If you’re lucky enough to own a cottage, or have a friend who owns a cottage near the towns of Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, or Huntsville, the townships of Georgian Bay, Lake of Bays or Muskoka Lakes — you’ll likely be packing up the car this coming Friday (or Thursday if you’re lucky!) to head up north for the Canada Day long weekend.
Basking in the hot sun on the edge of your dock, heading out for a breezy boat ride or Bar-B-Qing while looking out onto the lake are some of the things every cottage goer looks forward to. However, if you’re looking for a little more adventure and want to experience the best of what cottage country has to offer this long weekend, let us be your guide! Check out our carefully curated list of the top five things that will amp up your cottage weekend getaway:
Get FREE Bar-B-Q eats at The Stubb’s Bar-B-Q trailer
Forgo the usual pit stop at McDonalds or the long line at Webers on your way up north. This Canada Day long weekend, road-trippers will be able to score some tender pulled pork, mouth-watering crispy chicken and slow-smoked ribs FOR FREE at the Stubb’s Bar-B-Q Trailer located on Highway 11, just outside The Muskoka Store. Stubb’s Bar-B-Q sauces have been bringing legendary Texas flavour to BBQ lovers for decades and now they’re bringing it to cottage goers on June 30, starting at 4PM and July 1, starting at 12PM. They’ll be serving up Bar-B-Q eats the good ol’ fashion way – until all the meat is gone so be sure to get there early!
Cool Off With the Mist High Falls
Get off the dock, head out on the road and hit up the High Falls located about 6 km north of Bracebridge. Known as ‘Niagara of the North,’ it’s the largest waterfall, and fastest flowing, in Muskoka. The area, best known for their picturesque views and quaint picnic spots, is also well known for their incredible hiking trails so be sure to wear your runners when exploring its rocky terrain.
Climb High For The Best Views
Just 30 short minutes from Huntsville is Dorset Lookout Tower. It’s one of the best views in the north, reaching 30-metres high atop Dorset Hill overlooking Lake of Bays. Dorset Lookout Tower was originally built for firemen to spot fires in the area but today Used by cottagers as a chance to take in some breathtaking views and the fresh, crisp northern air, it’s the perfect spot for the perfect shot.
Muskoka Drive-In
There’s no where else you can watch one of the latest blockbuster hits under the stars, surrounded by Muskoka pine than at the Muskoka Drive-In in Gravenhurst, located just off Hwy 11. Established in 1952, the Muskoka Drive-In has been a staple for cottage goers giving them something fun to do once the sun sets and the moon comes up. For only $10, enjoy back-to-back feature films with popcorn refills for low, low price of just 50 cents. Bonus — if you’re staying up until Monday, on Sunday night, you can load up the car with your closest family and friends and all enjoy the movie for only $15.
Antiquing in Bala
Located in the Muskoka Lakes region is the small township of Bala, better known as the cranberry capital of Ontario. This quaint town might be small but will be packed with things to do this long weekend, one of which is their Antique and Nostalgia Show Sale taking place July 1 and 2. Antiquing may sound like an activity your parents would enjoy more than you but hold your judgement. This antique show has everything from vintage jewellery finds, to one-of-a-kind decorative accent for the home and classic games from your childhood that will give you a rush of nostalgia. Admission is only $5 but the gems you’ll find will be priceless.
This article is sponsored by Stubb’s Bar-B-Q sauce. As part of our partnership we’re helping to promote their contest where two lucky people can win a trip to Austin, Texas, birthplace of Stubb’s Legendary Bar-B-Q sauces!
All you have to do to enter is share this story on social media using the hashtag #StubbsBarBQ.
Can’t visit the Stubb’s Bar-B-Q Trailer this Canada Day long weekend? Don’t sweat it. See below for dates the Stubb’s Bar-B-Q Trailer will be open and operating:
Friday, July 14, starting at 4PM
Saturday, July 15, starting at 12PM
Thursday, August 3, starting at 4 PM
Friday, August 4, starting at 4 PM
Saturday, August 5, starting at 12 PM
Sunday, August 6, starting at 12 PM