It’s not everyday you can step into the shoes – or rather, the chest waders – of a real cranberry grower, but this bucket-list fall experience just a few hours north of the city lets you do exactly that!
Just over two hours north of Toronto, Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery in Bala invites visitors to take part in its famous Cranberry Plunge, a one-of-a-kind fall experience offered every weekend throughout harvest season.
Guests can slip into chest waders and step into a knee-to-hip-deep sea of floating cranberries, giving them a firsthand look at what it’s like to be a cranberry grower during harvest.
The 27-acre farm has a long history of cranberry cultivation, with the Johnston family growing cranberries in Bala since 1950. Every fall, thousands of cranberries are harvested on the property, and visitors can explore the farm, learn more about the harvesting process, and enjoy a variety of seasonal activities from late September through October.
And, of course, you’ll want to bring your camera. With bright red cranberries stretching across the water and Muskoka’s fall colours surrounding the farm, the experience makes for one of Ontario’s most unique and Instagram-worthy autumn activities.
Beyond the cranberry plunge, visitors can enjoy wagon rides through the farm, guided harvest tours, wine tastings, and hiking trails surrounded by Muskoka’s brilliant fall foliage.
After exploring the property, warm up by the fire with a cup of apple cider or a mug of hot mulled wine from the onsite café or food truck. You can also stop by the farm shop to pick up local wines, preserves, and frozen cranberry treats to take home.
Tickets are priced at $22.00 per person when booked online in advance, or $25.00 at the gate if spot availability allows. Keep in mind that all participants must be at least 4’6″ tall to safely suit up and wade in, and bring a spare pair of socks just in case!
With weekend dates and peak times expected to fill up quickly, it’s worth reserving ahead if you want to experience this unusual fall tradition for yourself.
You can find out more details and book your spot here on their website.
