Muskoka District Municipality, Ontario
The
Muskoka District Municipality (more generally referred to as the District of Muskoka, or simply Muskoka) is a region in Central Ontario that extends from
Georgian Bay in the west, to the northern tip of Lake Couchiching in the south, to the western border of
Algonquin Provincial Park in the east. Located approximately two hours north of
Toronto, Muskoka spans 2,500 square miles and is comprised of some 1,600 lakes, making it a popular resort destination. Indeed, this region, which, along with
Haliburton, is referred to as "Cottage Country," sees over 2.1 million visitors annually. Muskoka is a region sprinkled with picturesque villages and towns, farming communities, and lakeside vacation hotels and resorts near to golf courses, country clubs, and marinas.
Muskoka has just over 50,000 permanent residents, but an additional 100,000 seasonal property owners spend their summers in the region every year. Many of the seasonal properties are large mansion-like summer estates, some of which have been passed down through families from generation to generation. Most of these expensive properties can be found along the shores of Muskoka's three major lakes, Lake Muskoka, Lake Rosseau, and Lake Joseph. In recent years, various Hollywood and sports stars have built their retreats in Muskoka, including Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and Mike Weir, as well as Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell.
Muskoka is comprised of six municipalities: the towns of Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, and Huntsville, and the townships of Georgian Bay, Lake of Bays, and Muskoka Lakes.