Sterling Point’s Lakeside Filming Locations Are the Ultimate Fall Getaway

Summer may be petering out, but for those who haven’t binged Sterling Point, don’t pack up your swimsuit just yet. The Amazon Prime Video series, which premiered on August 5 with all eight episodes, follows 17-year-old Annie (Ella Rubin), who, along with her twin brother, Connor (Keen Ruffalo), inherits a remote lake island in Canada. There, a summer of new friends, romance, and family secrets unfolds. The show is produced by the team behind Gossip Girl and My Old Ass, and has been praised by critics for its refreshing interpretation of the YA category. As one Vogue writer puts it, Sterling Point is more reminiscent of “a coming-of-age indie movie from the early aughts than of the recent crop of teen dramas.”

Also worthy of praise: Sterling Point’s off-the-charts scenic filming location. The show takes place on a fictional island in the very real Muskoka region of Ontario, Canada, and has left viewers wondering why they spent their summer in the Balearics rather than this exquisite pocket of North America. Windswept pines! Sparkling lakes! Ridiculously charming cottages! It’s all there.

Though it isn’t technically too late to plan a trip to Muskoka for the dog days of summer, the region is equally breathtaking in autumn with the changing leaves and forested trails. Below, a guide to the distinct communities that make up Muskoka for a cinematic fall (or winter) escape.

Miles of boating and cozy cottages as far as the eye can see: Muskoka Lakes is quintessential Sterling Point. The region is made up of various villages and hamlets, including Port Carling (where scenes from the show were filmed at locations like Mortimer’s Point Marina). Hiking and boating are two excellent ways to spend your time here, but when the weather cools down, take advantage of trails designated for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and skiing. There’s even an ice skating trail that winds through a frozen bog at Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery, if that’s more your speed.

Where to Stay: Let The Oaks be your gateway to the charming area of Port Carling. There’s plenty of room to spread out, with a main cottage as well as a boathouse accommodating up to eight guests. Savor quiet mornings on the dock, then head out on a boat to glide beneath the pines.

Known for its abundance of waterfalls (a great reputation to have), Bracebridge is a charming town with historical streets and natural splendor. Take yourself on a waterfall tour by starting at High Falls (see if you can find the secret waterfall called Little High Falls), next, make a pitstop at Wilson’s Falls (ideal for a picnic), then wrap up at Bracebridge Falls, which is lit up at night. There’s a Fire and Ice festival every winter, and even a Santa-themed theme park if you’re feeling especially festive.

Where to Stay: With its quaint cottage interiors and large backyard with a fire pit, this Downtown Bracebridge apartment is an ideal Muskoka rental. Be sure to use the adjacent footpath that takes you right to Main Street’s best shops, and wind down to the sound of nearby waterfalls, which can be heard from the lawn.

For some art and culture, head for Huntsville. The town sits on the edge of Algonquin Provincial Park—so you can still expect lakes and pines aplenty—but there’s also over one hundred murals, a craft brewery, and even a pioneer village complete with a steam train and original settlement buildings. If you’re there in autumn, enjoy some cinematic leaf peeping atop Lion’s Lookout.

Where to Stay: If the idea of sleeping in a treehouse sounds like your idea of the perfect fall getaway, book a stay at this 1970s cedar A-frame. The home’s floor-to-ceiling windows make it easy to admire the natural surroundings, while amenities like a hot tub and propane fire pit help extend the evening long enough to enjoy stargazing.

For dazzling views of the night sky, add Gravenhurst to your itinerary. The area is home to the Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Reserve, where astrotourists can easily admire the Milky Way. (Parts of the reserve fall within Muskoka Lakes township as well.) During the daytime, visit the seasonal farmers market at Gull Lake Park, hike the leafy Cooper’s Falls Trail, or take a scenic drive around Lake Muskoka, starting and ending at the wharf.

Where to Stay: Ideal for multigenerational travel or a getaway with friends, this five-bedroom home sits on a private bay within two acres of forested property. Expect it all: a wood-burning fireplace, soaring ceilings, a massive kitchen for whipping up cozy meals, and even a lakeside barrel sauna.

As the name suggests, Lake of Bays is all about the great outdoors. From boating and paddle boarding in the warm months, to ice fishing and snowmobiling in the winter, this area is a year-round destination. There are over one hundred lakes, which are best enjoyed aboard a restored 1910 steamship named S.S. Bigwin. For those eager to get in their steps, the Solitaire Trail at Limberlost Forest & Wildlife Reserve is a popular choice, or you can climb the Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower (especially ravishing in autumn).

Where to Stay: Position yourself at the water’s edge in this lakefront cabin surrounded by trees. When you’re not making good use of the property’s pedal boat, kayaks, and paddle boards, enjoy a BBQ dinner on the deck, followed by s’mores at the picturesque fire pit.

All of Muskoka is breathtaking, but Georgian Bay takes it to another level. In fact, the eastern coast is one of only 16 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in Canada. It is home to the world’s largest freshwater archipelago (an astonishing 30,000 islands) and, unsurprisingly, the best way to enjoy this area is from the water. The staggeringly beautiful Georgian Bay Islands National Park is accessible only by boat, so if you don’t have your own, hop aboard a public cruise to explore.

Where to Stay: This cozy two-bedroom cottage is less than 10 minutes from Awenda Provincial Park and even has its own wooded path that leads straight to Georgian Bay. Hike and swim in the warmer months, ski and snowshoe during winter—or simply cozy up by the fireplace with one of the home’s complimentary guitars.