We visited Gravenhurst, and spotted the ferries. Steamboating in Muskoka created the summer tourist market, and opened the area up to allow many to make a living here.
A fascinated toddler watched them come in and go out again.Steamboating in Muskoka began in 1866, when Wenonah went into service. Our wedding day dinner was held on the Wenonah II, Aug. 22nd, 2002, after our marriage ceremony on our lakeside cottage frontage (then owned by my parents).
The Northern Lakes Navigation Co. from 1872 was known as the Muskoka Lakes Line in 1949. These ships allowed Muskoka to develop as a lumber and resort region.
From Ed (who is more up on history than I!):
Hi Jenn, If I'm not mistaken it was the Muskoka Lakes Navigation Company that started with the steamboats on the 3 big Muskoka lakes. The Segwun is the only original vessel remaining of course being relaunched in 1981 by Trudeau.
The Wenonah II is a replica and launched in 2002.
The steamboat, which formerly docked in small towns such as Bala, were replaced by cars and other means of transportation. Segwun (ret. 1887) and Sagamo (ret. 1906) have been recreated and many continue to take lake trips.
As with all of Canada, we must respect our forests and lakes by carefully managing land, air and water, to allow future generations to enjoy Muskoka's beauty.
 |
| A shuttle to downtown. |
 |
| Hurry, mommy! |
 |
| All mine! |
 |
Sleepy red-head |
 |
| Thank you for lunch, Mommy! |
2 comments:
Hi Jenn, If I'm not mistaken it was the Muskoka Lakes Navigation Company that started with the steamboats on the 3 big Muskoka lakes. The Segun is the only original vessel remaining of course being relaunched in 1981 by Trudeau.
The Wenonah II is a replica and launched in 2002
Interesting history on steamboating. That shot of the ship under steam reminds me of the movie the African Queen. Nice Post! W.C.C.
Post a Comment