Two Muskoka chairs on a wooden dock overlooking a calm lake under a clear blue sky, capturing the tranquility of lakeside relaxation of where to stay in Huntsville Ontario.

Where to Stay in Huntsville Ontario: A Local’s Guide for Visitors

ByPamela Posted on

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So you’re wondering where to stay in Huntsville, Ontario, eh? I’m so excited you’re coming for a visit! This is my hometown and I’m stoked to help you find the best places to stay in Huntsville, Ontario!

Huntsville is a small (but growing) town in the north of Muskoka – a District known for its tranquil lakes and cottage lifestyle.

Just so everyone understands: a cottage is (traditionally) a small, rugged, wooden cabin in a remote wilderness near a lake. Nowadays, cottages are full-on houses or even mansions, but the idea is to have a nature retreat on a lake.

This is what Huntsville, and Muskoka at large, is famous for and for adopting a friendlier, slower, and more relaxed lifestyle that makes this area a common vacation destination.

However, there are lots of places to stay other than renting a private cottage – which I will discuss too.

In this guide, I will help you discover where to stay in Huntsville, Ontario, highlighting various accommodation types and offering my top recommendations for each. Let’s get into it!

Planning Your Trip? Use My Favourite Resources Below!

Generally where to stay in Huntsville, Ontario

First, you must decide what sort of experience you are looking for when you plan a trip to Huntsville. Are you looking for a classic cottage escape? Or are you coming for a quaint, small town experience?

There are variations and options for both, but deciding to stay in town or out of town is the first step to figuring out where to stay in Huntsville, Ontario (not the one in Alabama).

In Town

I’d say stay in town if you want to experience the local charm and culture. The town has lots of fun events, activities and attractions year-round for you to enjoy.

If you want to stay in the town of Huntsville, there are many accommodation options. You could stay in vacation rentals (so you can live like a local), hotels (more amenities), or motels (if you want to stay close to the action on a budget).

The iconic Huntsville Town Hall in Ontario, featuring a red brick exterior adorned with vibrant red ivy and a clock tower flying the Canadian flag, set against a clear blue sky. This picturesque landmark adds charm to the area when considering where to stay in Huntsville Ontario.

Staying in town has lots of benefits like quick access to the highways if you plan to explore further afield and use Huntsville as a home-base. Or if you want to enjoy our top restaurants, attractions, shops, festivals and other things to do, you’ll be close to the action.

Depending on the experience you’re looking for, staying in the town of Huntsville means you’ll be perfectly positioned to soak up everything my town has to offer.

Out of Town

Stay outside of the town if you’re looking for a nature escape, a quieter setting, or the many activities at a resort. Most accommodation outside of town will be on a waterfront and surrounded by trees and the rocky hills of the Canadian Shield, but there are options.

Tourism in Huntsville, and Muskoka, was founded on Toronto city-dwellers escaping city life, taking steam boats and trains to stay in all-inclusive resorts. Many of the origonal resorts have evolved and still exist, but now they have competitors.

Private cottages rented on Vrbo will give you the private nature retreat of your dreams. You can find everything from traditional, rustic cabins to brand-new luxury mansions for rent outside of Huntsville.

However, you are in for a true cottage experience. This means bumpy dirt roads, massive amounts of mosquitos and biting black flies in May-July, bringing all your own food and things, and driving 20+ minutes to reach stores or restaurants. If you’re visiting in winter, road conditions with snow and ice are variable and can be dangerous.

You could also stay at the odd Bed & Breakfast, which combine the service of a resort/hotel but with the cute, rural experience.

If you are down for an adventure and some peaceful time in nature, finding accommodation outside of Huntsville might just be for you.

Accommodations in Huntsville, Ontario

Now that you know where you generally want to stay, in or out of town, let’s get into the details of what sort of accommodation would suit your style and dream getaway best.

Resorts

We have two resorts just outside of Huntsville and they’re neighbours: Deerhurst Resort and Hidden Valley Resort. Both have indoor pools, spas, and beachfront lake access with tons of activity equipment included in the price for fun all year-round.

Deerhurst Resort Pavilion in Huntsville, featuring a grand entrance with rustic stone columns, a circular driveway covered in snow, and a scenic multi-story lodge in the background.

However, both resorts have been around for a while and can be a bit outdated.

But, the resorts are very popular with families, as kids have tons of things to do outside like hiking, biking, canoeing, basketball, tennis, or even winter skiing and skating and more.

If you want to read my full review comparing both resorts, read it here and decide for yourself.

MY TOP PICK: Hidden Valley Resort

Hotels

There are quite a few hotels in Huntsville, but non of them are within walking distance of the historic downtown. Most are in the commercial side of town (I think of it as “New Huntsville”) which is up and around a big hill and wedged between Highway 11 and Highway 60.

This New Huntsville, as I like to call it, has convenient chain restaurants, an Independent grocery store, and a Walmart within walking distance. All the hotels are fine, but one is better than the others: Best Western Plus.

I might be slightly biased because I worked in this hotel as a housekeeper, but it also means I have the inside scoop. They treat their staff well at this Best Western, paying over minimum wage (unlike some other hotels) and foster a positive work environment.

This shines through the many 5 star reviews saying how friendly and helpful the staff always are.

Exterior view of the Best Western Plus hotel in Huntsville, featuring a red and beige building under a bright blue sky, with a large sign displaying the hotel name in the foreground.

Plus, I can attest that the rooms are spotless! We had to be so thorough and if we ever had down time in the winter, we’d get to work deep cleaning. This would be things like washing the walls, cleaning under the beds (boy, the beds are heavy), and moving furniture.

Check out my review of all the hotel options in Huntsville after I visited them personally and extensively read reviews to make sure you make the most informed decision.

MY TOP PICK: Best Western Plus

Motels

Motels are a great option to stay in Huntsville on a budget and close(r) to the downtown.

There are a few at either end of the main road that runs through downtown Huntsville, and so you could walk from most motels into the downtown if you’re mobile and not trailing little kids.

Motels are known for being basic and often outdated, and yes, that is true, the Roadway Inn has done renovations and is looking sharp. Plus, it’s in a great location in town with restaurants close by.

Front view of the King William Inn in Huntsville, with a charming two-story building and a sign for the reception area surrounded by parked trucks and autumn landscaping.

If you want to explore more of the motel options in Huntsville, read my full review here.

MY TOP PICK: the Roadway Inn

Vacation Rentals

Rentals have fast become a tourist favourite when it comes to staying in Huntsville. You get your own place, can do your own cooking, and stay in unique locations not otherwise accessible.

I recommend using Vrbo.com to find your dream place. It’s not like AirBnB where you could rent a room in a host’s house, you get the whole place to yourself.

There are a lot of absolutely stunning places on Vrbo, including the occasional condo at Deerhurst Resort! Have a look around, there are beautiful lofts in the very downtown of Huntsville (you can’t get any closer) or modern cottages on a lakeside.

With picking one of the premium vacation rentals to stay in or near Huntsville, you get to tailor your accommodation to your preferences and style. Read my full guide to where to stay in downtown Huntsville or my guide to cottage rentals near Huntsville for more details and recommendations.

MY TOP PICK: an A-frame Treehouse with a Private Hot Tub

Bed & Breakfasts

Honestly, there aren’t very many Bed and Breakfast accommodation options in and around Huntsville, and I’ve looked! There are tons of AirBnBs, but that does not mean the properties listed on AirBnB are proper B&Bs. Real bed and breakfasts provide a home-cooked breakfast each morning, included in your stay.

AirBnBs are mostly just rooms or properties you can rent, as discussed in the vacation rental section earlier.

Two Muskoka chairs on a wooden dock overlooking a calm lake under a clear blue sky, capturing the tranquility of lakeside relaxation of where to stay in Huntsville Ontario.

If you want a superb B&B experience, I have found the best B&B in Huntsville. Not even 5 minutes from downtown Huntsville is the charming Echo Woods B&B.

This beautiful example of a Muskoka home is surrounded by trees and has super clean rooms and common lounge areas with lots of character. They have over 170 reviews, 100% of which are 5 star! No one has anything bad to say about this B&B.

Almost all reviews rave about the outstanding breakfasts and the service and welcome from the hosts.

So, if you’re looking for an authentic Muskoka stay with some locals, in convenient location, surrounded by nature, you’ve got to check out Echo Woods B&B.

MY TOP PICK: Echo Woods B&B

Camping

Seeing as Muskoka is known for its trees, lakes, and nature escapes, there aren’t as many camp grounds as you might think. However, camping near Huntsville can be a fun and affordable way to stay in the area.

The closest and best option for camping near Huntsville is to stay at Arrowhead Provincial Park. The park has three campgrounds to choose from which will depend on your equipment and electricity needs. Bigger spots for trailers with electricity are going to be more expensive than a spot for a tent and no need for electricity.

While you stay in Arrowhead, you can easily access their beaches on Arrowhead Lake, go for various hikes, enjoy the view of Big Bend or Stubb’s Falls, and even rent a canoe, kayak, stand-up-paddleboard (SUP), or a mountain bike.

➡️ Book up to 5 months early because sites fill up fast.

There are a few other private campgrounds near Huntsville that I would recommend. These all offer different accommodation options from nice cottages, to RV sites, to tent sites.

How to Get to Huntsville, Ontario

Getting to Huntsville is easiest by car, as it’s located along Highway 11, which connects the town to both southern and northern Ontario. The drive from Toronto takes about 2.5 hours, making it a popular road trip destination for weekend getaways or longer stays.

A serene, snow-covered road winding through a dense forest, offering a picturesque winter scene and evoking the peaceful charm of exploring the outdoors near where to stay in Huntsville.

There is a bus service from Toronto to Muskoka, but it’s a much slower option. Once you’re in Huntsville, getting around without a car can be challenging since public transit is limited to almost non-existent.

For the most convenient and enjoyable experience, driving is definitely the way to go! Find the best rental car deals with DiscoverCars.

FAQs

Here are some quick answers to the most common questions about visiting Huntsville to help you plan your perfect trip.

What’s the cheapest hotel in Huntsville?

If you’re looking for the cheapest hotel in Huntsville, Econolodge is usually your best bet. While it’s a no-frills option, it offers clean rooms, free parking, and a simple continental breakfast to get you started for the day. It’s also close to downtown Huntsville, making it a budget-friendly choice for travellers who want to be near the action without breaking the bank.

What’s the cheapest motel in Huntsville?

The cheapest motel in Huntsville is often the Huntsville Inn, but I’d recommend spending a little more to stay at Rodeway Inn. For about $20 more, you’ll get better quality, including updated rooms and a more comfortable stay, while still keeping things affordable.

What are the pet friendly hotels in Huntsville?

If you’re travelling with a pet, Huntsville has a few great options. Deerhurst Resort and Home2 Suites by Hilton both offer some pet-friendly rooms. For a more private stay, consider booking this entire 3-bedroom vacation rental cottage that’s fully pet-friendly!

What is there to do in Huntsville, Muskoka?

Huntsville, my hometown and a place I’m proud to call home, is packed with activities all year long. You can hike, paddle, or ski in beautiful spots like Arrowhead Provincial Park or Limberlost Forest. Downtown, you’ll find unique shops, cozy cafes, and inspiring galleries, plus live music at the Algonquin Theatre. For more ideas, check out my guide to all the things to do in Huntsville.

Conclusion

No matter your travel style or budget, Huntsville has a range of options to make your visit unforgettable. From lakeside resorts and modern hotels to cozy motels and vacation rentals, you’ll find the perfect spot to relax and recharge.

Now that you know where to stay in Huntsville, Ontario, it’s time to plan your trip and come visit my hometown! Hope you like it!

Pamela is your Guide To Ontario! Born and raised in this beautiful Canadian province, she has explored Ontario's landscapes and cities throughout her life. With experience as a professional tour guide, Pamela is passionate about helping travellers uncover Ontario’s breathtaking nature, rich heritage, and enjoy authentic Canadian experiences. Join her as she shares her local tips and hidden gems to make your trip a future story worth telling!