Wharf Wander Walking Tour

A peninsula is an area of land that has water on three sides that make it almost surrounded by the water. The place where the land is still connected is called the “isthmus” (ISS-MISS). Well-known peninsulas around the world are the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, the state of Florida and the country of Italy. 

This particular peninsula at the Muskoka Wharf on Lake Muskoka has seen a lot of amazing transformations as Muskoka has developed over the past 175 years. According to local historian Mary Storey, the wharf officially opened as a train to steamship port in 1875, when 200 people arrived on a Northern Railway Train to board the Wenonah (I), Waubamink (WAH-BAH-MINK) and Nipissing, three steamships that were docked where the boathouses and gas bar across from the Residence Inn Marriott hotel are today.

As you explore this short trail that meanders along the peninsula at the western end of the Muskoka Wharf, appreciate the stunning views of Lake Muskoka, including sights like the Muskoka Steamships dock down the bay, as well as Ungerman Park and Greavette Island across the water. This trail has a gazebo at both the eastern and western ends, in addition to the Children’s Memorial Gazebo, which is “a peaceful place to spend time to honour and remember a child who has passed on”

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The first stop along the boardwalk is the Muskoka Discovery Centre. It does require paid admission, so we encourage you to go inside to explore, but let us tell you a bit about this incredible space and why it’s such an important part of the Muskoka Wharf. 

 The Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre was founded in 1973 as a way to celebrate and share the stories of innovation on our lakes. The Muskoka Lakes Navigation Company was founded in 1866 and operated the largest and finest fleet of inland lake steamships in North America until 1958. 

 The first steamer was the Wenonah (I), which was a small steamer built and owned by A.P. Cockburn, which traversed the lakes with the purpose of moving travellers and goods to the developing hunt camps, lake retreats and eventually resorts that grew along the shores. 

In the late 1800's, local resorts advertised widely to draw tourists to the region by boasting that Muskoka was a “wealthy man’s paradise” and a haven for those seeking relief from hay fever. This led to people boarding trains in droves, and increasing demand for steamships to carry them to their restorative destinations in Muskoka. 

The Muskoka Discovery Centre archives and celebrates this rich history that has transformed this region, featuring the Misko-Aki: Confluence of Cultures exhibit that celebrates the enduring presence, knowledge and culture of Indigenous Peoples in Muskoka; the Grace & Speed Boathouse that displays North America’s largest in-water collection of classic antique wooden boats;the Watershed Wonders interactive exhibit that delves into the amazing creatures that live in our lakes; a Kid Zone for STEAM-based play, and so much more.  

Consider visiting this incredible centre to learn about Muskoka’s history, heritage and natural environment - you won’t be disappointed!

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You’re now walking along a boardwalk that wraps around the perimeter of Muskoka Wharf, and we encourage you to listen while you wander. 

The Muskoka Wharf has always been the key point of connection between Gravenhurst and Lake Muskoka, which is important because Lake Muskoka connects to Lake Joseph and Lake Rosseau in the Port Carling area northwest of Gravenhurst. These three lakes are commonly referred to as “The Big Three”, and this southern-most point in the chain of lakes has always been a vital landscape for the production of goods and movement of people.

Beginning in the 1860’s, this 89-acre region has morphed over the years to align with the dominant industry of the day. By 1875, railroad connections were established here so that trains could easily move goods in and out, and also to allow summer visitors to board the steamships that helped them access resort and cottage properties throughout the region. Into the 1880's, an astonishing 14 different sawmills were operating here at the same time, and the huge piles of sawdust they produced were the origin of Gravenhurst's nickname "Sawdust City".

By the 1930’s, Greavette Boats Limited launched, first attempting an assembly-line approach to boat building and then, after realizing it was too costly, owner Tom Greavette pivoted to custom-made boats, which resulted in the creation of high-profile boats such as Miss Canada IV (4), which could hit the record-setting speed of 200mph. In addition to racing boats, Greavette produced small boats using the disappearing propeller model and, during World War Two, large 30 and 40 foot rescue boats used by the Royal Canadian Air Force. It’s fun to imagine the sights and sounds of the boats being built and tested on these shores and waters a century ago.

In 2026, the wharf boardwalk bridge was re-imagined as a rainbow bridge by the Gravenhurst Lions Club and the Town of Gravenhurst. Pet owners can honour their passed pets by purchasing a memorial “tag” that notes the pet’s name and years of remembrance. The tag hangs on the bridge as a special sign of remembrance. 

In the summer, vendors take over the small shops on the boardwalk, just past the rainbow bridge, to showcase their arts, crafts, and fashion products. Many vendors are local artisans who produce their goods in the region, with Muskoka-based materials and inspiration. 

There are many public dock extensions, two pavilions along the boardwalk that are great for a rest beside the water, and a historic plaque that chronicles the history of Steamboating In Muskoka can also be found along this walkway.

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This square is named after Alexander Peter (AP) Cockburn (CO-burn), the founder of the Muskoka Lakes Navigation Company that brought rail to Muskoka and steamships to Muskoka’s lakes. This is a very popular place for visitors to explore because it’s the port of the steamships, but also because many events such as the Antique Boat Show, Dockside Festival, and weekly waterski shows happen at the Wharf each summer.

This square is also home to The Shipyards, a Muskoka marketplace filled with diverse vendors and Muskoka-made products. It’s a fantastic vendor village where you can find anything from art to food, and fashion to home decor. It’s got it all, and it’s never the same, so it’s definitely worth heading in to find your next favourite item. 

Once your shopping is wrapped up, head over to Blue Willow Tea Shop. This charming waterfront tea room is known as one of the best High Tea experiences in Ontario. You’ll enjoy a vast array of tea options, along with delightful sandwiches and desserts to accompany your cuppa. There’s typically a special theme that you can also get in on for a bit of added fun, and don’t miss their specialty mimosa too!

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When she is not out touring Lake Muskoka, the Royal Mail Ship (RMS) Segwun can be found at the Muskoka Steamships dock. This beautiful ship is North America’s oldest operating hand-fired steamship, originally built in 1887 as the SS Nipissing, then completely overhauled in 1924 to be repurposed as the Segwun, which means "Springtime" in Ojibwe. 

The Wharf is also the home port of the Wenonah II, built with luxury in mind in 1907. She can hold up to 216 passengers, who can take in the views from any of her three decks, or enjoy a delicious meal in one of three dining rooms. According to the Muskoka Steamships, the Wenonah II combines turn-of-the-century charm with modern conveniences including air-conditioning and an on-board elevator, providing unequalled luxury and pampering”.

The Wanda III is also available for private charter, though is stored across the bay at the Muskoka Discovery Centre. She is a speedy wooden yacht that was built for the Eaton family in 1915. The MDC boat restoration team took on the ambitious job of transitioning the Wanda III to electric power, making this boat a symbol of sustainability and our need to make our world a more environmentally friendly place.  

If the ships are sailing and there’s room on board, we definitely hope you take the opportunity to get out on the lake on one of these majestic ladies to truly experience the beauty of Muskoka. 

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