One of Muskoka’s can’t-miss summer events; Saturday, July 7, 2018
You do not need to be a boat aficionado to enjoy the Summer Vintage Boat Show,which takes place annually at the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst. Cruising around the waterfront boardwalk, you will be awestruck at the beauty of these vessels. The shiny rich mahogany exterior, the gentle hum of the older motor, the timeless look and feel.
It will transport you back to a time when Muskoka was world-renowned for its boat making, when local names like Ditchburn, Greavette and Dukes were the who’s who of boat building. Muskoka’s historic boat-building connection is also the inspiration for this year’s theme; Saluting Heritage Boat Shops.
In its 38th year, the annual Summer Vintage Boat Show will feature over 100 antique and classic boats. Seeing these boats on display at the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst is truly a spectacle, and admiring them while strolling the boardwalk is one of the best ‘casual strolls’ of the summer.
This year the show will be welcoming a new addition. Just like how music of the 60’s and 70’s is now considered the oldies, boats of the 60’s and 70’s are now starting to be considered vintage. This has brought along a whole new type of collector boat: fibreglass. While the classic mahogany and cedar crafts are still dominant amongst collectors, this new wave of collectors exhibit the same passion for vintage boats, and their Classic Glass boats are always a hit!
The Boat Show is great for families. Children activities are happening throughout the day, and kids can also enjoy KidZone at the Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre – the Discovery Centre is offering FREE admission during the Summer Vintage Boat Show.
For the real boat buffs, be sure to visit the Flea Market where you can find one-of-a-kind marine hardware and nautical memorabilia, and the Field of Dreams where you can browse through vintage boats for sale … and who knows, maybe even buy your dream boat.
The boat show takes place on Saturday, July 7, 2018, from 9am – 4pm and is completely FREE (donations are very much welcome).
Show organizers offer a free shuttle bus service throughout Gravenhurst for convenient access to parking and the town. Check out their shuttle bus map here for times and stops.
For more information, visit their website
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