Spring has sprung and it’s the perfect time to visit Muskoka.
With over 6,000 square kilometres to explore, Muskoka is comprised of six communities including Huntsville, Bracebridge and Georgian Bay. While you may think of it as a summer getaway or a winter wonderland, the spring season is the perfect time to travel along the Muskoka Maple Trail.
It runs until April 26 and culminates with the Muskoka Maple Festival in downtown Huntsville on Saturday, April 27. The all-ages event brings in a day full of activities, vendors, displays, performers, and live music.
But ahead of the big day, take some time to get sappy with the most self-guided Canadian culinary adventure.
“We call it the most Canadian of trails because it’s all maple-syrup inspired. There’s different overnight packages that you can take advantage of…there’s great desserts, five-course menus,” says Val Hamilton, Executive Director of Muskoka Tourism.
“There’s a little bit of everything!”
There are 22 stops along the trail and here are some that are must-sees.
(we’re trying a new style – to compliment all the stops. Each title is hyperlinked and we can include a photo of each place? We could include address or just leave it to hyperlink)
900 Bay St.
Gravenhurst, Ontario
Since 2006, the Blue Willow Tea Shop has been the go-to tea spot for locals and visitors. With a wide variety of teas and snacks, you can experience a unique high tea experience with a lake view table.
“Historically, high tea was a late meal in the day, a working-class meal and it was served on a high table,” says co-owner Alison McKinnon.
2389 Muskoka District Road 10
Huntsville, ON
The family-owned and operated farm is the largest sugarhouse open to the public year-round in the heart of Muskoka. With 3,200 taps across the 100-acre property, you can see, taste and learn about what it takes to create 100% pure and natural maple syrup.
“In the springtime, we’re busy working during March and April making maple syrup for our customers,” says owner Tom Stehr.
“You need temperatures during the day to be above freezing and at nighttime below freezing and the following day, the pressure build up will help the sap flow.”
“We need 40L of sap to make 1L of maple syrup.”
Don’t forget to also try a Maple Creemee, a creamy soft serve concoction that can only be found in Ontario at Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm.
143 ON-60
Huntsville, ON
If you’re feeling sappy and sentimental, experience a home-cooked meal in a gorgeous interior at 3 Guys and A Stove. The maple features include back pork ribs with a Black Strap Molasses Maple BBQ sauce. Make sure to also save room for the Muskoka Maple Sugar Pie with scotch whiskey almond ice cream.
“We’re featuring maple because we’re using the nectar of the gods of Muskoka. It is a wonderful ingredient and if you can develop it with other recipes and create this multi-level flavour. It gives us an opportunity to use maple syrup in a savoury dish,” says Chef and owner Jeff Suddaby.
Following the Muskoka Maple Festival, you’ll be able to join the closing festivities with a sugar shack experience with live fiddle music and a marche dinner.
1235 Deerhurst Dr.
Huntsville, ON
Opened in 2019, Canvas Brewing Co. is one of the leading craft breweries on the scene. Located just east of the swing bridge in Huntsville, the Maple Mild beer is a must. It’s light-bodied ale with a hint of sweetness thanks to the maple syrup.
If you’re more into the cocktails, the Blackberry Maple Mojito is a classic rum cocktail with a local twist thanks to the maple syrup.
72 Main St E
Huntsville, ON
If you need a caffeine fix with some Canadian flare, make sure to try their specialty drinks including the Maple Americano and the Maple London Fog. Don’t forget to try the maple gelato along with a selection of desserts that will surely delight.
Deerhurst Resort: Compass Grill and Lounge
1235 Deerhurst Dr.
Huntsville, ON
If you’re winding down your day, drop by Deerhurst Resort. Whether you’re spending the night or just dropping by, make sure to enjoy a maple-infused 3-course menu.
“Muskoka maple is special because it’s nearby. I can see the trees that might be tapped right now out the window. Cooking with it is easy because any ingredient that would use a sweetener, sugar, or honey you can substitute it with maple and it adds an extra special maple flavour,” says Chef Vince Dion.
The Muskoka Maple Trail is yours to discover until April 26 and will culminate in the Muskoka Maple Festival on April 27 in downtown Huntsville.