Muskoka Heritage Place officially opens for the 2026 season on May 16, welcoming visitors back for another year of heritage experiences, scenic train rides, and interactive programming.
Officials say Muskoka Heritage Place offers guests a chance to step back in time and explore life in Muskoka during the late 1800s with its museum, pioneer village, and historic train.
The pioneer village features a collection of historic buildings including family homes, a blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, church, general store, inn, and barn. Throughout the season, costumed interpreters will lead hands-on activities such as candle dipping, wool carding, iron bending, baking, schoolhouse lessons, period games, and dress-up experiences. Officials say new immersive activities and storytelling elements have also been added this year following public feedback gathered during the site’s recent strategic planning process.
Visitors can also ride the historic Portage Flyer Train, an open-air railway experience that travels along the Muskoka River from Rotary Village Station. Officials say the one-kilometre ride highlights local railway history and traces part of what was once known as the “shortest commercially operated narrow-gauge railway in the world.”
Inside the station, guests can visit the Steam Museum exhibit “Full Steam Ahead: By Rail and By Water,” while the Muskoka Museum is also unveiling a new temporary exhibit titled “Layers of Meaning: Symbols in Quilts,” exploring the stories and significance behind local quilts.
Several special events are planned throughout the season, including programming for National Indigenous Peoples Day, a Father’s Day Train event, Canada Day celebrations, and the new Cemetery Tales program.
For more information, visit muskokaheritageplace.ca
