This is your guide for the perfection Bracebridge weekend getaway. Located 2 hours from Toronto, Bracebridge is the perfect base for your getaway in beautiful Muskoka! If you’re looking for recommendations of what to do in Bracebridge, look no further: this curated itinerary features my top picks for what to do and where to stay to make the best of your visit.
I can’t believe I’ve lived in Ontario close to 10 years now and had never made my way to Muskoka! I had driven through on my road trip to Northern Ontario, but I had never made a proper stop (a gas station doesn’t count!). Luckily I was able to fix that a few weeks ago when my content creator friend Caroline El Khoury invited me on a roadtrip to Bracebridge with her. And finally, I understand all the hype!
This charming small town of approximately 8,500 residents inhabitants is a paradise for waterfalls lovers with no less than 3 waterfalls! But thats not all Bracebridge it known for.
I’ve put together this itinerary to help you hit all the highlights, taste the best food, and make the most of your time here.
YOUR GUIDE FOR A PERFECT BRACEBRIDGE WEEKEND GETAWAY
What to know before visiting Bracebridge?
- Bracebridge is located within Muskoka District, approximately 180 kilometers north of Toronto.
- It’s often referred to as the “Heart of Muskoka” and serves as a popular destination for tourists seeking a getaway in nature.
- Bracebridge was founded in the early 19th century, with settlement beginning around 1860.
- In the late 19th century, Bracebridge started to attract tourists, leading to the development of resorts and summer cottages.
- Bracebridge is about 2.5 hours from Toronto, 4 hours from Ottawa: and roughly 2.5 hours from London.
Where to Stay?
There is something about cottage near a river that just get’s me every time. And I found the perfect one for your visit to Bracebridge : the Muskoka River Retreat.
Located 10 minutes from downtown Bracebridge this beautiful cottage as direct access to the Muskoka River via a beautiful boardwalk and dock. Here, you’ll enjoy complete privacy without sacrificing on modern utilities. Inside you will find 3 bedrooms (2 queen size bed in the first two and 2 single beds in the last bedroom), sleeping up to 6 people. There are also 2 full bathroom, one on the first floor and the other one on the second flood near the bedrooms. There is an open concept kitchen that leads to the dinning room and living room. On colder night, you can enjoy a fire in the wood fireplace.
The best par of this cottage however is the outside space. You will find everything you need to go for a paddle on the Muskoka River!
THE DETAILS
Price | 235$ a night (3 nights minimum)
Reservations | Book the cottage here
What to do during Bracebridge weekend getaway
Check out High Falls
High Falls in Bracebridge is a stunning natural attraction that showcases the beauty of Muskoka’s landscape. Located just a short drive from the town center, this picturesque waterfall cascades dramatically over a rugged granite escarpment, offering visitors breathtaking views and excellent photo opportunities.
The falls were formed by glacial activity thousands of years ago, creating the striking granite landscape we see today. In the 19th century, the area became an important hub for the timber industry, with logs being transported down the Muskoka River. The falls played a key role in this process, acting as a natural landmark for log drivers. Over the years, as the timber industry declined, the region shifted focus towards tourism, with High Falls becoming a popular destination for visitors seeking natural beauty and outdoor activities.
The surrounding area features well-maintained trails that invite hikers to explore the lush scenery and diverse wildlife. In the warmer months, the falls become a popular spot for picnicking and relaxing by the water, while in the winter, the frozen landscape transforms into a serene wonderland.
Travel Tip // Most of the site is wheelchair accessible. We love accessible waterfalls!
THE DETAILS
Where | Find it here on Google Map.
Difficulty | The Falls are just short minute walk away from the parking and are easily accessible.
And don’t forget to stop at Wilson’s Falls…
Wilson’s Falls is another waterfall located just a few minutes outside of downtown Bracebridge. These falls were named after the Wilson family, early settlers who played a significant role in the area’s development during the 19th century. Originally part of the timber trade, the falls were vital for transporting logs down the Muskoka River, serving as a landmark for loggers.
Over the years, Wilson’s Falls has evolved into a picturesque park, featuring well-maintained trails and scenic viewpoints that attract hikers and nature enthusiasts. The surrounding area is known for its diverse flora and fauna, making it a prime spot for birdwatching and photography.
THE DETAILS
Where | Find it here on Google Map.
Difficulty | There are different viewpoints for these Falls each with their own parking. All are easily accessible.
Finally check out Bracebridge Falls
If I’m completely honest, these were not my favorite waterfalls in Bracebridge. However, since they are located right in the heart of downtown, they are still worth checking out if only to say that you saw the 3 waterfalls in town.
Because of their location, Bracebridge Falls have served as a centerpiece for the local community for a long time. Historically, they played a vital role in the region’s development, particularly during the 19th century when the area was a hub for the timber industry. Logs were transported down the Muskoka River, and the falls marked a key point in this process. Over the years, Bracebridge Falls has become a beloved spot for both residents and visitors, offering walking trails, scenic viewpoints, and recreational opportunities. The falls are particularly enchanting in the spring when the snow melts, creating a powerful rush of water, and in the autumn when the surrounding foliage bursts with vibrant colors.
THE DETAILS
Where | Find it here on Google Map.
Difficulty | These falls are easily accessible from a few paths downtown.
Take a cruise on the Muskoka River
Taking a cruise on the Muskoka River with Muskoka Cruises is another great way to discover Bracebridge. The cruise takes place on the two-story Lady Muskoka II. Although the top deck is the most popular, I found it a bit too crowded with I visited. I much preferred the lower indoor deck with large windows.
THE DETAILS
Where | Find it here on Google Map. (Behind the Quality Inn Hotel)
Price | $45 per person, 35$ for teens, 20$ for children and toddlers under 3 year old ride for free.
When | The cruises run until the end of October.
Ticket | You can get your tickets here.
Paddle on the Muskoka River
My favorite way to enjoy nature in Bracebridge was definitely to paddle on the Muskoka River. Especially at this time of year when the Fall colours are at their best!
The Muskoka River is a vital waterway that winds through the heart of Muskoka connecting several lakes and communities, including the picturesque town of Bracebridge. Historically significant, the river played a crucial role in the region’s development, serving as a major transportation route for Indigenous peoples and later for European settlers. In the 19th century, it became a key artery for the timber industry, facilitating the transport of logs to mills and markets. Today, the Muskoka River is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, attracting outdoor enthusiasts year-round for activities like boating, fishing, kayaking, and hiking along its scenic shores.
The river is also an integral part of the local ecosystem, supporting diverse wildlife and vibrant plant life.
Travel Tip // There are a few places in Bracebridge where you can rent kayaks and paddle board : Algonquin outfitters & Liv Outside are some good options.
Where to eat?
Barista Coffee | Perfect for a cozy coffee break!
Muskoka Brewery | Grab a local brew with a few snacks
Basilico | Have lunch or dinner at this Italian restaurant with gorgeous views on the river.
Travel Photo Tip!
5 tips to enhance your autumn reflections
- Slightly increase exposure and contrast to brighten the scene and add depth.
- Boost vibrance and carefully increase saturation to make the fall colors pop naturally.
- Adjust yellow and orange hues in the HSL panel to intensify the autumn tones.
- Add clarity and sharpening for a crisp look without introducing noise.
- Use a graduated filter on the water to enhance the reflection’s contrast and vibrance.
Check out my Instagram page for more photography tips and don’t forget tag me if you try these tips on your own photos!
READ THESE BEFORE VISITING MORE OF ONTARIO
ONTARIO GUIDES | The Ultimate Weekend in Beaver Valley ; The Best In and Around Niagara Falls : A Complete Guide
ONTARIO TOP 10 | Top 11 Best Lookouts in Ontario
WHERE TO STAY IN ONTARIO | Tiny Stays: A Unique Stay in Prince Edward County; Spend the night with Alpacas at Haute Goat Farm
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Want to touch the southernmost point of mainland Canada? 👇🇨🇦
Then Point Pelee National Park needs to be on your summer list.
From epic sunsets and peaceful marsh boardwalks to migrating birds and butterflies, this park packs a lot into a small space.
In this quick guide:
📍 What to do
🗓️ Best time to visit
⛺ How to camp (hint: it involves oTENTiks)
🦋 And a few cool facts to impress your road trip buddy
Save this for later & tag someone who’d love to stand at the tip of Canada with you 🌊
🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte se trouve dans les commentaires.
#PointPeleeNationalPark #ExploreCanada #TravelOntario #ParksCanada #BucketListTrip #OntarioRoadTrip #NatureEscape #BirdingSeason #WanderOntario
Did you know Peterborough & the Trent-Severn Waterway made the New York Times list of 52 Places to Visit in 2025?
After a weekend exploring the area… I get it. Here’s what makes it one of Ontario’s best summer road trips ⬇️
🌿 Walk with alpacas at a local farm
🚤 Cruise through the world’s highest hydraulic lift lock
🍷 Sip sangria + eat wood-fired pizza at a vineyard
🛶 Visit the brand-new Canadian Canoe Museum
🌄 Hike through caves & forests at Warsaw Caves Conservation Area
🥧 Taste-test butter tarts in Hastings, Campbellford & Lakeside
The perfect Ontario getaway: nature, small towns, good food, and local gems everywhere you turn.
📍 Save this for your next summer road trip!
And tell me below — which stop are you adding to your bucket list?
🇫🇷 Saviez-vous que Peterborough et la voie navigable Trent-Severn figurent sur la liste des 52 destinations à visiter en 2025 selon le New York Times ?
Après un week-end à explorer la région… je comprends tellement pourquoi. Voici pourquoi c’est un road trip incontournable en Ontario cet été ⬇️
🌿 Marcher avec des alpagas dans une ferme locale
🚤 Naviguer sur la plus haute écluse hydraulique au monde
🍷 Boire de la sangria et déguster une pizza au feu de bois dans un vignoble
🛶 Visiter le Musée canadien du canot
🌄 Explorer les sentiers et les grottes du parc Warsaw Caves
🥧 Et bien sûr, faire le plein de tartes au beurre dans les charmants villages de Hastings, Campbellford et Lakeside
Le combo parfait : nature, petites villes, bouffe locale et histoire à chaque détour.
📍 Sauve ce guide pour ton prochain road trip d’été en Ontario !
Et dis-moi en commentaire : quelle activité te tente le plus ?
#discoveron
@ontariotravel and @kawarthas_northumberland
#PeterboroughOntario #TrentSevernWaterway #OntarioRoadTrip #ExploreOntario #SummerInOntario #HiddenGemsOntario #CanadianTravel
These Ontario spots understood the assignment… Saunas in the forest, hot tubs with a view, outdoor soaks under the stars, we’ve got it all!
Here are 6 places where the spa setup is reason enough to book the trip:
1. Aux Box (Huntsville)
2. The Baltic by Fort Tree House Co. (Minden)
3. Back Forty Glamping (Meaford)
4. Anupaya (Deep River)
5. Tiny Stays (Prince Edward County)
6. The June Motel (Beaver Valley)
Tag someone who owes you a spa weekend 💆♀️
🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte se trouve dans les commentaires
#OntarioStays #GlampingOntario #WeekendGetaway #SaunaVibes #HotTubGoals #OntarioSpas #TinyCabins #TravelOntario
I’m on a mission to put Belleville on the map for your Ontario summer adventures 🌞
This is way more than just a drive-by on the 401. Think: charming town vibes, scenic hikes, amazing food (I’m still dreaming about those perogies), and… turtles. 🐢
✨Here’s what I did (don’t forget to save the reel for the full breakdown!):
📍Explored downtown + coffee at Benji’s
🐢 Turtle Pond sanctuary
🥟 Lunch at Kafana (get the perogies!)
🌲 Hiked up Sager Tower (located in Quinte West just a short drive away)
🌮 Dinner at Pop-Ups on the Bay
🍓 Smoothies, wildlife, breweries & more on Day 2
🏖 Bonus: Presqu’ile for a beach day just 35 minutes away.
For this visit, I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Belleville, perfectly located for all your Bay of Quinte adventures. 👌
Save this for your next summer roadtrip & tag someone who needs a mini escape!
🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte se trouve dans les commentaires
*made in partnership with Bay of Quinte Tourism*
#VisitBelleville #BayofQuinte #OntarioGetaways #HiddenGemsOntario #ExploreOntario #WeekendTripIdeas #MsurlarouteAdventures
Everyone visits Banff, but just an hour away, there’s also this. 👀
Grassi Lake in Kananaskis might just be one of the most underrated hikes in Alberta.
It’s short, it’s scenic, and the turquoise water? Totally unreal.
💦 Take the interpretive trail for waterfalls and forest views
⛰️ End at a lake so vibrant it looks photoshopped
So if you’re heading to the Rockies this summer, don’t sleep on Kananaskis.
Some of the best views are just off the radar.
💬 Been to Kananaskis or still on your list?
💾 Save this if you’re planning an Alberta trip!
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires! ⬇️
#GrassiLake #KananaskisCountry #AlbertaRoadTrip #HiddenGemsAlberta #ExploreKananaskis #HikingAlberta #BanffVsKananaskis #CanadianRockies #SummerInAlberta
