Muskoka

Muskoka History

First mention of Muskoka in any records is in 1615 and the territory was occupied by Indians, mainly consisting of the Algonquin and Huron tribes. Early explorers to the region like Samuel De Champlain came to the area next followed by Missionaries. The name Muskoka is thought to come from the name of a Chippawa tribe chief named Mesqua Ukee which means "not easily turned back in the day of battle". It was Mesqua Ukee who signed the treaties made between the Indians and Province of Canada which sold about 250,000 acres of land in the area to the Province.

Early Settlers

To help encourage settlement to the area the Free Land Grant and Homestead Act of 1868 was created. Before this it was suggested that Muskoka be turned into a large Indian reservation. The realization of Muskoka's timber and the immigration of settlers into southern Ontario changed officials minds.

The Free Land Grand and Homestead Act gave 200 acres of land with extra land granted for rocky sections in Muskoka to families which meet the following conditions. The applicant had to be at lease 18 years of age and wanted to use the land for settlement and cultivation. The settler had to clear 15 acres of land, build a house at lease sixteen feet by twenty feet in size, live on the property at lease 6 months of a year for a period of 5 years. If all the requirements were met he could then apply for a land patent and become the owner. This was to stop people from land speculation. The Province retained all mineral rights to the area, including pine trees and quarry stones.

Logging

The Province would grant timber licenses to lumbermen on a settler's land. Loggers could cut trees and build logging roads across a settler's property without their permission. The Province collected timber dues on all pine timber taken down in the area, even the settlers were charged this due if they cut down more timber than their allowance. This was so profitable for the government that it was said that the dues collected paid all the administration costs for the Province. The railway provided transportation for industry, lumber and shingle mills opened up, there were so many that 13 were located on Muskoka Bay alone. Eventually the lumbermen cut down all the trees and put themselves out of business. The railway in 1878 had a station at Severn Bridge and one which is now known today as Kilworthy. The railway reached Gravenhurst in 1875 but it did not reach Bracebridge until 1885 and it reached Bala in 1907. The railway provided better transportation for tourists as the trek on the roads were still difficult.

Steamship Era

A gentleman by the name of Alexander P. Cockburn is responsible for a good deal of what Muskoka is today. Mr. Cockburn was the founder of the Muskoka Navigation Company which at the time of his death, in 1905 was one of the largest in the country.

In the autumn of 1865 Mr. A.P. Cockburn then Reeve of Eldon township in Victoria County and his companions set about to explore Muskoka. The scenic beauty inspired him and set in motion the idea of bringing steam navigation to the area. Upon his return he sent his friend the Hon. Thomas D'Arcy McGee a report outlining this vision of the area. He had promised to place a steamship on the lakes if the government would improve navigation by building a lock at Port Carling to join Lake Muskoka and Lake Rosseau and a canal at Port Sanfield joining Lake Rosseau and Lake Joseph. He also wanted roads improved and built to the area.

Mr. Cockburn went ahead with his plan and started construction of a steamship that was launched in 1866 and called the Wenonah which in native Indian means "eldest daughter". Mr. Cockburn became a political representative for the region as a member of the Provincial Legislature and the in the House of Commons.

Around the same time a gentleman by the name of Benjamin Hardcastle Johnston and his family settled in Muskoka in 1866 building a house at Indian Village by the rapids on the river. The house became the first post office and Mr. Johnston its first postmaster. Mr. Johnston also saw the need for a canal to connect Lake Rosseau and Lake Muskoka. He took up a petition and had the settlers from around the lake sign it. He then took it to the provincial government in Toronto. Mr. Johnston had Mr. Cockburn as an ally in the government. The completion of the lock and canal occurred in 1871-72. Mr. Cockburn then expanded his fleet of steamships and wrote tourist pamphlets to generate interest in the area. Mr. Cockburn had a steamer in 1877 that was set a float from Port Sydney, it ran trips to Huntsville and also on Vernon, Fairy and Mary Lakes and in 1878 he had a boat called the Dean that ran out of Baysville.

Today's Boat Cruises

One of the original steamships is still running in the area. The Segwun was originally built in 1887 and was called the Nipissing II at which time she was used as a Royal Mail Ship. In 1925 the ship was remodeled and renamed the Segwun which means "springtime" in Ojibway. In the late 40's business continued to decline, the Segwun continued on but its run to Bracebridge and northern Lake Joseph were discontinued. By the mid 50's the Sagamo meaning "big chief" and the Segwun were the only two steamships still in service. In 1958 the steamships stopped running on the lakes. The Sagamo was sold in 1962 and turned into a restaurant which was docked on Muskoka Bay and later went up in flames on January 10th, 1969 when they were repainting her. The Segwun from 1962 to 1973 was used as a floating museum displaying memorabilia about the area including photographs, maps and more. The Segwun had deteriorated over time and in 1973 was in danger of sinking so it was restored and a new organization by the name Muskoka Steamship and Historical Society was created and took title to the Segwun. The Segwun began passenger cruises in 1981 and is still used today for taking passengers for scenic and romantic cruises around the lakes.

Another boat that cruises the lakes is the steam yacht WANDA III it was the fastest on the muskoka lakes. It was built in 1915 for Mrs. Margaret Eaton wife of Timothy Eaton the founder of Eaton department stores. She sold the boat to C.O. Shaw who used the boat for the Bigwin Inn on the Lake of Bays. In 1993 the Muskoka Steamboat and Historical Society retained ownership and refurbished the yacht, it began taking charters in 1996. There is also a more modern cruise ship launched in 1964 which is not a steamboat available for trips around the lakes named Lady Muskoka.

Resorts

The steamboat service in the area encouraged an American, Mr. William H. Pratt to build the first Muskoka summer luxury wilderness resort known as Rosseau House at the top end of Lake Rosseau near the village of Hemsley, now know as Rosseau. Guests came from as far away as England and the southern United States. Soon others were building similar resorts around the lakes. Rosseau house burned in 1883 and was not rebuilt.

Windermere House started as the family home of Thomas Aitkens around 1869. He would put up sports men who came to the area. The small family home by 1890 had expanded so that the main house and surrounding cottages could hold over 200 guests. The cost was approximately $1.50 per day to stay at the resort. Windermere House remained in the family until 1981 when it was sold to a group of investors. In February 1996 the hotel was destroyed by fire during filming of the movie called "The Long Kiss Goodnight". Windermere House was rebuild to look exactly like the original one and reopened on May 31, 1997.

Clevelands House was built by Charles James Minett who took the government up on its free land grant in 1869. The house was originally called Cleeve Land after the name of the village Cleeve in England where he had come from. When the hotel was having its first register printed the name was misspelled and has been called Clevelands House ever since. The resort has been expanded and renovated over the years but still holds its traditional Muskoka charm today.

Enoch Cox and his family built a boarding house which could accommodate 30 guests in 1881 on land he purchased between Lake Joseph and Lake Rosseau at Port Sanfield. Realizing that visitors to Muskoka were increasing they expanded and Prospect House was built. By 1888 Prospect House could accommodate 300 people, offering tennis, ballroom, sandy beach and more to entertain its guests. The resort burned in the fall of 1916 and was not rebuilt.

In 1901 the Muskoka Navigation Company built the Royal Muskoka Hotel, a luxury resort on Royal Muskoka Island. The hotel was quite formal, guest were expected to be properly attired at all times, the hotel had its own golf course. Society types from around the lake would come to the hotel for an evening of dancing. The hotel was destroyed by fire in 1952 and not rebuilt. The land was divided into lots and sold. Cottages now are built on the grounds where this once luxurious resort stood.

Deerhurst Inn was built in 1896 by Charles Waterhouse. At the time the only way you could reach the resort was by steamship. In its first year of operation the resort had only two guests, two years later they were turning people away. The resort today is a fully winterized facility offering accommodations and things to do all year round.

The Late 1920's and Onward

October 26th, 1929 the day the stock market crashed signaled the beginning of what is known as the Great Depression. During this period tourism and travel to the area dropped due to the fact people didn't have or want to spend money for fear things would only get worse not better.

World War II brought life back into the area. Factories closed because of the depression opened again to help the war effort creating jobs. People started to vacation in the Muskokas again because European vacations were not an option. They could travel to the area by train and take steamship cruises and not be effected by rations on oil and gas.

The area continued to grow in the years after the war. Improvements to roads made traveling to the area easy and the ability of people to afford personal watercraft brought more and more people to the area bringing us to what Muskoka is today.

Three Big Lakes

Lake Muskoka

Lake Muskoka is located between Port Carling and Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada. The lake is surrounded by many cottages. The lake is primarily within the Township of Muskoka Lakes, with the southeast corner in the Town of Gravenhurst. The Town of Bala is located on the southwest shores of the lake, where the Moon River starts. Lake Muskoka is connected to Lake Rosseau through the Indian River and lock system at Port Carling. The lake is mainly fed by the Muskoka River, Lake Joseph and Lake Rosseau.

Unique architectural cottages sprinkle the shores of Lake Muskoka from island homes, bay and peninsula properties. Resorts such as Touchstone and Taboo have chosen Lake Muskoka as their main attraction for their guests to enjoy. The openness this lake has makes it an eventful one to enjoy many water activities. Marinas such as Beaumaris and Pride of Muskoka are easily accessible by water and provide all your boat servicing needs. Enjoy a day of sailing at the Beaumaris Yacht Club.

In Gravenhurst visit The Wharf and set sail on the Segwun & Wenonah Steamship cruises. The R.M.S. Segwun is the oldest operating coal-fired steamship in North America. The haunting steam whistle sounds and the Segwun backs away from the dock. Down below, the coal-fired engines churn and chug, powering the majestic Segwun gracefully through the water’s of Ontario’s premier summer playground until you arrive at your destination—Millionaires Row. Many of these cottages boast 15 bedrooms with opulent boathouses and staff quarters.

Other towns to visit include the bustling town of Port Carling to experience its little shops and the quaint Town of Bala with its famous bakery, Don’s Bakery and the Kee to Bala. The “Kee” as it is commonly referred to is a famous concert hall and bar, originally names “Dunns Pavillion”. Every summer very well known Canadian artists play here, including Tragically Hip, Blue Rodeo, Jeff Healey, Sam Roberts, Doug and the Slugs and Drake.

This magnificent lake known as the Malibu of the North is the summer escape to celebrities such as Steven Spielburg and Tom Hanks.

Lake Rosseau

Lake Rosseau is quite possibly the most popular recreation lakes in the Muskokas. Surrounded by many cottages, some dating back to the late 19th century it has appealed to generations of families craving some fun, adventure and quality time to spend with family. A relaxing atmosphere fills the air when arriving at the cottage.

The village of Rosseau is a charming hamlet at the northern tip of Lake Rosseau. Must-see stops are the legendary Rosseau General Store where you might bump into a famous face or two, Hill Top interiors for all your luxury home décor and Crossroads for a delicious gourmet dinner. Order the carrot cake for dessert!

Windermere House on the eastern shore of Lake Rosseau was built in 1870; this original lodging spot was favoured by fishermen. As tourists discovered Muskoka, Windermere House grew to become one of Lake Rosseau’s longest ongoing landmark resorts. Today it is a beautiful modern hotel with 3 restaurants operated by Oliver and Bonacini (O&B) – an outdoor sushi cocktail lounge on the verandah, fine dining in the Upper Dining Large and a Pub Style restaurant on the Lower Level. Jayne’s personal favourite band, the Matt and Dave Band, perform at the Windermere every Friday and Saturday night singing contemporary music.

Cleveland’s House is on the western shores of Lake Rosseau. The original buildings still exist. This is a family favourite location for a fun-filled holiday where kids are in day programs and the parents get to relax in their cabin or on the beach. Cleveland’s House also has tennis courts and a 9 hole golf course. “Cleve’s” as it is commonly known as, is where SWS (Summer Water Sports) perform their weekly water-ski show. Always a family favourite watch the antics of the professional water skiers and wake boarders performing stunts and skits of popular childhood themes.

Abbey’s Bakery, a recent addition to Muskoka is a church house bakery, transported from New Brunswick to its current home on the west shores of Lake Rosseau, located beside Wallace Marina and Clevelands House. Try the Maple Bacon cinnamon buns!

Conde Nast Traveler readers ranked JW Marriott The Rosseau #6 of the Top 20 Resorts in Canada in 2013. Luxurious surroundings and magnificent views abound overlooking Lake Rosseau. The Rosseau features 2 restaurants – Cottages (Continental) and Teca (Italian). The resort is very tastefully decorated with natural Muskoka and native Indian furnishings. The lounge has live music entertainment on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the peak summer season as well as a fabulous fireworks display on Canada Day.

Port Sandfield is a small village that was formed when a canal was built connecting Lake Joseph to Lake Rosseau. Today it is a hub in Muskoka featuring an upscale food market with fresh (try the hot sugar donuts freshly baked on Sundays) fine produce, marina, ice cream bar and speciality cafe featuring lattes (one of the few coffee shops in the Muskoka) and a few upscale houseware shops.

Port Carling is the town on the south shore of Lake Rosseau’s and the hub of the 3 Muskoka lakes. The Port Carling locks allow boats to pass through between Lake Rosseau and Lake Muskoka at regular intervals every hour. Port Carling is known for charming artisans, friendly local businesses and beautiful shops. Stop in for a quick lunch at the dock overlooking the lake at Turtle Jack’s.

Watersports activities such as jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, water surfing, kayaking and swimming are what make this lake so versatile and fun for any family. Fishing is also popular amongst most anglers as healthy and good-sized fish such as lake trout, walleye and bass can be expected on Lake Rosseau.

It is no wonder Hollywood stars, hockey heroes, artists, poets, writers and captains of industry have made Muskoka their destination of choice.

Lake Joseph

Lake Joseph is picturesque and stunning. Located in the Seguin Township, this is a trendy and popular vacation spot for traveler’s looking for a luxury getaway experience. Affectionately referred to as Lake Joe, the lake is large, deep and exceptionally clear. Surrounded by luxury cottages showcasing an abundant collection of Muskoka’s unique architecture and with landscapes filled with textured rock filling the edges of untouched forests and infinite islands. Lake Joseph is connected to Lake Rosseau through the narrows at Port Sandfield and through the Joseph River.

The calm nature of the lake makes it suitable for water sports like wake boarding, water skiing, tubing and swimming. Kayakers enjoy calm evenings and early mornings for a paddle. Vast networks of hiking trails stretch through the hilly, forested regions surrounding the lake. Out of all of the activities that lure people to Lake Joseph, fishing has to be the most popular one. The lake is teeming with many different species of fish, but it is most famous for its populations of lake trout, walleye, whitefish, pike and bass. From horseback riding to mountain biking, Lake Joseph has it all.

As if all of the outdoor fun and gorgeous cottages weren’t enough, the Muskoka Lakes region is known to attract some of today’s most famous celebrities and most powerful business people. Canadian entrepreneur and Dragon’s Den Dragon, Kevin O’Leary owns a lavish cottage on the shores of Lake Joseph. Lake Joseph’s answer to Lake Muskoka’s Millionaires Row is known as Billionaires Row, and it includes some of the most finely appointed Muskoka cottages in the area belonging to such celebrities as Cindy Crawford and Kenny Rogers.

Also on the shores of Lake Joseph is the renowned Lake Joseph Club, a Clublink course offering a favourite destination for professional athletes, entertainers and actors. With a wide selection of delectable food and fine wines, a character member of Savour Muskoka welcomes a world of regional culinary experiences at The Water’s Edge Wine Bar. Lake Joseph Club also caters to the entire family, with Children’s Camps, Fitness Classes and Tennis.

Other popular restaurants include Bass Lake and Sherwood Inn Dining room, and golf clubs include Rocky Crest, Oviinburd and Sherwood Inn. Foots Bay, Gordon Bay and Pride Marinas are filled with cottagers refuelling to continue their adventurous quest on the water.