Lake of Bays Day Trips: Top 5 Unforgettable Getaways

Lake of Bays, you know, it’s almost this stunning spot nestled right in the heart of Muskoka, Ontario, that just offers, like, the sort of perfect setting for some seriously awesome day trips. From, like, charming little towns to, like, breathtaking natural spots, there is definitely something for everyone. So, that’s why I put together a list of, just a little bit, my top 5 picks for, like, unforgettable day trips around Lake of Bays. That really capture the very soul of this remarkable region. Ready for, in that case, a little bit of exploring?

1. Algonquin Provincial Park: A Natural Escape

So, first up is Algonquin Provincial Park, that you probably heard is, like, a super vast wilderness that’s, like, practically begging to be explored. Very far away that It’s hardly a hop, skip, and jump away from Lake of Bays but I think it deserves a visit to the park for the sheer scale of activities available there. You might find yourself lost in, just a little bit, over 7,500 square kilometers of, very, very lakes, lots of rivers, and all sorts of forests. It truly sounds great. Algonquin’s natural spaces are basically a haven for nature enthusiasts, that’s all there is to it.

As a matter of fact, when I spent a summer vacation in Huntsville years back, my first stop for an outing was this beauty spot. But even better, it’s the kind of park to visit, like, with family to give everyone something to remember from their Canadian travels. Anyway, hiking trails are plentiful, like the Lookout Trail. That’s definitely a personal favorite that provides some super amazing views, that really do overlook a beautiful landscape. It can be something of a hike so I’d recommend doing your stretching first. Alternatively, anyway, there’s also a fair bit to gain from checking out the Algonquin Art Centre where local artists display, kind of, their work so visitors have an exhibition they can look around, or, to be honest, spend money in.

You get some wonderful animals you will catch a glimpse of, too, even as I had a few little visits from woodland creatures when trying to set up a basic shelter at the campsite I picked. Very cool. Canoe day trips are common in this park with various companies that will rent you everything you need if you prefer something aquatic. I really can’t express to you just how lovely the Canadian climate is when you can make time to get outdoors on a boat. Oh! Remember that this is bear country; in some respects, make time to pack the bear spray. Not really just for show, alright?

2. Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower: Views That Wow

Next up we have the Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower. Basically, a visit here offers a slightly unique perspective of the area. A perfect location too as Dorset really is, arguably, at the heart of Lake of Bays; in some respects, a fairly small spot from where tourists travel and have day trips throughout the province. Now, what I really love about Dorset is its accessibility for the differently-abled so you can get the wheelchair up without any assistance.

As I was saying, from the summit, honestly, you’re gifted with, in a way, this incredible panoramic sight of Lake of Bays that stretches, kind of, as far as the eye can reach. The journey to the tower itself takes you right by the Algonquin Theatre and then though the village with places for shopping that, like, specializes in local crafts and arts. You’re quite spoilt when looking around.

If the views still haven’t won you over then Dorset quite has the appeal to please any tastebud with its various restaurant chains so anyone who gets an appetite up on top of that Dorset tower can, naturally, refill. The Robinson’s General Store provides its trade well so anyone wishing for a quick snack will feel, pretty much, just at home when walking inside. Very helpful folks too! Even if I didn’t realize it back when I bought all my water and sunscreen, Dorset Tower is the quintessential experience that sums up pretty much just Ontario itself.

3. Historic Marine Museum: Step Back in Time

Let’s talk about Port Sandfield. Well, it is just a little slice of Ontario, that’s for sure, and the location for the next part of my list: the Historic Marine Museum. In essence, it is an educational opportunity mixed with, just a bit, hands-on stuff and makes a refreshing chance to learn, arguably, lots of different information if all the natural wonders you’ve looked at so far might be a little on the dull side. Is that wild? So, too it’s almost really easy to get there either driving or boating yourself so getting from your starting point can be done without much stress. You’ll have so much fun.

The exhibits are more or less hands-on so expect your children (and big kids too) can feel perfectly fine just reaching out to touch pretty much everything they see to get that truly tactile feel. If, like, the Maritime Museum wasn’t really impressive enough on its own then maybe make plans in Gravenhurst too as well, with Muskoka Steamships nearby and a few other collections within spitting distance.

The original buildings house loads of local collections like original steamships like the Wanda III and if the exhibits really bring out the kid in you, anyway, take some time to go on a proper cruise around the islands too; it tends to be worth the cash alone for those beautiful waters.

4. Baysville: A Quaint Village Experience

Then we get on to Baysville, or, to be honest, ‘The Jewel of Lake of Bays’ to give this community its traditional name. You might not realize that this quiet little village is a treasure for locals with different shops, the local brewery and lots to experience. If you want to plan a day away for just you and your partner then you may prefer it that the bustle and buzz from other towns mentioned on my list isn’t an issue.

When my own family has the time to book for the season we take time to go for boat trips. A tour is so lovely and serene along the riverbank that both of us feel very content after we moor and pop out for dinner at the various cafes and restaurants in the area. When you just fancy a day of lazy nothing and want some gentle scenes you should make time for this Baysville experience.

Before I go on any more about boat tours it is almost quite worth knowing that a few hotels operate some, kind of, seasonal trips too! I guess anyone wanting the truly Canadian experience gets so at one with Canada they feel obligated to buy everything that is crafted locally from these sellers; the range to search from makes it very worth some money if that’s how you swing.

5. Huntsville: A Hub of Activity and Culture

Last, and it’s the most visited in the region is Huntsville, just a little a thriving center, just a bit, of activity that showcases so many arts and entertainment with various public shows on for both adults and children. When you feel kind of spoilt for opportunity there tends to be options for everyone from the history buffs who have, just a bit, various attractions to check out to the outdoorsy who will want to wander in Algonquin Provincial Park, either way.

Basically, if I had the pick for how any traveling couple should enjoy what Ontario provides then they can very easily make a plan. A simple drive takes just a little to see what everything else that the district has to provide and has all the amenities to fill everyone, more or less, just right for anything and everything they may want; like my folks love what this has in place so should everyone, really.

The Deerhurst Resort is an attraction of course with it being something of a high spot so lots and lots of people often check in just before having trips for different sights throughout. The Rotary Village Station has its small railway too if you wish to do some traveling the simple way.