One of the best ways to enjoy Muskoka’s serene beauty is aboard one of the many cruise vessels that ply the region’s waterways. Ranging from sightseeing tours along fabled Millionaire’s Row, lunch and dinner cruises, and overnight adventures which include accommodations at a historic resort, a cruise in Muskoka is an experience to be cherished forever.
Muskoka Steamships and Discovery Centre is home to one of Canada’s most famous cruise vessels, Royal Mail Ship Segwun, North America’s oldest operating steamship. Launched in 1887, this 97 passenger piece of Canadian history – along with the larger replica steamship, Wenonah II – enthralls visitors throughout the cruise season from Muskoka Wharf at its home port of Gravenhurst. Cruises embark 7 days a week from May to October. Choose from sightseeing or family-themed cruises for pirates, ice princesses and space cadets. New this year is a Craft Beer Cruise and a Ghost Tales Cruise.
The historical SS Bigwin in Dorset was restored by a coalition of Lake of Bays cottagers, residents and organizations looking to return this precious part of lost heritage to Lake of Bays. This beautiful vessel has a storied past, carrying guests such as Clark Gable, Louis Armstrong, Winston Churchill, Greta Garbo and many other famous people out to the luxurious Bigwin Inn on Bigwin Island from 1925 – 1970. With its new lease on life, the historic boat offers public cruises from May – October, and a number of exceptional experiential cruises including Cruise & Dine at Port Cunnington Lodge, Wine Tasting Cruise, Beer Tasting Cruise and more.
Lady Muskoka Cruises departs from picturesque Bracebridge, the heart of Muskoka, and offers an incredible sightseeing opportunity you’re sure to remember. Cruising up the Muskoka River and into Lake Muskoka, passengers will experience everything Muskoka has to offer. Wildlife, cottage life and everything in-between. Afternoon sightseeing cruises are offered through the season, with a 3-course lunch available on all Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays.
The Island Queen Cruise in Parry Sound takes visitors on a tremendous journey through the 30,000 Islands, the world’s largest freshwater archipelago. The unique ecosystem of the 30,000 Islands earned the area recognition as a World Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations in 2004. The Island Queen Cruise offers two cruises daily, taking visitors on an up-close look at the granite-sculpted shorelines and the windswept white pine forests that adorn the islands.
Sunset Cruises offers cruises 7 days a week in late June, July, August, September, and until late October aboard the historic Peerless II. Docked at the locks in Port Carling, the Peerless II offers daily sightseeing cruises with or without food options, and evening sunset cruises with or without food service on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Midland Tours has three cruises for visitors to choose from. The Miss Midland 30,000 Island Cruise out of Midland takes passengers on a cruise among the 30,000 Islands. The Serendipity Princess cruises out of Penetanguishene, taking passengers on a historic harbour cruise. Both options offer sightseeing cruises, as well as options for cruises with lunch, dinner, and live entertainment. During the Fall season, the Serendipity Princess docks in Port Severn to offer Fall Colour sightseeing cruises, with the option to add lunch.