The District Municipality of Muskoka is one of Ontario’s most well-known cottage regions, located about two hours north of Toronto. It consists of 6 lower-tier municipalities (3 towns and 3 townships) and has more than 1,600 lakes. According to the 2021 Census, the region has a permanent population of 66,674, although the population increases dramatically during the summer cottage season.
Municipality Type 2021 Population Highlights
Huntsville Town 21,147 Largest municipality in Muskoka, gateway to Algonquin Provincial Park, strong tourism and business sector.
Bracebridge Town 17,305 District seat of Muskoka, major commercial centre, home to Santa’s Village and Bracebridge Falls.
Gravenhurst Town 13,157 Known as the “Gateway to Muskoka,” famous for the Muskoka Wharf and historic steamships.
Muskoka Lakes Township 7,652 Includes Port Carling, Bala and many luxury waterfront properties.
Georgian Bay Township 3,294 Western Muskoka with access to Georgian Bay and numerous islands.
Lake of Bays Township 3,759 Includes Dorset, Dwight and Baysville; popular for cottages and outdoor recreation.
Population Summary
* Total Muskoka Region: 66,674
* Largest municipality: Huntsville (21,147)
* Second largest: Bracebridge (17,305)
* Third largest: Gravenhurst (13,157)
* Remaining townships combined: 14,705
Major Communities
Besides the municipalities above, Muskoka includes several well-known villages:
* Port Carling
* Bala
* Dorset
* Dwight
* Baysville
* Port Sydney
For your limousine business, the highest-demand service areas are typically:
1. Huntsville
2. Bracebridge
3. Gravenhurst
4. Port Carling (Muskoka Lakes)
5. Bala
6. Lake of Bays/Dorset
These communities generate the majority of airport transfers, cottage transportation, wedding transportation, and luxury black car bookings throughout the Muskoka region.