Our Location

Located at the confluence of the Muskoka Rivers’ North and South branch, our store offers access to great wilderness canoeing and kayaking directly from our waterfront and many other routes within a short drive. Hike the Trans Canada Trail, tour the local waterfalls, or bike one of the many local cycle routes.

Equipment Rentals

Our Bracebridge location provides equipment rentals year round for on-site use or to explore other Muskoka wilderness areas. From canoes and camping gear to winter sports and climbing equipment check our online rental listing for complete details.

On-site Paddling

Located on the Muskoka River we offer one of Muskoka's best paddling trips right from our waterfront. Paddling up the South Muskoka branch offers a secluded 3-4 hour round trip to majestic South Falls, the areas longest vertical waterfall. This area offers a great picnic stop and swimming locations. Other accessible trips include Sharpe's Creek waterfalls, Bracebridge Falls as well as access to Lake Muskoka. If you wish to try paddling and don’t have enough experience we offer on-site instruction courses or guides can be hired for your trip.

Departments

We are constantly striving to provide the best service, selection and pricing. Our location will certainly benefit you in our ongoing campaign to reach ultimate interactive shopping experience. Our staff want to provide you with the ability to “try before you buy” as much as possible so come by and test a new boat, set up a tent or test fit a new backpack.

Outdoor Gear

One stop into our gear area and you will see we offer the largest selection of quality outdoor gear in the area. Our staff are avid outdoor enthusiasts and we are happy to share our experience with you and show you what separates the good from the great gear available in our store. We back up all our equipment and sales advice with our performance guarantee! We are proud to be a top service dealer for The North Face, Osprey Packs, Sierra Designs, Marmot, Outdoor Research, Petzl Climbing, Sea to Summit, and many more unique outdoor products.

Dockside Watersports

It's the Muskoka Lakes and when it comes to cottage recreation what sports are more popular here than boating, wakeboarding and waterskiing, so we are here with the gear for you. Check out our growing selection of summer watersports and winter snowboarding equipment. Hey, and if your sport is just hanging around Muskoka and looking good, we carry a huge selection of clothing and eyewear from Billabong, O'Neill, RVCA, Rip Curl, 686, Etnies, Oakley, Smith, Ogio, Rome, Es Footwear, and much more.

Paddlesports

Muskoka Outfitters offers one of the largest selections of canoe ∓ kayak models and accessories in Ontario, all with on-site test paddling and instruction. Everyday is a demo day at our location from early Spring to late Fall. With so many differences in hull designs and intended uses the best way to choose is to spend some time to get to know a few and you will find the right canoe, kayak, PFD and paddle for you. Our staff are avid paddlers and are always happy to help you out and give you free tips to make your paddling trial the most useful in making an informed choice. This includes testing paddles and the fit of a vest. For canoeists we also have weighted packs on-location for you to use in your trial. Test Kayaks from Native, Delta, Heritage, Liquid Logic, Necky, Old Town, Future Beach and canoes from Esquif, Nova Craft, Souris River and our own Muskoka Canoes.

Outdoor Clothing & Footwear

Whether you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast, traveler or enjoy fashionable quality clothing and footwear you will find it here. A great selection of clothing to enhance your experience, and increase your personal comfort either in the outdoors or just handling everyday interactions with mother nature. Let our staff show you what makes the difference in clothing which is durable, renewable, or provides the best in protection from the elements. Outerwear & apparel from The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Marmot, Sierra Designs, Outdoor Research, Lole, Horny Toad, Royal Robbins, Ibex and footwear from Merrell, Salomon, Keen, Teva, Chaco, Sorel, Garmont, Smartwool and coming soon Vibram Five Fingers!

Athletic Clothing & Running Footwear

Athletes look no further than our Bracebridge store for a great selection of fitness apparel, footwear, nutrition and accessories to make your run or racing performance better. Our staff are trained to ensure you get the best fit and all our footwear is backed by our performance guarantee. Check out Running footwear and Apparel from Saucony, New Balance, Peal Izumi, Sugoi, Body Glide, Assos and more

Muskoka at a Glance

In the Algonquin language, Muskoka translates to "the land of red earth", describing the billion-year-old granite that blankets the region. Situated just a 90-minute drive from Toronto, this region shoulders the Georgian Bay on the west and Algonquin Park on the east and is encompassed by water interspersed with many small islands, making it Ontario's premiere cottage destination. Waterfalls, wildlife and towering pines are all characteristic of the Muskoka experience, but a feast of activities and attractions appeal to all interests. A year-round destination, Muskoka offers something for everyone, including an abundance of colourful antique shops, close to two-dozen championship golf courses, over 2,000 km (1,243 mi) of groomed snowmobile trails, a vibrant art community, several historically significant attractions and much more. This area welcomes over one million visitors each year who come from all areas of the globe to experience Muskoka from the bow of a boat, the seat of a bicycle or the tread of their own shoes.

Store Timeline

1998: Muskoka Outfitters is Created

In October 1998 I opened my first location across from the post office in downtown Bracebridge. I say "I" because I was single at the time and though the first store at 600 sq. ft. was incredibly small there really wasn't any room or need for any staff.

Bracebridge residents found me though (I guess they were getting their mail) and I was quickly planning to expand. I met Kelly in December and I was a step closer to becoming a "We". Muskokaoutfitters.com was launched as an informative site for our new store.

1999: Our First Expansion

After surviving our first winter in business we were on the move. In March we relocated to 40 Manitoba St. and opened our new doors on April 3rd. The winter was great and for those who only experience Muskoka in the summer you are really missing out. Snowshoes quickly became our favourite pastime.

The new location doubled our size and greatly expanded our offerings. I was finally able to hire staff and take a day off. This year we received the Bracebridge Site enhancement award for our new shop and I received the honor of Young Entrepreneur of the year for Muskoka/Parry Sound.

2002: Move to 60 Manitoba St.

After 3 years we had really grown. We had expanded to include a highway location in Port Sydney to pursue the canoe and kayak division and were manufacturing canoes under the Appleseed brand. In February we relocated to our third shop down the street at 60 Manitoba and expanded our paddling section at the Bracebridge store.

2004: Port Carling Store

Our canoes and kayak sales are now the center of our summer business. Our paddling shop moves to the locks in Port Carling. We now offer paddling instruction and day trips. Our fine tripping canoes are now branded "Muskoka Outfitters". Available in 16' and 17' they continue to be a great model for both the cottager and wilderness tripper.

2006: Riverside Location

Another big expansion! I think we have relocated to the best possible location for anyone looking for the outdoors. The new shop offers 4000 sq. ft. of great outdoor gear on the water! We are now one location with everything you need at one spot. Our largest selection of paddle sports offers on-site test paddling, rentals and instruction. We offer access to the best sections of the Muskoka river from our front door. Plenty of parking means easy access for you to come by and quickly get what you need for your day of adventure or info on what to do in the area.

Present: Online Store

We are in the process of launching Muskokaoutfitters.com, the shopping site. Now you can access all our great gear from anywhere. We guarantee the best pricing on all equipment and can send it to your door. When our staff are not helping you with your order they are outside testing the best equipment so you can enjoy the right advice.