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Summary

I tried Ontario's iconic Cranberry Plunge and it was the most magical fall adventure

It's a road trip away from Toronto.

A person in a cranberry bog. Right: An aerial shot of a cranberry marsh.

Madeline in a cranberry bog. Right: A cranberry farm in Ontario.

Lead Writer, Travel

The views expressed in this Opinion article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.

When you think of fall activities, colourful hikes and pumpkin patches might come to mind. This Ontario farm is offering a totally unique autumn experience and I recently went to check it out.

Every fall, Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery opens up its cranberry marsh to visitors. Located in Bala, the "Cranberry Capital of Ontario," the farm lets you wade through a bog full of berries as part of The Cranberry Plunge experience.

The Cranberry Plunge has been on my bucket list for a number of years and this autumn, I made a point to schedule it in my calendar.

The farm is nestled amidst colourful trees and is home to a charming shop brimming with cranberry-themed goods, as well as a cozy cafe.

The Cranberry Plunge is located a short walk away from the main building. You'll cross a quaint covered bridge as you make your way over to the berry paradise.

The Cranberry Plunge.The Cranberry Plunge.Madeline Forsyth | Narcity

There's no need to worry about getting wet during this adventure. The farm offers chest waders to keep you comfortable and dry as you explore the bog.

Wandering through the sea of vibrant red berries was such a surreal experience. The beautiful fall foliage in the background made it even more magical.

The bog was so serene and not crowded at all. At one point, there was only one other group of people sharing the area with me. This made it easy to take some fun fall photos and explore the cranberry wonderland.

Luckily, the hip waders come with pockets where you can keep your phone safe and dry.

\u200bMadeline at the Cranberry Plunge.Madeline at the Cranberry Plunge.Madeline Forsyth | Narcity

While I opted to just do The Cranberry Plunge, there are a bunch of other activities to enjoy at the farm as well. You can book wine tastings, wagon rides and more to make a day out of your trip.

You can book the Plunge and other experiences online. It's a good idea to book in advance as spots fill up quickly!

I loved this berry-filled adventure — it was a great way to get outdoors and experience the harvest season in a unique way.

Call up your main squeeze and plan a fall day trip!

The Cranberry Plunge

\u200bMadeline at the Cranberry Plunge.

Madeline at the Cranberry Plunge.

Madeline Forsyth | Narcity

Price: $20 per person

When: Until October 27, 2024

Address: 1074 Cranberry Rd., Bala, ON

Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery Website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

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  • Lead Writer

    Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.

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