The Muskoka region is famous. Everyone in Southern Ontario has heard of Muskoka, and thousands of people flee the GTA and flock there every weekend. It is probably safe to say that most people living in Ontario have heard of Muskoka and a good number of their neighbours to the south, living in the Border States, know of Muskoka as well since many have family cottage connections that stretch back for generations. One could say that Muskoka Ontario is world famous; witness the influx of Hollywood celebrities and the like that cruise its lakes and drive up the real estate prices. They know a "world class" resort area when they see it.

Muskoka is well known for beautiful lakes, majestic outcroppings of granite, towering trees, and wildlife. It is also known for large luxury resort properties with "high end prices." Some are majestic and stately beauties, dating back over one hundred years and some are new, ultra modern (and ultra expensive) with professional rated golf courses, designed and developed for people who require the best.

Muskoka Ontario Canada has become a very popular place and with more and more people vacationing there, it is becoming a very crowded and extremely expensive place. The quaint little towns of Rosseau and Port Carling have regular weekend traffic jams. The Moon River gets so congested with boats the police are called to direct traffic. A great place to see and be seen but hardly the ideal place to relax unwind and enjoy nature.

The following paragraphs will address the "unknown" Muskoka--an alternative to the highly trafficked and expensive prices associated with vacationing in Muskoka. This little known area has come to be called "Muskoka North" and has all that the old Muskoka has and a whole lot less! Less traffic, less people, less cost! It is located approximately two and a half hours north of Metropolitan Toronto and only a few miles farther up Highway 11 from Huntsville; Muskoka North is, as they say, "worth the drive". Resplendent with natural beauty, Muskoka North has so much going for it.

A natural work of art, Muskoka North is chocked full of beautiful clean lakes, wilderness, and forest trails. It hosts an abundance of opportunities for the sportsman with numerous activities regardless of one's interests: fishing, boating, hiking, hunting, ATV-ing, snowmobiling, dogsledding, golfing, and the list goes on. In addition, there are pretty little towns scattered throughout the area that hold art and shopping treasures. Furthermore, a wide variety of accommodations can be found in charming country inns, modest cottage resorts, campgrounds, and even full-service luxurious resorts, without the "high end" price.

One "high end" Muskoka North resort without the "high end" price is located just outside the town of Sundridge in the heart of the Almaguin Highlands, on the ruggedly beautiful south shore of Lake Bernard. Northridge Inn and Resort is a full-service resort that offers its guests luxurious accommodations in a setting reminiscent of a Group of Seven landscape--sweeping lake views, hundreds of feet of natural sand beach, pool, Jacuzzis, hot tub, and gourmet dining. Northridge Inn has everything the resorts of old Muskoka have except the high prices and the crowds of people.

How long can it be before the crowds discover the unknown Muskoka, the hidden treasure of Muskoka North and flock to it? Only time will tell. One thing is for certain, right now there's an excellent opportunity for those looking for a lower cost vacation that is a little more laid back.