About Muskoka

The District of Muskoka combines a long history and a distinctive geography making it a unique and attractive place to visit, live, play and relax. Resting on the southern edge of the Canadian Shield, the exposed ancient granite core of the North American continent is found throughout. About 11,000 years ago, the last ice age receded leaving dozens of lakes and a unique rocky landscape.

There is evidence that early indigenous inhabitants lived and hunted in Muskoka over 8,000 years ago. The first European settlers arrived from France in the early 1600’s and over time, a variety of Europeans settled in the area in addition to First Nations peoples. 

The name Muskoka is said to come from the name of a Chippawa chief named Mesqua Ukee which means "not easily turned back in the day of battle".

As Canada grew in the late 1800’s, lumber was in high demand and the desire for the massive white pines of Muskoka called for the expansion of water, road and rail links through the region. With these transportation corridors in place, including the construction of the Trent-Severn Waterway, Muskoka became accessible to tourists from Canada, the United States and beyond giving rise to the early fishing, hunting and resort camps in Canada’s “cottage country.”

Today, tourism is Muskoka’s most important economic activity. With the logging industry well in the past, a forest of white pine, maple, oak and other species has matured to create a landscape easily recognizable as Muskoka. This mix of trees makes Muskoka Lodge Maple Syrup unique. As Muskoka sugar maple trees grow in the thin soil among many other types of trees in the region, the colour of our maple syrup is a deeper, unique red with an intense flavour that reflects its beautiful surroundings. Don’t be surprised if you detect vanilla and caramel with a buttery finish in our Muskoka Lodge Maple Syrup.