With its locks connecting Lakes Muskoka, Rosseau and Joseph, and its central location between Bala, Glen Orchard, Port Sandfield, Minett, and Milford Bay, it's easy to see how the town got its nickname. It also explains why Port Carling has had such a long history as a centre of commerce in Muskoka. Of course, administratively, Port Carling really is the 'hub' of everything that happens since the Township of Muskoka Lakes Municipal Office is located right in the town on the corner of Bailey Street and Hwy 118.
Port Carling is many things to many people.
Summer visitors, who have spent a lifetime of summers in and around the town, love its great places to shop with all sorts of nooks and crannies where they can sit and visit, catch up on the latest happenings and on a hot summers day, sip a cool pop and grab a bite to eat. Boaters know that Port Carling is where sleek modern craft rub bumpers with lovingly restored historic old launches carrying names such as Matheson, Duke, and Ditchburn. It's also a place to take a tour boat or watch the Segwun go through the locks and the draw bridge, which is right in the centre of town. On even numbered years it's the home of the Muskoka Lakes Association Antique Boat Show. Port Carling is the site of historic old churches and the home of the Township of Muskoka Lakes Museum located on the island.