Huntsville Activities
Whether you are looking for a fun day trip, a change of scenery, a yummy meal, or a rainy day activity, we hope that these suggestions help you explore some of the many activities Huntsville has to offer.
Eat and Drink
Belly Ice Cream: In our opinion, no trip to Huntsville is complete without a trip to Belly's scoop shop and production kitchen. Belly Ice Cream is all natural and completely handcrafted with an obsessive attention to detail and an emphasis on creative, Chef driven flavours. Each flavour is made from scratch using locally sourced fresh dairy and the highest quality ingredients. Not only does Belly make incredible ice cream, they do it in a setting that's a treat for the eyes!
The Nutty Chocolatier: If you have a sweet tooth, this is the place to be. The Nutty Chocolatier's assortment of sweets is unique, nostalgic and fanciful. Known for their beautiful Belgian Chocolates and melt-in-your-mouth handmade truffles, the shop is filled with so much more. You’ll find the best imported candies, creative confections and novelties for all ages. This quaint shop in beautiful downtown Huntsville is packed full of delicious surprises. You will definitely feel like a kid in a candy store.
Windmill Bakery: Windmill continues a long standing tradition of creating authentic, tasty baked goods. Windmill Bakery was started in 1976 so you know they are doing something right. Their baked products are inspired by European techniques and reflect artisanal skills that are high in nutritional value. Not to be outdone by an impressive lineup of breads, cookies, pies and donuts, Windmill boasts a great range of breakfast and lunch options as well as a supplementary menu that caters to gluten-free or other dietary sensitivities.
Main Street Local Kitchen: Main St. Local Kitchen is all about feel good food. The crew at Main St. Local takes pride in preparing meals in-house using locally sourced ingredients. Picture Chef Ryan in the kitchen roasting bones, simmering soup and making burger patties and you'll understand what makes this spot so great. Not only is the food delicious, they are committed to supporting local farmers and are passionate about what they prepare in their kitchen. What comes to the table is food you feel good about.
The Mill on Main: With an extensive menu offering options for all and two pretty incredible patios, its no question why The Mill on Main is a Huntsville mainstay. The vibe is laid back so it's an easy choice after making the trip up HWY 11 or a day down at the dock. The Mill has a drink list that reminds you that you're in cottage country and invites you to spend an afternoon taking in those Muskoka views. The menu has a little something for everyone but the kitchen's workhorse seems to be the wood fire pizza oven as The Mill on Main serves up many fan fav pizzas.
That Little Place By the Lights: It's both the name of this great restaurant and a very accurate set of directions, That Little Place By the Lights is somewhere you will want to check out. Family run, this restaurant uses techniques and recipes from their family bistro and gelateria in Northeast Italy. After over 13 years, the team at That Little Place By the Lights has been welcoming locals and tourists alike, never compromising that same commitment to quality that was born on the cobblestone streets of Italy. This family makes food that they are proud to serve, which is a fitting tribute to the beauty and flavours of the country they love so dearly.
3 Guys and a Stove: Walk in the door and one of the chefs cooking something that smells wonderful and tastes even better greets you with a ‘Hi, welcome to ‘3 Guys’! The hostess smiles and seats you on one of the two levels, each with a fireplace for the cooler months. In the summer guests can dine outside on one of the two decks. 3 Guys and a Stove showcases multi leveled seasoning and multi-layered flavours which are applied to real, honest comfort foods that are healthy, aromatic, and addictingly good. Here and there you will enjoy the spice and aroma of the Caribbean, a dash of Southeast Asia, or a good dose of "down-home southern comfort", but whatever you eat, it will be delightfully simply... and simply delicious.
Tall Trees: At Tall Trees you will enjoy dishes with flavours and textures that are appealing to both the eye and the palate. Start your experience with a glass of wine or enjoy one of our many locally sourced craft beers. Bite into an appetizer of Caesar salad or seared scallops with bacon jam. Enjoy classic mains like ribs, steak and risotto or fan favorite pan-fried pickerel. Enjoy one of many vegetarian dishes or add meat or seafood to suit your taste. Finish with one of many delicious house made desserts like their Famous Butter Tart or the award-winning Dark Chocolate Grand Marnier Flourless Torte and top it all off with a Tall Trees specialty coffee.
Huntsville Brewhouse by Lake of Bays Brewing Company: Known for some really great craft beer, you can expect all of your Lake of Bays favourites plus experimental one-offs and seasonal brews as they let their brewers go wild with six 6 HL fermenters. With 16 rotating taps, you can try a variety of Lake of Bays beers paired with a menu that goes above and beyond your standard pub fare. With a focus on supporting fellow Canadian businesses, food at The Brewhouse is locally sourced and made with fresh ingredients to match the quality of their brews. With street-facing windows that draw up to welcome in the fresh air, and a sizable patio in the middle of Main Street, it's clear why this is a favourite in Downtown Huntsville.
Canvas Brewing Company: The Taproom at Canvas Brewing Company is a gem in all seasons but really shines in the warmer months. With two incredible waterfront patios, 20 beer taps, a snack menu, weekly trivia & live music, monthly workshops, and featured art from local artists- Canvas Brewing's taproom is a bustling community hub where there is always something to do or someone to meet.
Webers on HWY 11: While not located in Huntsville, no trip to cottage country is complete without a stop at Webers on your way up north (or home). Grab a burger and enjoy the sprawling grounds with lots of seating or let the kids enjoy eating in an old train car. The Starbucks and Tim Hortons right nearby are super handy for the java boost needed to complete your drive north.
Grocery Stores
There are several grocery stores in Huntsville that offer a great selection - Bullock’s Independent (similar to a Loblaws), Metro, and FreshCo.
Farmer’s Daughter is also a great option for fresh produce, pantry staples, dairy, fresh meats, and a variety of prepared meals such as lasagna, quiche, sandwiches and meat loaf.
We recommend stopping at the Esso Station just off of Hwy 11 (175 Hanes Rd) to get stocked up on firewood, bottled water (if you choose), and ice.
Tour and Shop
Stroll the streets of Downtown Huntsville: The Good Fox is located just 25 minutes to Downtown Huntsville, so you can easily explore some of the awesome spots this sweet town has to offer. Experience all Downtown Huntsville has to offer with fantastic dining, shopping & entertainment options. Enjoy a meal out with the family at one of Huntsville's many great restaurants (some of our favourite recommendations below), recharge in a cafe, or discover local artisan crafts, art, and fashion at one of the many independent retailers on Main Street.
Children’s Playgrounds: If you are travelling with kids, they will love burning off some energy at the playground at River Mill Park (West St N and Dara Howell Way) and at Huntsville Public School (Susan St and Centre St N).
Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery: The Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery is an inspiring and dramatic mural collection featuring over 80 world-class reproductions of famous artwork by Tom Thomson and Canada’s renown Group of Seven artists. The Gallery is a free public art experience that is designed to engage the community, residents, visitors and tourists alike.
Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm: The largest sugarhouse open to the public in Muskoka. Enjoy 100% pure maple syrup and other delicious maple products made on site. With sugarhouse tours and tastings from May to October, reservations are required in advance as tours fill up quickly. Discover the maple sugaring process from the past to the present day, see displays of maple antiques and artifacts, and stroll through their large maple forest.
Muskoka Heritage Place: Dive into Muskoka’s rich history with Muskoka Heritage Place's museum and pioneer village, featuring authentic pioneer buildings and live costumed narrators that bring you back to the 1800s. The Portage Flyer Train – once the world’s smallest commercial railroad – is a unique Muskoka experience, taking you on an open-air, scenic trip along the Muskoka River to a platform overlooking Fairy Lake. Bring the whole family for a full day of fun as you explore Muskoka’s fascinating past.
Huntsville Farmers' Market: Held every Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., running late May to early October, at the Huntsville Fairgrounds. Sample products from some of Muskoka Region's finest local farmers and makers.
Muskoka Roastery Coffee Co.: The Muskoka Roastery showroom in Huntsville was designed so you can visit and see first hand what goes into a coffee roastery. As an added bonus, the coffee samples are on the house! With live roasting on Friday’s, you have the chance to purchase whole bean coffee, fresh out of the roaster. Learn about coffee sourcing and Muskoka Roastery’s sustainability program or just chat with staff about any aspect of the business that interests you.
Algonquin Theatre: Located in the heart of Downtown Huntsville, the Algonquin Theatre hosts a wide variety of plays, shows, and musical performances. The Theatre offers outstanding performances from comedians to orchestras and provides a platform to highlight some of Muskoka's brightest local talent.
Hike and Explore
Arrowhead Provincial Park: Home to Ontario’s famous ice skating trail, this year-round provincial park in Muskoka is an outdoor jewel in Huntsville. There are so many fun outdoor adventures and activities year round. With hiking trails, mountain bike trails, canoeing, kayaking, birding, fishing, waterfalls, and a lookout, Arrowhead Provincial Park has it all in one place for those looking for outdoor fun. Rental canoes, kayaks, and mountain bikes also available (call ahead for availability).
Algonquin Provincial Park: Many wouldn't consider Algonquin Park for day trips as the park is vast and spans nearly 8,000 square kilometers but there are lots of reasons to consider Algonquin for shorter visits. Only about 45 minutes from Huntsville, Algonquin, the first provincial park in Ontario, protects a variety of natural, cultural, and recreational features and values. As one of Canada's largest provincial parks, Algonquin is diverse and offers something for nearly everyone. With beautiful hiking, biking, and canoe trips (both guided and self-guided) Algonquin Park is a shining gem of Ontario.
Limberlost Forest & Wildlife Reserve: The Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve is a publicly accessible private year-round wilderness haven with twenty private lakes and more than 10,000 unspoiled acres of mixed forest. The private forest reserve contains more than 70 km of hiking, biking, skiing and snowshoeing trails made available to the public at no charge.
Treetop Trekking Huntsville: Treetop Trekking Huntsville offers exciting outdoor adventure activity in Muskoka. Climb, swing, and zip through the forest canopy in their huge aerial game and zip line park, with activities for ages 9+. On Highway 60, just east of Huntsville. The park is open from mid-May until October each year. Reservations are recommended to reserve your spot.
Hunters Bay Trail: The Hunters Bay Trail is a walking, running and cycling trail 4.6 km in length with beautiful natural surfaces and floating dock sections. It begins at the Centre Street bridge near Uponor and winds along the river, under the railway trestle, along the south side of Hunters Bay, through the Avery Beach Park and onwards under the Hwy #11 bridge to East Airport Road.
Fairy Vista Trail: The Fairy Vista Trail is an all season trail travelling through fields, forests and wetlands. The Fairy Vista Trail is accessible near the corner of Hwy #60 and Fairyview Drive.
Lions Lookout: Just minutes outside of Downtown Huntsville, Lions Lookout gives an extensive lookout over the historic town of Huntsville, the river, lakes and surrounding forests.
Golf
Deerhurst Golf Courses: When it comes to golf, Deerhurst has it all. Play two 18-hole courses, the picturesque Deerhurst Lakeside and the famed Deerhurst Highlands, carved from Muskoka’s dramatic landscape. Enjoy private club quality on a pay-as-you-play basis.
Huntsville Downs Golf Course: Muskoka’s hidden gem offering an 18 hole course carved through 200 acres of the Canadian shield, and also offers a 250+ yard driving range, and a private par 3 practice hole.
North Granite Ridge Golf Club: North Granite Ridge Golf Course's 18 hole championship course offers privacy, tranquility and incredible long-range vistas that only the unique topography of Muskoka can provide. Set among 320 acres of quiet forest and natural terrain, this course is challenging yet friendly to all levels of golfers.
The Acres Driving Range: A practice facility for golfers of all skill levels, The Acres Driving Range is conveniently located just 10 minutes East of downtown Huntsville. The range features an elevated tee deck, both grass tees and mats, 300 + yards, practice bunkers, and a wedge area to work on your short-game.