Nothing says summer quite like a day at the beach. And with a multitude of beautiful, sandy beaches to choose from, Huntsville and nearby Algonquin Provincial Park, are your summer swimming hot spots.
Sink your toes into the sand and listen to the waves gently lapping the shore. Settle into a Muskoka chair with a good book. Make a sand castle, or a whole sand village, with your kids or grandkids.
Located on the shores of Lake Vernon just 10 minutes from downtown Huntsville, Hutcheson Beach boasts over 100 meters of shoreline and stands as one of the most popular beaches in the area. This wonderful family-friendly park features a children's playground, making it perfect for families with young ones. The sandy beach provides ample space for spreading out a blanket, building sandcastles, or simply soaking up the Muskoka sunshine.
Port Sydney Beach is a picturesque spot located in the charming community of Port Sydney on Mary Lake, offering close to 80 metres of sandy shoreline. A gently sloping grassy hill descends into the sandy beach area, where the swimming area is marked off by buoys and protected by an L-shaped pier and docks extending into the lake, making it ideal for families. Those seeking deeper waters can enjoy the lower swimming dock attached to the end of the pier, which is equipped with several ladders for easy water access. The setting offers lovely views of the lake and nearby Rocky Island, with several picnic tables and benches scattered throughout the beach area.
Avery Beach is within walking distance of the downtown core, making it incredibly convenient for visitors staying in town. While the shoreline isn't a traditional beachfront, it features several breaks with small sandy beaches perfect for swimming and water play. The water remains shallow for about 15-20 feet before dropping off, and there's a beach volleyball court located just inland from the water's edge surrounded by grass. The Rotary Pavilion provides approximately 1,000 square feet of covered space with picnic tables, including one oversized table that can seat at least a dozen people. The beach connects to the Hunter's Bay Trail, offering scenic waterside walks in both directions.
Arrowhead Provincial Park features three quiet, clean, sandy beaches with change facilities that back into birch groves. These sandy shores are accessible via short to medium walks or quick drives from each of the four campgrounds or the visitors center. The park actually offers four distinct beach areas: Lumby Beach on the north side, Beach 1 & Beach 2 connected on the south side (with Beach 2 being quite large), and a smaller beach east of Beach 2 called Roe Beach. With shallow walkouts, no motorized boats allowed, and barely any weeds, the swimming is quite enjoyable.
The clear, clean lakes of Algonquin Provincial Park offer endless opportunities for swimming, with all campgrounds and picnic areas featuring designated unsupervised beach areas. Picnic facilities are located at Costello Creek, East Beach Picnic Ground and Beach, Lake of Two Rivers Picnic Ground and Beach, and Tea Lake Dam and Picnic Ground, with each location featuring a beach for swimming, picnic tables, and toilets. Popular swimming spots include Lake of Two Rivers picnic ground and beach (great for swimming, lounging, and kayaking), Canisbay Lake (with two swimming areas - one for campers and one for day use), and East Beach picnic ground and beach.
Your beach day is just the beginning of what Huntsville has to offer. Start your perfect summer day by grabbing an ice cream cone from one of the local shops and head to the beach to enjoy it while soaking up the sun and taking in those stunning lake views. The town's incredible array of outdoor activities means you can easily combine your beach time with other adventures. The extensive trail network provides everything from leisurely lakeside strolls to challenging hikes with stunning granite viewpoints. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore dedicated trails, while water sports lovers can experience everything from canoeing, paddleboarding and kayaking to more adventurous activities like waterskiing and tubing with SWS Muskoka. For those seeking a unique thrill, Treetop Trekking offers an elevated adventure through the forest canopy. While golf courses provide scenic rounds amid the stunning Muskoka landscape, making it easy to combine multiple outdoor activities into one perfect summer day.
To fully experience everything Huntsville has to offer this summer – from morning hikes and afternoon concerts to evening performances and late-night dining – consider extending your visit with an overnight stay at one of the area's many exceptional accommodations. From lakefront cottages and boutique inns to luxury resorts and cozy hotels, Huntsville offers the perfect base for immersing yourself in the complete Muskoka music and lifestyle experience.
Huntsville's dining scene is as diverse and impressive as its musical offerings, with restaurants, cafes, and patios throughout town serving everything from innovative Canadian cuisine to international flavours, often accompanied by stunning lake and forest views. The town's scenic waterfront patios provide the perfect setting to unwind after a day at the beach, whether you're enjoying locally-sourced dishes or craft beverages while watching the sunset paint the Muskoka landscape in brilliant colors.
Summer in Huntsville transforms into a music lover's paradise from July through August, where pristine lakes meet world-class entertainment and the sounds of exceptional music fill the warm evening air. From intimate concerts by the water's edge to internationally renowned performers gracing prestigious stages, Huntsville's diverse musical landscape promises unforgettable nights under the Muskoka stars. The Huntsville Festival of the Arts, Etwell Concert Series, and weekly Concerts on the Dock create a soundtrack to your summer getaway that perfectly complements days spent lounging on pristine beaches.
Whether you're seeking a peaceful morning swim in crystal-clear waters, an afternoon of beach volleyball and picnicking, or simply a place to unwind while surrounded by the natural beauty of Muskoka, Huntsville's beaches offer the perfect escape from the everyday. Combined with the town's vibrant music scene, exceptional dining, and endless outdoor adventures, these scenic shores provide the foundation for an unforgettable Muskoka summer experience.