Welcome to Gravenhurst:
the "Gateway to Muskoka"
Host of CiB Ontario Awards
September 12-13-14, 2008
Located on the shores of Lake Muskoka, Gravenhurst is the first town to welcome visitors on their way north to Muskoka
Gravenhurst has its roots in the 19th century when lumber was in great demand. Around 1875 railways transported lumber to other parts of Ontario, while locally the lumber was moved by water and horsepower. Then the railroads began to carry travellers who wished to enjoy the fresh air, tranquil lakes, and forests of the region.
Hotels and resorts sprang up and a flourishing tourist trade was born. To provide transfer of guests to their accommodations, boat building became an important industry.

Muskoka Boat and Heritage CentreGrace and Speed Boathouse

The Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre located at the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst captures the development of the area. It houses a collection of artifacts and hands-on displays detailing the history of boatbuilding and the grand old hotels. Treasured antique wooden boats are on display in North America's only in-water exhibit in the boathouse "Grace and Speed".

Segwun and Wenonah II at the dock in Gravenhurst.The Muskoka Wharf is an 89-acre heritage-based attraction celebrating the history of this all-season vacation playground. It is the home port of the RMS Segwun, the Wenonah II and the Wanda III. Stroll the boardwalk and enjoy the many restaurants and shops. The beautifully landscaped sports field is the scene of a weekly Farmers' Market and other special events.
In downtown Gravenhurst you will find the flavour of small-town Ontario.
Bethune HouseGravenhurst is the birthplace of Dr. Norman Bethune, a famous Canadian surgeon and medical inventor. Parks Canada conducts tours through the restored church manse where he was born in 1890, now a National Historic Site.
Music on the BargeFree Sunday night concerts at "Music on the Barge" on the shores of Gull Lake have been a tradition since 1949. The current structure was completed just in time for the arrival of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip who attended the grand opening on July 4th, 1959.