Winter Wonderland: Discover Your Ideal Weekend Getaway in Huntsville, Muskoka
Need the perfect winter getaway? Huntsville, just two hours north of Toronto, becomes a magical snow-covered paradise with endless activities.
The perfect weekend adventure awaits you in Huntsville. Local attractions include thrilling dog sledding experiences, family skating at community rinks, and plenty of entertainment throughout the historic downtown area. Huntsville creates memorable weekend experiences that cater to everyone – from ski enthusiasts hitting the slopes at Hidden Valley Highlands to those who prefer quiet evenings by a cozy resort fireplace.
This piece will guide you through planning your ideal winter weekend in Huntsville. You’ll find detailed itineraries that work great for thrill-seekers, relaxation lovers, and families who want to explore together.
Winter Warrior’s Weekend Itinerary
Thrill-seekers will find plenty of outdoor adventures in Huntsville. Here’s the perfect weekend itinerary packed with winter excitement that will get your adrenaline pumping.
Outdoor Skating
Kick off your Friday night arrival in Huntsville by gliding through a winter wonderland, where the crisp air fills your lungs and the sound of your skates’ echoes through snow-covered forests. At Arrowhead Provincial Park, a 1.3-kilometre skating trail winds its way through towering pines and pristine snowdrifts, offering a truly immersive natural experience. While the trail is open 7 days a week (weather permitting), on Friday and Saturday nights, the park hosts “Fire & Ice” nights, where countless tiki torches light up the pathway, creating an enchanting environment. Booking ahead online is advised to secure admission, particularly for sought-after Fire & Ice nights. If you’re craving a more urban vibe, head to the River Mill Skating Rink in the heart of Huntsville. Here, the season-long SnowFest celebration turns the rink into a frosty playground, complete with twinkling lights, music, and the scent of hot cocoa wafting through the air. (Check back in on select Saturday nights for Silver Screen Saturdays to catch a winter themed flick while you skate!)
Skiing & Snowboarding
Your Saturday morning starts at Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area, Muskoka’s premier ski destination with 15 groomed trails. This hidden gem has impressive facilities including:
- Three quad chairlifts with 6,500 persons per hour capacity
- Night skiing under the lights three times weekly
- A terrain park for freestyle enthusiasts
- Equipment rentals and certified instructors
The runs stretch up to 580 meters long with a vertical drop of 100 meters, offering challenges suitable for every skill level.
Dog Sledding Experience
Once the afternoon rolls around, it’s time to move over to a brand-new adventure. North Ridge Ranch offers an unforgettable dog sledding experience and a unique way to explore the stunning Muskoka wilderness. Choose from the popular Half Day Tour, covering 20 km of pristine forest trails, or opt for the One Hour Tour, ideal for those with young children or first-timers. As you mush your own team through the snow-covered landscape, you’ll feel the rush of adrenaline and the joy of connecting with nature. Midway through, warm up with hot chocolate and take photos with your furry companions. With expert guides, safety lessons, and breathtaking scenery, North Ridge Ranch provides an unforgettable winter experience.
Cross-Country Skiing
Your weekend peaks as you get ready to tackle the cross-country ski trails at your choice of three incredible locations. If you head back to Arrowhead Provincial Park, you’ll find over 28 kilometers of groomed trails winding through picturesque hardwood forests and along frozen lakeshores. For those seeking a more challenging adventure, Algonquin Provincial Park presents vast wilderness trails that offer both solitude and breathtaking vistas of the Canadian Shield landscape. Finally, the hidden gem of Limberlost Forest & Wildlife Reserve, offers over 10,000 acres of unspoiled mixed forest on expertly maintained trails. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful glide through nature or an exhilarating workout, Huntsville’s cross-country skiing scene promises an unforgettable outdoor experience that will have you coming back year after year.
Relaxation Enthusiast’s Winter Weekend Itinerary
Looking to escape the winter chill? You’ll find plenty of relaxing indoor activities in Huntsville that offer the perfect break in Muskoka’s winter wonderland.
Culinary Delights
It’s Friday night and you’ve just arrived in Huntsville. It’s time to kick back with a glass of wine and choose from a delightful array of dining options to refuel and warm up. As the sun sets over the picturesque Muskoka landscape, Huntsville transforms into a haven for food lovers seeking a relaxing dining experience. The town’s culinary scene is a delightful blend of restaurants, each offering a unique taste of local flavour. Whether you’re craving hearty comfort food or innovative gourmet dishes, you’ll find an array of options to satisfy your palate. Many eateries boast stunning views of the surrounding lakes and forests, allowing you to soak in the natural beauty while savouring your meal. Local chefs take pride in showcasing the region’s bounty, incorporating fresh, seasonal ingredients into their menus. As you unwind with a glass of wine or a locally crafted beer, you’ll feel the day’s stresses melt away in the warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Spa Treatments and Wellness Activities
Kick off your Saturday morning with a diverse array of spa treatments and wellness activities that cater to every relaxation seeker. At the forefront is the Amba Spa, a sanctuary of serenity that envelops visitors in tranquility from the moment they step inside. Here, you can indulge in rejuvenating body treatments, expert massages, and revitalizing facials, all tailored to your unique needs. For those exploring downtown Huntsville, The Rosewood Room provides a haven of beauty and relaxation, offering everything from soothing massages to meticulous manicures. Just a stone’s throw away, The Hudson Hair Salon blends upscale city sophistication with warm Muskoka charm, boasting an extensive menu of spa treatments. For a truly unique wellness experience, Muskoka Puppy Yoga offers a heartwarming blend of gentle yoga poses and playful puppy interactions, creating a powerful stress-relieving environment that nurtures both physical and emotional well-being. No matter what you are looking for, Huntsville’s wellness scene promises a journey of rejuvenation and self-care.
Cafés & Bakeries
Once you’re relaxed from the spa, it’s time to embark on a delightful coffee journey through Huntsville’s charming cafés and bakeries, where you’ll discover a treasure trove of delectable treats! From the beloved double-double to the indulgent affogato (a heavenly marriage of gelato and espresso), there’s something to satisfy every craving. Savour whimsical moose-shaped cookies, feast on both sweet and savoury BeaverTails, and start your day right with freshly baked breakfast bagels and buttery pastries. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or dessert enthusiast, these local gems will leave you absolutely enchanted!
Live Entertainment
Finish off your relaxing Saturday in Huntsville by catching a live show a live show at the renowned Algonquin Theatre or Deerhurst Resort. This winter, you can enjoy performances by popular artists like 54-40, Donovan Woods, Bif Naked and Finger Eleven. The vibrant energy of these live shows will have you tapping your feet and singing along.
Art Gallery Tours
Once Sunday morning rolls around, it’s time to head downtown to explore a large selection of charming art galleries, showcasing local talent and inspiring creativity in visitors of all ages.
The outdoor Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery offers a unique twist on the traditional gallery experience, showcasing over 100 mural replicas of iconic Canadian paintings against the very landscapes that inspired them. For those seeking a more intimate artistic encounter, Art & Sins is a treasure trove of local creativity, featuring an eclectic mix of handcrafted jewelry, clothing, and home décor that captures the essence of Muskoka’s artistic spirit. Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Coles Art Market, where the local Gallery showcases original fine art by renowned Canadian artists, perfect for finding that special piece for your home or cottage. Artisans of Muskoka, a creative hub since 1993, has blossomed into “The Showplace for Muskoka Art”. This unique co-operative features an ever-expanding array of handcrafted treasures, from woodwork to stained glass. Just down the street, Two Horse Gallery dazzles visitors with its exclusive representation of four Canadian artists. Here, you can marvel at Julie Bowen’s captivating paintings, admire Michelle Dobbs’ exquisite jewellery, explore Antje Gagne’s masterful pottery, and immerse yourself in Robin Tapley’s stunning photography. For a cozy touch, Judy Wallace’s felting adds warmth to the collection. If you’re keen to witness the creative process firsthand, pop into The Potter’s Studio & Gallery, where artist Karen Gray employs the intricate Sgrafitto technique to carve images of Muskoka life into clay. For a diverse artistic experience, Eclipse Art Gallery stands as a testament to Canada’s natural wonders, featuring pieces that capture the raw beauty of the landscape.
Family-Friendly Winter Weekend Itinerary
Looking to plan a family winter getaway in Huntsville? We highly recommend the family trying many of the activities we’ve listed above, but if you’re looking for something a bit different and a few spots to warm up inside, these family activities will help you create lasting memories that both kids and parents will cherish.
Escape Rooms & Arcade Games
Gather the family and kick off your trip to Huntsville on Friday night with a thrilling challenge. Zig Zag Escape Rooms offers two immersive “escape cabins” with distinct Northern Ontario themes. Will you uncover the Norwegian prospector’s hidden gold in “Sven’s Last Secret,” or solve the enigma of “The Artist is Missing,” inspired by the Tom Thomson mystery? These cabins provide a comfortable setting for your hour-long quest. Stargazers Arcade is a lively games room that’ll transport kids (and kids at heart) to another world. With 17 games suitable for all ages, from classic Pac-Man to the latest 4-player Hot Wheels driving game, there’s no shortage of fun. Grab a rechargeable play card and dive into a variety of entertaining carnival-style games. The best part? You can cash in your game credits at the Prize Hub or save them for your next visit to snag an even bigger prize!
Tubing
Once Saturday morning hits, it’s time to discover the magic of Canadian winter traditions with the Winter Discovery Package at Find Your Wild! This exciting experience offers three classic winter activities all in one place. Gather your loved ones for some tubing fun – choose your speed and enjoy the thrill together! After all the excitement, cozy up around a warm campfire in comfortable Muskoka chairs. Sip on aromatic pine or cedar tea while roasting marshmallows and making delicious s’mores. It’s the ideal way to create lasting winter memories with your family.
Public Skating
If you need a break from the great outdoors, you can lace up your skates and glide into winter fun at the Canada Summit Centre. Every Saturday from 12pm to 1:50pm, the centre opens its doors for a delightful public skating session that’s perfect for all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or just finding your ice legs, the smooth, well-maintained rink provides an ideal surface for a leisurely skate or practising your moves. The centre’s bright, spacious interior creates a welcoming atmosphere, while the crisp, cool air adds a touch of winter magic to your experience.
Public Swimming
Now it’s time to finish off your trip with a refreshing Sunday dip. The Centennial Swimming Pool at Canada Summit Centre offers a fantastic indoor swimming experience for the whole family. Open to the public for leisure swims on Sundays from 2:30-3:30pm, it’s the perfect spot to splash around and beat the cold! But that’s not all – several hotels in Huntsville also boast indoor pools for their guests, including Deerhurst Resort, Hidden Valley Resort, Home2 Suites by Hilton Huntsville, Motel 6, Best Western Muskoka Inn and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Huntsville.
As an added bonus, you can even show up to the Canada Summit Centre a touch early and enjoy another public skate from 11:30am – 1:20pm.
Where to Stay in Huntsville
Your winter getaway in Huntsville can be amazing with the right place to stay. Huntsville offers a variety of accommodations to suit every taste and budget. From rustic lodges nestled in the snowy woods to luxurious lakeside resorts, you’ll find the ideal spot to warm up after a day of outdoor fun. Many hotels and inns are conveniently located near popular winter attractions, making it easy to hit the slopes for skiing, or explore picturesque cross-country ski trails.
Huntsville can reshape your winter weekend into an unforgettable escape. This Muskoka gem delivers experiences that cater to every traveler. You can chase thrills at Hidden Valley Highlands, relax at luxurious spas, or create lasting memories on Arrowhead’s skating trail. Huntsville’s combination of outdoor adventure, indoor comfort, and small-town charm makes it a perfect destination that will exceed your winter escape expectations.