Summer bucket list season has officially arrived.
Maybe it’s finally paddling that lake you’ve been dreaming about, hiking through towering pines, spending lazy afternoons at the cottage or chasing sunsets over the Canadian Shield. Whatever your perfect Ontario summer looks like, one thing is certain, a road trip belongs on the list!
If you’ve been thinking about exploring cottage country in an electric vehicle but have found yourself wondering, “What if I can’t find a charger?” or “Can an EV really handle a wilderness road trip?” you’re not alone.
Range anxiety is one of the biggest reasons people hesitate to venture beyond the city in an EV. But here’s the good news: travelling sustainably doesn’t mean sacrificing adventure. In fact, some of the best EV road trips are designed around slowing down, discovering new communities and turning charging stops into memorable culinary experiences.
Rather than racing from stop to stop, think of this guide as inspiration for your own EV adventure through the Great Canadian Wilderness. Pick a few stops for a day trip, stretch them across a weekend getaway or build your own cottage country itinerary around the places that catch your eye. Whether you’re heading to the cottage for the weekend or planning a multi-day escape, these delicious stops invite you to travel a little slower and eat very well along the way.
Start Your Adventure in Port Severn at the Trading Post Cabin
Where: 3270 Port Severn Rd, Severn, ON (View Map)
Every great road trip deserves a proper first stop, and Trading Post Cabin is the perfect place to ease into cottage country.
Located an hour north of Toronto just off Highway 400 in Port Severn, this welcoming waterside café feels like the unofficial gateway to Georgian Bay and Muskoka. Whether you arrive by car, boat, bike or on foot, you’ll find locals and travellers gathering over specialty coffee, homemade baked goods and one of the cabin’s legendary breakfast bagels.
If you’re looking for the ultimate road trip breakfast, order the Muskoka Bagel, layered with fresh egg, sausage, aged white cheddar, caramelized onions and smoky chipotle mayo. It’s the kind of hearty breakfast that fuels a morning of scenic driving, hiking trails or your next paddle into Ontario’s great outdoors.
Take a few extra minutes to browse the thoughtfully curated gift shop, stock up on snacks for the road and soak in the laid-back cottage country atmosphere before continuing north. After all, summer road trips aren’t meant to be rushed, they’re meant to be savoured.
Summer Bucket List Tip: Grab your coffee and bagel to go and enjoy it beside the nearby Trent-Severn Waterway before hitting the road again.
Continue North to Discover Muskoka’s Local Flavours at the Bracebridge Farmers’ Market
Where: Memorial Park, Manitoba St, Kimberley Ave. ON (View Map)
With breakfast behind you, it’s time to settle into the slower pace of cottage country.
If you’re travelling on a Saturday, plan your route around the Bracebridge Farmers’ Market, a beloved Muskoka tradition that transforms Memorial Park into a buzzing gathering place every weekend from June through Thanksgiving weekend, running 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. A little pre-planning goes a long way, but it’s well worth timing your road trip to experience one of the region’s favourite community markets.
Celebrating the best of Muskoka, the market brings together local farmers, food producers and artisans offering everything from just-picked produce and fresh baking to handcrafted goods, local spirits and unique gifts. Build the perfect road trip picnic with artisan granola from Muskoka Granola, fresh cider from Slabtown Cider, or cool off with a refreshing kombucha from Wicked Brew before browsing handmade creations from dozens of talented local makers.
This stop reminds you the journey is just as rewarding as the destination and one of the many reasons EV road trips pair so naturally with slow, sustainable travel.
When you’re ready to continue exploring, plug in nearby while you wander downtown, stretch your legs and discover why Bracebridge has become a favourite stop for both locals and visitors exploring Muskoka.
Nearby EV Charging: Lakeland Charging Station on Rene Caisse Lane, Town of Bracebridge
Espresso Worth the Detour at Downtown Espresso
Where: Town of, 6 Brunel Rd, Huntsville, ON (View Map)
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By now, you’ve officially settled into cottage country and if there’s one thing every summer road trip needs, it’s a great coffee stop.
Just 30 minutes farther north, tucked into downtown Huntsville, Downtown Espresso brings a taste of Italy to Ontario’s great Canadian wilderness. This cozy café has become a favourite among both locals and visitors for its expertly crafted Italian espresso, silky cappuccinos and flaky cornettos filled with pistachio or custard. Pair your coffee with one of their freshly baked pastries and you’ll quickly understand why so many travellers make this a must-stop.
Whether you’re strolling through Huntsville’s charming downtown, grabbing a coffee from the convenient walk-through window before heading back on the road, or lingering a little longer on the patio, Downtown Espresso is a worth while detour for a midday pick-me-up.
It’s also an ideal place to recharge both yourself and your EV before continuing your journey. . Whether you’re heading toward Algonquin Provincial Park, the Almaguin Highlands or your lakeside cottage, a proper coffee break is always time well spent.
Nearby EV Charging: Lakeland Charging Station, Town of Huntsville, Bell Parking Lot
Pick Up Fresh Bread for the Cottage from The Little Badger House
Where: 4 Centre St N, Huntsville, ON (View Map)
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No cottage weekend is complete without great bread.
Continue exploring Huntsville with a delicious stop to The Little Badger House, where fourth-generation Certified Master Baker Andrew Badger is redefining artisan baking in Muskoka. This state-of-the-art bakery combines old-world techniques with exceptional ingredients, crafting naturally fermented breads entirely by hand using simple, high-quality ingredients with no artificial flavours, or unnecessary additives.
The bakery’s signature breads spend more than 20 hours slowly fermenting, developing a deep flavour and beautifully crisp crust that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re picking up a loaf for the cottage or tearing into one in the car, you’ll be glad you made the stop!
The San Francisco Sourdough is ideal for everything from lakeside sandwiches to cottage charcuterie boards, while the buttery Brioche Buns were made for burgers fresh off the barbecue. Looking for something uniquely Muskoka? The fan-favourite Cranberry Brie Sourdough pairs beautifully with local cheeses, smoked trout or simply a generous spread of butter.
Stock up for a dockside lunch, an afternoon picnic or an al fresco dinner at the cottage before plugging in nearby and continuing your adventure through Ontario’s Great Canadian Wilderness.
Nearby EV Charging: Lakeland Charging Station, Town of Huntsville, Bell Parking Lot
A Dinner Worth Planning For at Portuguese House
Where: 21 West Street S, Huntsville, ON (View Map)
After a day of exploring Muskoka’s lakes, trails and charming downtowns, there’s no better way to wind down than with a memorable meal.
If Huntsville marks the end of your day’s adventure, reserve a table at Portuguese House. Set inside a beautifully restored century home, this warm and inviting restaurant brings the rich flavours and traditions of Portugal to the heart of cottage country, proving that some of Ontario’s most exciting dining experiences can be found well beyond the city.
The menu is a celebration of authentic Portuguese cuisine, inspired by the country’s coastal villages and bustling markets. Start with Portuguese-style shrimp sautéed in olive oil, white wine and lemon or the restaurant’s signature flaming Portuguese sausage before diving into comforting classics like the seafood-packed Paella or the beautifully prepared Octopus Lagareiro, served with roasted potatoes and chimichurri. If you’re travelling with friends or family, the generous Portuguese Board is made for sharing, offering a little taste of everything and turning dinner into an experience of its own.
Pair your meal with a thoughtfully selected Portuguese wine, settle into the cozy atmosphere and toast to a day well spent exploring Ontario’s great Canadian wilderness.
Nearby EV Charging: Lakeland Charging Station, Town of Huntsville, Bell Parking Lot
Build the Ultimate Cottage Charcuterie Board at Algonquin Fine Foods
Where: 59 Sparks St, Magnetawan, ON (View Map)
The farther north you travel, it seems the better the pantry stops get. Leaving Huntsville behind, continue north into the Almaguin Highlands where another delicious stop awaits.
Known as “The Taste of the North, A Touch of Home,” Algonquin Fine Foods is much more than a specialty grocery store. Part gourmet market, part café, part boutique, it’s the kind of place where you’ll pop in for a quick snack and leave with a basket full of local finds.
The shelves are stocked with artisan cheeses, grass-fed meats, smoked fish, fresh local produce and gourmet pantry staples, alongside cottage-inspired home décor, apparel and thoughtful gifts that make for the perfect keepsake from your northern adventure. It’s also one of the best places to discover incredible Ontario-made products, from Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese to Harbour Hot Sauce, alongside an ever-changing selection of regional favourites.
Whether you’re assembling the ultimate charcuterie board for the cottage, packing a picnic for an afternoon on the lake or searching for a unique souvenir to bring home, Algonquin Fine Foods celebrates the flavours and makers that make this region so special.
Take your time browsing, stock up for the weekend ahead and, while you’re there, plug in nearby before continuing your journey through Ontario’s great Canadian wilderness.
Nearby EV Charging: Lakeland Charging Station, 4304 Highway 520, in Magnetawan
Hidden Gems along Ahmic Lake at Croswell’s Mercantile
Where: 62 George St, Magnetawan, ON (View Map)
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Road trips are made for unexpected discoveries, and Croswell’s Mercantile is one you’ll be glad you found.
Overlooking beautiful Ahmic Lake, this charming mercantile is the perfect place for a quick bite before continuing your northern adventure. Grab one of their house-made artisan pizzas, freshly baked breads or bagels, or treat yourself to a homemade pastry. Visiting in the summer? Don’t leave without a scoop of Kawartha Dairy ice cream, the perfect companion for a sunny afternoon by the lake.
Whether you’re refuelling after a morning on the water or simply looking for a delicious stop along the way, Croswell’s Mercantile proves that some of the best road trip moments come from the places you stumble upon.
A Saturday Morning by the Lake at The McKellar Market
Where: 677 Hwy 124, McKellar, ON (View Map)
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If your timing lines up, spend a Saturday morning browsing more than 50 local vendors at The McKellar Market.
Running Saturdays from Canada Day weekend through Labour Day (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.), this welcoming lakeside market at Minerva Park brings together local farmers, artisans, makers and food vendors in one of the region’s most scenic settings. Browse handcrafted goods, fresh baking, locally grown produce and unique artisan creations while enjoying live music and the relaxed pace of a northern Ontario summer.
This stop that captures everything we love about road-tripping through cottage country: connecting with local communities, discovering talented makers and finding a few delicious treats to enjoy on the road or back at the cottage.
Summer Bucket List Tip: Pick up a few baked goodies (and yes, a butter tart or two) before finding a spot along Lake Manitouwabing to enjoy the view.
Freshly Baked in Parry Sound with Dent Bay Baking Company
Where: 4 River St, Parry Sound, ON (View Map)
As your road trip begins to wind its way home, make your way to Dent Bay Baking Company. Inspired by the forests and fresh air of Georgian Bay, the bakery began in a humble cottage kitchen and has grown into one of Parry Sound’s most celebrated artisan bakeries. Every loaf and pastry reflects a deep connection to the region, with small-batch baking, long sourdough fermentation and heritage grains sourced from local farms taking centre stage.
The bakery’s shelves are filled with handcrafted treats that showcase Ontario’s harvest in every bite. Indulge in a flaky Morning Bun, where buttery sourdough pastry meets cinnamon, sugar and bright orange zest, or savour the Maple Birch Butter Tart, made with local Wasauksing maple syrup and a touch of birch syrup for a distinctly northern twist on a Canadian classic. Looking for something to enjoy later? Pick up a loaf of naturally fermented sourdough, a rustic seasonal Fruit Galette, or their rich Chocolate Walnut Sourdough Banana Bread to enjoy back at the cottage or once you’ve returned home and want to relive your adventure.
Much like an EV road trip itself, Dent Bay Baking celebrates slowing down. Every bake is thoughtfully crafted by hand using traditional techniques, seasonal ingredients and a genuine passion for creating food that nourishes both people and place.
Before hitting the road for the final stretch of your journey, take a stroll through downtown Parry Sound with a fresh pastry and coffee in hand you’ve certainly earned it.
Nearby EV Charging: Lakeland Charging Station at the Parry Sound Museum on 17 George Street
Savour a True Muskoka Classic at Milford Bay SmokeHaus
Where: 13 Piper Rd, Seguin, ON (View Map)
Before pointing your EV toward home, make one final stop to pick up a true taste of Ontario’s cottage country.
For more than 50 years, Milford Bay SmokeHaus has been a Muskoka institution. What began in 1973 as a family-run trout farm founded by Rolf and Edith Uhde has grown into one of Ontario’s most respected producers of artisanal smoked fish. From nurturing trout in the pristine spring-fed waters of the original farm to perfecting traditional smoking techniques that are still celebrated today, the family has spent decades crafting products that have become synonymous with the region.
Today, visitors can browse an impressive selection of smoked specialties at their retail store, including their signature Hot Smoked Rainbow Trout Fillets, rich and creamy Smoked Trout Pâté, Georgian Bay Candied Trout, delicate Cold Smoked Gravlax, and hearty Smoked Trout Chowder. Whether you’re stocking the cooler for the cottage or bringing home a delicious souvenir, it’s the perfect final taste of your northern adventure.
Here’s a road trip tip: pair a container of Milford Bay’s famous smoked trout pâté with a loaf of sourdough from Dent Bay Baking Company, picked up just down the road for an effortless picnic or lakeside lunch before beginning the drive home. It’s a simple combination that celebrates some of the very best flavours Ontario has to offer.
With one last charge nearby, you’ll have everything you need to hit the road. With your EV topped up, the cooler full of local finds and plenty of delicious memories from an unforgettable summer road trip through Ontario’s great Canadian wilderness.
Nearby EV Charging: Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport (97 Airport Rd.)
Sustainable Travel Never Tasted So Good
One of the biggest myths about EV travel is that charging interrupts your adventure.
The reality? It often enhances it.
Instead of rushing from destination to destination, charging encourages you to slow down, discover small towns, support local businesses and savour experiences you might otherwise drive right past. From artisan bakeries and bustling farmers’ markets to waterfront cafés and unforgettable restaurants, every stop becomes part of the journey.
This summer, let your next road trip be powered by curiosity and maybe a few delicious pastries along the way.
Because Ontario’s great Canadian wilderness isn’t just about breathtaking landscapes. It’s also home to remarkable people, unforgettable flavours and countless reasons to take the scenic route!
