About our Area

About Huntsville, Lake of Bays and Almaguin Highlands

Perfectly situated in the spectacular Muskoka Region, the Town of Huntsville, Township of Lake of Bays and Almaguin Highlands abound with history and a natural beauty unmatched by few places in the world.

Huntsville is located two hours north of Toronto in “cottage country” rooted on the rugged Canadia Shield. In 1971, Huntsville amalgamated with its nearby townships including the historic village of Port Sydney and today, it spreads out over a 700.9 sq km (270.6 sq. mi.) area. With a population of approximately 18,000, it’s the largest and fastest growing community in Muskoka, boasting great shopping, restaurants, pubs, world class golf and live entertainment.

Huntsville is fast becoming a sports destination with numerous prestigious events: The Muskoka Triathalon, Ironman 70.3 Triathalon, Ontario Paralympic Winter Championships and Canadian National Pond Hockey Championships. With the arrival of the 2010 G8 Summit of world leaders, Huntsville gained the addition of The Summit Centre providing 2 ice rinks (one Olympic size); a rubberized walking track; enhanced pool facilities; an Active Living Centre used for weddings, receptions, banquets and used by the Centennial Seniors and The Early Years program; the Motivations Fitness Gym; Algonquin Family Health Team Wellness Centre; an art gallery in the main lobby and Oliver’s Coffee. This is a tremendous facility which can be and will be used by all citizens of the community.

Downtown Huntsville is accessible by boat from Peninsula Lake, Fairy Lake, Lake Vernon and Mary Lake via the interconnecting North Muskoka River (a 40 mile long chain of lakes). There are docking facilities and the beautiful new River Mill Park to enjoy right in the middle of town. Walk to great stores, restaurants and the Algonquin Theatre for a fun-filled day or evening.

Historic Port Sydney, which is situated on the shores of beautiful Mary Lake and the upper North Muskoka River, is also part of the Town of Huntsville.

Huntsville/Lake of Bays provides an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities from a hike or canoe trip into Algonquin Park’s beautiful back country or an invigorating day hike or X-country skiing in nearby Arrowhead Park. Practically on our doorstep, the two operating provincial parks, Arrowhead and Algonquin, provide enjoyable trails that meander through maple forests, and past lakes and rivers where the paddling and fishing are as fine as the scenery. (www.ontarioparks.com)

Like Huntsville, Lake of Bays is a four-season tourism destination. It has a permanent population of approximately 3,000, and encompasses 66,000 hectares (163,083 acres) of steep wooded hills and sandy shorelines. It too has a romantic past highlighted by three quaint villages, Baysville, Dorset and Dwight, that sit along the shores of Lake of Bays. Take the time to enjoy these historic little villages and buildings such as Bigwin Inn which was once the largest resort in Ontario visited by royalty. The four seasons provide glorious vistas of the forests and many lakes that dot the countryside. Recreational opportunities abound from swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, hiking along the back roads and trails to x-country skiing and snowmobiling.

Almaguin HIghlands Region, located about 2.5 hours north of Toronto, is a vast area of approximately 8,000 sq. kms. (3,000 sq. mi.) and stretches northward from the District of Muskoka to the Lake Nippissig Area. With its wide open spaces of mixed woodlands, rolling hills and rocky crags, with hundreds of unspoiled lakes and rivers, this is a paradise for hunters, fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds.

Nestled in the heart of the Almaguin Highlands and the Near North cottage country, the area around Burk’s Falls was first settled by loggers during the 1860’s. Burks Falls has since grown to approximately 1,000 residents and has many shops and attractions.