Bracebridge Vacation Rentals

Known as The Heart of Muskoka, Bracebridge is situated on the confluence of two rivers. Here, almost every trail leads to waterfalls, making it a haven for riverside hiking against the backdrop of the thunderous cascades. There's more to Bracebridge than just nature, though. Annual festivals, art shows, and historical legacies are plentiful. Bracebridge cottage rentals make a fabulous base for your Muskoka vacation.

Food and drink, Bracebridge-style

Bracebridge's culinary scene includes locally-sourced deli meats, hearty pub grub, local beer, and several seasonal delicacies. Eat like a local at the Bracebridge Farmers Market, held each Saturday on Manitoba Street. Fresh bakes, cheeses, fruits, meats, and more await. A fixture since 1985, the downtown Old Station is a popular haunt that serves a diverse range of food including wraps, pulled chicken tacos, smoked turkey naan-wiches, calamari, salads, soups, and more.

Try a patio lunch overlooking the Muskoka Falls at the Riverwalk Restaurant. Its signature dishes include Muskoka free range chicken and house marinated salmon. The Mediterranean-style interiors and the open kitchen are a nice touch. Finally, end your culinary sojourn at Muskoka Brewery, one of Canada's fastest-growing craft breweries.

Architecture, theatre, and more

A top-rated attraction is the refurbished Woodchester house, built in 1882 by a local wool tycoon. The riverside house is a wonderful example of the octagonal movement that gained popularity in the late 1800s. Bracebridge Falls in downtown Bracebridge is a photographer's paradise, thanks to an excellent viewing platform. There are shaded walking trails in the vicinity.

Film buffs can catch a first-run film at the vintage Norwood Theatre, a family-run movie house that's been entertaining locals since 1949. Another recommended activity is a theatrical production at the local Rene M. Caisse Memorial Theatre. Local and provincial artists often have their works on display at the Chapel Gallery, housed since 1989 inside a reconstruction of an old Presbyterian church.

Family-friendly Muskoka

Santa's Village is where the jolly old elf resides all year long. Kids take a ride on Santa's train, scream atop Rudolf's rollercoaster, or cruise down the Muskoka River. There's also batting cages, miniature golf, and laser tag to keep the fun going. Also highly recommended is Northern Escapades Mini Putt, which enjoys an idyllic forest setting by the river complete with streams, bridges, and water wheels. Don't forget to finish your round with some local Kawartha ice cream, frozen yogurt, or popsicles at their Snack Shack.

The High Falls Waterpark, situated at the base of High Falls, offers clean sandy beaches, watercraft, and water trampolines. Little High Falls and Pott's Falls are a short walk away. For a more relaxed day out in the sun, try Kirby's Beach which hugs Lake Muskoka's shores. The beach has grassy picnic areas and a playground, plus scenic views of the lake itself.

Excursions around Bracebridge and Muskoka

Outdoorsy types will be spoiled for choice in Bracebridge with so many winter sports, biking, hiking, and waterside options at hand. A popular choice is a cruise aboard the historic Lady Muskoka boat, which lets you admire views sights such as Millionaire's Row and native wildlife. If you like a bit of golf, visit the scenic and dog-friendly Muskoka Highlands Golf Club.

Frequent hikers will love the Strawberry Point Trail, which meanders through woodsy paths leading towards a panoramic view of Lake Muskoka. Another great hike includes the thunderous High Falls, also known as 'The Niagara of the North'. This set of five falls are some of the highest falls in the region.

Enjoy year-round festivities

A unique take on the traditional winter carnival, Fire and Ice Festival features a bit of both fire and ice. There's fireworks, fire artists, and fire pits alongside skating events and interactive ice displays. The festival also includes The Great Canadian Lumberjack Show featuring wood-chopping and axe-throwing contests.

Summer brings the Venture Fest, with many different craft beers, ciders, cocktails, and live music. In August there's live theatre under the stars at PRISM in the Park. Not long after this, opera singers from all over the world over arrive in Bracebridge for the OperaMuskoka Festival to perform Broadway and operetta music.

The family-friendly Fall Harvest Festival is a fun affair with its tractor rides, pumpkin harvesting, face painting, scavenger hunts, and field mazes. Kick off the holiday season with Santa's Festival of Lights and Shopping Party. Hop onto a carriage-drawn horse ride through downtown Bracebridge's beautifully lit streets, followed by marshmallow roasting and gingerbread cookie decorating.

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