Port Sydney, Ontario is a kind of little hidden gems that simply feels prefer it was made for highway trippers and travellers. Positioned simply 12 km south of Huntsville, this charming little city affords an ideal mixture of pure magnificence, small-town appeal, and loads of methods to unwind. Whether or not you’re interested by paddling the quiet waterways, chasing waterfalls, or just absorbing the true rest that one can solely really feel in cottage nation (with an ice cream in hand), Port Sydney is the type of place that invitations you to decelerate and actually reside within the second.Â
On this information, we’ll discover the various issues to do in Port Sydney throughout your go to, from must-see points of interest like Port Sydney Falls and Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm to one of the best spots to seize a chunk to eat. Whether or not you’re right here for a fast cease in your Muskoka highway journey or planning a peaceable weekend getaway, Port Sydney is a very magical vacation spot. Â
Historical past of Port Sydney
- The Port Sydney space was visited many occasions within the early 1800s, nevertheless it wasn’t settled till 1861, after Stephenson Township (certainly one of Muskoka’s largest townships) was surveyed.
- Settlers started making the journey to the realm by travelling the Muskoka Highway or the Muskoka River, which led northward from Bracebridge to Huntsville.
- Port Sydney’s beginnings had been rooted in farming, lumber, grain, cheese manufacturing, and as a hub of navigation.
- Early settlers had been inspired to return to the realm by being provided free land grants (with some stipulations).
- Nice-grandchildren of the unique settlers and guests now benefit from the space year-round, preserving century-old houses and the city’s historical past.Â
Finest Locations to Keep in Port Sydney, Ontario
As a small city, Port Sydney affords a restricted variety of lodging choices. For guests in search of a comfortable and handy keep, 3 Pines Lodge Muskoka, close to the scenic Port Sydney Seashore, is a good possibility. They provide a mattress & breakfast expertise in a shocking pure setting, simply steps to the seaside. With an on-site restaurant, 3 Pines Bar & Grill (extra on that to observe), and welcoming frequent areas, it’s certain to be a soothing place to remain throughout your go to.
With the city being within the coronary heart of cottage nation, there are additionally many nice non-public cottages and cabins within the space which you could hire in your keep.
In case you are in search of extra selection in lodging in your Port Sydney weekend getaway, take into account exploring bigger close by cities, equivalent to Huntsville or Bracebridge. These areas supply a wider number of lodges, motels, and resorts to swimsuit a variety of budgets and preferences. Â
Uncover the Fantastic thing about Port Sydney’s Mountaineering Trails & Pure Sights
Port Sydney is a peaceable escape for nature lovers within the coronary heart of Muskoka. From cascading waterfalls and serene lakes to picturesque tenting and mountain climbing trails, the realm offers an ideal backdrop for a soothing getaway and a novel alternative to attach with nature.Â
Port Sydney Falls & Port Sydney Dam
Deliver tubes and luxuriate in sliding down the rapids. Surrounded by charming cottages, within the spot the place the North Muskoka River flows out of Mary’s Lake, you can find the Port Sydney Dam. Right here, the river flows over giant sections of bedrock often called the Port Sydney Falls. Nonetheless, many would describe it as extra of a pure “water slide” than a conventional cascade or plunge-style “waterfall.”
Deliver tubes and luxuriate in sliding down the rapids within the space affectionally known as the “Port Sydney Slide” just under the dam. However you will need to observe that there’s a sturdy present down from the falls, and carrying a life jacket is very really helpful.
Parking is close to the slide. You’ll be able to take pleasure in a pleasant view of Mary Lake and the dam with out even leaving the car parking zone!Â
Trying to seize some reminiscences throughout your go to? That is simply the most effective scenic spots in Port Sydney for photographs!Â
Port Sydney Seashore & Mary Lake
The sandy seaside in Port Sydney affords near 80 metres of shoreline on Mary Lake. Enterprise south down Muskoka Highway 10 and try the attractive waterfalls. Port Sydney Seashore affords swimming, boating, and fishing in Mary’s Lake, certainly one of Huntsville’s finest fishing spots.
When you’re looking for enjoyable issues to do in Port Sydney with youngsters, look no additional. Right here you’ll discover a lovely sandy seaside to construct sandcastles and a delegated swimming space with a shallow portion protected by the L-shaped pier, very best for youthful youngsters. Â
Visiting through the winter? When the temperatures drop, Port Sydney Seashore Skating Rink is a group favourite. Right here you will get out and benefit from the locals skating underneath the open sky and having fun with the attractive view of this city after it has remodeled into a shocking winter wonderland.Â
Mountaineering & Forest Trails
The area’s panorama is a playground for many who like to encompass themselves in nature and discover on foot. Whereas Port Sydney is a quiet, small village, it’s positioned near quite a lot of wonderful mountain climbing spots, together with the difficult, but rewarding, Muskoka River: Mary Lake to Excessive Falls Path. Stretching a formidable 19.2 km point-to-point, that is nicely definitely worth the journey. Pack a lunch and calm down on the Excessive Falls picnic space to have fun your accomplishment.Â
Paddling & Fishing
For many who choose to be on the water, Port Sydney is a perfect vacation spot. The calm waters of Mary Lake create a lovely alternative to discover by kayak or canoe. The lake can also be recognized for its wonderful fishing, as it’s stocked with rainbow trout within the spring and fall. The lake can also be dwelling to brown trout, lake trout, and kokanee salmon.Â
Savor the Native Flavors at These Port Sydney Eating places
After a day of exploring the realm’s pure magnificence and outside adventures, you’ll have to refuel. When you’re questioning the place to eat in Port Sydney, you’re in luck. There are a lot of nice native eateries. Whether or not you’re within the temper for an off-the-cuff meal, a fast chunk, or a relaxed dinner with a view, you possibly can select from a handful of nice spots that serve up scrumptious meals with a heat, welcoming environment.
3 Pines Bar & Grill
Positioned proper within the coronary heart of Port Sydney, Ontario, the 3 Pines Bar & Grill is a comfortable spot that gives traditional American delicacies, together with smash burgers, wings, poutine, and extra. It’s a favorite among the many locals and guests alike and, for those who’re like me, it gained’t take lengthy to see why! Their number of wings was spectacular and engaging (if I do say so myself). The pleasant environment makes it an incredible place to unwind and calm down with family and friends on the finish of the day.
David’s Common Retailer
David’s Common Retailer was began to make domestically sourced merchandise extra accessible throughout the group. Positioned within the coronary heart of Port Sydney, it’s an area selection retailer designed to be a one-stop store with good espresso, baked items, groceries, and pierogies. All the things you could possibly presumably want for heading to the cottage is right here. This spot can also be recognized for its best-selling Kawartha ice cream and pizza.
Coronary heart of Muskoka Fries
One other the most effective native eating places in Port Sydney that you must go to whenever you’re within the space is Coronary heart of Muskoka Fries. Right here you possibly can take pleasure in all-day breakfast, which rapidly made it certainly one of my favorite spots. Their Hangover Breakfast Burger is nicely definitely worth the go to! It’s the right method to kick off your day.
Close by Gems Definitely worth the Drive
Whereas there are many hidden gems in Port Sydney, a brief drive can take you to much more lovely and distinctive experiences. When you’re prepared to broaden your journey just a bit, you possibly can uncover wealthy native historical past, discover a beloved provincial park, and participate in a few of the space’s charming native treats and delicacies (spoiler: it includes maple syrup). These close by spots are a good way so as to add some selection to your Port Sydney itinerary. Â
Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm
A go to to Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm is a should for these with a candy tooth. This “State of the Artwork” sugaring operation is within the coronary heart of Muskoka, simply 10 minutes south of Huntsville. It’s family-owned and operated by Tom Steher, his household, and pals. Except for their genuine maple syrup, in addition they serve one of the best ice cream! That alone is definitely worth the go to, for my part.
Talking of maple syrup, I can’t discuss this Canadian delicacy with out mentioning The Muskoka Maple Competition and the Maple Path. Throughout spring, Huntsville and the encompassing space supply many alternatives to pattern scrumptious treats, browse distinctive crafts, hearken to nice music, and take in the environment.Â
Bethune Memorial Home
For historical past buffs, a go to to the Bethune Memorial Home is a rewarding expertise. This Nationwide Historic Website is positioned in close by Gravenhurst. It was became a museum devoted to the lifetime of Dr. Norman Bethune, a famend Canadian battlefront surgeon, medical pioneer, and advocate for Canada’s common well being care. As you stroll by means of the home, you’ll have the prospect to expertise a glance into his life and legacy, not solely permitting you to find out about his unimaginable particular person but in addition providing an interesting glimpse into a major time in Canadian historical past.
Arrowhead Provincial Park
Only a brief drive away, Arrowhead Provincial Park is a lovely spot with year-round attraction. Within the hotter months, the park affords three sandy seashores (together with a canine seaside), 15 km of mountain climbing trails, entry to a waterfall (Stubb’s Falls), and motorboat-free lakes for paddling. Within the winter, it transforms right into a snowy wonderland, with unbelievable alternatives for cross-country snowboarding, snowshoeing, and ice skating. Its 1.3 km skating path by means of the forest is finest recognized for its iconic “Fireplace and Ice Nights” when torches mild up the path for a very magical expertise.Â
Begin Planning Your Port Sydney Journey Right now
Whether or not you’re in search of a peaceable escape into nature, a difficult outside journey, or an opportunity to savor the native flavors, this Port Sydney, Ontario journey information has every thing you could begin planning your go to. This charming city, with its lovely waterfall and small-town hospitality, is the right vacation spot for many who are in search of a peaceable different to the extra crowded Muskoka hotspots.
Begin planning your highway journey right this moment and uncover this hidden gem for your self!Â
FAQ
Is Port Sydney a Good Weekend Getaway From Toronto?
Completely! With a drive of roughly 2.5 hours from Toronto, Port Sydney, Ontario, is a perfect vacation spot for a weekend getaway. Its peaceable environment and exquisite pure environment supply a soothing escape from town and a refreshing different to the extra tourist-packed Muskoka hotspots
The place Can I Go Mountaineering in Port Sydney?
For a difficult and rewarding hike, you possibly can discover the Muskoka River: Mary Lake to Excessive Falls path. This 19.2 km path is a superb possibility for birding and paddle sports activities. For extra choices, close by Arrowhead Provincial Park affords a number of trails for mountain climbing and exploration year-round.
Is Port Sydney Household-Pleasant?
Sure, Port Sydney is a good vacation spot for households. The Port Sydney Seashore on Mary Lake is an excellent spot for swimming and boating, and the “Port Sydney Slide” on the falls offers a novel pure waterslide expertise. The city additionally has family-friendly eating choices and locations like David’s Common Retailer to seize ice cream throughout your go to.
What Are the Finest Romantic Spots in Port Sydney for {Couples}?
Port Sydney’s pure magnificence creates an ideal romantic backdrop. {Couples} can take pleasure in a scenic stroll alongside the Port Sydney Falls, have a picnic by the river, or take a quiet paddle on Mary Lake.
