About Muskoka

Muskoka, Canada is situated at the southern tip of the Canadian Shield. Located 1.5 hours north of Toronto, Muskoka is a vast district of 1,600 shimmering lakes, thundering waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, and aromatic pine forests.



Recently named “The Malibu of the North” by the New York Times, Muskoka’s natural and cultural similarities to Malibu draw visitors from all over the world.

Embedded in the southern tip of the Canadian Shield, Muskoka’s landscape is known for its rugged rock formations; its lakes and rivers having been carved into the Shield in prehistoric times by retreating glaciers.

Anchored by the larger communities of Bala, Port Carling and Windermere, the municipality offers the sophistication of a popular tourism destination, plus the wholesomeness of country living. Muskoka is populated with several villages and towns, farming communities and a signature year-round charm.

With miles of world-class boating, restaurants, dockside bars and beautiful summer weather, the Township of Muskoka Lakes comes to life, especially in the summer months. World class golf courses, country clubs, and marinas serve visitors from near and far.

Calm Muskoka waters bring all kinds of watersports right to your dock. On a given day in the summer you will see water-skiers, wakeboarders, wake-surfers, stand up paddle boarders, and kayakers cruise by. Make sure to wave back! 


Muskoka is bordered by Georgian Bay in the West – where you can find windswept pines, rocky shores and turquoise waters – and meets Algonquin Park, with its thick forest, freshwater lakes and abundant wildlife, in the East.

The district contains 1,600 lakes; the largest and most well-known being Lakes Joseph, Muskoka and Rosseau, which are interconnected and provide for scenic boating adventures.

Many of Muskoka's seasonal properties are mansion-like summer estates, some of which have been passed down from generation to generation through Canadian families. These estates commonly feature a main cottage, boathouse, bunkie, and multiple docks.

In recent years, A-list Hollywood and sports stars have built retreats in Muskoka, including Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Martin Short, Cindy Crawford and Goldie Hawn.

Given the influx of the rich and the famous, it is no surprise that Muskoka has become a luxury tourist destination. In 2017, Muskoka was the #1 most searched Canadian destination for vacation rentals, and has been dubbed The Canadian Hamptons (National Geographic) and The Malibu of the North (New York Times).



In spite of the popularity of the locale for permanent and seasonal homes, the legacy to protect Muskoka’s natural beauty remains. Over 80% of Muskoka maintains its natural cover. The municipality also maintains over 85% naturally vegetated shoreline. Those who hold Muskoka beloved (like us!) vow to continue in the fight to protect its natural beauty.

The name Muskoka derives from a First Nations chief who governed the area in the 1850s. Chief Yellowhead or “Musquakie” was deeply revered by his people. Today, Muskoka remains revered by millions as our favourite summertime playground.