The best walks and hikes around Gravenhurst

Loon Lake Wetland Conservation Reserve protects a quiet stretch of wetland, mixed forest and exposed Canadian Shield terrain surrounding Loon Lake. Boardwalks and narrow forest paths pass through marshy sections filled with cattails, moss and shallow water channels, while the surrounding woodland supports a variety of birdlife and amphibians. The reserve is especially peaceful in the early morning, when mist often hangs low over the wetlands and the forest is filled with loon calls and birdsong.

Parking for the Old Stone Road Trail is along North Muldrew Lake Road near the gravel trail access road and signed trailhead. The final approach follows a rough gravel road through the forest, and most hikers park in small roadside pull offs near the entrance to the trail. There are no facilities here, and the area feels fairly remote once you leave the main roads behind.

The Old Stone Road Trail follows a quiet forest route through classic Muskoka terrain of exposed granite, mixed woodland and small wetland areas. The trail takes its name from the historic colonization road that once passed through the area, with sections still following the original route built during nineteenth century settlement efforts. Rolling terrain, rocky outcrops and pockets of pine forest give the trail a distinctly Canadian Shield atmosphere, especially in autumn when the hardwood sections begin to change colour.

A.P. Cockburn Square is surrounded by historic buildings, local shops, and restaurants, and there are often community events, markets, and seasonal celebrations. Right in the middle of the square sits a gazebo with compass-like decorations around it. The square got its name from developer and steamboat pioneer A.P. Cockburn.

Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst sits on the shores of Lake Muskoka and is a great spot to learn about the area's history, eat, recreate, or just enjoy scenic views. The historic steamships RMS Segwun and Wenonah II offer cruises out of this wharf. Along the walking paths there are several docks, shops, and a discovery centre. There are three dining options, a mix of a café, a pizzeria, and a fine dining option.

The Children’s Memorial Gazebo sits on the northwest end of Gull Lake Rotary Park's peninsula. This bench is a fantastic lookout point and a spot for reflections. It is a wooden gazebo with benches built to memorialize the untimely passing of a young man in 2010.

The Kahshe Lake Barrens Conservation Reserve protects a rugged landscape of granite outcrops, forests, and wetlands just south of Gravenhurst. Visitors can explore trails that wind past marshes, swamps, and bogs rich with rare plants and wildlife, while rocky viewpoints offer sweeping views across the patchwork of barrens and water. It’s a destination that blends the Muskoka region’s natural beauty with ecological significance, making it ideal for hiking, photography, and quiet nature escapes.

From these rocky outcrops in Kahshe Lake Barrens, you get a fantastic view over the wetlands before you. Marshes and swamps stretch out in a patchwork of colours, with winding water and pockets of forest breaking up the scene. It’s the kind of spot where you’ll want to pause, take a photo, and soak in the mix of rugged rock and quiet wetland beauty.