The Muskokas have always been one of Ontario’s favorite getaway destinations for cottagers and campers and road trippers. With over 1,600 lakes it’s also one of the most popular vacation spots in all of Canada. Located just one and a half hours north of Toronto, Gravenhurst sits in the heart of the Muskoka Region at the junction of Highways 11 and 169.
The area is a true natural playground with treasures to discover at every turn, but at the same time, it has all the comforts of the city. Boats are everywhere and it was in Sagamo Park, on the beaches of Muskoka Bay, that we caught our first glimpse of a truly spectacular boat… the RMS Seguin. The RMS stands for “Royal Mail Ship.” One hundred years ago the Seguin carried passengers, mail, and freight to the resorts not served by the railways, but today, the ride is a chance to enjoy the wonders of this rare fine steamship.
From the deck, you can see the rugged shoreline that has been luring visitors and cottagers for generations. The Seguin and her parts were fabricated on the Clyde River in Scotland back in 1887. Then all the pieces were shipped to and assembled here in Gravenhurst, first as a wheel-driven riverboat named the Nipissing II. In 1925, she was converted to a twin cruise steamship, and it’s still running on those original boilers and engines.
What makes this ship unique is it is the last hand-fired, coal-burning steamship in North America. It’s rustic and very unique compared to a lot of our boat cruises out there. There’s a fireman on board and every 10 or 15 minutes he shovels coal into the fires. The coal fire boils the water inside the boiler and from there various piping that runs it into the engines and generators.
Most people can’t understand how quiet a steam engine is. They think a steam engine and a steamboat would be very noisy like an old train or something, but it’s not and the number of people who were married on the boat is proof positive of that. Back in the day some who were married onboard even honeymooned on the Seguin when she originally was a passenger ship with staterooms. So you never know what kind of a story you’re gonna hear from them.
Cruises run daily from June through October. Whether you cruise for the day or just a few hours, it’s an endearing way to enjoy the spectacular beauty of Muskoka.
It’s no wonder the Seguin is a perennial favorite with its excellent dining facilities and keen hospitality. Dockside, right near the Seguin office, is lots of parking and special spots are set aside for RV’s. Its a bit of a walk to get to the boat, but we figure it’s well worth it.
Cruises run daily from June through October. Whether you cruise for the day or just a few hours, it’s an endearing way to enjoy the spectacular beauty of Muskoka.
Muskoka Steamships
185 Cherokee Lane
Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1Z9
1-866-687-6667 or 705-687-6667
http://realmuskoka.com
