One of Canada’s greatest tourism treasures is probably just days away from being active again. The RMS (Royal Mail Ship) Segwun, the oldest operating steamship in North America, has been treated to a $3 million renovation and should be sailing the waters of magical Muskoka in the next couple weeks. “This is an historic day in the 140-year life of the RMS Segwun and almost guarantees she will sail for another 30+ years,” said John Miller, president of Muskoka Steamships Discovery Centre, which operates the Segwun and also the Wenonah II and Wanda III ships., “We have completed phase one of Read more
RMS Segwun
The Royal Mail Ship Segwun, the oldest operating steamship in North America and a symbol of Muskoka, has been named “Ship of the Year” by the Steamship Historical Society of America. The award was given to officials of the Muskoka Steamships Discovery Centre on Aug. 8 in a ceremony on the dock in Gravenhurst, Ontario. “On behalf of the Steamship Historical Society of America (www.sshsa.org ), I am delighted to announce that R.M.S. Segwun has been selected as our ‘Ship of the Year’ for 2026, our most prestigious award,” said society president Pat Dacey. “As a result of a nomination Read more
The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund (NOHFC) has announced significant support for the largest restoration in the 145-year history of the RMS Segwun, Canada’s iconic steamship. The fund also announced important support for the “Love Muskoka, Sustain Muskoka” exhibit at the Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre. Graydon Smith, MPP Parry Sound-Muskoka, and George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth, visited the Muskoka Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst on Friday (Jan. 30) to announce their commitment and support through NOHFC in the amount of $830,000. This grant is a critical piece of financing in the project, which will cost more than Read more
The District of Muskoka is hoping to reconnect southern Ontario cottage country with Toronto cottage owners and would-be visitors. Porter Airlines was the last to offer commercial flights to Muskoka Airport with 35-minute service from Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport during summer 2019 and 2022. Yours truly was able to try the flights a couple times, and thought they were outstanding. The route was suspended during the pandemic and officially cancelled in early 2023, As reported by my friends at Open Jaw, “with travel patterns shifting and demand for domestic getaways rising, local officials say the time is right for a Read more
They have an exciting few months ahead at the Muskoka Discovery Centre and onboard their ships. If you haven’t visited yet, be sure to check out the new exhibit, The Muskoka Story, and treat yourself to an afternoon cruise on Wenonah II. The Muskoka Story includes Misko-Aki, a Confluence of Cultures. The exhibit won an award for Outstanding Achievement in Exhibitions from the Canadian Museums Association (CMA). There were more than 25 organizations under consideration in a multi-juried process with criteria including potential impact and connection with community. The Muskoka Steamships and Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst, Ontario (I’m a member Read more
