Welcome to my Big 3 Guide for Muskoka's most popular lakes: Lake Joseph, Lake Rosseau, and Lake Muskoka.

In this article, we'll explore all you need to know — from technical specs to lodgings to fun things to do — when it comes to Lake Muskoka.

Known as the "grandaddy" of the Big 3 Lakes, Lake Muskoka was the first major lake in the region to be developed on a large scale, dating back to the late 1800s. Initially popular among US “steel barons” — who built the railway lines north to Muskoka to improve access to the area — this playground for wealthy US industrialists and affluent Canadian families left an indelible architectural impression on Muskoka.

This time period introduced grand, “Hampton-inspired” estates to the region — many of which were built at the turn of the century. Some of these historic lake house legacies still survive and thrive today, along the shores near Beaumaris, Mortimer’s Point, and Walker’s point. They'll also be found on the many private and community islands on historic Lake Muskoka.

Lake Muskoka is the largest of the Big Three lakes, at 1210 hectares, spanning 269 km around. Surrounded by Gravenhurst, Bala, and Bracebridge, the lake is home to ~4,400 cottages, and reaches 73 metres of depth at its deepest point. With an average depth of 18 metres, the lake is perfect for boating, fishing, and recreational activities.

Lake Muskoka is also where you'll find the best farmers market, located at the Gravenhurst Wharf on Wednesdays. Take it from me: you don't want to miss it.

The Tech Specs

Where Is Lake Muskoka?

Lake Muskoka sits central to the District of Muskoka, and is surrounded by areas of significance for the region, including a gullery on Eleanor Island — in the lake's southern basin — and deer wintering yards along the northwestern shores. Hardy Lake Provincial Park is also located on the northeastern shore.

Maximum Depth

73 metres

Surface Area

1210 hectares

The Fun Stuff

Restaurants

These are the must-visit eateries in the region.


  • Bala Falls Pub
    • Address: 1010 Bala Falls Rd, Bala, ON P0C 1A0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-762-3035
  • Beveragino
    • Address: 81 Joseph St, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 905-616-0525
  • Castle Blue
    • Address: 3063 Muskoka District Road 169, Bala, ON P0C 1A0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-331-2328
  • Coop Wicked Chicken Port Carling
    • Address: 119 Medora St, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-765-0429
  • Crossroads
    • Address: 2 Cardwell Rd, Rosseau, ON P0C 1J0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-732-4343
  • Don's Bakery
    • Address: 3119 Muskoka District Road 169 #2, Bala, ON P0C 1A0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-762-3937
  • Em's Cafe
    • Address: 16 Coldwater Rd, Coldwater, ON L0K 1E0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-826-9967
  • Knead Pizza Co
    • Address: 1 Lock St E, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 647-204-4019
  • Nicolas Restaurant
    • Address: Honey Harbour Rd, Georgian Bay, ON L0K, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-756-9092
  • Pie Wood Fired Pizza Joint
    • Address: 114 Medora St, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-765-1518
  • Pizzaville
    • Address: 295 Wellington St Unit 10, Bracebridge, ON P1L 1P3, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-645-5557
  • Tulo's Taqueria Muskoka
    • Address: 2 James Bartleman Way, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-765-6538
  • Turtle Jack's Port Carling
    • Address: 123 Medora St, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-765-1753
  • Waters Edge Restaurant
    • Address: 1072 Elgin House Rd, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-765-2040
  • York & Mason
    • Address: 105 Maple St, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-765-0770
  • Boathouse Eatery
    • Address: 177 King St, Midland, ON L4R 3L9, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-527-7480
  • Chef Henrie Bistro & Café
    • Address: 339 High St, MacTier, ON P0C 1H0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-345-5042
  • Jack and Stella
    • Address: 1004 Bala Falls Rd, Bala, ON P0C 1A0, Canada
  • Lakeside Bala Restaurant
    • Address: 3068 Muskoka District Road 169, Bala, ON P0C 1A0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-641-9589
  • Moon River Lookout Restaurant & Catering
    • Address: 1002 Walker St, Bala, ON P0C 1A0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-762-2393
  • Portside Fusion Restaurant
    • Address: 98 Joseph St, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-765-0003
  • Riverwalk
    • Address: 3 Ecclestone Dr, Bracebridge, ON P1L 1S4, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-646-0711
  • The Hook & Ladder Bar and Grill
    • Address: 3119 Muskoka District Road 169, Bala, ON P0C 1A0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-762-0707
  • The Old Station Restaurant
    • Address: 88 Manitoba St, Bracebridge, ON P1L 2B5, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-645-9776
  • Wabora
    • Address: 295 Wellington St N, Bracebridge, ON P1L 1B8, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-646-9500
  • Waters Edge Restaurant
    • Address: 1147 Elgin House Rd, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-765-2040

*Image: Boathouse Eatery, Instagram

Local Activities

Day trip? Don't miss the chance to enjoy these local activities.


  • Diamond in the Ruff Golf & Vacation Resort
    • Address: 1137 Old Parry Sound Rd, Utterson, ON P0B 1M0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 877-385-3222
  • Muskoka BeerSpa
    • Address: 1006 Clear Lake Rd, Torrance, ON P0C 1M0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-571-1814
  • Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Club
    • Address: 1072 Shamrock Rd, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-765-3166
  • Muskoka Steamships
    • Address: 185 Cherokee Ln, Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1G7, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-687-6667
  • Muskoka Zip Lines & Aerial Park
    • Address: 1624 Golden Beach Rd, Bracebridge, ON P1L 1W8, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-645-2512
  • Port Carling Wall
    • Address: 2-7 James Bartleman Way, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0, Canada
  • Santa's Village: Muskoka's Theme Park
    • Address: 1624 Golden Beach Rd, Bracebridge, ON P1L 1W8, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-645-2512
  • Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm
    • Address: 2389 Muskoka District Road 10, Huntsville, ON P1H 2J3, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-787-9787
  • Taboo Muskoka Golf Course
    • Address: 1209 Muskoka Beach Rd, Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1R1, Canada
    • Phone: +1 800-461-0236
  • The Boathouse Yoga Co.
    • Address: 1112 Juddhaven Rd, Minett, ON P0B 1G0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-394-8279
  • The Fairways at Kirrie Glen
    • Address: 1838 Kirrie Glen Road, Muskoka District Road 118 West, Bracebridge, ON P1L 1W8, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-645-4520

*Image: Muskoka Steamships, Instagram

Grocery Shopping

It's not the cottage without s'mores. Stock up here.


  • Bala Freshmart
    • Address: 1003 Mill St, Bala, ON P0C 1A0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-762-1254
  • Canoe Fresh Food Market
    • Address: 3384 Muskoka St, Washago, ON L0K 2B0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-514-5000
  • Cottage Butcher
    • Address: 3173 Muskoka District Road 169, Bala, ON P0C 1A0, Canada
  • Country Produce
    • Address: 301 Westmount Dr N, Orillia, ON L3V 6Y4, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-325-9902
  • Field Of Greens
    • Address: 1 Bruce Wilson Dr, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-765-1895
  • Foodland - Port Carling
    • Address: 10 Bruce Wilson Dr, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-765-3121
  • Gravenhurst Farmers' Market
    • Address: 861 Bay St, Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1G7, Canada
  • Morley Stephen Ltd - Stephen's Butcher Shop
    • Address: 8 Harris St, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-765-3936
  • Port Carling Farmers' Market
    • Address: 40 Bailey St, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0, Canada
  • Rosseau General Store
    • Address: 1 Rice St, Rosseau, ON P0C 1J0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-732-4479
  • Rosseau Market
    • Address: 1175 ON-141, Rosseau, ON P0C 1J0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-767-3914
  • Silver Stream Farms
    • Address: 1316 Peninsula Rd, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-765-3361
  • The Farm Store
    • Address: 101 Entrance Dr, Bracebridge, ON P1L 1H3, Canada

*Image: Unsplash

Parks & Nature

Take a hike! No, literally.


  • Algonquin Park
    • Address: Algonquin Park, ON K0J 2M0, Canada
  • Arrowhead Provincial Park
    • Address: 451 Arrowhead Park Rd, Huntsville, ON P1H 2J4, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-789-5105
  • Hardy Lake Provincial Park
    • Address: Highway 169, Torrance, ON P0C 1M0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-756-2746
  • Hatchery Falls
    • Address: Muskoka Lakes, ON P0B 1M0, Canada
  • Humphrey Barn & Nature Trails
    • Address: 115 ON-141, Parry Sound, ON P2A 2W8, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-732-4313
  • Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve
    • Address: Southwood Rd, Gravenhurst, ON P0C 1M0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 800-267-9700
  • Windsor Park
    • Address: 3070 Muskoka District Road 169, Torrance, ON P0C 1M0, Canada


*Image: Arrowhead Provincial Park, Instagram

Sightseeing & Museums

Set your sights on these must-visit destinations.


  • Algonquin Outfitters - Bracebridge
    • Address: 60 Manitoba St, Bracebridge, ON P1L 1S1, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-645-9262
  • Island Queen Cruise
    • Address: 9 Bay St, Parry Sound, ON P2A 1S4, Canada
    • Phone: +1 800-506-2628
  • Muskoka Lakes Museum
    • Address: 100 Joseph St, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-765-5367
  • Muskoka Steamships
    • Address: 185 Cherokee Ln, Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1Z9, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-687-6667
  • SWS Boatworks Minett
    • Address: 1112 Juddhaven Rd, Minett, ON P0B 1G0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-765-0424
  • SWS Boatworks Port Carling (Lake Rosseau)
    • Address: 3 Lock St E, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-765-3833
  • SWS Boatworks Port Carling (Muskoka Side)
    • Address: 9 Lee Valley Dr, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-765-3833

*Image: Muskoka Lakes Museum, Instagram

Bars & Nightlife

For when you're craving a night on the town.


  • Bass Lake RoadHouse
    • Address: 4700 Muskoka District Road 169, MacTier, ON P0C 1H0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-375-5440
  • Beveragino
    • Address: 81 Joseph St, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-765-5252
  • Crossroads
    • Address: 2 Cardwell Rd, Rosseau, ON P0C 1J0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-732-4343
  • Jack and Stella
    • Address: 1004 Bala Falls Rd, Bala, ON P0C 1A0, Canada
  • Lakeside Bala Restaurant
    • Address: 3068 Muskoka District Road 169, Bala, ON P0C 1A0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-641-9589
  • Mooskoka's Ice Cream
    • Address: 98 Maple St, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0, Canada
  • Pie Wood Fired Pizza Joint
    • Address: 114 Medora St, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-765-1518
  • Portside Fusion Restaurant
    • Address: 98 Joseph St, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-765-0003
  • Riverwalk
    • Address: 3 Ecclestone Dr, Bracebridge, ON P1L 1S4, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-646-0711
  • Terry's BBQ and Grill
    • Address: 3142 Muskoka District Road 118 West, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0, Canada
  • Tulo's Taqueria Muskoka
    • Address: 2 James Bartleman Way, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-765-6538
  • Turtle Jack's Port Carling
    • Address: 123 Medora St, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-765-1753
  • Windermere House
    • Address: 2508 Windermere Rd, Windermere, ON P0B 1P0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-769-3611
  • York & Mason
    • Address: 105 Maple St, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0, Canada
    • Phone: +1 705-765-0770

    • *Image: Jack & Stella, Instagram

    Concierge Services

    Sit back, relax, and get your summer tan on.


    *Image: Unsplash

    Golf

    There's nothing like practicing your swing in Muskoka.


    • Lake Joseph Golf Club
      • Address: 1072 Elgin House Rd, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0, Canada
      • Phone: +1 705-765-2000
    • Rocky Crest Golf Club
      • Address: Hamer Bay Rd RR 1, MacTier, ON P0C 1H0, Canada
      • Phone: +1 705-375-4688
    • The Fairways at Kirrie Glen
      • Address: 1838 Kirrie Glen Road, Muskoka District Road 118 West, Bracebridge, ON P1L 1W8, Canada
      • Phone: +1 705-645-4520

    Image: Lake Joseph Golf Club, Instagram

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    This article was produced in partnership with STOREYS Custom Studio.

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