Huntsville, Ontario, is a picturesque town nestled in the heart of Muskoka. It is the largest of the three major Muskoka towns, both in terms of population and land area. Located 215 kilometres north of Toronto and 130 kilometres south of North Bay, Huntsville is a popular tourist destination, renowned for its natural beauty and rich history.
Huntsville is situated in the hilly terrain of the Canadian Shield and is surrounded by numerous lakes. Its natural environment and resources attract tourists from around the world. In 2011, the Toronto Star ranked Huntsville as the #1 place for a summer trip. The town also serves as the western gateway to Algonquin Provincial Park via Ontario Highway 60.
The first European settler in the area was George Hunt, who established a small agricultural centre in 1869. The following year, a post office was built, and the area was named Huntsville in honour of Hunt, who became the first postmaster. The town's economic development was stimulated by the engineering of a navigable water route from Port Sydney to Huntsville, which opened in 1877. A railway route from Gravenhurst was built by the Northern and Pacific Junction Railway in 1885, leading to Huntsville's official incorporation in 1886.
The Huntsville Town Hall, built in 1926, is a Classical Revival administration building designed by Toronto-based Ellis and Belfry. The building's land was once used as an early burial ground and Methodist manse for what was the Huntsville Methodist Church next door.
The town's council is made up of nine members, including the mayor, three town and district councillors, and ward councillors. Regular council meetings are held once a month in the Council Chambers in the Huntsville Civic Centre.
Huntsville is home to three large lakes: Mary Lake, Lake Vernon, and Fairy Lake. The Muskoka River winds its way through the city's downtown, while the Big East River empties into Lake Vernon. The Arrowhead Provincial Park is also located within city limits.
Huntsville experiences a humid continental climate, with warm, humid summers and cold winters. The town is located in the snowbelt region of Central Ontario, near the Great Lakes, resulting in snowy winters and lake-effect snow.
In addition to the city centre, Huntsville encompasses several communities, including Allensville, Ashworth, Aspdin, Britannia Road, Canal, Centurion, Etwell, Grassmere, Hidden Valley, Hoodstown, Ilfracombe, Lancelot, Martins, Melissa, Muskoka Lodge, Newholm, Norvern Shores, Parkersville, Port Sydney, Ravenscliffe, Stanleydale, Utterson, Vernon Shores, Williamsport, and Yearley.
Huntsville is home to many acclaimed visual artists, including Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven. The town supports a number of arts festivals and is home to the Algonquin Theatre, a performing arts theatre located within Huntsville's municipal centre.
Huntsville is accessible through a variety of roadways, including Highway 60, Highway 11, and Muskoka (Regional) Road 3. Buses to and from Toronto come into the city daily. Huntsville Transit provides local bus service in the town on a single east–west route.
Huntsville has been the filming location for several films, including "It Takes Two," "The Incredible Journey," "Welcome Home," and "A Veteran's Christmas."
