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.
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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Pitch me a better summer than this. I’ll wait. 🌊
Ontario summer really does hit different when you actually lean into it. A nd if you’re trying to make the most of yours, you’re in the right place.
I’ve got you covered all summer long. Follow along and let’s make it a good one.
Which day are you claiming first? 👇
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#ontariosummer #exploreontario #ontariotravel
I’ll be honest, Peterborough wasn’t on my radar for a long time. It’s one of those places you drive past on your way to a cottage, always meaning to stop, never quite doing it. 🌿
Then I actually stopped.
And now I keep going back.
There’s something about this part of Ontario that feels like it hasn’t been packaged for tourists yet. A small city with a real downtown, surrounded by lakes and forests and history that goes back thousands of years.
Scroll through and I’ll show you exactly how I’d spend a first visit, from the first coffee of the morning to the sunset that completely blew me away!
Some of it will surprise you. Some of it will make you hungry. And at least one slide is going to make you say « wait, that exists in Ontario?! » 🙌
Save this before your next road trip north, you’re going to want it.
👇 Have you ever been to Peterborough? I’ll be back in that area in the Fall so tell me what I missed?
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#Peterborough #Kawarthas #OntarioTravel #ExploreOntario #VisitOntario
I’ve driven this loop more times than I can count and every single time I find something new to love about it.
It starts just outside Ottawa and winds through some of the most underrated corners of Eastern Ontario.
The thing about this road trip is that it doesn’t ask much of you. You don’t need to plan weeks in advance or drive for hours to feel like you’ve actually gotten away. You just need a long weekend, a full tank of gas, and a willingness to slow down.
I’ve been piecing this route together for years, adding stops, swapping others out, finding the spots that are worth the detour and the ones that aren’t. This is the version I keep coming back to. The one I send to friends when they ask where to go. The one that made me fall in love with Eastern Ontario all over again.
Every stop is in the reel. Save this and start planning.
Have you done any of these stops before? Drop the ones you’ve been to below 👇
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#ottawa #ottawatravel #ottawaweekend #easternontario #ontarioroadtrip
Ottawa has this quiet superpower that most people overlook. Within two hours, you can be walking along a UNESCO canal, standing on a lookout over a lake, or eating the best pizza of your life on a patio beside a waterfall.
And yet somehow, most people spend their weekends doing the same thing in the city when all of this is sitting right outside their door.
Scroll through to see my list of nine day trips, all under two hours from Ottawa. One of them might end up becoming your new regular.
Which one is going on your list first? Drop the name below 👇
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I almost didn’t go to Kincardine. It kept coming up in conversations; someone would mention it in passing, or I’d see a photo of that lighthouse at golden hour and think “I should go there sometime.” And then I’d forget about it and plan something else instead.
I finally went last Summer. And I’ve been thinking about it ever since.
There’s something about this town that’s hard to explain. It’s not trying to be anything other than what it is, a small lakeside town with Scottish roots, a lighthouse that’s been standing since 1880, beaches that face west so every single evening turns into something worth stopping for, and a community that genuinely seems to love where it lives.
The full guide is in the reel : where to start your morning, which lighthouse to visit, where to eat, where to stay, and the one sunset experience that I genuinely was not prepared for.
Kincardine is about two and a half hours from Toronto and one hour from Kitchener, so save this for your summer planning. 🔖
Have you been to Kincardine before?
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#kincardine #exploreontario #ontariotravel #lakehuron #brucecounty
