Vacation rentals in Moon River

Moon River begins in the small town of Bala in the Lake Muskoka region of Ontario. From Bala, the river flows west, through miles of natural beauty, with a series of scenic waterfalls along its path, emptying into the waters of Georgian Bay, just south of Parry Sound. Moon River is regarded as one of the best canoe routes in Ontario, passing through conservation reserves, which are largely untouched. One of the highlights is the spectacular Moon Falls, just 10 kilometres before Georgian Bay. These wild falls are in a peaceful and remote location, making them even more sought-after, as they can only be reached by canoe or boat.

The town of Bala sits at the mouth of the river, where you’ll find restaurants, bakeries, boutiques, and gift shops. Bala is known as the cranberry capital of Ontario and hosts an annual festival to celebrate its harvest. There are many farms in the area that you can visit offering a host of cranberry-themed delights, including the only cranberry farm in the world with its own onsite winery.

Spending summer by Moon River is a delight, and there are many cottages available for your visit. You can expect warm, sunny days, perfect for enjoying all the outdoor adventures that the river has to offer. In June, the popular Muskoka Music Festival in nearby Gravenhurst attracts a wide range of musicians from all over Canada for a weekend of concerts. Spring sees mostly sunny days, but there is occasion for rain, and in fall, the temperatures tend to drop a little, so make sure you bring those layers. In October, the cranberry festival takes over the town, celebrating the region’s cranberry harvest. You’ll find food, drinks, live music, games, activities, and one of the largest arts and craft shows in Ontario. A winter visit will be greeted by cold and snowy conditions, so be sure to bring proper waterproof boots, gloves, hats, and even thermals for the really cold days.

Bala Historic Walk

Enjoy a slow wander along the 4.5-kilometre self-guided Bala Historic Walk. The walk takes you over the bridges that connect the three islands making up the town of Bala and offers spectacular views of the Moon River and the Bala falls along the way. You’ll also pass by the town’s museum if you want to learn a bit more about the Muskoka Lakes region.

Waterfalls

Spend a day exploring the many waterfalls in and around Moon River. The rugged landscapes of the Muskoka Lakes have created around 12 significant waterfalls. The most accessible is the spectacular Bala Falls, which is right in the heart of the town, where Bala Bay meets Moon River. An easy-to-find lookout point showcases a great view of the cascading falls. More secluded waterfalls nearby, like Wilson’s Falls and Stubbs Falls, will take a bit of searching but are well worth the trip.

Six Mile Lake

A half-hour away is the Six Mile Lake Provincial Park, which offers several walking trails to explore. The Living Edge Trail takes you past the rugged rocky outcrops of the Canadian Shield. The Marsh Trail circles around a wetland area, which is home to an abundance of plants and wildlife, including beavers and moose. When you’re done hiking, you can take a refreshing swim at one of three sandy beaches in the park.