The Muskoka Trail Council has a great trail guide list for free, public trails for each township.
• The Ontario Trails Council has an awesome interactive map to find snowshoeing trails in the area.

2. Cross-country skiing

Cross-country skiing (XC skiing) is a classic Canadian sport that originated as a mode of transportation. Gliding on long, narrow skis across field and forest, up and down hills, is a very different style of skiing compared to alpine/downhill skiing.

Many of the trails listed for snowshoeing can also be used for cross-country skiing, but here are my top recommendations for great groomed trails with amazing views:

• Milford Manor Golf Course 
• Arrowhead Provincial Park – paid entry, lovely visitor centre to warm up in but gets extremely busy. Plan your visit here and check snowshoe rental prices.
• Algonquin Provincial Park – paid entry, groomed trails exclusively for skiing
• Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve

You can rent XC skis from Algonquin Outfitters, as well as from Arrowhead Provincial Park for use in the park.

3. Skating through the Forest

Skating is part of being Canadian. Ice hockey is Canada’s national winter sport and it is held in the Canadian culture similar to how Americans revere their football, or the rest of the world follows football/soccer. Our frigid Canadian winters gave birth to hockey and a love for skating – so you’ve got to try it in Muskoka!

However, skating is always more fun outside, though weather-dependant.

There are quite a few places around Muskoka that invite people to skate on their ponds or, even cooler, their ice trails!

Ice trails are a relatively new creation where unused trails or roads are flooded in the winter and left to freeze. They can therefore be any length, shape, or size as they wind through trees or parks.

Here are some top-tier skating options in Muskoka:

• Arrowhead Provincial Park – now famous for it’s skating trail that gets lit by torches at night, Arrowhead is a very popular destination, so plan ahead and purchase your permit in advance
• Hanna Park Skating, Port Carling – a free ice rink and trail made by volunteers
• Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery – with both a “bog-hockey” ice rink and a 1.2km skating trail, you can get your skating fix and then warm up with a local hot cranberry-apple cider.
• The Canada Summit Centre – community ice arenas in Huntsville that offer the most robust times and programs for public skating, lessons, and kids’ skating.
• Memorial Park – in the heart of Bracebridge, this park gets turned into a free ice skating rink lit by twinkly lights in the evening.

4. Find your Wild – Guided Winter Activities with a Local

Find your Wild is an outdoor adventure business founded by a retired, local high school teacher, affectionately nicknamed Hondo. If you want a really authentic Canadian experience led by a local, this is your one stop shop.

If you are new to Canada or winter fun, the winter discovery package is perfect for you! Feel what it’s like to live like a local and love winter! Go toboggan and tube (sliding) down snowy hills, racing friends and getting some exercise coming back up the hills. Hey, it’s good for you! Then finish off the experience with a classic Muskoka campfire and s’mores!

Go wild with rugged, Muskoka-style axe-throwing and archery, suitable for small groups of friends or big team-building fun! Other activity packages include locally guided skishoe and snowshoe samplers, half days, or full day adventures in Algonquin Park.

If you want to get off the beaten path and explore Muskoka’s winter world with a local, I highly recommend Find Your Wild.

5. Snowmobiling

Winters in Muskoka provide a great place to snowmobile. Either bring your own and jump on the public trails once you’ve bought your trail pass, or go on a snowmobile tour near Deerhurst Resort with the Yamaha Motor Adventures.

Now, due to climate change, our season for optimal conditions for snowmobiling is becoming increasingly short and hard to predict. It’s very sad and I ask you to try to remember your part in creating a sustainable future.

I love snowmobiling, I grew up with snowmobiling, and I love taking people on snowmobile rides. It just feels so Canadian. And it’s a fun way to travel cross-country with trails reaching all over Ontario! Grab your helmet and let’s go!

6. Horse-drawn Sleigh Ride

Are you a horse or animal lover? Then why not go for a magical sleigh ride at Back of Beyond Equine Centre for either a daytime ride or a romantic evening ride.

Cozy up under blankets in a classic red sleigh and embark on a breathtaking winter wonderland journey along private woodland trails.

The experience concludes with toasting marshmallows and sipping hot chocolate by a warm campfire. The sleigh ride takes about 35 minutes and the entire outing lasts about an hour, and pets are welcome to join in the fun!

Cost: $175 plus HST for the first two guests, $30 plus HST for each additional person. Kids aged 3 and under can ride for free.

Sleigh rides operate in most conditions! Don’t miss this magical winter experience!

7. Dog Sledding Tour

Near Arrowhead Provincial Park and the town of Huntsville, North Ridge Ranch is a family-run dog sledding tour business. Enjoy a guided tour with some of the dogs from the pack of over 60 friendly Alaskan Huskies for an unforgettable dog sledding adventure.

Explore 500 acres of private trails with your hosts Leah and Brad. Begin with a lesson on sled driving basics before embarking on a guided tour with Brad, allowing you to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Muskoka’s winter landscape.

Many of the dogs are bred on site, but some are adopted! The dogs’ health and happiness are the top priority here and they love to run! Don’t miss the chance to discover the thrill of dog sledding in the heart of Muskoka!

8. Fat Biking

Fat bikes are bicycles with super wide tires allowing you to ride on sand or, in this case, snow. This winter activity has really grown in popularity over the last few years, so why not see for yourself what all the hype is about?

You can try out this new sport with Liv Outdoors in Bracebridge

9. Downhill Skiing

There is a great downhill/alpine ski facility near Huntsville at Hidden Valley

Run by the Muskoka Ski Club since the 70’s, spending the weekend on the slopes is a local favourite pastime. The hills have different difficulty levels, from beginner to double black diamond. You’ll find everything you need at Hidden Valley, from ski and equipment rentals to ski and snowboard lessons for kids and adults.

I never mastered my skills on the slopes, but I hope you enjoy it and go play in the powder!

10. Find a Winter Carnival

Celebrate winter at one of the various winter carnivals held throughout Muskoka!

Winter Carnivals to look out for:

• Bracebridge Fire & Ice Festival – January
• Huntsville Snowfest – Frebruary
• Port Carling Winterfest – February
• Gravenhurst Winter Carnival – February
• Dorset Snowball Winter Carnival – February
• Baysville Winterfest – February

11. Maple Syrup Season

Technically, the time to make maple syrup could be considered spring, but we’re going to tack it on to the end of winter. From March 7 – April 26, 2025, the Muskoka Maple Trail will be in full swing, featuring maple producers and maple-inspired dining.

You can see this process in action at Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm where you can learn from the pros, explore their walking trails through the maple trees, and treat yourself to some maple goodness in the shop!

Last, but not least, the Muskoka Maple Festival is happening in Huntsville on April 26, 2025. This family-friendly celebration marks the end of the maple harvest.

Enjoy a full day of activities, including vendors, displays, live music, and street performers, all centred around delicious food. Local restaurants, bakeries, and cafés serve unique maple-inspired dishes, from pure maple syrup and maple beer to delightful sweet and savoury treats.

Come hungry and ready to indulge in this spring’s sweetest celebration—don’t miss the Muskoka Maple Festival!

Conclusion

Well, there you have it! All the best winter activities for when you visit Muskoka. I hope you enjoy doing something from this list , wether it’s getting some exercise skiing or skating or going on an adventure with sled dogs or sleigh horses! If you come to Muskoka in winter, you’ll definitely learn to love winter like we do! See you on the trails!