As summer comes to an end, there’s still plenty to do in the Muskokas, with each town offering a different array of activities and experiences, from outdoor adventures to dining and historical sights and everything in between. And, now, it’s even more sustainable than ever to explore the great Canadian wilderness, thanks to a fleet of luxury electric cars by Audi and a convenient (and affordable!) charging station along the way. Read on to find out our must-hit spots and the smooth ride to get there.
All about the Audi e-tron GT
If sports cars are your scene, the new Audi e-tron GT is a gorgeous vehicle equipped with all of the bells and whistles, from a holographic speedometer display to a console with CarPlay. And, it boasts a boost that increases the horsepower to an insanely impressive 522. And, it’s very efficient in its electricity use–on the entire trip up north, it only needed to be charged once each way, at a charging station conveniently located in Barrie. It costs roughly $6 each way to charge the vehicle enough to take the trip, and it detects when drivers are not in the centre lane or when the car is at risk of rear-ending another vehicle automatically, making the long-haul drive even safer.
The Muskoka itinerary
The charge in Barrie also allows for the Audi to be driven around the Muskokas and many of the small towns, stopping in at some historical landmarks and eateries along the way.
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The Pearl Muskoka
Bala is home to the newest venture from TOBEN Hospitality Group. The Pearl offers gourmet provisions, fine foods and craft beverages for both dine-in and take-out, making it the perfect place for a pit stop or to snag some picnic items.
Lucy Maud Montgomery’s vacation sights
Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of the famous Anne of Green Gables series, fell in love with Bala and the Muskokas while on vacation. In fact, she even wrote a novel about her experiences, called “The Blue Castle,” her only work set outside of her home on Prince Edward Island. While the original cottage no longer exists, it’s been replaced by a historically accurate bed and breakfast called The Inn at Roselawn, which is right beside Bala’s Museum and owned by the same family.
Go chasing waterfalls
We parked the Audi at a selection of hiking trails and waterfalls, taking in some natural wonders in several Muskoka towns. From the School House Trail to the Oxtongue Rapids to Bracebridge Falls and Georgian Bay Islands National Park, there is so much nature to explore beyond Muskoka’s famous beaches.
Visit markets in Rousseau and beyond
There’s a huge selection of farmer’s markets from Gravenhurst to Bracebridge, some of which run into October. The Rousseau farmer’s market runs from June to August, but the Huntsville edition, for example, runs into the fall. Rousseau also offers many other quaint experiences, including the Friday Rousseau Market, a fall fair, and an antique market that runs on Saturdays and Sundays. It’s also home to the Seguin Sled Dog Mail Run, a tradition that spans almost four decades.
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Catch a concert
Finally, we took the Audi around the full tour and parked it at The Kee to Bala for the evening, where a summer series of concerts is sure to impress. Talents like the Sam Roberts Band have annual shows at Muskoka’s iconic, barn-like venue.
