Historic Huntsville
Day Trip Itinerary: Historic Huntsville
Explore historic Huntsville and the surrounding area!
- Cost: Muskoka Heritage Place – Deerhurst guests save 15% – $17.55/adult, $11.90/child 3 – 12yrs
- Distance: Direct approx. 10 minutes
- How to get there: From Deerhurst take Hwy 60 west, turn left on Muskoka Rd 3 which turns into Main Street. Turn left at the Brunel Road lights just past the historic swing bridge, then left at Muskoka Heritage Place
- What to bring: Water, snacks, proper walking shoes, bug spray, sunscreen, a camera
Muskoka Heritage Place & Steam Train (2hrs)
Step back in time in this recreated village featuring two museums, 18 authentic pioneer buildings and an open-air train ride on the Portage Flyer, which was used at the turn of the last century to transport guests from the steamboats on Peninsula Lake (where Deerhurst is located) across the portage to Lake of Bays. It was the world’s smallest commercial railroad! Today, interpretive guides dressed in period costumes take you back to the late 1800s
A short drive from the village
Huntsville’s Artistic Side (1-2hrs…or as long as you want!)
As the gateway town to Algonquin Park, Huntsville was frequented by Canada’s most famous painters, Tom Thomson and friends who went on to form the Group of Seven. On the Main Street, see the life-size bronze sculpture of Thomson complete with canoe and paintbox in front of the town hall. Then pick up an Outdoor Group of Seven Gallery Guide and see how many replica murals you can spot in town (there are over 90 throughout the area, including one at Deerhurst, which was done to commemorate the G8 Summit).
Local Treats, River Paddling & Yes Shopping!
Not ready to head back to the resort yet? Grab a cone of Belly Ice Cream made right here in Huntsville or enjoy three patio levels at On the Docks Pub overlooking the river. Right next door you can rent a pedal boat from Algonquin Outfitters and venture down the Muskoka river. And be sure to save some time to browse the unique shops of Main Street like Wooden Penny, Saturday Afternoons or Reflections of Muskoka.
Return to Deerhurst
More Places to Explore Off the Beaten Path:
Limberlost Forest & Wildlife Reserve
- How to get there: Hwy 60 E, turn left at Limberlost Road (at Muskoka On The Rocks), approx. 20 mins.
This hidden gem is a year-round wilderness haven with 20 private lakes and more than 10,000 unspoiled acres of mixed forest just 20 minutes from Deerhurst. The private forest reserve contains more than 70 km of hiking, biking, skiing and snowshoeing trails that are available to the public at no charge. Don’t be surprised to see lifesize sculptures of grazing horses near one of the lakes, or fanciful animal sculptures dotting the hill.
Screaming Heads of Midlothian – Say What?!
- How to get there: From Hwy 11N, Exit Hwy 520 W to Midlothian Rd in Ryerson, approx. 42 mins.
Eerie. Surreal. Almost Druid-like. This vast outdoor artscape of huge cast concrete forms is known as Screaming Heads for its collection oversized discs with faces formed from gaping holes that dot the field, like ancient icons from a lost civilization. Along with other fanciful forms, some of the ‘heads’ have giant sculptures of hands beside them as if rising out of the ground. The exhibit is located at the home of the artist, Peter Amani, who invites visitors to browse the trails, and even walk through the sculptures. On the occasions when the gate is closed, the exhibit can still be viewed from the road.