04 Oct Thanksgiving 2018: Six things to do in Muskoka

#1 MUSKOKA BREWERY: (Open all weekend, regular hours) Let’s not beat around the bush, here. We obviously want to see your nice faces at the brewery any day of the long weekend. On Friday, Live Edge Forest demos their amazing merch, with Sean Cotton crooning in the background. Ewa’s Deli can offer you some rich pairings by way of hot sandwiches and vegetarian perogies. Saturday, there’s more of the same amazing eats, swapping Paul Noonan in for the music of the day and a special appearance by Mamma Mari’s to do a range of saucy samplings, including our Detour BBQ sauce. Besides that, we’re open all weekend, so hop on a tour or sample the latest Muskoka brews.

#2 DEERHURST RESORT: Revel in the colours, fresh air and flavours of a classic Canadian Thanksgiving at Deerhurst, where there’s lots to do and enjoy for a weekend getaway. Start with an idyllic Muskoka autumn setting. Mix in your pick of adventure and tuck into a bountiful Thanksgiving dinner full of harvest flavours. It’s all here, in one easy-to-get-to spot. From great golf and Treetop Trekking to horseback riding, ATV tours and boat tours, there are so many ways to enjoy Muskoka’s Fall colours. Best of all, you’ll enjoy tons of complimentary activities included in your stay, whatever your rate option you choose.

• Pumpkin Patch by the Bay
• Kids Fishing on the Dock
• Early Morning Guided Paddles
• Muskoka Campfires
• Family Movies
• Pumpkin and Gourd Scavenger Hunt
• Eclipse Art Gallery Tours

#3 THANKSGIVING FAMILY FESTIVAL: (Oct 5-7 midday) At Rich Hill Candle’s 26th annual celebration, shop their seasonal outdoor market while the kids get creative in the candlemaking studio with proceeds donated to the local Girl Guides. Rich Hill is also trading three free cranberry scented tealights (grab this coupon)  when you donate to an item to the food bank.

#4 THE FLOATING BOARDWALK: If you get hyped for a hike, try this one on for size. There’s a 500m stretch of boardwalk beautifully draped across Hunter’s Bay River with easy access With easy access from Downtown Huntsville, you really owe it to your self to from downtown Huntsville. Get traversing past a railway trestle, fall plumage, beaches, and lakeviews. Make it 3.6km one way or double up for a scenic run before the feasting begins. Start on the boardwalk by 2 East Airport Rd or end there from 37 Centre St N in Huntsville (trail map).

#5 ROSSEAU PUMPKIN FESTIVAL: (Saturday 10-3) Just driving to Rosseau is an event in and of itself as you cruise past gorgeous rock cuts and lakeviews. This is another great family event for all.

• Bouncing castle, climbing wall, face painting, and games.
• Local vendors and cuisine.
• Pumpkin bingo and decorating.
• Birds of prey (we love them at Venture Fest!).

#6 MUSKOKA CRANBERRY ROUTE: (Ends Oct 31) Discover a unique Muskoka creation in every nook and cran-ny. Our own 2016 Vintage Winter Beard Double Chocolate Cranberry Stout is available in the taproom. Foodwise, we recommend the restaurant at the JW Marriott, The Boathouse at Taboo, and the Moon River Lookout. Of course, our friends at Johnston’s Cranberries are a must-see destination with one of the best photos-ops if you’re willing to get knee deep in cranberries (hip-waders provided).