wenonah ii boat cruise

How To Experience A Lake Muskoka Steamship Cruise in Gravenhurst, Ontario

A Lake Muskoka Steamship Cruise from Gravenhurst Ontario is a great way to explore Lake Muskoka region. Is there a better way to fall colors?

With thousands of lakes, countless islands, and spectacular scenery, there is no lack of incredible boat cruises in Ontario. But with the special combination of breathtaking Muskoka scenery, incredible history, and personal service, the Lake Muskoka Steamship Cruise company has crafted a unique experience that visitors to the region won’t soon forget. In fact, it may be one of the coolest Lake Muskoka cruises currently running.

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Gravenhurst, The Gateway to Muskoka

Muskoka is approximately a 2-hour drive from Toronto making it a favorite family destination for a weekend getaway. But where should you go? At 6,475 km two Muskoka covers a huge municipality of north-central Ontario . The Muskoka region extends from Georgian Bay i n the west to the northern tip of Lake Couchiching in the south, to the western border of Algonquin Provincial Park in the east . For our latest adventure, we decided to experience Muskoka boat cruises via a Lake Muskoka Steamship. Fittingly, Muskoka Wharf is in Gravenhurst, Ontario, which is considered the gateway to Muskoka region.

Muskoka Steamships

Muskoka Steamships has a fleet of 2 cruise ships. These gorgeous antique and antique-style boats ply the waters of Lake Muskoka from their home dock of Gravenhurst, Ontario. The Muskoka Steamship boats are the RMS Segwun and the Wenonah II. A third cruise ship, the Wanda III, is planned to join the fleet. The Wanda III is currently under renovation and can be found in storage near the docks by the Muskoka Discovery Center.

The RMS Segwun Muskoka Steamship

The RMS Segwun cruise steamship is a true piece of classic Canadian history. The letters RMS stand for Royal Mail Steamship . The RMS Segwun is North America’s oldest operating mail steamship. At 130 years-old, this ship has been around almost as long as Canada has! Although the RMS Segwun is now in use as a Muskoka cruise ship, it is still possible to send mail from the ship. That mail is stamped and posted as originating from the RMS Segwun. Unlike more modern the boats for more modern Muskoka boat cruises, like the Lady Muskoka , the Segwun in all about the history!

A tour or the RMS Segwun is like a blast from the past. The engine room is laced with the original brass decor. And the throttle control is a bold statement to the Muskoka steamship’s vintage heritage. Something very cool about the Segwun steamship is that it was originally a side paddlewheel steamer. The original name of the Segwun was the Nipissing II. The steamship was updated with propellers, and relaunched with the Ojibwa name Segwun, meaning “springtime, in 1925.

The Wenonah II

The ship we would be taking on our Muskoka Lake cruise was the Wenonah II. The Wenonah II is a modern interpretation of the traditional steamship, RMS Sagano. This diesel-powered ship was named in honor of Wenonah, the first steamship to sail Lake Muskoka in 1866 . And it’s obvious from first glance that a tremendous amount of work went into ensuring an authentic steamship feel for this boat. From bow to stern the Wenona II cruise ship looks and feels just like an old steamer. They even replicated the steam horn sound when the Wenonah II blasts its horn!

The Wenonah II cruise ship has a capacity of 216 individuals. It has modern conveniences such as air-conditioning and even an elevator. It has 3 dining rooms and 3 decks. And there is also lots of covered seating so cruises run rain or shine. What makes the Wenonah II cruise ship so special is the incredible attention to detail that Muskoka Steamships went through to replicate a true steamship experience on a ship with a diesel engine.

Which Lake Muskoka Steamship Cruise Should you Book?

The Muskoka Lake cruise season starts in June and goes until October. Start and end dates vary with the weather so it is best to check their website for up to date schedule information. Muskoka Steamships offers five different cruises ranging in length from 1 to 4 hours. The variety of cruises ensures that there is a cruise that can work with nearly every schedule. Even if you are only visiting for a day trip to Muskoka. If you end up in Muskoka during the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend, make sure you head to nearby Bala, Ontario for the famous Bala Cranberry Festival .

You can also experience other Muskoka cruises such as the Island Queen, which takes a scenic route into beautiful Georgian Bay and the Lady Muskoka cruise which explores some of the rivers that lead into gorgeous Lake Muskoka.

For those that are short on time, the 1-hour cruise would be the perfect option. For those that want to experience High Tea while also enjoying the gorgeous views of Lake Muskoka, the 2 and 4-hour cruise options are for you. Both the 2.5 and 3.5 hour Muskoka cruises have meals available as an optional add-on. The two-course lunch is available on the 2.5-hour cruise while the three-course dinner is available on the 3.5-hour cruise. In both cases, you must pre-order the meal when you book your ticket.

Specialty Cruises on Muskoka Steamships

Besides the regularly scheduled cruises, there are also several themed cruises that run throughout the cruising season. These may include Muskoka sunset cruises or holiday cruises such as the Thanksgiving Day Cruise. One of our favorite things about the Muskoka Steamship cruise experiences though is that they also have cruises specifically designed for kids. We cannot wait to go back in the summer to take part in the Muskoka Steamship Pirate Cruise. A two-hour cruise is an interactive event that encourages all participants to come dressed in their best pirate gear. Best of all, even the local residents on the surrounding islands participate in the fun!

What Will I See on a Lake Muskoka Steamship Cruise?

All Muskoka Steamship cruises embark and disembark from the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst, Ontario. During the summer, the Lake Muskoka cruise is a great way to enjoy the sunshine and see the Muskoka waters teaming with residents. Summer is when the cottage country comes to life, and Muskoka is the heart of the action! As summer makes way to fall, the Lake Muskoka Steamship cruises provide a great perspective from which to oohh and ahh at the famed fall colors in the Muskoka region. The exact cruise path changes but you are sure to see many of the islands and Lake Muskoka’s shoreline. You can read about some of our other favorite fall activities in Ontario here .

A Family-Friendly Muskoka Cruise Experience

Our ride on the Wenonah II provided a fantastic view of Muskoka’s shoreline and its many islands. The ship’s Captain served a second duty as the cruise narrator. He spun tales about the history of the region. Our boys were fascinated by the stories of pirates and shipwrecks told along the way. Though it was still early in the season, I could definitely see why going on a Muskoka Fall colors cruise is a recommended experience. Many maple trees had leaves that were starting to turn their bright red colors. We also spotted some yellow leaves on a few poplars. In a few weeks’ time, the area will be full of color. And a great contrast to the deep blue waters of Lake Muskoka.

One of the most famous spots on the tour is the Gravenhurst Narrows. On the lakeside of the Gravenhurst Narrows is the Gravenhurst Narrows Lighthouse . Unfortunately for us, the lighthouse was under construction so we got to see a light tower in its place instead.

What to See and Do in Gravenhurst, Ontario

There is a lot more to enjoy in Gravenhurst, Ontario. So, if you have time, why not explore what the town has to offer before or after your Lake Muskoka Steamship cruise. Gull Lake Rotary Park is a fantastic spot to have a picnic while waiting for the sun to set over Lake Muskoka. Or get your face messy with some ice cream while walking the length of the Gravenhurst boardwalk . One of our favorite stops was definitely the nearby Muskoka Discovery Centre . The area around the boardwalk has lots of shops to explore. You can even rent boats and jet skis if you feel inspired to hit the water by yourself!

Muskoka Discovery Centre

All Muskoka Steamship Cruise tickets come with a bonus, a ticket to the Muskoka Discovery Centre. The ticket is valid for any day. And if you are local to Muskoka, Ontario or surrounding regions, you may choose to visit the Muskoka Discovery Centre at any time of year as it is open year-round. The Muskoka Discovery Center is a fun place to learn more about the incredible nautical history of Canada. The Discovery Center in Muskoka houses an incredible collection of old wooden motorboats. It also offers amazing information on steamships. And it provides an overview of the history of shipping in the Muskoka region. Additionally, the Muskoka Discovery Center features a tremendous amount of activities and displays focused on children.

Muskoka Discover Centre KidZone

The Muskoka Discovery Centre is very family-friendly. The Muskoka museum has an amazing KidZone equipped with lots of hands-on exhibits. The boys enjoyed playing hanging out at the Rotary Reading Treehouse and drawing pictures on the giant chalkboard that occupied one wall of one of the hallways on the second floor. There was also lego, steam whistles, and even a flight simulator to practice landing a floatplane!

For those who travel with toddlers and babies, there is the Tiny Tot Play Centre. The space is separate from the rest of the KidZone. This allows younger ones a safe place to crawl and play. Also, the Tiny Tot Play Center is still within the KidZone though, so parents can still see their other children even if they are within the confines of the Tiny Tot Play Centre.

Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site

For those who stay in Gravenhurst for a couple of days or more, the Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site is another popular and educational attraction in Gravenhurst. The Bethune Memorial House is the birthplace of Dr. Norman Bethune. Dr. Bethune was a pioneer in the development of blood transfusions and a strong advocate for Canada’s national health care system. It is incredibly popular with visitors to the area.

Where to Stay in Gravenhurst

Because of Gravenhurst’s position as the gateway to Muskoka, there are a number of amazing resorts and bed and breakfasts to choose from. Some of our favorites is the Trillium Resort and Spa . But there is no lack of options in the region. You can check the prices and availability of hotels near Gravenhurst here. Booking.com

There is no doubt that we consider a Muskoka steamship cruise to be one of the best boat cruises in Ontario. Its unique combination of history, class, and beautiful views is hard to beat. But no matter where you choose to stay in Gravenhurst, or whether you just make it a day trip to Muskoka, you are bound to be dazzled by the scenery. Have you ever taken a Lake Muskoka cruise? Tell us about it in the comments. Or send us an email from our contact page ! Let us know if we missed any amazing things to do in Gravenhurst, Ontario.

Disclosure: We were guests of Lady Muskoka for this cruise. As always, our views remain our own. Wandering Wagars is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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Sunday 22nd of October 2017

This is a great weekend activity a a lovely place to explore. Canada is on my list and hope to have the oportunity to visit it some day.

Ryan Biddulph

Saturday 21st of October 2017

Hi Christina,

Wow. 130 years old is not joke. Just about as old as Canada, and a far portion of towns in my part of the world. Very neat.

Friday 20th of October 2017

What a great idea to do a pirate-themed cruise. My kids would be in heaven! I imagine an October cruise would be lovely as well, with all the colors. Do the waters get warm enough to swim in during the summer?

Thursday 19th of October 2017

We are visiting family in Rochester for Christmas this year so I was fascinated by your posts.Thank you for the one about Niagra Falls too! Im not sure if the weather will be good enugh for the boat trip but it certainly looks beautiful.

Looks like you picked the perfect day for a cruise, weather-wise! The RMS Segwun looks fab - great capture of the details. And of course, fall colors ???

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Wenonah 11 cruise and lunch - Muskoka Steamships

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Wenonah 11 cruise and lunch

We went to Gravenhurst for the Bala Cranberry Festival. And booked unto the Wenonah 11 for the last day of cruising for the 2019 season. We booked the 11:30 cruise with second seating lunch. It was chilly but sunny day. We sat on the top deck and enjoyed a lovely two and a half hour cruise. It was so smooth. Very quiet. Nice commentary pointing out various points of interest. At one oclock there was an announcement for second seating lunch. We made our way to the dining room. We had table three by a window. ( booking early got us a window table) Our waitress was friendly and eager to please. I had the turkey dinner and my hubby had salmon. The food was warm. A good temp for eating. The turkey was good but a little dry. The gravy and cranberry sauce took care of that. Mashed potatoes were good. No lumps. Hubby ate my stuffing and said it was tasty. Nice vegetables, carrots, long green beans and cauliflower. Dessert was yummy a bumbleberry crumble and cream. Hubby said salmon was very good. Same potatoes and veggies. Drinks are extra. Food was good value for the price paid. Drinks are also served at the bar on level two. All in all we had a lovely time and crew was friendly. There is a gift and snack shop inside the ticket office. We will go again in the summer.

Went on the 2 1/2 hours cruise and it was very pleasant. Easy to get in and out of the ship (elevator if you need it). Lots of places to sit down inside and outside. Covered deck on the second level and a bar for drinks and snacks. Also good explanation from the captain about the different sites we went by. In spite of the fact that we took the cruise on the windy and grey Sunday, it was very enjoyable.

We were fortunate to have beautiful weather on our 2.5 hour, 11:30am cruise. Having read previous reviews and comments about lunch and indoor seating, we opted to book just the cruise on it own and to eat later. Being one of the first to board, we chose a seat on the open deck to the rear and had a wonderful view of everything. The commentary was very enjoyable and informative too. Thank you, to the guide who provided that.

We had a lovely 2.5 hour cruise which offered a hot lunch. Although we did not have the best weather it was still a lovely cruise. The ship was the Wenonah II, The main level had a front and rear viewing deck and an inside bar area where you could sit, enjoy a drink and watch the passing scenery from the windows. The upper deck offered another viewing deck. Throughout the cruise we had a very informative guide providing much local history. Our lunch was the 2nd sitting held down on the lower level . I had the salmon dinner and my husband had the turkey dinner. Very delicious and the servers were very friendly.

We sailed on the Wenonah II for the afternoon tea. The ship is great condition and clean. The crew were very friendly and helpful. Our lunch was very good. Well worth our time and monies.

My husband and I did the 3 hours cruise with dinner. The boat was very nice and the food was excellent but....its a bit confusing when it comes to paying for it all. I booked our tickets online and chose the dinner option. By doing it this way we were able to pick our meals ahead of time and that seemed all good. What we didn't realize was the food wasn't included in in our total we paid online and when you go to have dinner you get a bill at the end of your meal. It was just unclear how it all worked and we thought it was a great deal, approx. $150 for the 3 hours. When this didn't include the food like we had thought, it ended up being and almost $300 for 3 hours. Overall our experience was nice it just isn't very clear how the dinner works.

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Muskoka Steamship Cruises

Take a Tour of Lake Muskoka on the RMS Wynonna II or Sequwin boat cruise. Day and Evening Lunch, including High Tea and Dinner Cruises available. Book Online or at the Wharf Ticket Office. Cruises are not just for adults, check out the Kids Priate Cruises too!

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"I wish you could boat us to England. Thanks a bunch". - D.D.

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Wenona II Cruise - Muskoka Steamships

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Wenona II Cruise

There were 3 of us on a bus trip to Gravenhurst that included high tea on the Wenona II. The boat is beautiful and we enjoyed our 2 hour cruise. The high tea was OK. We had finger sandwiches, small scones w/butter or jam, and little desserts all on a 3 tiered plate. We also had a choice of green tea, regular tea or coffee. Because the cost was included in our tour price, we don't know how it was, but there really wasn't enough food for everyone at the table. We saw a server with a huge plate of egg salad sandwiches and when we asked if we could have some, we were told no, they were for the people who opted for the vegetarian menu.

We were on the lunch cruise on the Segwun yesterday and would not recommend it. We were given the second seating for lunch so we spent the first half hungry as we didn't want to eat beforehand in case we were included in the first seating. When we were finally served, we were given what was supposed to be chicken pot pie, but was really just a thick chicken stew... With a flaky bun sitting on top. This came with a small Caesar salad and a dinner roll as well as our choice of tea/coffee. At the end of this overpriced meal you get a bill for gratuity (of which is taxed). We tipped above the amount billed but thought it was in poor taste to give a bill for a tip in the first place. We much preferred the Lady Muskoka's lunch cruise to this one and we will not be returning in the future.

Went on the Winona II for a sunset cruise. Nice Jazz band playing downstairs.. Stayed in the top deck. Great views. nice cottages, planes and scenery. Lucked out with a great sunset. Great service behind the bar :)

Perfect day for a cruise around Muskoka today. Glad we chose the Segwun. Really interesting to see the "steam" room! Immaculate ship, great people, excellent service, and fabulous scenery!

We had a great time sight seeing everything the area had to offer. Meal was pre set, but was very good. A lot of room to move around and view areas from multiple decks. Might be hard to keep real little ones entertained.

great time out on the water. Well kept steamer. Was great to be able to see into the coal and fire areas. Great crew and the Drink Lady is the best.

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MUSKOKA STEAMSHIPS > STEAMSHIP PRIVATE EVENTS

RMS Segwun and Wenonah II may be chartered for private use. Many memorable weddings, anniversaries, ceremonies, corporate outings, fundraisers, and birthday celebrations have been celebrated aboard over the years. These classic vessels have become the ultimate setting for social entertaining.  The historic charm and warm, intimate ambiance are unparalleled as these historic ships cruise past palatial summer homes on the scenic Muskoka Lakes.

Whether you are rewarding employees, celebrating a milestone in your life, or even applauding a victory, we can make your event seamless by looking after all the little details, including booking a lively musical group, or arranging a custom flag flying proudly from the bow. Allow us to help in the planning stages by arranging catering, photography or even the minister.

Chartering (Renting) our Ships:

Our ships are chartered by the hour and this allows you to build your cruise itinerary to the desired time and length, thus you can create an occasion to remember.

We are fully licensed by the L.L.B.O. and offer food service ranging from hors d’oeuvres and platters to a full service dinner. We can even work with the caterer of your choice. For more bar and menu options please speak with one of our event planners.

Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst is the home port to the Muskoka Steamships. For a truly exclusive event, the ship can make a “house call” and pick your group up at many Muskoka resorts and private cottage docks – see below for more options and ports of call!

BOOK AN EVENT

ADD A TOUCH OF REAL MUSKOKA TO YOUR EVENTS

Rms segwun & wenonah ii.

Royal Mail Ship Segwun

CAPACITY : 97 PASSENGERS (Capacity fluctuates based on activities booked.)

Built in 1887, Segwun is North America’s oldest operating coal-fired steamship and the sole survivor of a fleet of Muskoka lakes steamships. Guests truly “step back in time” as they board Segwun and re-live the romance and nostalgia of Muskoka’s past.

DINING ON BOARD: RMS Segwun has two dining rooms which can seat a total of 51 guests at once: the Royal Muskoka Salon, which seats 33, and the more intimate: Islander Dining Room which can seat 18. For larger numbers, we serve meals “Marché” or “Buffet” style with guests eating throughout the ship as they enjoy the unsurpassed view of the Muskoka lakes.

CAPACITY : 216 PASSENGERS (Capacity fluctuates based on activities booked.)

Launched in May of 2002, Wenonah II is Canada’s newest passenger vessel! Combining all the style and grace of 1907 vessels and the modern conveniences such as air-conditioning and an elevator, Wenonah II truly offers a luxurious setting for wedding celebrations. Wenonah was built with entertaining in mind and offers ample room for live music and dancing on the 2nd deck.

DINING ON BOARD: Wenonah II has two dining rooms aboard. Her main dining room can accommodate up to 85 guests, and is ideal for a formal sit down dinner for this number. In addition, the “Cherokee Dining Room” can seat 24 guests. We can accommodate 200 guests with a “Marché” or “Buffet” style menu.

Alternate Ports of Call for Events

Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst is the home port to the Muskoka Steamships. When sailing from alternate ports of call, we charge a “Positioning Fee” which covers the basic operating costs of the ship, displacement of public cruises, and the travel time to these locations. It is charged per hour of travel to and from your location in addition to the hourly charter rate of the cruise.

• Christ Church – Gregory
• Clevelands House Resort
• Rocky Crest Resort
• Sherwood Inn
• Kettle Church
• Morinus Church
• Muskoka Lakes Golf & Country Club
• Port Carling
• Port Sandfield
• Rosseau Village
• JW Marriott – The Rosseau
• Windermere House
• Your cottage dock (Call us to arrange a dock inspection)

Our Planning Service

Talk to our professional planner, planning guides, please call 1-866-687-6667 or email [email protected] for private event information and bookings., muskoka steamships & discovery centre.

The Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre is the leader in preserving, promoting and celebrating the culture and heritage of Canada’s Muskoka District. Founded in 1973, the MS&DC is a membership-based, not-for-profit registered charity with an ongoing objective of presenting compelling, entertaining and educational experiences, attractions and events.

Charitable Number: 132617770RR0001

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