Top 6 Resorts in Muskoka for a Luxurious Getaway
- Colton C
- 2 hours ago
- 7 min read
Muskoka needs little introduction to many Ontarians. Say the name out loud and you can almost hear loon calls, feel the warmth of a dock underfoot, and taste that first coffee on a quiet, misty morning.
This famed cottage country region, two to three hours north of Toronto, offers the kind of landscape that presses the reset button. More than 1,600 lakes shimmer between granite outcrops and fragrant pines. Summer brings boating, paddling, golf, and long dockside afternoons. Autumn arrives with a riot of colours that makes even the most routine drive feel cinematic. When the snow flies, cross-country trails, ski hills, and cozy fireside evenings take over. Spring is peaceful and calm, perfect for spa days and uncrowded trails.
Muskoka’s reputation for high-end relaxation didn’t happen by accident. The region draws chefs, designers, and hospitality leaders who treat wellness, service, and style as a craft. The result is a set of resorts that set the bar for Canadian getaways, from classic lakefront lodges to modern design-forward stays, offering some of the finest luxury accommodations.
Disclosure: Some of the booking links below are affiliate links. If you reserve through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Top Resorts in Muskoka at a Glance
Resort | Location | Rating | Booking |
JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa | Minett, Lake Rosseau | 4.9/5 | |
Hidden Valley Resort, Ascend Hotel Collection | Huntsville, Peninsula Lake | 4.3/5 | |
Muskoka Bay Resort | Gravenhurst, Muskoka Bay Golf Course | 4.6/5 | |
Tally-Ho Inn | Huntsville, Peninsula Lake | 4.2/5 | |
Christies Mill Inn & Spa | Port Severn, Gloucester Pool | 4.4/5 | |
Carriage Ridge Resort, Ascend Hotel Collection | Horseshoe Valley | 4.4/5 |
1. JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa
Set high on a rocky bluff in Minett, this luxury resort watches over Lake Rosseau like a grand cottage with every modern perk. Sunrises look like watercolours. Evenings finish with a glass of Ontario wine by the fire. The setting is classic Muskoka, yet the resort experience is polished and contemporary.
This is a flagship JW Marriott property, easily among the most luxurious lakeside stays in Canada. Suites feel residential in the best way, with balconies, fireplaces, and kitchenettes that make longer stays effortless.
Top Features
Multi-level outdoor infinity pool with sweeping lake views
Hydrotherapy and signature treatments at the on-site spa
Sophisticated dining that puts local ingredients front and centre
Year-round outdoor programming: kayaking, paddleboarding, guided hikes, snowshoeing, and more
Why Stay Here
A favourite for couples who want spa time, refined dining, and quiet moments on the water
A clear pick for honeymoons, anniversaries, or a pampered long weekend
2. Hidden Valley Resort, Ascend Hotel Collection
Huntsville’s Hidden Valley Resort is all about easy access to the good stuff. In summer, a private beach stretches along Peninsula Lake, complete with docks, loungers, and watercraft. In winter, you can click into your skis and head straight to the lifts at Hidden Valley Highlands.
The vibe is relaxed and friendly, with rooms that are practical for families and groups. Many return for the lake views alone.
Top Features
Indoor pool, sauna, and all-season amenities
Private beach with canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards
Casual, family-friendly restaurant and bar
True four-season appeal with ski-in, ski-out access during winter
Why Stay Here
Ideal for families and groups looking for both comfort and easy outdoor fun
A smart pick if you want that resort feel without overcomplicating your itinerary
Pro tip: Make time for a winter skate through the forest on Arrowhead’s famous Ice Trail in nearby Arrowhead Provincial Park. It’s a short drive from Huntsville and feels straight out of a snow globe.
3. Muskoka Bay Resort
Perched above the award-winning Muskoka Bay Golf Course in Gravenhurst, this resort brings contemporary architecture and a clean, modern aesthetic to cottage country. Natural light pours into public spaces and guest suites, while glass, wood, and stone echo the landscape outside.
Accommodations range from rooms to sleek condos and villas that work especially well for longer stays or small groups.
Top Features
Rooftop infinity pool and outdoor terrace with striking views
Dedicated fitness centre and wellness spa
Sophisticated restaurant that frames the rolling golf course and granite outcrops
Modern villas with kitchens and living areas
Why Stay Here
A great match for golfers, couples, and business travellers who prefer a contemporary look and feel for their vacation
Combines top-tier golf with spa time and stylish accommodations
Nearby, ride a piece of living history aboard the RMS Segwun with Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre. It’s an unforgettable way to see the lakes while learning about the region’s storied past.
4. Tally-Ho Inn
If “classic Muskoka” is on your wishlist, Tally-Ho Inn delivers. This long-loved lakeside property on Peninsula Lake near Huntsville has rustic cottages, screened porches, and the friendly, low-key service that defined cottage country hospitality long before infinity pools were a thing.
It’s welcoming, straightforward, and relaxed. The type of place where kids spend the day racing from the beach to the BBQs to the evening campfire.
Top Features
Lakefront cabins, cottages, and pet-friendly units
Free use of canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats
Outdoor fire pits and picnic areas
Casual, family-first atmosphere
Why Stay Here
A budget-conscious option for families, groups, or pet owners who want to be right on the water
Delivers that nostalgic cottage experience that never goes out of style
5. Christies Mill Inn & Spa
On the tranquil waters of Gloucester Pool in Port Severn, Christies Mill feels like a quiet European-style inn blended with Muskoka shoreline. The setting is serene and slightly tucked away, yet still convenient to Highway 400 and nearby attractions.
Rooms and suites often feature balconies and water views. The atmosphere is intimate and calm, tuned to couples who want to slow down.
Top Features
Full-service spa offering massages, body treatments, and facials
Fine dining with a focus on seasonal, locally minded menus
Lakeview balconies and well-appointed suites
Easy access to hiking, biking, paddling, and shoreline strolls for those who love to connect with nature
Why Stay Here
A refined choice for couples who want quiet, spa-forward weekends
Boutique charm that keeps the focus on downtime and comfort
If you’re keen on day trips, Georgian Bay Islands National Park is a short drive and boat ride away. Expect rugged shorelines, windswept pines, and smooth pink granite.
6. Carriage Ridge Resort, Ascend Hotel Collection
Set in Horseshoe Valley, Carriage Ridge offers condo-style suites that feel like a home base for a four-season playground. Ski slopes, mountain biking trails, and golf courses are minutes away. Kitchens and kitchenettes make it simple to eat in, pack picnic lunches, or fuel up before a day outside.
The resort works well for extended stays, multi-generational trips, or groups that want space to spread out.
Top Features
Kitchenettes, living areas, and plenty of room to make yourselves comfortable
Quick access to skiing, mountain biking, and golf at nearby Horseshoe Resort
Indoor pool and hot tub
Good value for longer stays and family getaways
Why Stay Here
Designed for travellers who want outdoor action during the day and home-style convenience at night
A practical, wallet-friendly base for a full calendar of activities
Tips for Choosing the Best Muskoka Resort
Picking the right resort is easier once you shortlist what matters most; consider exploring various resorts in Muskoka to find the ideal match. A few quick guidelines help narrow the field.
Location style
Lake Rosseau and the “Big Three” lakes often mean luxury and polished amenities
Gravenhurst brings modern design, golf, and heritage attractions
Budget bands
High-end: JW Marriott The Rosseau, Muskoka Bay Resort
Mid-range and affordable: Hidden Valley Resort, Tally-Ho Inn, Christies Mill, Carriage Ridge
Activity match
Golfers: Muskoka Bay
Spa-forward escapes: JW Marriott The Rosseau, Christies Mill
Beach and lake toys: Hidden Valley Resort, Tally-Ho Inn
Skiing and winter play: Hidden Valley Resort, Carriage Ridge
Trip style
Romantic: JW Marriott The Rosseau, Christies Mill
Family and groups: Hidden Valley Resort, Tally-Ho Inn, Carriage Ridge
Longer stays with kitchens: Muskoka Bay villas, Carriage Ridge
Two bonus planning notes:
Weekdays are quieter, with better availability and often better pricing
Shoulder seasons in spring and late fall can deliver superb value and uncrowded experiences
Best Time to Visit Muskoka Resorts
Summer
Dock days, sunset cruises, and warm nights around the fire
Boat rentals and paddle sports are at their peak
Book early if your dates are fixed, especially for school holidays
Autumn
Canada’s top-tier fall colours, perfect for scenic drives and hikes
Cooler evenings, crisp mornings, and fewer crowds than July and August
Photographers will be in their glory
Winter
Downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking
Cozy resort amenities feel extra indulgent after a day outdoors
Watch for midweek deals
Spring
Calm lakes, quiet trails, and spa specials
A sweet spot for couples and wellness-focused trips
Looking for a relaxed rainy-day plan any time of year? Stop by Muskoka Brewery in Bracebridge for a tasting flight then stroll the local shops. It’s a simple way to trade lake time for a bit of local flavour.
Plan Your Next Muskoka Escape
Muskoka shines because it gives you choice without losing its soul. You can go all-in on luxury at a lake-view spa, book a stylish condo beside a championship fairway, or keep it classic with a humble cottage steps from the water. Forests and lakes set the stage. Service and design elevate the experience. The result is a destination that feels restorative whether you’re celebrating, recharging, or building family memories.
To get dates on the calendar, use the booking links in the comparison table above. Reserving early secures the room type you want, especially if you’re aiming for peak weeks or a specific view. Every resort here brings something distinct to the table, from couples’ sanctuaries to family playgrounds.
A few quick planning ideas to spark your itinerary:
Pair a spa day at The Rosseau with an evening paddle at sunset
Book 18 holes at Muskoka Bay and a cruise on Lake Muskoka the next afternoon
Teach the kids to paddle at Tally-Ho in the morning then roast s’mores by the fire
Ski Hidden Valley by day, glide Arrowhead’s Ice Trail by night
Whichever direction you go, you’ll come home with that unmistakable Muskoka feeling: a little calmer, a little brighter, and already thinking about the next trip north.
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