There’s a certain feeling that kicks in somewhere around Highway 400. The traffic starts to thin, the trees get taller and suddenly all you can think about is dock beers, lake swims and where you’re stopping for dinner. Muskoka has become more than just a cottage destination. It’s known as one of Ontario’s best places to eat, with everything from chef-driven restaurants and killer barbecue to roadside burger shacks and floating dessert boats. These are the spots worth pulling over — or docking — for this summer.
1. Best View: Skybar (Gravenhurst)
Coming soon: Sitting atop a 70-suite hotel wing in Gravenhurst, Skybar is Muskoka’s highest rooftop lounge. Clearing a 300-foot cliffside drop, it serves up an epic bird’s-eye view of the Canadian Shield and a Doug Carrick-designed golf course. Time your visit perfectly for sunset and you’ll quickly see why this has become one of the region’s most sought-after reservations.
2. Best Restaurant: Crossroads (Rosseau)
Born from a spontaneous Sunday family drive, owners Julie and Richard Lalonde bring serious, Fairmont-trained talent to the village of Rosseau. Their “pure, simple, and delicious” philosophy translates into phenomenal plates like rack of lamb and beef tenderloin. Exceptional service and a cozy, heated patio make this local gem entirely worth the drive.
3. Best Fly-In Seafood: Henry’s (Frying Pan Island)
Forget the car—getting to this legendary Georgian Bay spot requires a seaplane, a boat, or a helicopter. Henry’s is world-famous for its remote waterfront views and fresh, battered-to-perfection pickerel and trout. It is an absolute trek to reach, but that remote, adventurous vibe is exactly why everyone loves it.
4. Best Butcher Shop: Big Daddy’s (Huntsville)
If you are firing up the cottage barbecue, skip the generic grocery store and head straight to Big Daddy’s. A Huntsville staple for over 20 years, this shop is beloved for its filler-and gluten-free meats, from oversized chicken breasts to signature house-made sausages. Snag one of their monthly “Meat Bags” for serious savings on the best cuts in town.
5. Best Ice Cream Bars: Screamy’s (Bracebridge)
Not every summer treat has to come in a classic cone. Bracebridge’s Screamy’s has built a massive local following for its artisan, handmade ice cream and sorbet bars, though their small-batch scooped flavours deserve plenty of attention, too. The hardest part of your cottage weekend will be deciding what to order first.
6. Best Lakeside Hangout: Jack & Stella (Bala)
Few places capture the essence of slow cottage living quite like Jack & Stella. Dock the boat, grab a fresh smoothie on the waterfront patio, and wander through the boutique’s carefully curated collection of clothing and design essentials. Later, settle in with a glass of wine and a wood-fired pizza as the lake glows at sunset.
7. Best Day-to-Night: The Pearl (Bala)
Created by Toronto’s Toben Hospitality Group, this Bala hotspot brings distinct city flavour straight to cottage country. By day, it is a covered patio market for oat milk lattes, premium takeout, and their famous “Bomb” breakfast sandwiches. At night, the space transforms into a vibey snack bar featuring live music and communal plates like premium Australian wagyu.
8. Best Food Truck: Smokin’ Birds (Bala)
Skip the high-end reservations and grab a bright yellow picnic table in Bala. Run by Toronto fine-dining expats Jennifer Dewasha and Jane MacDonald, Smokin’ Birds deals in serious, Texas-style barbecue. Try the incredibly tender brisket that melts instantly, paired with hand-cut fries fried crisp in beef tallow. Wash it down with their house-made juice while catching a gorgeous sunset over Moon River.
9. Best Dockside Delivery: The Gelato Barge (Huntsville)
Summer in Huntsville hasn’t truly started until you’ve flagged down a floating dessert shop. Operated by Affogato Café + Gelato, the Gelato Barge cruises Peninsula Lake, Lake Vernon, and Fairy Lake, delivering handcrafted Italian gelato straight to docks and boats. You can track its location via a live online GPS link or find it docked at Deerhurst Resort on Thursday afternoons.
10. Best Steak: Compass Grill & Bar (Huntsville)
For a serious, celebratory steak dinner, Compass Grill at Deerhurst Resort is worth every penny of the splurge. They have brought signature cuts from the acclaimed Antler Steakhouse menu to the restaurant for the season, including a massive 50-ounce tomahawk and Canadian AAA striploin—both served alongside parsnip purée and a smoked Gouda-stuffed double-baked potato.
11. Best Margaritas: Tulo’s Taqueria (Port Carling)
Tulo’s has earned a stellar reputation as Muskoka’s absolute go-to spot for a fresh margarita. The Port Carling hotspot directly overlooks the waterfront, and the lively rooftop patio rarely has an empty seat. Choose from fresh watermelon, pineapple, or classic lime to see what all the fuss is about.
12. Best Burger: Burger Boys on Main (Gravenhurst)
Operating out of a popular food trailer at Gull Lake Rotary Park and Main Street, this Gravenhurst staple serves up thick, perfectly seared, smash-style burgers. From the massive Patty Boy to the iconic Muskoka Burger, every single order is made fresh to go and pairs beautifully with hot fries on their outdoor patio.
13. Best Fish + Chips: Mrs. H’s (Wahta Station)
Some roadside stands are absolutely worth pulling over for, and Mrs. H’s is at the top of that list. Tucked away near Wahta Station, this popular spot has built a loyal following thanks to its massive portions and perfectly fried seafood. Expect flaky, golden halibut and enough fresh-cut fries to feed an entire dock crew.
-0-1280-0-720-crop-fill.jpg?k=61bcc81956 "Mike Mills reflects on his feelings-forward approach to filmmaking • Journal • A Magazine • , Life in canada")