While in Muskoka this fall, we visited Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery. The Muskoka region is known for its cool, green forest, pristine lakes, and rugged granite outcroppings. That is why the creation of the cranberry harvest and farming in this area is so unique and such an impressive sight to see.
The cranberry harvest is in full swing from mid-September until the end of October and I was so excited to be in the area at just the right time to finally check this place out. What I didn’t know before arriving, was how much history was involved in this establishment and I was so interested to learn so much here. We can’t wait to visit again in the coming winter season for more family festivities.
The scenery around the farm is completely tranquil. The owners/ operators of the farm are known as the Johnston family. They have been growing cranberries as a tradition since 1950. Farming for over 60 years with three generations, they love where they live and are passionate about what they do.
Our family loves discovering new places and learning about anything historical. I could go on about so much of what we learned from visiting the cranberry harvest, but I think its best you visit the Johnston family for yourself. I’ll save history lesson and tell you what all we did on our visit to Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery.
The Cranberry Plunge: This is honestly what piqued my interest to visit. I saw so many photos in the last couple years of people visiting the cranberry harvest, wearing chest waders in a pond full of cranberries. What a way to advertise!
These photos were fascinating and intrigued me to learn more, I pre-booked tickets for the plunge… it was cool experience to see the cranberries up close and floating next to you. This is a must do if you are in the Bala area during the cranberry harvest!
Wine Tasting: The Johnston family makes many wines, from dry to dessert and has won awards at national competitions. As farmers for over 60 years, they make the great tasting wine starting with their best fruit that thrives in good-quality soils and the climate of Muskoka.
Their craft wines are made in small batches, using traditional methods. This family has developed a passion for wine and a dedication to crafting wine native to their Muskoka home. They have a beautiful winery and outdoor patio for tasting, with a view of lower cranberry fields. They sell their products throughout Ontario in the LCBO.
McArthur House Café & Gift Shop: While visiting the cranberry harvest you must experience the McArthur House Café for the history and indulge in a cranberry infused treat, a hot mulled wine or cranberry cider that you can enjoy around the patio. The gift shop is a store full of wines, local goodies, and one-of-kind treasures.
Wagon Tour: I booked a wagon tour in advance because I knew it would be a great way to see the farms’ landscape and that our toddler would be so excited for the ride. This was so much fun! We had a tour guide that explained all about the cranberry harvest, including the methods and machinery used.
We sipped our cranberry ciders as we toured around, learning about cranberries and all that the farm has to offer year-round. The driver loved our little one and wanted to have him drive the tractor as well, you can totally tell that this is a family-owned and operated business and how passionate they are about what they do.
Overall, I would highly recommend visiting the cranberry harvest this fall before its too late! I was blown away to find out that this farm and winery is open all year round and how much there was to do. I loved visiting with our son, but I have also recommended it to my newly married friends on their mini-moon in Muskoka for the sake of the peaceful beauty and the wine-tasting experience.
I love that in going to cranberry harvest I learned that I want to keep going back for all the changing seasons’ activities. This location not only offers the cranberry harvest things to do but also hiking, snowshoe trails, blueberry hill, and tree tapping in maple syrup season. They have also recently added an ice trail, making this place a MUST DO in any season and we can’t wait to go back!
Let me know if you have witnessed a cranberry harvest and what you loved about it! I would also like to know if you have visited Bala for the Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery. What season did you visit and what activities do you recommend!
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