About Gravenhurst
Who spends their summers in Muskoka
Gravenhurst is the first town for visitors from the south to Muskoka. Muskoka is home to 60,000 residents and three times as many cottagers and visitors in the summer – many of them famous hockey players, movie stars, corporate executives and retirees many from Toronto and surrounding areas.
Why have Musko-ka-bana?
Gravenhurst’s economy is still recovering from the large job losses in the early 1990’s and one of the initiatives is the $100 million development of the Muskoka Wharf. We now have a great events field and surrounding shops and facilities. We are determined to restore our town to its former vibrancy – you can help by coming and enjoying a day at the Wharf and downtown shopping. Even better come the night before for an early start and stay over on Saturday night so you don’t miss the late night outdoor music festival. Want somewhere to stay click here>>>
Where is Gravenhurst?
The Town of Gravenhurst, with is 10,000 inhabitants, is the gateway to the beautiful Muskoka region of Ontario for over 100 years. This idyllic Muskoka community is situated only 163 kilometers or about 100 miles north of Toronto. It offers great lakes, great outdoors, starlit nights, easy access by road, rail and air. Check out our Maps Page for a visual of Gravenhurst's unique location.
History of Gravenhurst
It was back in 1861 that Gravenhurst actually became a town when it established its first post office. Back then, the first settlers in the area and although tourism was only in its infancy, it was clear that the beauty of the lakes and forests made this place special.
Today the legacy of Gravenhurt's industrial roots are still visible with old homesteads, refurbished historic lodges, old remnant mills, railroad lines now converted to multi-use hiking trails and historic steamships used for tourist cruises. It's here in Gravenhurst that the visitor begins to see and feel the unique spirit of this special place often thought of only as a summer cottage destination when in fact it is a busy place year round for all kinds of outdoor activities and festivals.
Learn more about Gravenhurst and Muskoka by visiting one of these websites: