Eat-ings from

Cheap & cheerful

Smokin’ Birds

Founders (and birds, as they call themselves) Jennifer Dewasha and Jane MacDonald (ex-Café Boulud, Sofia) serve up heaping plates of smoked brisket, pulled pork or turkey breast with delish sides, like pineapple coleslaw, and much more from their parking lot perch in Bala.

Mrs H’s Fish and Chips

From her always-busy spot at Wahta Station, Mrs. H, or Berta as she’s known around town, claims to have the “best fish and chips north of the South Pole” and the accolades to prove it, earning the title of “the best fish and chips in Muskoka” five years in a row.

Fine dining

Tall Trees

Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a warm summer evening in a romantic gazebo surrounded by nature? If dining alfresco isn’t your thing, the historic house at Tall Trees also offers multiple rooms. The food here also stands on its own, and has made this destination a Huntsville fave.

Rawley Resort

What started as a fishing lodge in 1922, has evolved into an expansive lux resort and spa, complete with vantage lakeside views. Lighthouse45 Restaurant has been overhauled by eco-chef Chris Locke, formerly of Toronto’s first farm-to-table restaurant, Marben.

Marsh madness

For three generations, the Johnstons have been growing cranberries in their Muskoka marshes. In the summer months, guests can tour the facility, check out the public art and partake in a number of wine-centric activities, including a bog-to-bottle walking tour and tutored wine tastings.

Coffee

Ice cream

Muskoka Ice Cream Parlour

Tulo’s Taqueria

We’re not sure if it’s the tequila or the tacos, but this Port Carling hot spot is always buzzing come summer, with its picturesque dockside patio overlooking the lake. Check out the tuna tostada and the intriguing veggie options, then wash it down with a cocktail, like the Surfboard, with tequila, grapefruit juice, agave and soda.

Jack & Stella

A modern convenience store for “oldfashioned fun,” Bala’s Jack & Stella offers a curated selection of food and shopping. Guests can stake a spot on the shop’s front porch or lakeside patio for an espresso, big city treats and gourmet sammies for lunch.

Mortimer’s Marina

Looking for a road trip? Take the scenic drive up to Mortimer’s Point on Lake Muskoka and check in for a latté and boutique shopping at Mortimer’s Marina. You’ll thank us later. This summer, Mortimer’s will also be offering yoga, Pilates and Sculpt classes on the docks.

Crossroads

Rated among the top 100 in Canada by OpenTable in 2022, the ambience at Crossroads is upscale but homey, and its chef-driven menu highlights seasonal ingredients, including pleasing pastas and scrumptious seafood.

Bakeries The Bakery

Nestled on Brock Street in Gravenhurst, this bakery specializes in savoury and sweet cakes and pies and a variety of breads and baguettes, which are baked fresh each morning. But it’s the apple fritter that’s put the Bakery on the map: loaded with gooey apple chunks and fried until golden brown, try eating just one!

Windmill Bakery

Founded by a Dutch family in 1976, today Huntsville’s Windmill Bakery is run by husband-and-wife team Dan and Grace Willows, who share a common love for wholesome foods. The shop is best known for its sourdough and rye bread, raspberry-filled oatmeal cookies and lemon meringue pie.

Nestled in the heart of Port Sandfield, this enchanting cottage ice cream shop beckons visitors to indulge in a delightful treat of hand-scooped cones, softserve twisters and more. Unleash your sweet tooth while watching the boats go by on a sunny afternoon.

PolarDip Ice Cream Shoppe

Located at Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst, this is no ordinary ice cream shop. Since 2011, PolarDip has been serving a diverse selection of sweet and savoury treats. Add in the scenic view of Lake Muskoka, and it’s a unique ice cream experience for all.

Beer spa

Experience the ultimate cottage spa day at Muskoka BeerSpa. Nestled in a woodland setting, the spa offers hot tubs, cold pools, saunas, cabanas and a beer garden. This adults-only retreat has pub food, Clear Lake Brewing beers and even unique glamping cabins.

Don’s Bakery

In the small town of Bala beside the cascading falls, you’ll find Don’s Bakery. The 75-year-old institution has been keeping Muskoka visitors and locals in pillowy scones for generations. The menu also includes sweet selections like, of course, butter tarts, as well as savoury items, like quiche and chicken pot pie.