An adventurous day trip to Muskoka with the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Muskoka Ontario is a favourite destination for its seemingly endless natural vistas and unparalleled beauty. Situated on the Canadian shield about two hours north of Toronto, Muskoka is famous for its rugged and wild landscapes, dense forests, glistening lakes and windswept pines.
While it’s tempting to spend all summer in Muskoka, here’s how to plan a fun day trip to this brilliant region of Ontario filled with exciting adventures. My husband Justin and I took the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV S-AWC on a test drive for the day where we experienced the rugged terrain of Muskoka firsthand.
Looking to spend the weekend in Huntsville? Take a look at my two-day travel guide for Huntsville, Ontario.
While it’s tempting to spend all summer in Muskoka, here’s how to plan a fun day trip to this brilliant region of Ontario filled with exciting adventures. My husband Justin and I took the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV S-AWC on a test drive for the day where we experienced the rugged terrain of Muskoka firsthand.
Looking to spend the weekend in Huntsville? Take a look at my two-day travel guide for Huntsville, Ontario.
Morning
Off-Roading to a Provincial Park
Our adventure began with an off-roading journey from Huntsville to Bigwind Lake Provincial Park. This is a non-operating provincial park that will be transformed into a fully operational park over the coming years. For now, the only way to reach the park is by traversing across the unmaintained Old Wagon Road in Baysville, Ontario.
It’s important to set out in a vehicle that can conquer this challenging terrain. Thankfully, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV can handle the jagged rocks and thick mud puddles with ease. Every Outlander PHEV is outfitted with their exclusive Super All-Wheel Control System. Choose from one of seven unique modes for various driving conditions, whether it’s normal, eco, snow, mud, gravel, tarmac or power.
In this situation, we chose gravel mode. Gravel mode allocates power to each individual wheel to deliver maximum traction on coarser roads. It helped us navigate across an unpaved and rocky path without any issues. We felt safe and secure driving down Old Wagon Road to reach our first destination.
In this situation, we chose gravel mode. Gravel mode allocates power to each individual wheel to deliver maximum traction on coarser roads. It helped us navigate across an unpaved and rocky path without any issues. We felt safe and secure driving down Old Wagon Road to reach our first destination.
At Bigwind Lake Provincial Park, it’s time to relax and admire the view. There are swamps, meadows, diverse forests, and of course, the lake to explore. It’s a great place to go paddling or soak up the scenery with a coffee in your hand.
Lunch
A Scenic Drive to Pizza on Earth in Dorset
Next, we ventured down a paved, winding road near Huntsville that was a true pleasure to drive. Kushog Lake Road is an excellent place to test out the Innovative Pedal setting on the Outlander PHEV.
This is a way to drive the vehicle primarily using only one pedal. Use the gas pedal to accelerate and slow down depending on how much pressure you apply to it. It’s also an efficient way to recharge the 20kwh drive battery each time you decelerate.
This is a way to drive the vehicle primarily using only one pedal. Use the gas pedal to accelerate and slow down depending on how much pressure you apply to it. It’s also an efficient way to recharge the 20kwh drive battery each time you decelerate.
I’m such a huge fan of hybrid electric vehicles for many reasons. From a practicality standpoint, it’s the best of both worlds. This electric vehicle is kind to the environment and helps you save on the cost of gas. But, you can also rely on the gas engine, especially when electric charging stations are few and far between. Regardless, you’ll get way farther on just one tank of gas with the Outlander PHEV.
We reached our lunch stop, Pizza on Earth in Dorset. They serve up delicious thin crust wood-fired pizzas featuring your favourite toppings. After a morning of adventures, there’s nothing better than pizza!
Afternoon
Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower
From Pizza on Earth, it’s only a short drive to the Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower. Situated high up on the hill, this property used to be the home of a firetower. A new structure replaced it in the late 1960s so everyone could enjoy this beautiful view.
Climb up the stairs of the lookout tower to reach the very top. There’s an enclosed space where you can safely soak up your surroundings. These 360 panoramic views look amazing in the summer, but I bet they even look more spectacular in autumn with the fall colours.
Climb up the stairs of the lookout tower to reach the very top. There’s an enclosed space where you can safely soak up your surroundings. These 360 panoramic views look amazing in the summer, but I bet they even look more spectacular in autumn with the fall colours.
Stay
Deerhurst Resort
Deerhurst Resort is a premier place to stay in Muskoka with amenities that go far beyond simply being a place to rest your head at night. There are two public golf courses, watersports, trails for hiking and biking, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a beach, an escape room, axe throwing, and the list goes on.
We spent the night at Lakeside Lodge in a suite that felt more like our own little apartment. It comes with its own balcony, fireplace and full kitchen. Stay for dinner and drinks at one of their on-site restaurants.
We spent the night at Lakeside Lodge in a suite that felt more like our own little apartment. It comes with its own balcony, fireplace and full kitchen. Stay for dinner and drinks at one of their on-site restaurants.
Evening
Treetop Trekking Huntsville
Do you love treetop trekking? Navigate through rope courses and fly down ziplines high above the treetops. Well, what if I told you that you can go treetop trekking at night? It’s an even more thrilling way to try this exciting outdoor activity.
Treetop Trekking Huntsville offers Night Treks for small groups on any night of the week (with a minimum group size) or there are also Open Night Trek evenings on specific dates that are guaranteed to operate.
Wearing a headlamp, maneuver between the platforms by balancing on swinging logs or tiptoeing across tightropes. Surrounded by darkness, there’s no way of knowing how high up you are because it’s impossible to see the forest floor. Gliding across ziplines in the dark definitely increases the intensity.
Treetop Trekking Huntsville offers Night Treks for small groups on any night of the week (with a minimum group size) or there are also Open Night Trek evenings on specific dates that are guaranteed to operate.
Wearing a headlamp, maneuver between the platforms by balancing on swinging logs or tiptoeing across tightropes. Surrounded by darkness, there’s no way of knowing how high up you are because it’s impossible to see the forest floor. Gliding across ziplines in the dark definitely increases the intensity.
We had a spectacular day in Huntsville and Muskoka test driving the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. As someone who has never gone off-roading in her life, I felt confident driving this vehicle across the roughest terrain. The Innovative Pedal system is an efficient and fun way to drive on paved roads. All in all, it’s an ideal vehicle to drive wherever your outdoor adventures take you.