Arts, Culture & Creativity Walking Tour

Built in 1901 on the site of the former Central Public School (destroyed in the Great Fire of 1887), the Gravenhurst Opera House was commissioned after an 1897 fire destroyed the previous Town Hall and Fire Station. Designed by Toronto architect J. Francis Brown, the multi-purpose, fire-resistant brick structure cost over $5,000. Blending Gothic Revival and Romanesque architectural styles, it was initially dubbed "Mickle's Folly" after Mayor Charles Mickle, as local residents struggling after a national depression viewed its price tag and lavish imported fixtures as an unnecessary extravagance.

Despite early skepticism, the venue became the birthplace of Canadian summer stock theatre and a vital community hub, historically housing municipal offices and courts. Recognized for its exceptional acoustics, the stage has hosted legendary performers including Donald Sutherland, Diana Krall, Gordon Lightfoot, and Peter, Paul & Mary.

After safety concerns forced a closure in 1993, the community raised over $3 million to restore and reopen the building in 1995. Designated a heritage structure in 1983—with Heritage Square and the cenotaph out front—the Opera House has weathered wars, storms, and financial hardship, proving Mayor Mickle’s vision to be a lasting cultural cornerstone rather than a folly.

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For decades, the former Muskoka Theatre, later called the Gravenhurst Cinema, was a beloved downtown landmark and cultural anchor. Built during the mid-20th century, the single-screen, art-deco-style theatre offered a nostalgic escape where generations of summer cottagers and year-round locals gathered for first dates, family outings, and rainy-day movies.

As streaming platforms and modern multiplexes changed moviegoing habits, the independent theater eventually went dark. However, its prominent, vintage neon marquee remained a cherished fixture over the sidewalk, keeping the town's cinematic history alive.

That history reached a bittersweet turning point when severe weather and safety concerns forced the permanent removal of the historic marquee, though it’s been replaced with a new sign in the spirit of that which went before. 

The building has maintained its celebration of the arts though, thanks to its transformation into Currie’s Music & Antiques. This family run store has a bit of everything you didn’t know you were looking for, with a heavy focus on music, thanks to sons Andrew and Rob, who are successful musicians in their own right and often use the space for recording sessions. They have learned the art of antiquing from their parents, Ted and Suzanne, who round out this incredible space with the curated collections of cookbooks, art, fashion and housewares - you’ll be astounded at what you can find in this magical space. They joke that you should pack a lunch when you visit, since exploring this store is an adventure that is like nothing you’d find anywhere else. 

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Downtown Gravenhurst is filled with outdoor art, often in the form of large murals and graphic installations adorning local businesses. Many of these murals can be found downtown, each showcasing a scene that tells the story of Gravenhurst’s industrial growth. One of these murals showcases the lumber trade, which began to boom in the mid-1800’s and waned in the late twentieth century as lumber demand shifted. Two other murals display railway and steamship use, which were the most efficient way of moving both people and goods throughout the region. They are both still active today. Another mural highlights the ice industry, which provided winter employment as local men cut massive slabs of crystal-clear ice from both Gull Lake and Lake Muskoka, storing them in piles of sawdust to preserve them through the warmer months. 

Gravenhurst’s newest mural is located at the corner of Muskoka Road South and Hotchkiss Street. This mural was commissioned by Muskoka’s Inclusivity, Diversity, Equality, and Anti-racism (IDEA) task force, which also installed murals with the same mission in both Bracebridge and Huntsville. Gravenhurst’s mural was designed by Toronto artist Jim Bravo, and in 2023, he worked with local painter Steph Schofield to bring it to life. The mural’s bright colours bring inspiration to everyone exploring downtown, with images that depict collaboration, nature, and common Muskoka pastimes. 

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Nestled in the heart of Gravenhurst, Ontario, the studio of master ceramic artist Jonathan Bullock offers a captivating destination for lovers of fine Canadian craftsmanship. Renowned across cottage country, Bullock's high-gloss glazes and vibrant, hand-thrown stoneware fly off the shelves each busy summer season as visitors eagerly seek one-of-a-kind functional art and handcrafted mementos.

Blending artistic passion with precise chemistry, Bullock formulates his signature glazes entirely from scratch. The result is a striking, highly collectable lineup of durable stoneware—ranging from mugs, bowls, and vases to unique kitchen accents—where bold cobalt blues, rich turquoise tones, and metallic copper-tone bands transform raw clay into extraordinary home accents.

Whether you are seeking to add a standout piece to your collection, pick up a distinct gift, or admire the intricate techniques of a dedicated local artisan, a visit to Jonathan Bullock's studio is an essential Muskoka experience.

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People come from far and wide to line up for the fresh doughnuts and apple fritters made from scratch each morning at Gravenhurst's The Bakery. In 1959, the Rebelein family took over ownership of the local bakery that had been running in the building, which they say was equipped with a small pizza oven for baking and an old bathtub for washing dishes.

Currently run by three generations of the Rebelein family, this scratch bakery has spent over six decades serving up warmth, tradition, and delicious treats to cottage-goers and locals alike.

Famous for its world-renowned Chelsea buns, daily fresh-made donuts, and mouthwatering apple fritters, the shop crafts every item from scratch using time-honored recipes. Beyond its irresistible baked goods, the shop holds a special place in Canadian history: when Canadian hero Terry Fox passed through Gravenhurst in 1980 during his iconic Marathon of Hope, he stopped at The Bakery to refuel and recharge.

Whether you are heading out to the lake or strolling through downtown, arrive early—because once their morning treats sell out, they are gone until tomorrow.

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Immerse yourself in local creativity at Discover Arts Muskoka Gallery, otherwise known as The Dam. This is a vibrant cultural hub located in downtown Gravenhurst that showcases original works from many diverse local artisans. The gallery offers an intimate connection to the region's art scene because it is staffed directly by the creators themselves, giving visitors the chance to chat directly with the artists about their work.

Much of the collection reflects a deep appreciation for the surrounding wilderness, featuring nature-themed paintings, woodwork, fine crafts, and home decor. A highlight of the space is the popular "Bite Size Art" display case—a rotating section where all participating gallery artists feature smaller, budget-friendly pieces centered around changing seasonal themes.

Interactive community participation is part of the fun, too. Before leaving, patrons are invited to grab a wooden stick and sign their name; these sticks will ultimately be woven together to build a beaver-dam-inspired art installation right at the gallery. Whether you're hunting for a unique gift, adding to your art collection, or simply exploring downtown Gravenhurst, DAM Gallery is a must-visit destination celebrating northern creativity.

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Treat your skin to the gentle, nourishing touch of Hawkestone Soap Company, a handcrafted bath and body boutique. Founded on a passion for authentic skincare, this local shop crafts luxurious, small-batch and locally-made natural soaps that retain all their naturally occurring glycerin—the key ingredient commercial brands strip away, which locks in moisture to leave skin silky smooth and deeply hydrated.

Unlike harsh mass-market alternatives, Hawkestone’s creations feature clean, easily identifiable ingredient lists designed even for sensitive skin. Visitors can browse a fragrant array of divine artisan bars, nourishing lotions, and aluminum-free vegetable-based deodorants in signature scents like Muskoka Boathouse, Lavender, and Lemongrass. Sensitive or scent-intolerant shoppers will also love their extra-gentle, unscented goat's milk soap. Colored only with cosmetic-grade natural pigments rather than synthetic dyes, each bar is as visually charming as it is soothing.

A stop at Hawkestone Soap Co. promises a refreshing, skin-loving experience you can feel good about.

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Rooted in the hardworking spirit of the locals who built Gravenhurst’s historic lumber and boating industries, Sawdust City Brewing Co. crafts bold, innovative beers that challenge the norm. Operating out of a massive 20,000-square-foot facility since 2014, this award-winning brewery features a busy brewhouse, a retail shop, and their iconic "Saloon" taproom with 18 draft taps.

Before stepping inside, no visit is complete without a pit stop at the giant Muskoka chair parked right out front. Standing nearly 6.5 meters (over 20 feet) tall, this colossal roadside attraction has a fascinating backstory: originally built in 2010 by a local work-release inmate using nearly 245 meters of cedar plank after a 2009 tornado destroyed the town's previous big chair, it eventually found its permanent home at Sawdust City as the ultimate cottage-country photo op.

After snapping a picture in the massive seat, head indoors to sample flagship favorites like Juicin' IPA, enjoy seasonal brews, or catch live music at "The Sawdust City Music Hall." Whether you're a beer aficionado or a curious traveler, Sawdust City offers an unforgettable taste of Muskoka craft culture.

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The Oar  recently evolved into Lamorna at The Oar when Chef Ben Kersley came on board, bringing his experience working in some of England’s top Michelin-star restaurants. For years, The Oar has been an essential culinary destination in downtown Gravenhurst, transitioning from a casual gastropub into an acclaimed, farm-to-table neighborhood venue, the restaurant blends fine dining with laid-back cottage-country hospitality.

Driven by a seasonal chef-in-residence approach, Lamorna collaborates directly with local farmers and producers to craft an ever-evolving, hyper-local menu. Guests can expect artfully presented, elevated dishes paired with craft cocktails and fine wines, all enjoyed in a warm interior decorated with local artwork and paddle motifs. The restaurant also features a dog-friendly outdoor patio, live music nights, and offers custom event catering across Muskoka through its North Catering division.

Whether you’re stopping by for a refined casual lunch, a romantic farm-to-table dinner, or drinks on the patio after a day on the lake, Lamorna at The Oar delivers one of the most creative and memorable dining experiences in the region.

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