September 2023

Where To Stop On the Muskoka Cranberry Route

Eat, Drink, Spa and Immerse Yourself in Ontario Cranberries

Fall in Ontario is cranberry season. Every September and October in the region of Muskoka, not only are cranberries harvested from their bogs, but the region is known to celebrate – big time!

Locals, regional visitors and even international visitors visit Bala, Bracebridge, Port Carling, Huntsville and all the charming Muskoka towns for cranberry menus, merchandise and visiting a cranberry farm up close. Bala is home to the annual Muskoka Cranberry Festival every year on the weekend after Thanksgiving.

FALL COLOUR SELF-GUIDED DRIVING TOUR IN MUSKOKA

Fall is a beautiful time to take a roadtrip in Ontario to Muskoka for a day trip or a getaway. Additional to cranberry wine, cider and delicious food items, you can find cranberry spa treatments and indulgent cranberry themed getaway vacation packages. Use the ToDoOntario Fall Colour Report to help plan the best time to see the autumn leaf colour changes and enjoy a scenic ride along the way.

The Muskoka Cranberry Route runs September 18th, 2023 – October 15th, 2023.

MUSKOKA CRANBERRY ROUTE FEATURED STOPS

There are over 30 Cranberry Route stops for you to discover. Stop at them all, or plan your own self-guided adventure and discover why cranberries are ‘Muskoka’s Berry.’

Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery – The Cranberry Mecca

It is only natural to start the Muskoka Cranberry Route culinary adventure with a visit to Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery. Here, you can gain a true appreciation and understanding of how versatile cranberries really are before journeying on to the next stops. Take the Bog to Bottle Discovery Tour, an experience so special it has been designated a Canadian Signature Experience. This one-of-a-kind experience includes a tour of the farm followed by a guided wine tasting of their delicious wines. The Bog to Bottle tour runs all year and, during the fall harvest, the tour is a guided wagon ride around the South Marsh.

Take the Cranberry Plunge, one of Muskoka’s most exciting fall experiences. Don a pair of hip waders and venture into the cranberries for that iconic candid photo of raining cranberries that will surely liven up any photo album or Instagram feed! There have even been marriage proposals in the berries (they said yes!) After the cranberry plunge shop at the Cranberry Store for some amazing goodies to take home like fresh cranberries, wines, Mrs. J’s famous preserves, cranberry honey, cranberry teas and so much more cranberry-inspired delicacies. A must-take-home treat is one of their Cranberry Ciders or Cranberry Splash Wine Spritzers!

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DINING AT DEERHURST RESORT

Cranberry Route Menu at Deerhurst Resort Indulge in the rich flavors of cranberry with their special Cranberry Route menu, exclusively available at Compass Restaurant.

Signature Pumpkin Cheese Cake

Wild Leek and Mushroom Agnolotti

White Stripe Lamb Shank

Georgian Bay Rainbow Trout

Cheese Souffle and Arugula Salad

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DINING AT THE JW MARRIOTT THE ROSSEAU MUSKOKA

Cranberry Cheesecake

The JW Marriott will be featuring Cranberry Cheesecake during the Muskoka Cranberry Route. Stop by and enjoy this delicious treat. Cranberry Cheesecake orange crust, cranberry gel, rosé blood orange granita, candied orange peels, fresh berries Contains: Eggs, Gluten, Dairy, Alc.

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TRILLIUM RESORT & SPA

The Trillium Resort & Spa offers a variety of delicious dishes you need to check out on your way through the Muskoka Cranberry Route. They are adding special additions to their menu like their maple cranberry roasted chicken with mashed sweet potatoes, spiced cranberry with mushroom and bok choy stir fry, and baked brie with cranberry chutney. They also have a cranberry gin fizz cocktail and cranberry creme brulee for dessert. So make sure to stop by and indulge in all the great food they have to offer!

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SHERWOOD INN

Sherwood Inn is Located just 8 minutes away from Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery meaning you can soak in the cranberry festivities during the day and return to Sherwood Inn for a meal from their acclaimed restaurant; featuring a Cranberry Baked Brie!

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CHRISTIE’S MILL INN & SPA

Christie’s Mill Inn and Spa: (Port Severn) Get away from the everyday at the picture perfect lakefront Christie’s Mill Inn & Spa. Unwind in your comfortable and tastefully adorned guest room, and take a moment to put your feet up by the fireplace or on your patio overlooking the lake or gardens.

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NEED TO KNOW CRANBERRY QUICK FACTS:

The annual Bala Cranberry Festival is October 13 – 15, 2023
The oldest cranberry farm in Ontario is Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery in Bala
The Muskoka Cranberry Route has over 30 stops
Cranberries are harvested in water because it makes picking easier.
North American cranberries have cousins in Europe. Vaccinium vitis-idaea is known as the preisselberre in Germany, the lingonberry in Sweden, the cowberry in England and also partridge berry, foxberry, upland cranberry, rock cranberry and mountain cranberry.

ToDoOntario IS THE PLACE TO FIND THINGS TO DO IN ONTARIO

Cruise on over to the ToDoOntario events calendar and the getaway packages pages to help you plan your next fun Ontario adventure. There you’ll find events, activities, experiences and vacation packages to help you fully enjoy all that Ontario has to offer.

September 19, 2023 Algonquin Park, Almaguin Highlands, Muskoka & Parry Sound

City of Waterloo announces 2023 Lumen Festival lineup

The City of Waterloo is pleased to announce the line-up for the 2023 Lumen festival. This magical celebration of light, art and technology will take place in various locations in uptown Waterloo on Saturday, September 23 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. The free festival boasts over 30 installations and performances from 50+ local and international award-winning artists.

“The City is excited to present the work of local and international artists to our community and to visitors of Waterloo,” said Mayor Dorothy McCabe. “We know that magic happens when art and digital media intersect with human curiosity.”

Notable installations include:

After the Rain, a giant inflatable by LeuWebb Projects and presented by STEPS Public Art
Wavelengths by artist Stephen Orlando featuring the Waterloo Wellington Canoe and Kayak Club which will be hosted on the newly opened Silver Lake shoreline
AURA/L, by Static Channel, which allows audiences to play audiovisual instruments with their presence.

Throughout the month of September, attendees are encouraged to check back frequently to the festival website to discover festival offerings and to plan their visit and route: www.lumenfestival.ca. Information will also be posted on Create Waterloo social media channels.

In addition to the one-night offerings, the City is once again presenting several longer installations in Waterloo Public Square and Waterloo Park from Sept 16 to Oct 15.

To learn more visit the event website at https://www.lumenfestival.ca/

September 14, 2023 Huron, Perth, Waterloo & Wellington

15 Ontario Weekend Getaway Hosts with Incredible Fall Colour Views

Cottages, Hotels & Resorts in Ontario Perfect For Leaf Peeping Weekend Getaways

Fall is the best season to travel in Ontario

Fall is a top contender for the most beautiful travel season in Ontario. The landscape and roads in Ontario are beautiful in every season, however, nothing beats the deep red, bright yellow and orange colours of the fall leaves. Seeing the province in its fall glory can make you want to make September and October the perfect time to getaway for an Ontario road trip.

When should you book a fall weekend getaway in Ontario? When is the best time to see the leaf colours?

September and October are when the leaves change colour. Before you know it, the green leaves are gone and the forest is a sea of red, yellow, orange and brown. Regions across the province change and peak at different times. You can use the ToDoOntario Fall Colour Report to see the percentage of leaf change in the different regions and to help your plan your trip.

Ontario cities, small towns and communities are filled with cottage and cabin rentals, resorts, hotels and even funky motels that range from rustic to luxury that are perfect for your next Ontario getaway. You can check out their packages and offers on our website and find a package that includes activities you love to do while saving you money at the time. But how do you know which these accommodations have rooms or grounds that offer incredible fall leaf colour views? Let us help you narrow down that list. We’ve listed below 15 Ontario accommodation hosts where you can rent a cottage, a cabin or a room and enjoy the foliage without ever leaving the property.

Check out these amazing destinations and plan your next romantic, family or friends-group getaway today.

H2H Cottage Co. Lake Kennisis

The Kennisis Lake luxury cottage rental in Haliburton Ontario is renowned for it’s scenic lookout views. Here you will enjoy breathtakingly elevated panoramic views over the pristine blue waters of Little Kennisis Lake. This elevated and chalet-styled waterfront cottage rental has bright floor to ceiling windows and knotty pine cathedral ceilings. It is simply perfect for a romantic couples holiday or family vacation destination in Ontario’s cottage country.

Where: Haliburton

Website: https://h2hcottageco.com/kennisis-lake-romantic-haliburton-cottage-rental

Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa

At Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel, it’s not only about where you are staying, it’s about where you are going. Experience the excitement and beauty of Canada’s iconic Niagara Falls at their 4-diamond, 5-star luxury hotel. Their incredible position overlooking the falls and foliage offers a stunning view from newly renovated hotel rooms and suites, dining venues and meeting rooms.

Where: Niagara Falls

Website: https://www.marriott.com/

Fairmont Chateau Laurier – Ottawa’s Castle

Many rooms at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier offer impressive views of stately Parliament Hill with the surrounding area accented with fall colours, immersing you in the majesty of Ottawa in the fall. For extra space and upgraded amenities, book one of their Fairmont Gold rooms or their opulent suites at one of the best hotels in Ottawa’s downtown.

Where: Ottawa

Website: https://www.fairmont.com/

Hockley Valley Resort

Head to Hockley Valley Resort and enjoy a round of golf, the bike trails, hiking or take in the fall colour views from the relaxing on-site spa. No matter what you choose ‘to do’ Hockley has beautiful leaf views in the rolling hills of Mono, Ontario.

Where: Mono

Website: https://hockley.com/

Deerhurst Resort

Deerhurst Resort truly has it all. They offer an award winning golf course, on-site spa, and many more couples, family and kids events backed by the most amazing fall colours. Deerhurst Resort is close to Algonquin Park, famous for its fall colours. Come stay at Deerhurst and enjoy the beauty of Muskoka’s fall colours and more.

Where: Huntsville

Website: https://deerhurstresort.com/

JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka

JW offers a luxury accommodation in classic Muskoka beauty and tradition. Fall is a particularly beautiful time to enjoy the resort’s hiking trails, outdoor Hydrospa and beautiful outdoor pool and hot tub. Muskoka forests full of fall’s beautiful colours are truly a spectacular backdrop to any weekend getaway for you and your partner, friends or family.

Where: Minett

Website: https://www.marriott.com/

Evergreen Forest Getaways Treetop Suite

Here’s your chance to get away to a natural place, far from the city, where only the gentle swaying of the treetops provides life’s rhythm. Sleep and wake up amongst the leaves themselves and experience the beauty of the fall season like never before.

Where: Georgian Bluffs

Website: https://evergreenforest.ca/treehouse-suite

Sherwood Inn on Lake Joseph

Fall colour views in Muskoka are priceless and Lake Joseph is no exception. Sherwood Resort is ready to host your next romantic getaway. It’s the perfect spot for a quiet and relaxing babymoon or weekend away without the kids.

Where: Port Carling

Website: https://www.sherwoodinn.ca/

Experience Fall Colours of Georgian Bay & Gloucester Pool at:

Rawley Resort

Located just 1.5 hours North of Toronto, peacefully hidden among natural waterside landscape, Rawley Resort invites you to explore the historic Trent Severn Waterway with a backdrop of beautiful fall colours. Submerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region with vantage lakeside views & lush trails. Enjoy the waterside fall colours views from the newly updated Lighthouse45 Restaurant.

Where: Port Severn

Website: https://www.rawleyresort.com/

Christie’s Mill Inn & Spa

Christie’s Mill Inn & Spa is the perfect resort for couples looking to enjoy a beautiful and romantic fall escape. The area is great for hiking, canoeing and just enjoying the gardens and views from the resort property is a welcome activity in its own rite. The resort has an on-site spa where you can get relaxing treatments to restore yourself on this weekend getaway.

Where: Port Severn

Website: https://www.christiesmill.com/

Algonquin Park Fall Colours at Voyageur Quest

Whether you are interested in an Algonquin Park guided trip, canoe rentals, equipment or meals and accommodation you have come to the right place. This is one of the province’s most popular fall colour viewing destinations and Voyageur Quest can help you avoid the crowds and see areas of the park accessible by canoe or by hike.

Where: Algonquin Park

Website: https://www.voyageuroutfitting.com/

Blue Mountain Resort

Whether you choose to fly through the autumn wind on Blue’s triple zips or watch the woodland critters while on an escarpment hike, there’s always Fun All Around at Blue. There are so many activities at Blue that you’ll want to make this visit an overnight getaway and full vacation. Blue Mountain Resort has everything you need to ensure you have the perfect family, romantic or group of friends getaway.

Where: The Blue Mountains

Website: https://www.bluemountain.ca/discover-blue/discover-fall

Bayview Wildwood Resort

Bayview Wildwood Resort is the perfect place to enjoy the changing colours of the leaves and all the beauty that Autumn brings. Looking for that special place to enjoy Thanksgiving or a Fall Weekend Getaway? Come and explore the scenic Hiking or Cycling trails. Bike rentals and other recreation activities are available for all ages.

Where: Severn Bridge

Website: https://www.bayviewwildwood.com/

Ahmic Lake Resort

Just a touch above North Muskoka is Ahmic Lake Resort. With nearby activities like ATV’ing, hiking and fishing, you can view the fall colours from your cabin, from the water or even from the on-site restaurant that has a beautiful view of Ahmic Lake.

Where: Magnetawan

Website: https://www.ahmiclakeresort.com/

Inspire Beach Resort

Inspire Beach Resort is Ontario’s new upscale adults only themed boutique resort in the heart of the Kawarthas. Located on Shadow Lake with 400-feet of private beachfront, it is the perfect spot for a quiet romantic fall colour getaway.

Where: Coboconk

Website: https://inspirebeachresort.com/

Events, activities and other things to do in Ontario in the fall will make any weekend getaway fun and relaxing at the same time. Enjoy the fall colours as you drive to your destination and continue to enjoy the leaves during your getaway. Ideas for activities include, but not limited to(!), hiking, a cranberry harvest plunge, spa visits, golf, fishing, cruising and more.

ToDoOntario.com is the best place to find things to do in Ontario. You can cruise our website to find vacation packages and more events and activities to plan for fall and winter.