Muskoka is a beautiful place to live and visit, known for its beautiful landscapes, sunsets, and waterways. We all know traveling and entertainment in cottage country can be pricey. I’d like to show you three beautiful parks you can enjoy for the day...absolutely free! I’ve been fortunate enough to call Bracebridge my home for the past 10 years. All three of these nature spots are located within a 15-minute drive of downtown Bracebridge, right in the heart of Muskoka.

Hiking at Huckleberry Lookout Trail

I am slightly obsessed with the Canadian Shield, a part of the continental crust located in North America. I absolutely love collecting rocks and learning how they were formed. When I first came to Huckleberry Rock Trail, located 15 mins west of the town of Bracebridge, I fell in love with the fact that you can hike up the oldest surface rocks on the planet. This rock surface was formed over a billion years before the first animals emerged from the ocean. As I walk the trail, I often wonder about the different creatures and first people to walk on this terrain…and I can't help but feel like I'm a part of something complex and ancient.

The trail is not a difficult hike, with mostly smooth surfaces amongst a variety of mosses and trees. It is a great place to take your canine companion or the family. People of all ages use this trail, from toddlers to seniors. There are many flat areas on the trail that allow handicap accessibility. However, assistance may be necessary to navigate the initial incline. 

The forested areas on this trail are amazingly cool and fresh, even on the hottest days, when it is quite the contrast to the heat radiating from the barren rock. 

This trail is a great place to catch some sun and fresh air on a clear summer day, or admire the changing leaves in the fall. Although it is mostly evergreens, it is speckled with patches of maples and oaks, brightly showing off fall colours in October.

There is a slight incline to the top of the surface rocks, but from the top you can see beautiful Lake Muskoka. There are many benches along the trail for resting, eating lunch, or watching the sunset. The first resting spot is only 30 feet from the entrance of the trail; the rest are found frequently along the path when you get to the top. 

The trail is a 2.5 km loop across 120 acres of township park. There is parking and washroom facilities at the start of the trail. There is no cost to access the park. 

Swimming on the Canadian Shield In Bass Rock Park

On the North branch of the Muskoka River right in the middle of the town of Bracebridge, you will find a small park named Bass Rock. This is where you find a very serene and picturesque swimming spot, making you feel truly connected to the beauty of nature. 

The water is always cool and fresh, as the river flows through the warm rock surface. It is quite nice to warm yourself on the rocks after a swim. There are many places to enter the water; it is great for a group or a solo trip. The river is narrow enough to swim across. Adventurous teens often jump off the rocks on the other side.

There are no bathroom facilities located at this park, and you need to be strong enough to hoist yourself out of the water onto the rocks to get out of the river. There is plenty of parking and lots of clean surface area to lay in the sun or eat lunch and enjoy the scenery. The river is deep and suitable for experienced swimmers. It is possible to launch a canoe or kayak from this park.

Picnic and views at High Falls

Just a short 2 minute drive from highway 11 just north of Bracebridge, you will find the High Falls Picnic Area. It is a beautiful forested park with picnic tables and plenty of parking. Access the park for free, but no overnight parking available here. The Trans Canada Trail System runs right through the area; it is wheelchair accessible. 

If you are feeling adventurous, you can leave the trail in many spots to get an amazing view of the natural beauty of the park and a closeup look of the falls. Springtime is the best time for viewing the falls, as the snow thaw makes it much more spectacular. Summer is a great time for picnicking…and you’ll encounter less mud on your hike.

This is not a swimming spot. The current is really strong. There are many accessible and free beaches in town if you are looking to swim.

There is nothing better than climbing down the rocks and feeling the spray of the waterfall on your face, and listening to the roar of the water and admiring the power of mother nature. There are often not many people in the area. It's a nice place to come for some peace, quiet, and solitude. Enjoy some meditation. 

Michelle loves being outdoors, and is an avid rock and feather collector. Whether it's just for the day or a weekend camp out, nature is where her heart is. She enjoys learning, reading, and travel.

All photos courtesy and copyright Michelle Gor, published with permission.