If you’re heading up to cottage country this August, here’s a new spot you just have to visit. Hale Muskoka is the newest culture and events hub in the region, offering an outdoor retreat filled with food, markets, design, arts, and entertainment.
What to know about Hale Muskoka
You’ll find this new destination nestled on a five-acre farm in Gravenhurst, Ont. It is inspired by its natural surroundings, including its community of artists, growers, and makers.
According to the team behind the new destination, it was “intentionally designed for locals, cottagers, and tourists seeking authentic, memorable experiences that embrace the outdoors.”
The multi-use hub will offer visitors culinary experiences, health and wellness events, food trucks and alfresco dining areas, themed farmers markets, and so much more.
What to expect
And to kick off its opening, Hale Muskoka is hosting its first annual Smash & Sear: Best in Burger Competition on Aug. 10, 2025.
In partnership with Broil King and Rowe Beef, the culinary event welcomes celebrity chefs to show off their grilling skills.
Canadian chefs Chef Paul Boehmer, Chef Joe Friday, Chef Bradley Yip, Chef Melanie Robinson and Chef Roger Moore will face off to win the title of “Best Smash Burger.”
Chow down on some burgers and sip on a selection of drinks from the region; tickets are available online for $40.
“We are building a natural gathering space in the heart of Muskoka to bring people together – from celebrating special occasions to discovering unique items in the markets to savouring delicious food and drinks,” says Eric Abugov, founder of Hale Muskoka.
“Hale Muskoka will embody what makes this area so special. We worked in harmony with the natural surroundings to curate spaces that provide connected retail, dining and event experiences. It will become a one-of-a-kind hub that fosters community and connection, including a commitment to supporting local vendors, suppliers and local initiatives.”
Future plans
Its growth doesn’t end there. In summer 2026, the team will open two indoor event spaces: a 1,900-square-foot barn and a 1,800-square-foot grange for weddings to corporate events and everything in between.
It will also be home to indoor and outdoor cooking facilities, an outdoor stage and performance areas too. These will all be accessible through naturally meandering paths with art and design installations to enjoy along the way.
You’ll also find customizable cabanas with 107 sq. ft. interiors for retail and pop-up opportunities.
“Hale Muskoka brings guests on an interconnected journey activated by greenery, wood, stone, metal and fire, providing an idyllic background for celebrating all of life’s special moments,” says Manny Neubacher, creative director at Hale Muskoka.
“Hale Muskoka is poised to be a truly unique year-round destination featuring the best Ontario has to offer.”
Be sure to make the trip this summer to see it in all its glory!
Hale Muskoka
Where: 1160 Bethune Drive N. – Gravenhurst, Ont., P1P 1R1
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Karen Doradea
Senior Staff Writer, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in Toronto. With a strong knowledge of reporting and editing through all forms of media, she has a true passion for storytelling. She carries several years of journalistic experience and has covered the Toronto scene from local stories to national news. When Karen isn’t publishing fire content, you can find her binge-watching sitcoms on Crave, at a must-try restaurant, or scrolling endlessly on TikTok looking for the next best thing – News never sleeps.
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