1 Île Merlin (Île M91)

Muskoka — synonymous with cottage country – is a household name in North America. Situated around three large lakes (Muskoka, Joseph, and Rosseau), the Muskoka region was once dubbed the ‘Hamptons of the North’ by The New Yorker, because of the number of celebrity estates in the area. Beautiful homes and well-appointed summer cottages offer breathtaking views of the lakes and constellations of private islands. The number of local residents more than doubles in the summer when 100,000 seasonal residents join the 60,000 lucky permanent residents of the Muskoka region. But the privacy afforded by sprawling tree-covered properties and the vastness of the granite-carved area means that Muskoka can easily accommodate visitors while maintaining everyone’s privacy and sense of open space. The Muskoka region is known for its exceptional dining, trendy shops, the craft beer scene, and contemporary art galleries and museums. Kids can choose from a variety of exciting summer camp programs and families can join in the year-round cultural festivals. When you’re not relaxing dockside, you can paddle. Whether you’re a serious kayaker or it’s your first time trying to figure out how to sit in a canoe, you’ll revel in hours of scenic adventure. Or just take your paddle board out on a lake, early in the morning, and attempt some inspiring yoga poses. From the haunting call of the loon to the variety of trees and vegetation local to the region, Muskoka is a nature lover’s paradise. But if hiking is not your favourite way to appreciate the grandeur, there are boat cruises that will offer you a new perspective.