A wellness expert’s guide to where to shop, yoga and sunset-watch in Muskoka

Drive about 2.5 hours north of Toronto and you’ll find a cluster of towns sprouting up amid forests, lakes and rocky cliffs. If you’re lucky (read: wealthy) enough to have a cottage in Muskoka, then you’re well acquainted with its breathtaking beauty. If not, holistic nutritionist and lifestyle boutique owner Tara Miller says it’s worth the trip: “The views of the trees, the rock and the water — they’re stunning.”

But Muskoka’s more than a scenic backdrop. It’s also home to a vibrant array of businesses, including Miller’s own Health Hut, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. (She’s also about to launch her second Toronto storefront, in Leslieville, this month.)

This original location is the place to scoop up natural beauty goods when summering in cottage country; it’s open seasonally inside an old ice-cream hut, next to her family’s Ryan Fine Art Gallery. Find skin care from luxe brands like Province Apothecary, F. Miller and Tata Harper — and of course, plenty of sunscreen for your Muskoka vacation or day trip. Here are Miller’s must-see spots when you’re breezing through town.

(Both regional travel guidelines and access to specific places can change quickly; always check official updates before you go.)

For daytime snacks: Silver Stream Farms (1316 Peninsula Rd., Port Sandfield)

When you crave a quick bite, visit Silver Stream Farms market and grocery store for a slice of nostalgia that’s accessible by road or water. “We’ve been going there for as long as I can remember and it hasn’t really changed,” Miller says. She’s fond of the deli sandwiches and strawberry rhubarb pie, but says everyone loves the glazed blueberry doughnuts. Hot tip: They sell out, so go before 11 a.m.

For lakeside yoga: The Boathouse Yoga Co. (1112 Juddhaven Rd., Minett)

Experienced and beginner yogis alike come to practice at this rustic boathouse with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water. “You can see the lily pads,” Miller says. “It’s so peaceful. It makes it tough to go back to a regular studio.” Pop in for a summer vinyasa class set to music with owner Jenn Binnington.

For laid-back vacation wear: Frankies Surf Club (1320 Peninsula Rd., Port Sandfield)

In the 1960s and ’70s, the Port Carling Surf Club was a speakeasy with live music and penny arcade games. Now, the reinvigorated beach shack serves up cold-pressed Greenhouse juice, plus lifestyle goodies like jewelry and classic crewneck sweatshirts. “They have a beautiful esthetic,” Miller notes. “There’s a really nice feel when you walk in.”

For picturesque views: Huckleberry Rock Lookout (1057 Milford Bay Rd., Bracebridge)

Miller was first introduced to Huckleberry Rock by her husband’s family, who has spent summers in Muskoka for decades. “We take our dogs up and there’s a gorgeous lookout,” she says. “We go in all seasons.” You can walk, run or mountain bike the 2.5-kilometre trail loop and watch the sun rise or set over lush foliage and ancient rock.

For homegrown fare: Crossroads (2 Cardwell Rd., Rousseau)

Husband-and-wife team Richard and Julie Lalonde met while cooking at the Fairmont Royal York. They opened Crossroads as a love letter to pure, simple ingredients. The restaurant supports local food suppliers whenever possible and features everything from a seasonal tasting menu to an oyster and champagne bar. Miller’s fave dish? The summer artisanal salad — with a side of hand-cut truffle and Asiago fries.

The Star understands the restrictions on travel during the coronavirus pandemic. But like you, we dream of travelling again, and we’re publishing this story with future trips in mind.