MDC Programs & Events
All year round, Muskoka Discovery Centre offers programs for youngsters, adults and special interest groups. Stay tuned for new event postings!
Discovery Centre Wonders
Step inside the Muskoka Discovery Centre to explore the rich heritage of the region through immersive and interactive exhibits. The centre features historic wooden boats and steamship displays that bring the past to life for visitors of all ages.
Throughout June, cruise passengers benefit from a special offer that includes free admission to the Discovery Centre.
Community Days at the Muskoka Discovery Centre
Everyone’s welcome at the Muskoka Discovery Centre during our Community Days! On June 24, July 15 and August 19, we’re opening our doors with pay-what-you-can admission, so cost is never a barrier to curiosity.
Come explore Muskoka’s rich natural and cultural history, dive into hands-on exhibits, and enjoy a relaxed day of discovery with family, friends, or on your own. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, Community Days are all about sharing stories, sparking curiosity, and celebrating what makes Muskoka special.
We can’t wait to welcome you!
Indigenous Perspectives at the Muskoka Discovery Centre
Visitors to the Muskoka Discovery Centre are invited to deepen their understanding of Indigenous history, culture, and storytelling through Indigenous Perspectives, an enriching summer and fall programming experience connected to the award-winning “Misko-Aki: Confluence of Cultures” exhibit. This powerful exhibit explores the relationships between Indigenous peoples, settlers, and the waterways that shaped Muskoka, sharing stories of resilience, connection, and cultural continuity through immersive displays and personal narratives.
To further enhance the visitor experience, an Indigenous Knowledge Keeper will be on-site every Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. from June through October. Guests will have the unique opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, ask questions, and gain deeper insight into local Indigenous traditions, teachings, and perspectives directly from community knowledge holders. Indigenous Perspectives offers an important space for reflection, learning, and connection for visitors of all ages.
New Summer Exhibits
Two new exhibits are now open to help visitors explore their connection to the region and its future.
Love Muskoka Sustain Muskoka explores this region’s rich natural heritage, and the challenges it faces.
Guests can also tour the new Wanda III boathouse, which celebrates the restoration and iconic history of this legendary vessel.
These additions provide fresh insights into the ongoing efforts to preserve the local environment and marine legacy.
Classic Boat Shows
Celebrate Muskoka’s marine culture at two premier summer events. The ACBS Boat Show takes place July 11, featuring classic boats and a special appearance by the Discovery Centre team.
Later in the season, keep an eye out for Wanda III at the MLA Boat Show, which is held at the locks in Port Carling on August 8. This biannual show is a signature event celebrating life on the water.
Family Weekend Fun
KidZone comes alive every weekend throughout the summer with special programming designed specifically for families. Children of all ages can enjoy hands-on activities, creative play, and engaging experiences in a fun environment.
It is also an ideal venue for birthday parties, offering a memorable and easy experience for parents and kids alike.
Smart Savings Tips
Planning ahead can lead to significant savings on your next visit. Guests can save 25 percent on admission every Sunday in July and August by using the code SUMMER26.
Additionally, booking online in advance provides a 10 percent discount, and local hotel guests can receive 10 percent off with proof of stay.
MDC Friday Film Nights for the Summer
Enjoy Friday Movie Nights all summer long at the Muskoka Discovery Centre, with special screenings taking place every Friday from June through August. This seasonal film series features a curated selection of Canadian films from the National Film Board of Canada and the Criterion Pictures featuring classic Hollywood films. June’s lineup includes Voices Across the Water, Waterlife, and Qatuwas: People Gathering Together, offering audiences an inspiring start to the summer of storytelling. Watch for more titles to come. All Friday Film Nights begin at 7:30 PM at the Muskoka Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst, with tickets available on a Pay What You Can basis (suggested donation: $5). Join us throughout the summer for great films, engaging conversations, and memorable evenings by the waterfront.
Muskoka Discovery Centre Partners with Lakehead University for Summer Learning Series
The Muskoka Discovery Centre is pleased to announce a new summer partnership with Lakehead University’s Third Age Learning Lakehead (T.A.L.L.), bringing engaging lecture-style learning sessions to Gravenhurst this summer. Held once a month in July, August, and September, the series invites participants to explore thought-provoking topics through presentations led by expert faculty members who combine academic research with real-world insight. Covering themes ranging from society and democracy to creativity, culture, and scientific discovery, each session is designed to spark curiosity, encourage discussion, and inspire lifelong learning. While T.A.L.L. is especially popular with adult learners aged 50+, these sessions are open to all ages and welcome anyone interested in expanding their knowledge and perspectives. Rewind Sessions will take place July 2 and August 6 at 10:00 AM at the Muskoka Discovery Centre. Admission is $10 per session.
Ghost Stories Return to the Shores of Muskoka This Summer
Join celebrated storyteller Autumn Smith for an unforgettable evening of eerie tales and haunted history at the Muskoka Discovery Centre this summer. Drawing from local legends and chilling true stories, Autumn will guide audiences through the mysterious spirits said to walk Muskoka’s shores and haunt its waters. From steamship tragedies and downed planes to tales of kidnapping, ghostly lake encounters, and the infamous Jock River story, these spine-tingling evenings uncover the secrets that still linger across the region. Hear stories connected to iconic figures such as Johnny Weissmuller, the notorious Labatt kidnapping, and the eerie legends surrounding Skeleton Lake, alongside haunting tales from Muskoka’s historic resorts and waterways. Performances take place July 14 and 26, and August 5 and 18 at 8:00 PM at the Muskoka Discovery Centre.
Discovery Gallery at the Muskoka Discovery Centre
The Muskoka Discovery Centre proudly continues its renewed vision for the Discovery Gallery, a space that has grown into a vibrant hub for creativity, community connection, and local expression. Formerly known as the Greavette Room, the Gallery has been actively showcasing exhibitions since 2024, receiving an enthusiastic response from visitors and artists alike.
Building on this momentum, the MDC has expanded its role to support the Town of Gravenhurst by hosting a rotating exhibit of local artists, changing bi-monthly. This collaboration further strengthens our commitment to celebrating Muskoka’s creative community and providing artists with meaningful exhibition opportunities.
Current Exhibition – “Art Connects”
The Discovery Gallery exhibition, Art Connects opens a public reception on Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. The exhibit will remain on display at the Muskoka Discovery Centre until Friday, June 3, 2026.
With five exhibits planned annually, rotating every two months, the Discovery Gallery continues to grow as a cornerstone for artistic expression in Muskoka. Looking ahead, we remain committed to supporting local artists through future exhibitions, collaborations, and expanded programming.
👉 Watch this space for upcoming Calls to Artists for future exhibits.
The Discovery Gallery is where art, community, and discovery come together—and we’re just getting started
