MDC Programs & Events
All year round, Muskoka Discovery Centre offers programs for youngsters, adults and special interest groups. Stay tuned for new event postings!
Muskoka Discovery Centre Partners with Lakehead University for Learning Series
September 16, 2026 | LIVE | 10AM – 12PM at the Muskoka Discovery Centre
Reading the World: The Case for Geographic Literacy in Education
Dr. Gary Pluim
Literacy in education has long centered on reading, writing, and mathematics — but what about reading the world itself? Maps, place, and geographic knowledge offer students a powerful lens for understanding culture, politics, and the forces that shape our lives. This presentation explores how educators can foster critical geographic literacy with learners of all ages. *Refreshments and Question & Answer session included!
MDC Film Nights
September 30 at 7:00 PM — We Were Children
Special Screening in Honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Doors open at 7:00 PM for a smudging and warm welcome with Knowledge Keeper Jack Payette, followed by the film at 7:30 PM.
In honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we invite Muskoka to join us for a special screening of We Were Children, a powerful feature film directed by Tim Wolochatiuk.
Through the eyes of two children, Lyna and Glen, the film recounts the profound and lasting impact of Canada’s residential school system. Taken from their homes and placed in church-run residential schools, they endured years of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Their stories give voice to a painful chapter in Canada’s history while highlighting the resilience of the human spirit. Content Advisory: We Were Children contains disturbing content and is recommended for audiences 16 years of age and older.
RVSP ONLINE OR CALL 705-687-2115 | Pay What You Can | Suggested Donation: $10
All proceeds from the evening will be donated to See Muskoka Through Our Eyes Pow Wow 2027
October Theme: Fascinating People
October 9 at 7:30 PM — Bethune
Discover the remarkable life of Canadian doctor Norman Bethune. This NFB documentary follows Bethune’s work during the Spanish Civil War, where he pioneered a mobile blood-transfusion service, and later in China, where his medical work behind the battle lines made him a legendary figure.
October 16 at 7:30 PM — Margaret Atwood: Once in August
An intimate and engaging portrait of one of Canada’s most celebrated writers. Filmmaker Michael Rubbo visits Margaret Atwood at her island retreat in an attempt to uncover what shapes her fiction and inspires her memorable characters.
November Theme: The Natural World
November 13 at 7:30 PM — Being Caribou
Environmentalist Leanne Allison and wildlife biologist Karsten Heuer set out on an extraordinary journey, following a herd of 120,000 caribou across 1,500 kilometres of Arctic tundra. Their expedition through mountains, icy rivers and challenging Arctic conditions offers an intimate look at the caribou migration and the threats facing this remarkable species and its habitat.
November 20 at 7:30 PM — Incandescence
A visually powerful documentary from filmmakers Nova Ami and Velcrow Ripper, Incandescence explores wildfire through the experiences of Indigenous Elders, first responders and evacuees in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. Moving beyond fire as simply a destructive force, the film also explores Indigenous fire stewardship and the natural cycles of destruction, renewal and rebirth.
RVSP ONLINE OR CALL 705-687-2115 | Pay What You Can | Suggested Donation: $5
MDC Author Series
Meet the writers and discover the stories behind the books. This fall, the Muskoka Discovery Centre welcomes a series of authors whose work explores Muskoka’s boating heritage, Canadian history, mystery, resilience, Indigenous knowledge and our connection to the land.
September 24 | 2:00–4:00 PM
Donna Shortt — Untold Stories Book Launch
Join Donna Shortt for the launch of Untold Stories, a collection of twelve remarkable stories about the people, boats, builders, racers and sailors who shaped Muskoka’s boating history. Through personal memories, family histories and fascinating research, Donna brings to life stories of passion, craftsmanship, courage and the pursuit of a dream.
October 24 | 1:00–3:00 PM
Beverley Brewer — What No One Knew Book Launch
Meet author Beverley Brewer and discover What No One Knew. Told across twelve days, the novel moves between the desperate world of a basement and the frantic search unfolding above it—through the eyes of a woman trying to survive, a man terrified of losing his wife, and a damaged, fiercely loving woman determined to protect the two children who need her most.
November 12 | 2:00–4:00 PM
John Little — Larry Dixon’s Cabin Author Talk
Join Canadian journalist and author John Little for a fascinating exploration of Larry Dixon’s Cabin, co-authored with R.J. Anderson.
Inspired by the enduring mystery surrounding the death of Canadian artist Tom Thomson, the historical mystery unfolds across two timelines—Algonquin Park in 1917 and Toronto in 1977. At the centre of the story is a mysterious painting known as Larry Dixon’s Cabin, which leads to hidden motives, forgotten witnesses and new questions about what really happened at Canoe Lake.
Little has spent decades researching the mystery surrounding Thomson’s death and is the author of more than 40 books.
November 19 | 2:00–4:00 PM
Richard Tatley — The Steamboat Era in the Muskokas Author Talk
Step back into the golden age of Muskoka steamships with renowned local historian and author Richard Tatley. Through his writing and extensive knowledge of the region, Richard will share stories of the steamships, people and communities that helped shape Muskoka.
This is a wonderful opportunity for history lovers, steamship enthusiasts and anyone interested in discovering more about Muskoka’s rich marine heritage.
November 26 | 2:00–4:00 PM
Jack Payette — Nitam (The First) Author Talk
Join Knowledge Keeper Jack Payette for a special author event exploring his book Nitam (The First).
Through stories, teachings and personal perspectives, Jack will share insights into history, identity, culture and our connection to the land. Visitors to the MDC may already know Jack through his work in Misko-Aki: Confluence of Cultures, making this an opportunity to spend more time listening, learning and engaging with the stories he shares.
RVSP ONLINE OR CALL 705-687-2115 | Pay What You Can | Suggested Donation: $5
Get Creative at the Muskoka Discovery Centre
Bookmark Making Art Class
Sunday, October 4, 2026 | 2:00–3:30 PM
$40 per person
Get creative at the Muskoka Discovery Centre! Join us for a relaxed, hands-on art class and create four unique handmade bookmarks to take home, share with friends, or tuck into a holiday gift.
No experience needed and all supplies are included.
Space is limited — reserve your spot today!
Fall Paint & Sip
Sunday, October 18, 2026| 2:00–3:30 PM
$50 per person
Get cozy and creative this fall at the Muskoka Discovery Centre! Enjoy a guided fall-themed painting session in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
No experience is needed—your instructor will guide you step-by-step. All painting supplies and one complimentary drink are included, and you’ll take your finished painting home.
Come with friends, make it a date, or join us solo for a creative evening in Muskoka.
Spots are limited — reserve yours today!
Community Days at the Muskoka Discovery Centre
Everyone’s welcome at the Muskoka Discovery Centre during our Community Days! On September 26 as part of Culture Days, October 22 and November 20, 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.
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.
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.
Upcoming Exhibition – Cottage Country: A Year in Colour
👉 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
