Enterprise Canada
Thursday, July 14, 2016
GRAVENHURST, Ontario – It was back in 1866 that a small, primitive steamer called the Wenonah first commenced service on Lake Muskoka. Today, the Wenonah II plies those same waters, but these days it’s carrying pleasure cruisers, taking in the spectacular scenery and enjoying modern conveniences.
The Wenonah II and R.M.S. Segwun – North America’s oldest operating steamship – set off on daily excursions operated by the Muskoka Steamship & Discovery Centre, offering passengers a unique way to experience the fun, romance and history of the Muskoka Lakes.
“Steamships have been a fixture on these waters since before Confederation – but they’re a whole lot more fun now!” says John Miller, President of Muskoka Steamship & Discovery Centre. “We are thrilled to mark the 150th anniversary by offering a wide range of cruises on our historic vessels for sightseeing, dining and special occasions.”
Special for 2016, a limited number of tickets are available for the day-long 100 Mile Cruise on Saturday August 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. In celebration of the 150th anniversary, both the Wenonah II and R.M.S. Segwun will sail, along with over 100 antique and wooden boats from Toronto’s Antique & Classic Boat Society, through Lakes Muskoka, Rosseau, and Joseph. The 100 Mile Cruise includes lunch and dinner served on-board along with special commentary throughout the day.
A variety of other steamship cruise options are available during July and August, including:
· Daily 2-hour sightseeing cruises;
· Lunch & Sightseeing tours;
· Sunset dinner cruises on Wednesdays and Saturdays, featuring a three course dinner;
· “Millionaire’s Row” cruises every Wednesday, covering a stretch of shoreline famous for grand summer homes, many dating back to the turn of the century; and
· High Tea in the Royal Muskoka Salon aboard the R.M.S. Segwun – including finger sandwiches, fresh scones with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserve, and tasty desserts, as well as a choice of loose leaf tea provided by Blue Willow Tea Shop.
Specially themed “Junior Stoker” cruises designed for kids are also available, including:
· Noah’s Ark Adventure Cruise – Fridays, July 22, 29 and August 5, 12, 19, aboard Wenonah II. These one-hour cruises give passengers the chance to get up close and personal with the creatures from Speaking of Wildlife, featuring 5 to 6 mammals, reptiles, and birds.
· Pirate Cruise – Sundays, July 17, 24, 31 and August 7, 14, 21, led by infamous swashbuckler Captain Corbin, with kids encouraged to wear seafaring costumes.
· Ice Queen and Snow Princess Cruise – Saturday July 16 and Saturday August 13, as the Ice Queen and Snow Princess take passengers on a captivating and magical cruise telling their story and performing enchanting songs.
· Inter Galactic Adventure Cruise – New for 2016, Saturday July 30 and Saturday August 27, a galactic adventure featuring Leia and Luke on their mission to save the galaxy. Jedi knights will teach kids how to use a lightsabre and tricks they will need to know in order to win the battle with the galactic villain and receive their Jedi Knight certificate.
In addition to the cruises, for the 2016 summer season the newly re-named Muskoka Discovery Centre (MDC), which is celebrating its own 10th anniversary this year, will have a variety of exciting new exhibits.
Among the first-time exhibits in the MDC will be the “Canadian Waterscapes” travelling exhibit from the Museum of Nature in Ottawa. In addition, the interactive and animated “Kidzone” that was introduced in July of 2015 will continue as a place for families to “Laugh, Learn, Explore and Discover.” A variety of science labs, pop-up crafts and Steam Challenges create fun experiences for kids, while providing educational elements supporting the water, Muskoka heritage and Aboriginal themes.
