plan your perfect getaway in bala, ontario
Just two hours north of Toronto, Bala is the kind of place that makes you breathe easier. Whether it’s your first visit or a yearly escape, you’ll find something HERE FOR YOU.
Located right off Highway 169, The Dudley Inn is your cozy, comfortable home base for everything Muskoka offers — lakeside mornings, local shops, and trails that wind through the pines. Most destinations are within a 30-minute drive or an hour by bike, and the journey’s just as charming as the stops.
Relax in Nature’s Backyard
Sometimes, the perfect plan is no plan at all. Stay close and spend the day on The Dudley’s seven-acre property, or wander a few minutes down the road to discover:
Bala Falls – Calm and scenic, with rocky spots to sit, swim, or listen to the water flow.
Windsor Park & Jaspen Park – Two local waterfront parks with great views and space to lounge.
Hardy Lake Provincial Park – A 3km to 8km trail loop through serene forest, with boardwalks and island lookouts. Easy to moderate hike.
EAT & DRINK LOCAL
Bala may be small, but it’s got great taste. Here are a few of our favourite spots to eat, sip, and unwind nearby. Please check their websites for availability & hours.
Seasonal (May - October)
Refined dining with lakefront views — perfect for a summer dinner or special night out.
Local craft beer, live music, and the famous BeerSpa — hot tubs, saunas, and suds all in one spot.
Classic pizza, wings, and casual eats just a short drive from The Dudley Inn.
A stylish new spot offering globally inspired small plates and a cozy lakeside vibe.
Casual tacos, cold drinks, and a great patio atmosphere right in Bala.
Cottage-country chain with reliable burgers, pastas, and a Muskoka-style setting. Located nearby in Port Carling.
Rustic coffee shop meets wine bar, with lake views and a great retail selection in Minett.
Food truck-style smoked meats and southern-style barbecue. Follow them for hours and locations.
Pie Wood Fired Pizza – Muskoka
Hand-tossed pizzas, fish tacos, and casual dining right by the water in Port Carling.
Old-school soda shop with ice cream, floats, slushies, and sweet cottage vibes — great for kids (and adults, too).
Year Round
Bala Falls Pub
Classic pub food and local hangout vibes, just steps from The Kee to Bala.
Open all year, with rotating taps, a beer garden, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Tour the cranberry marsh and taste award-winning fruit wines. A local staple year-round.
Roadhouse-style dining with hearty portions, casual service, and classic comfort food. Just outside Bala.
Bala Takeaway (Pizza Nova)
Fast, easy, and always reliable — grab a pizza to-go after a day of exploring.
golf, fish & paddle
Within 20–30 minutes of The Dudley Inn, you’ll find more than a dozen golf courses and some of the best fishing spots in cottage country.
⛳ Golf in Muskoka
With over 15 golf courses nearby, you can tee off somewhere new daily. Play your round, then head back to relax at The Dudley.
🚤 Water Activities
Check out Muskoka Wake for wakesurfing, wakeboarding, and Muskoka Efoils for a one-of-a-kind eFoil rental or demo experience. They’re close by and make getting out on the lake easy.
🎣 Fishing
Lake Muskoka and the surrounding area are known for walleye, northern pike, bass, and trout. Bring your gear or rent a boat — make sure your Ontario fishing and boating licenses are up to date.
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The type of fish you’ll find in Lake Muskoka and the surrounding lakes are:
local shops & finds
From handmade soaps to iconic Muskoka chairs, Bala and nearby Port Carling are full of great finds:
Muskoka Chair Company – See how the region’s signature chairs are made.
Muskoka Bear Wear – Cozy cottage-country clothing. You’ll see it everywhere — for good reason.
Local Markets & Pop-Ups – From farmstands to craft shows, take the scenic route and keep your eyes peeled.