Gravenhurst: Where Your Muskoka Story Begins

Gravenhurst is the Gateway to Muskoka — the first town visitors encounter as they head north into cottage country, and a destination so rich with history, culture, and natural beauty that many never want to leave. For over 150 years, the lakes, forests, and rocky landscape of Gravenhurst have captivated visitors and drawn them back season after season.

From a legendary steamship cruise on the Muskoka Lakes to outdoor cinema under the stars, world-class museums, vibrant arts performances, and some of the most beautiful waterfront dining in Ontario, Gravenhurst offers an extraordinary range of experiences. Here is your complete guide to the best things to do in Gravenhurst, Muskoka.

The Muskoka Wharf: Gravenhurst's Heart

The Muskoka Wharf is the crown jewel of Gravenhurst — a beautifully maintained waterfront boardwalk that winds along the shoreline of Muskoka Bay. Here you'll find a wonderful selection of shops, restaurants, cafés, and galleries alongside two of Gravenhurst's most iconic attractions: the historic steamship cruise office and the award-winning Muskoka Discovery Centre.

The Wharf is bookended by the steamship office on one end and the Muskoka Discovery Centre on the other, making it the perfect place to spend a full afternoon soaking up Muskoka's rich heritage and scenic beauty. The views across Muskoka Bay from the wharf boardwalk are simply stunning at any time of day.

Top Attractions in Gravenhurst

RMS Segwun Steamship Cruise

No visit to Gravenhurst is complete without a cruise aboard the RMS Segwun — the oldest operating steamship in North America, and one of the most iconic symbols of Muskoka heritage. Muskoka Steamships offers daily sightseeing cruises, dinner cruises, and specialty themed voyages across the stunning Muskoka Lakes. Sailing from the Muskoka Wharf, each cruise delivers breathtaking views of the iconic Muskoka boathouses, island cottages, and pristine lake scenery that have made this region famous around the world.

Muskoka Discovery Centre

One of Ontario's finest regional museums, the Muskoka Discovery Centre at the Wharf offers world-class exhibits exploring the natural, cultural, and social history of the Muskoka region. From the history of the steamship era to the ecology of Muskoka's 1,600 lakes and forests, the Discovery Centre delivers engaging, beautifully presented exhibits for visitors of all ages. Don't miss the regularly rotating special exhibitions that bring new perspectives on Muskoka to life throughout the year.

Bethune Memorial House

Gravenhurst is the birthplace of Dr. Norman Bethune — one of Canada's most celebrated historical figures and an iconic hero in China for his revolutionary medical work during the Second Sino-Japanese War. The Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site is a beautifully preserved Victorian home that tells the extraordinary story of this remarkable Canadian's life and legacy. A moving and fascinating visit for anyone interested in history and humanitarian causes.

Muskoka Drive-In Cinema

One of Ontario's most beloved summer traditions, the Muskoka Drive-In in Gravenhurst offers outdoor movies in a classic, nostalgic drive-in setting on select Thursday evenings throughout the summer season. Pack the car with snacks, tune in on the FM radio, and enjoy a movie under the Muskoka stars — an experience that captures the magic of a simpler era.

Cinema Under the Stars

Join the community at Cinema Under the Stars in Gravenhurst for outdoor film screenings on select evenings throughout the summer. A wonderful social event that brings locals and visitors together to enjoy great films in an open-air setting with the Muskoka landscape as backdrop.

Outdoor Activities in Gravenhurst

Hahne Farm Trail

A 3.7km out-and-back trail near Gravenhurst, the Hahne Farm Trail features a stunning granite ridge view overlooking the forest — one of the most scenic short hikes in the Muskoka area. A manageable climb rewards hikers with sweeping views across the treetops, particularly stunning in fall when the foliage transforms the forest into a canvas of gold and crimson.

Cooper's Falls Trail

A scenic hiking trail near Gravenhurst that leads to the beautiful Cooper's Falls, offering a rewarding combination of forest hiking, river views, and waterfall scenery. Well-maintained and clearly marked, this is an excellent half-day outing from any Gravenhurst cottage.

Gull Lake Park Beach

Gravenhurst's Gull Lake Park offers a popular public beach on Gull Lake — ideal for swimming, picnicking, and enjoying a relaxed summer afternoon. The park also hosts community events throughout the summer season, and its playground and open green space make it a favourite destination for families.

Muskoka Beach Park

Sitting on the shores of Muskoka Bay near the historic Wharf, Muskoka Beach Park is one of the region's premier public beach destinations with a sandy shoreline, lifeguard supervision in summer, and stunning views across Lake Muskoka. Easily combined with a visit to the Wharf or a steamship cruise.

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Gravenhurst Opera House

A Muskoka institution since 1901, the Gravenhurst Opera House is one of Ontario's oldest continuously operating live performance venues. The Opera House hosts a full season of theatre, comedy, concerts, and community events throughout the year — a testament to Gravenhurst's deep cultural roots. Check the calendar for upcoming shows during your visit.

Blue Willow Tea Shop

Gravenhurst's legendary Blue Willow Tea Shop is a beloved tradition for visitors seeking a quintessentially charming Muskoka experience. Enjoy a traditional afternoon high tea service with homemade scones, finger sandwiches, and fine teas in an elegantly appointed setting. Reservations are recommended, especially on summer weekends.

Taboo Muskoka Resort

Just outside Gravenhurst, Taboo Muskoka Resort offers an extraordinary combination of luxury accommodation, championship golf, fine dining, and spa experiences on the shores of Lake Muskoka. Whether you're teeing off at sunrise or relaxing on the resort's private terrace with panoramic lake views, Taboo delivers the definitive premium Muskoka experience.

Gravenhurst Events in 2025

• Gravenhurst Car Show — June 14
• Gravenhurst Autumn Arts Tour — September 27–28
• Music on the Barge — Sunday evenings throughout summer
• Muskoka Extreme Ski Show — Wednesday evenings at the Wharf
• Gravenhurst Winter Carnival — February 13–16
• Gravenhurst Triathlon & Duathlon — Early June

Best Cottages Near Gravenhurst

Gravenhurst is perfectly situated on the shores of Lake Muskoka, surrounded by some of the region's most beautiful cottage country. These Homeseeker Vacation properties put you right in the heart of it all:

Woodwinds Pearl — Gravenhurst, Lake Muskoka

Sitting directly on the shores of Lake Muskoka near Gravenhurst, Woodwinds Pearl is a spectacular 3-level cottage sleeping 10 guests. Features include a dock, kayak, two paddleboards, pedal boat, firepit, ping-pong and pool table, and stunning northwest sunsets. Walk-to-water access and wall-to-wall lake-view windows make this one of the finest lakefront properties in the Gravenhurst area.

Blue Cottage — Gravenhurst/Washago

A family-friendly 4-bedroom lakefront cottage sleeping 10 with a private dock, floating dock, canoe, kayaks, paddleboard, foosball and pool tables, fire pit, and Starlink Wi-Fi. The Blue Cottage is conveniently located between Gravenhurst and the Washago area, offering easy access to both the Gateway to Muskoka's attractions and the wider cottage country.

Bala Charm — Bala, Lake Muskoka

A private year-round Lake Muskoka retreat near Bala and Gravenhurst with tiered decks, a boathouse bar, kayak, pedal boat, and northwest-facing sunset views. Bala Charm sleeps 6 guests and offers easy access to both Bala and Gravenhurst's outstanding attractions across all four seasons.

Sunrise Vista — Port Carling, Lake Muskoka

A spacious 4-bedroom Lake Muskoka cottage sleeping 10 guests near Port Carling, Sunrise Vista features a private beach, swim and boat dock, games room, pool table, foosball, Starlink Wi-Fi, and lakeside fire pit. Just a short cruise or drive from Gravenhurst's Muskoka Wharf and steamship departures.

Discover the Gateway to Muskoka

Gravenhurst is far more than a gateway — it's a destination in its own right, rich with heritage, natural beauty, arts, and the authentic spirit of Muskoka cottage country. Plan your visit to Gravenhurst and combine it with a stay at one of Homeseeker Vacation's outstanding lakefront cottages for a truly unforgettable Ontario experience.

Browse all Homeseeker Vacation cottages near Gravenhurst and begin planning your Muskoka adventure today.