Getting out of the city can be hectic, but totally worth it to be surrounded by the rolling forests…read moreand lakes of muskoka. The Rosseau General Store has anything you might have forgotten to pack or unexpectedly need, and everything else to make your cottage weekend great. They have camp groceries, seasonal produce, gourmet ingredients, toys, games, hardware, maps, souvenirs, etc. Maybe grab a snack or fresh baked goods and enjoy it on a backyard bench, with a beautiful view of the lake. The store sits on the main village intersection. Hard to miss the beautiful store front with an antique carriage. Refill, restock, and refresh here.

This store has everything you need for a weekend at the cottage. You don't even need to bring food…read morereally, you can get it all here with all the seasonings and fresh veggies to go with it! It has it's own butcher shop at the back! Forget flip flops or a towel? I did and the General Store had just what I needed! Staff are friendly too.

In the eight summers I've been coming with husband and his family to Muskoka, the building…read morecurrently occupied by The Scoop has been...probably eight different ice cream shops. And why not? It's the perfect little hut, situated just outside of Bala town, with its own dock and excellent views of Bala Bay. Unfortunately, none of these ice cream places ever seemed to be open in the middle of the summer at the height of cottage season. Until The Scoop. Purchased last year by a local college student and her brother, the hut received an adorable Canadian facelift -- red, white and brown paint -- revamped signage and a new life. The siblings take turns working each evening, greeting customers and proudly scooping delicious, Ontario-based Kawartha brand ice cream. A tiny Swedish berry in lieu of a cherry on your scoop is their quaint signature. We're *so* glad they've set up shop in Bala and wish them the best of luck for continuing success; cuz nothing beats grilling your dinner al fresco followed by a boat ride to town for frozen dessert.

Thankfully this popular summer spot beside the highway and at the bus stop remained open during…read moreCOVID. They didn't offer as many flavours as usual but the classics remain on the menu. Portions are quite generous and it's Canadian ice cream (you can't beat that!) Right now it's cash only...I actually think it's always cash only but I might be wrong. I'm trying to remember if the one lady working was wearing a mask. She was behind plexiglass and sanitized her hands but I cannot remember if she was wearing a mask or not.

visited this ice cream stand and the girl working had no gloves or mask on. asked her "why not"…read more She said " well I wash my hands". I watched her take money from the customer before us and went and grabbed another cone and started scooping ( no hand washing in between). We left with no ice cream and its very doubtful we will be back

Awesome (and only) General Market of Port Sandfield. BEST local sweet corn around!! Silver Stream…read moreis accessible both by car and boat. On a hot summer day we love tying up our boat under the bridge and walking up to the store for an ice cream cone. Not only does Silver Stream have corn and ice cream, they have a room full of produce, a meat counter, dairy refrigerators, a bakery, all the Canadian candy you would ever desire, a magazine and newspaper wall, cleaning supplies, and pharmaceutical items.

Tasty icecream with a decent variety. The staff were matter of fact and friendly enough. They…read moreanswered all our questions and even brought a helper so we weren't waiting long. I would go back.

Our family was up here for a cottage weekend and we were looking for an ice cream shop and…read moremooskokas closed at 9pm and we arrived right at 9pm and they wouldn't serve our family of 8 same with Muskoka chills. So we found Ice dreams. The girls were great, spot was super cute and had delicious ice cream!!

This is a great spot for ice cream in Bala. They are always generous with the portions and have…read moreother treats like fudge and mini donuts. They also have breakfast bagels and grilled cheese. All are very yummy. They also have a large selection for the ice cream, candy and you will enjoy all of the Coca Cola memorabilia. Definitely a must stop in Bala!

Again, was not disappointed! Stopped by for lunch with a friend. Ordered the same chicken club on…read moreGF bread since it was so good last time. This time I also tried a salad on the side that was like a vinaigrette slaw made from mainly cauliflower - it was delicious and flavourful. My friend got the pulled pork sandwich with potato salad and said it was excellent! We were able to eat outside which was so nice. We both agreed, we'll be back next time we're in the neighbour.

Cottage Cravings only recently came to Bala after a fire at their original Gravenhurst location…read more last year left them looking for a new space. But I'm so glad they landed in our tiny, sleepy town: CC is about as close as it gets to a one-stop shop here. There aren't a lot of places where you can grab a coffee and sandwich, pick up cheese and charcuterie to take home, or grab wall art or dish towels for the cottage. I appreciate that the products here are so thoughtfully selected as well. Cottage decor can teeter on kitschy, but the selection at CC -- technicolor enameled outdoor dining sets, lake-themed hooked rugs, craftsman birdhouses -- is tasteful as well as fun. Popsicle makers and painted martini glasses give ideas. Food from local vendors means you don't have to wait for next week's farmers market to pick up those jams or condiments. And a bounty of healthful dining options from veggie paninis to fresh soups make a quick, delicious lunch. CC definitely makes a great addition to our little hamlet.

Was there this weekend at the grand opening. Staff is very pleasant and Lindsay the owner is…read morevery hospitable and bubbly. Makes you feel very welcoming. From talking to her, she acted on her dream. Wish her all the best on her adventure. Large scoops of ice ream. Great selection. Her cookies were sold out. Next time will be there early in the day before the rush.

Liam Rieder gives me good service Everytime I walk in. his happy attitude always brightens my day…read moreand puts a smile on my face. promote him to manager. Also make it so I can bring my dog into the store.

From the owner: italian gelato 40 + flavoursread more