Tom Hanks' secret holiday destination with stunning lake and thousands of islands

When you think of Hollywood destinations, you may think of the classic, Portofino in Italy, Monte Carlo, or the Hamptons, but Tom Hanks seems to have found the perfect place for a quiet getaway, far from the crowded beaches and packed resorts.

Filled with thousands of lakes and tens of thousands of craggy islands, the often-unheard-of region of Muskoka in Ontario, Canada, has drawn in the actor for peaceful and picturesque holidays before the crowds uncover it.

It's a world of calm blue lakes, tiny forested islands, and wooden boathouses that feels a million miles away from Hollywood and resembles the Lake District on steroids, just without the coachloads of tourists and with much better weather.

Just two hours north of Toronto, Muskoka covers a huge stretch of central Ontario, dotted with more than 1,500 lakes and surrounded by pine forests.

It's often called "the Hamptons of the North", thanks to its mix of natural beauty and lakeside luxury.

Here, the atmosphere is far more laid-back than the vibes you'd get from the elite area of New Jersey. You're more likely to see families paddling kayaks or roasting marshmallows around a campfire than docked, flashy yachts popping champagne.

Tom Hanks is one of several celebrities who have fallen for the area's charm. Reports suggest he owns a property on Lake Muskoka itself, one of the region's most famous spots, where he spends lots of time in between filming.

Other big names are rumoured to spend their summers here too, taking in the peace and privacy that Muskoka offers in abundance.

There have been reports of Harry Styles, the Beckhams, Justin Bieber, and even Steven Spielberg all heading to the region for some peace away from the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives.

Three main lakes define the area, Lake Muskoka, Lake Rosseau and Lake Joseph, each with its own slightly different personality. Lake Rosseau is known for its elegant cottages and grand holiday homes, while Lake Muskoka is a bit more relaxed, perfect for canoeing, paddleboarding or simply sitting on the dock watching the sunset.

A trip to Muskoka is perfect for the more outdoorsy and adventurous, with walking trails lining many of the lakes' banks, and plenty of places to rent a canoe or mountain bike.

For those looking to head out onto the water, the region is home to nearly 30,000 little islands, so you can easily spend a day mooring up at one or two to feel like you've truly escaped.

Although the place now seems somewhat like a hidden gem, it has been a favourite of celebrities for a century, with the iconic Bigwin Resort hosting huge names from the past like Clark Gable and Ernest Hemingway back in the 1930s.

Speaking to Forbes, Steve Haid, a luxury waterfront estate agent, said: "To describe Muskoka is like trying to put into words a beautiful dream you just had.

"It's best that you experience it rather than hear about it; beautiful lakes, unique boat houses, and a variety of cottage-style lake houses from different eras, it's something out of a storybook really."