History and Heritage
Gravenhurst humbly recognizes our deep connections to the past and has a strong commitment to acknowledging the first peoples and their land stewardship for centuries. As part of our commitment to reconciliation, we read our land acknowledgement statement before all major events, council meetings and special celebrations to remind ourselves that the first nations peoples are integral to our community.
"We begin today acknowledging the First Peoples, who, for thousands of years before us, were and are still the keepers and caretakers of this land where we now live and work and in particular the Chippewas of Rama, Wahta Mohawk First Nations and the Moon River Metis. We are dedicated to honouring Indigenous history and culture and committed to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation and respect with all First Nation, Métis and Inuit people. We recognize all the generations of Indigenous people and their historic connection to this place and we are grateful for the opportunity to gather here at this time.”
Gravenhurst is located at the south end of Lake Muskoka, 170 km north of Toronto. Incorporated in 1887, the origin of the name is linked to the book " Gravenhurst: Or Thoughts on Good & Evil". Before being officially incorporated the community was also known as McCabe's Landing after James McCabe and his wife, who settled in the area, helped lead guiding expeditions on Lake Muskoka.
Being the first incorporated Town in Muskoka and the southern most large settlement, Gravenhurst became known as the "Gateway to Muskoka Lakes" and in honour of this moniker, built a welcoming arch on the main road into town. Over the years, this arch changed shape, size, and composition; however, it still stands today welcoming one and all to our community.
The Muskoka Wharf holds a special place in our story as it was the hub of transportation activities for visitors and residents alike. A.P. Cockburn began to build steamships long before tourism or the boat building industry were ever thought of. In 1865, he built the first steamship in Muskoka, the Wenonah; it was launched in 1866. He went on to build many more steamers for use on our lakes. Currently, Gravenhurst is still the home port to the oldest operating Steamship in North America, the RMS Segwun, and our history and heritage can be seen at the Muskoka Discovery Centre through a variety of exhibits and displays.
Our community is also the birthplace of Dr. Norman Bethune, a Canadian Cultural icon. Dr. Bethune helped create the Mobile Army Surgical Hospital and critical blood transfusion technology. Dr. Bethune helped address medical needs to the Spanish during the Spanish Civil War, and the Chinese during the Sino Japanese War. Dr. Bethune is loved by many international visitors, and the Bethune Memorial House is an iconic location for the Chinese; welcoming thousands of visitors each year.
As Gravenhurst has grown and changed over the years, it has not been immune to tragedy. On September 21, 1887, a great fire was responsible for the loss of almost 100 businesses and homes. Despite tragedies, the Town has continued to evolve and change and diversify with the times. Many heritage homes and businesses can be seen along the historic downtown core and throughout the community.
Heritage Walking Tour
We encourage you to explore more of our past through our heritage walking tour to learn more about the people and how our community was shaped. Step back in time and explore Gravenhurst’s heritage sites with our self-guided walking tour. Enjoy a stroll through our lovely downtown at your own pace, year-round!
Honouring Heritage Properties in Gravenhurst
Do you own a heritage property? Are you aware of a heritage property in Gravenhurst that you think should receive recognition?
There are several ways to honour heritage properties in Gravenhurst.
- Listing on Register
- Designation
- Plaques
- Interpretive Panels
- Built Heritage Awards
Learn more and submit details about your property using the Honour Your Heritage Property Form.
You can also learn more about our Built Heritage Awards and submit a nomination.
Heritage Plaques & Interpretive Panels
Archy Sloan
An important figure in Gravenhurst’s history, Sloan was Chief of Police, Fire Official, Mayor, and accomplished entrepeneur. His duties also included Tax Assessor, By-law Enforcement Officer, Town bell ringer, road grader, Health Inspector, Truant Officer, Court Clerk, Bailiff, and pound keeper.
Located at the Gravenhurst Fire Department headquarters at 190 Harvie Street
The Steamboat Era & Cockburn Square
This square is named in honour of A.P. Cockburn: businessman, politician, author and tireless champion of Gravenhurst and the entire Muskoka region. Cockburn served as Muskoka’s first MPP and MP and actively supported settlement, agriculture, railways, lumbering and the tourist trade.
Located in Cockburn Square at the Muskoka Wharf
Severn Bridge & The Fall Fair
Three panels provide insight into the origins of the community, the history of the Fall Fair, and the 150th anniversary celebration of the Severn Bridge Fall Fair which took place in 2025.
Located at the Severn Bridge Fairgrounds at 1153 Southwood Rd, Severn Bridge
Swedetown
The settlers who built their first homes on Philip (now Phillip) Street East were largely Scandinavians. Perhaps their various accents all sounded similar, for the area was soon known to Gravenhurst residents as Swedetown.
Located at Phillip St E & Fourth St (at the eastern entrance to Gull Lake Rotary Park)
Camp 20 & Ungerman Gateway Park
Visit Ungerman Gateway Park to view 10 interpretive panels which document the fascinating history of the site, from the Tuberculosis Sanatoria to a Prisoner of War (POW) Camp, a luxury resort, and now a park.
Located in Ungerman Gateway Park at 9 Gateway Drive
Gravenhurst Municipal Heritage Committee
Learn about the Municipal Heritage Committee (MHC) and what they do!