Ah, The Great White North. Such is the loving nickname people use to refer to Canada, the massive country that spans three oceans, millions of lakes, and 347 million hectares of forest. While white snow covers the country for much of the year, it might be more appropriate to call Canada The Great White Green and Blue to represent the gorgeous blue bodies of water and luscious greenery that peppers the landscape from coast to coast to coast.
One of the most beautiful and well-known Canadian regions is the district of Muskoka, Ontario. Located in Central Ontario, Muskoka is situated on Anishinaabeg indigenous land and stretches from Georgian Bay to Lake Couchiching to the Algonquin Provincial Park — spanning 6,475 km2 (2,500 square miles). It holds about 1600 lakes and magnificent wildlife, ranging from wandering moose to bright-pink swamp milkweed flowers.
We’re The Aben Team — Muskoka real estate agents who know the area inside and out. We’re proud to call this stunning part of the world home. We love nothing more than introducing the beauty of Muskoka to new and upcoming cottage owners and showing them just how unique this region is with its luxurious summer homes and endless outdoor adventures. Owning a cottage in this region allows you to explore some of the most exquisite natural fauna in the world. From the many Muskoka lakes to the forest canopies of White Spruce and Jack Pine trees, there is always something to be naturally inspired by in this part of Ontario.
One of the best ways to check in with Mother Nature and soak in the beauty of Muskoka is to see it from the top. We’ve created a list of our favourite lookout spots below. So, get your camera ready because you’re going to want to take pictures!
Do you enjoy watching the sunset? You know, looking in awe as the sky turns pink, purple, and orange as the sun moves out of the way to let the moon take over the sky for a few hours? If you said yes, then you’re in for a treat. Huckleberry Rock has been a popular sunset-observing location for locals for over one hundred years. Located in Bracebridge, Ontario, the Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail overlooks Lake Muskoka and 4.6 billion-year-old exposed pink bedrock — some of the oldest on the planet.
Huckleberry Rock isn’t merely for watching the sunset on a warm summer evening (although it’s the perfect place to do such a thing); it’s also a great spot to take a hike and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. The trail begins in a luscious forest, which then leads into the breathtaking bedrock. And the best part is it’s just a 16-minute drive from Bracebridge’s town centre.
If you’re looking for somewhere to purchase your new summer home, Bracebridge is an ideal place because it’s easy to get to and close to Lake Muskoka. The lake muskoka cottages for sale listed on our website near Bracebridge offer nothing but luxury. Our summer homes in Bracebridge — and throughout Muskoka — provide homeowners privacy and state-of-the-art amenities, including saunas, private internet towers, and personal sports courts. When you’re not out exploring the regional lookouts, you can enjoy private views of the sunset and lake in the comfort of home.
Credit: Kate Tandy via Unsplash
Lion’s Lookout is located in the Muskoka town of Huntsville, Ontario. The Lion’s Lookout Trail follows Camp Kitchen Road alongside the Muskoka River to Fairy Lake. It continues for about 1.5km with steep inclines, so prepare yourself by wearing proper hiking attire. Due to the steepness of the path, it’s best to take in the view during the summer and fall seasons to avoid encountering icy winter weather. It’s also worth noting that you can drive up to the top of the lookout.
The scene from the top is second to none. You’ll enjoy views of the lake, Huntsville, and surrounding hills. While the summer is always a beautiful time of year to admire Muskoka, some prefer to experience Lion’s Lookout views during the autumn months, when the trees change colours and create a canvas of reds, oranges, and browns.
Ask anyone from Ontario what they think of when they hear “Huntsville,” and they’re bound to say: beautiful landscape, charming early 19th-century architecture, and incredible culture of fine-dining, boating, and other outdoor activities. It’s also a town that promotes the arts. For example, you could visit the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery on your way back from the Lookout and admire more than 80 outdoor murals devoted to the iconic Canadian painters.
And it’s the perfect spot for a summer home. Check out these cottages for sale in Huntsville, Ontario and become a Huntsville local. Our cottages provide luxury, convenience, and a summer reprieve.
Another Huntsville favourite, Arrowhead Provincial Park, is open year-round and a hotspot for cottagers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy the scenic park by camping, canoeing on the Little and Big East Rivers, and hiking on one of the many trails, including the Big Bend Lookout. The Big Bend Lookout is a short distance from the Roe Campground. The trail leads you to an observation deck with incredible views of the surrounding countryside and geological features leftover from the Ice Age — including a stunning river delta.
It’s a genuinely fascinating site. The slopes along the meandering river are massive, and if you look close enough, you’ll notice horizontal bands of sediment (silt and sand) that were put there 10,000 years ago by a glacial river. It’s one of the best places to see the inside of glacial data in the country.
The park is also home to other natural delights, including the enchanting Stubb’s Falls. A waterfall that’s perfect for checking out in the spring when the birdsong is lively and sweet, it’s a place to visit when you feel like relaxing and getting away from your daily routine.
If you’re looking for a retreat, escape with us to Muskoka. There’s truly nowhere else on earth quite like it. Where else can you observe prehistoric rock formations, smell the nourishing scent of pine and spruce, feel the refreshing coolness of the lake against your skin, all within a couple of hours of major urban hubs?
Once you visit this beloved Canadian region, you’re not going to want to leave. Call us at The Aben Team to learn how you can make Muskoka a family tradition today and for years to come with the summer home of your dreams.