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Muskoka Lakes: Bracebridge to Bala, Muskoka Lakes, Ontario
Photo: Tom Purves from Toronto, canada · CC BY 2.0

Drives Ontario Muskoka, Algonquin and Northern Ontario

Muskoka Lakes: Bracebridge to Bala

Muskoka Road · Bracebridge → Bala

Leisurely25 mi35 min1,800 ft climbHigh point ≈ 900 ftOne way
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The drive

Muskoka Road 118 West runs from Bracebridge to Port Carling, then Muskoka Road 169 carries on to Bala. It's 25 miles and about 35 minutes. This section is no longer a provincial highway and is also known as the Frank Miller Memorial Scenic Route.

It's cottage-country driving: curves through rock and pine between the Muskoka lakes, crossing the lift bridge at Port Carling.

Along the way

  1. Bracebridge
  2. Port Carling
  3. Bala
Elevation
1,800 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 900 ft
BracebridgeBala
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
BracebridgeBala
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Port Carling's lift bridge is occasionally cut to a single lane for inspections, with short delays.
  • Some stretches have paved shoulders and some have little or none, so expect cyclists.
  • Check the township's closures page before going.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Township of Muskoka Lakes: Roads and Service Closures.

Questions about this drive

How long does Muskoka Road 118 West take?

Bracebridge to Bala is 25.3 miles and takes about 35 minutes.

What is the Port Carling lift bridge?

It's the bridge on Muskoka Road 118 at Port Carling. It is occasionally reduced to one lane for inspection.

Is Muskoka Road 118 West a provincial highway?

No. West of Bracebridge it's a District of Muskoka road, also called the Frank Miller Memorial Scenic Route.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
Preview it in 3DFly the whole drive over satellite and terrain before you go.
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Road conditionsAPEXWet or dry, ice, fog and wind along the road before you go.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Muskoka Lakes: Bracebridge to Bala, from Bracebridge to Bala