A tour so special, it has been designated a Canadian Signature Experience
Canadian Signature Experiences are “a collection of once in a lifetime, uniquely Canadian travel experiences…”
That pretty much sums up the Bog to Bottle Tour at Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery.
Start with Cranberries
The Bog to Bottle Tour starts off with a guided tour of the cranberry bog, explaining how Muskoka’s staple fruit is cultivated and how Bala became known as the Cranberry Capital of Ontario. This berry is as fascinating as it is tart, and you will love all the little tidbits and interesting facts you will learn throughout the tour
Did we mention there is wine tasting?
After learning all of the cranberry’s secrets, it is time to taste the harvest with a tutored wine tasting. Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery is most famous for their Cranberry Wine, the first vintage the winery ever produced. Many wine aficionados (and just regular people who happen to enjoy drinking wine) are big fans of their Georgian Bay Rose, a blend of Georgian Bay apples and local cranberries. There are seven different wines that you will sample, and a handy scoring card that will help you select your favourite.
When to visit
Bog to Bottle Tours are available 3 times a day (11am, 1pm and 3pm), 363 days a year – they close on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. You can make your reservations on-line, and drop-ins are always welcome.
- Spring: take their tour during the spring when the cranberry farm fuses two iconic Muskoka crops. Their very own cranberries, and their very own maple syrup. The Bog to Bottle Tour incorporates the farm’s maple harvest, a special add-on exclusive to the maple harvest season. As the snow melts, it is also a great time to get out on the hiking trails (make sure to wear proper boots).
- Summer: the summer tour has an exclusive add-on / detour up Blueberry Hill where visitors discover facts about the cranberry’s close cousin, taste blueberries, blueberry products and, of course, blueberry wine! Hike the on-site trails and end your day with an extended visit to their wine & cheese patio. The Farm & Winery features a Feast ON certified cheese plate that includes seasonal, local cheeses, Mrs J’s preserves, artisanal crackers and other cranberry goodies.
- Fall: the annual harvest usually takes place during the latter half of September through until October 31. The harvest is often the most popular time of year and for many the annual visit to the farm has been a tradition dating back decades. Not only can visitors pick up freshly harvested cranberries and take the award-winning Bog to Bottle Tour. There are so many other activities going on including tractor rides, helicopter rides, and the super popular Cranberry Plunge (photo opp in the berries). You should visit the harvest at least once in your lifetime, who knows, it might just become a new family tradition.
- Winter: the fun is literally year-round and winter has become one of the most popular times of year to visit, especially since they introduced their Cranberry Ice Trail. This famous 1.2km ice skating trail loops around 12 acres of frozen cranberry beds and is the only ice skating trail in the world with an on-site winery. A post-skate, fireside cup of hot mulled wine on their outdoor patio is a wonderful touch to a wonderful day! If you want to have a skating experience that is pure magic, come for their Light the Night and skate the trail to the light of 400+ tiki torches and the starry Muskoka sky. Not to mention, their 8km of snowshoe trails and snowshoe rentals on-site, it is easy to see why they are such a popular winter destination.
For information on booking a tour, visit their website
Stay and Play
Stay at one of the Cranberry Route accommodation partners:
- Muskoka BeerSpa (Torrance) Spend the night in reimagined glamping cabins complete with in room draught taps, complimentary junk food, delivered morning pastries and more. In celebration of the cranberry harvest, try the new 2 Beer Cranberry Pedicure!
- Residence Inn by Marriott (Gravenhurst) A beautiful lakeside view of Lake Muskoka right from the Gravenhurst Wharf that the whole family will enjoy. The Residence Inn is ready to welcome you with a cranberry inspired package as well as cranberry options during breakfast.
- Club Muskoka (Between Gravenhurst and Bala) Stay for two nights from Sept.19 – Oct.16 and receive a free cranberry themed snack pack valued at $30. Ready and waiting to be enjoyed upon your arrival. Book today at reservations@clubmuskoka.ca
- Muskoka Bay Resort (Gravenhurst) Along with their cranberry inspired menu items, Muskoka Bay Resort is offering a Cranberry Getaway Package.
- Taboo Muskoka (Gravenhurst) Taboo is known for its spacious accommodations, championship golf and breathtaking surroundings. This Muskoka gem is the perfect place to kick back and unwind with friends and family.
- Inn at the Falls (Bracebridge) Inn at the Falls is offering 10% off your stay when you spend 2 or more nights or 8% off when you spend 1 night. Be sure to check out their restaurant for some delicious eats and amazing views!
- Jayne’s Cottages (Across Muskoka) Jayne will help you select a Luxury Muskoka Cottage Rental to meet your needs. Also count on Jayne’s concierge services to help with vacation planning. Book your stay during the Cranberry Route period and enjoy a Cranberry basket upon arrival including local cranberry treats.
- JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa (Minett) Stop by the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka to see how they are celebrating cranberries this season during the Cranberry Route!
- Sherwood Inn (Port Carling) Located just outside of Port Carling, overnight guests can enjoy a special cranberry dessert made specially by the Chef.
- Christie’s Mill Inn and Spa (Port Severn) Get away from the everyday at the picture perfect lakefront Christie’s Mill Inn & Spa. Unwind in your comfortable and tastefully adorned guest room, and take a moment to put your feet up by the fireplace or on your patio overlooking the lake or gardens.
- Jypsy Inn (Bracebridge) This boutique inn/hotel in Muskoka has seven themed suites and is perfect for a romantic couples getaway are a weekend away with friends. Cranberry package includes cranberry loaf and Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery wine upon arrival.
- The Dudley Inn (Bala) Beautiful, brand new renovation! Contemporary boutique hideaway outfitted with 6 quiet, clean suites. Located minutes from Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery with a bottle of the local wine included with your overnight stay.