Fun Things To Do in Huntsville this Fall

Photo: James Wheeler / Unsplash

 

Ahhhhh, those amazing Muskoka Fall colours! Guest Contributor Yana Yagupolsky shares her list of the best things to do in Huntsville, Ontario, this Fall

 

Muskoka is well known for its natural beauty and is one of the best places to visit for those seeking an authentic Canadian vacation. In fact, more than three million people visit the region every year.

And while every season in cottage country is beautiful, Fall is special as it brings with it those famous Muskoka Fall colours. Few experiences can top viewing that vibrant Fall foliage while sipping on a hot spiced apple cider, a tradition that’s long been one of the top things to do in Huntsville in the Fall.

Muskoka is arguably one of the top places in Ontario to view the Fall colours. So much so that discovermuskoka.ca, the regional tourism boards website, comes out with an annual Fall colour report that allows visitors can track the colour changes to help determine the best time to visit.

While Fall officially starts on September 21st, the cooler nights and the ever so slight changing of the leaf colours signifies that this glorious season is near. To help you experience the best of this wonderful season, below is a hand-picked list of the top things to do in Huntsville this Fall.

 

Top Things to do in Huntsville this Fall

 

See the Fall Colour Views from the Lions Lookout

 

Huntsville is the largest city in Muskoka and offers a plethora of things to do and explore such as a variety of outdoor activities, great bars and restaurants, and numerous festivals and events. The city is well known for its beautiful Fall foliage, and Lions Lookout in Huntsville has been deemed one of the best Fall lookouts in Muskoka.

Not only is the Lions Lookout a great place to view the Fall colours in Huntsville, it’s also a popular spot to start and end an autumn hike. The trail starts at the Canada Summit Centre and from the lookout follows Muskoka River to Fairy Lake. Just 1.5 kms long, it’s an easy route to follow… and bring your camera!

For more information, visit the Town of Huntsville’s Lions Lookout page.

 

Visit the Sandhill Nursery Fall Festival

 

Sandhill is an upscale nursery located a short drive from downtown Huntsville. The nursery itself is gorgeous and an absolutely pleasure to visit. They offer a very impressive variety of beautiful seasonal plants perfect for making outdoor and indoor flower arrangements to match the Muskoka Fall colours.

The nursery also hosts an annual Fall Festival which begins in mid-September and runs until the end of October. As part of the festival the nursery builds beautiful art installations and hosts a variety of games and activities such as a corn maze, petting zoo, and much more for everyone to enjoy. There are also a few food trucks offering delicious treats and free concerts taking place from Friday to Sunday during the Fall Festival.

The nursery also offers a variety of Autumn Workshops for flower arrangements and creating Fall inspired center pieces.

Sandhill Nursery is a great place to visit in the Fall; visit their website at www.sandhillnursery.ca for details and scheduling of their Fall Festival.

 

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm

 

Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm is a boutique family-owned maple syrup farm located just outside of downtown Huntsville. While maple syrup production actually takes place between the months of February and April, the unique flavour of maple syrup definitely tastes like Fall: think maple pecan pie or maple glazed pears.

Sugarbush is an incredibly charming place to visit, and offers a variety of fun tours and tastings. They also have a great shop where visitors can purchase their amazing maple syrup as well as other delicious homemade treats such as maple ice cream, pies, candy, fudge, and BBQ sauces.  

The maple farm is located on 100 acres of forested land and has a system of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. These trails are delightful and are perfect for admiring the Muskoka Fall colours.

Please visit www.sugarbushhill.com for more information about one of the top things to do in Huntsville this Fall.

 

Take a Drive and Hike in Algonquin Provincial Park

 

Algonquin is a world-renowned provincial park situated just an hour away from Huntsville. It is a place where Muskoka shows off its Fall colours. The park is one of the best places in Ontario to enjoy the beautiful Fall foliage and the crisp autumn air, and there is no better way to do it than embarking on one of the numerous hiking trails. Algonquin boasts more than 80 hiking trails of various lengths and difficulty levels.  

Visit www.algonquinpark.on.ca for more details on the extensive trail system, or visit the park’s visitors center to obtain a map and trails recommendations from the knowledgeable staff.

 

Paddle in a Canoe

 

As Fall approaches and temperatures begin to cool, taking a canoe ride is a perfect way to get out on the water and enjoy the beautiful Muskoka Fall colours. Huntsville is located in the middle of a four-lake chain, with each lake connected and together offering over 40 miles of boating.

The four lakes are Lake Vernon, Mary Lake, Fairy Lake, and Peninsula Lake. When the sun is shining, taking a canoe into downtown Huntsville or exploring each of these beautiful lakes makes for a perfect Fall day on the water.

Canoes and Kayaks are available for one-day and multi-day rentals at Algonquin Outfitters located in the historic downtown Huntsville. The store backs onto the beautiful Muskoka River, so its location is convenient for starting your paddling.

Another option is to stay at a nearby cottage like MuskokaCottage.com. This up-scale property offers two kayaks and a canoe as part of their guest experience. The cottage is located on the shores of gorgeous Lake Vernon and is a perfect place for a Muskoka Fall colours canoe ride.

 

Grab a Treat from Windmill Bakery & Bistro

 

Windmill Bakery & Bistro is a Huntsville institution and has been operating since 1976. It offers delicious European breads, baked goods, and breakfast and lunch items.

Grab a delicious seasonal treat such as an apple fritter or a maple glazed donut for a taste of Fall.  The bakery is also known for their pumpkin pies and customers are encouraged to place their Thanksgiving orders well in advance on windmillbakery.ca.

Apart from the delicious baked goods, Windmill Bakery also decorates its storefront with pretty Fall inspired displays for customers to enjoy while sipping on a hot cup of coffee and biting into a sweet treat.

 

Stay Somewhere With Great Fall Colour Views

 

Muskoka Cottage is the perfect place to stay as it is in close proximity to enjoy all the best Fall activities in and around Huntsville.

The property offers a luxurious vacation experience on the shores of Lake Vernon surrounded by beautiful nature. Guests can observe the Muskoka Fall colours while enjoying a drink on the deck or taking in the view on the private dock.

Additional information and booking details of this Muskoka cottage can be found at www.muskokacottage.com.

 

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Guest Contributor Yana Yagupolsky is a writer for muskokacottage.com and a lover of travel and design. Muskoka is one of her favourite places in the world, and she is passionate about sharing everything it has to offer with others.