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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.