Located just 90 minutes north of Toronto, Muskoka, Canada is a vast district of 1,600 lakes over 2,500 square miles flanked by the world-famous wilderness of Algonquin Provincial Park to the north, and by rugged Georgian Bay to the west, gateway to the Great Lakes and the Ocean.
Muskoka is made up of the regions of Bracebridge, Georgian Bay Township, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Lake of Bays Township (Dorset) and Muskoka Lake Township (Bala, Port Carling) sprinkled with picturesque towns, pioneer farming communities and grand lakeside vacation hotels and family resorts close to golf courses, tennis courts and historic walking trails.
Among the local attractions, Santa’s Village in Bracebridge is a sure-fire hit with the little ones, reports Canoe Travel. The amusement park is home to a variety of rides, not to mention deer, bouncy castles, paddle boats, and Santa, himself. Older kids may prefer the nearby Sportsland.
The Muskoka Heritage Place in Huntsville recreates life in the 1800s with costumed guides to lead visitors through the museum and 20 pioneer dwellings. Kids can learn all about pioneer and First Nations communities, make candles, and pet the animals.
If you prefer to hit the beach, Mukoka offers several places for public access to swimming, including Gull Lake and Muskoka Beach near Gravenhurst, and Bracebridge Bay, Kirby’s, and Bowyer’s beaches. For a list of local beaches, visit 400eleven.com.