Are you looking to explore the stunning beauty of Muskoka’s lakes and landscapes from the comfort of a boat cruise? With a plethora of options available, finding the best Muskoka cruise can seem daunting. Fear not!
In this guide, I’ll break down the factors to consider when choosing the perfect cruise experience for your preferences and interests. From serene sightseeing to exhilarating adventures, I’ll help you navigate through the options to ensure you have an unforgettable Muskoka cruising experience.
Along with sharing my experience aboard these Muskoka boat tours, I’ll explain where they leave from, what each has to offer, price points, and tips for a great tour.
Quick Look Comparing Which is the Best Muskoka Cruise
The Best Muskoka Boat Tours
The region has a long history of steamship travel, so it’s no surprise that one of the top Muskoka attractions, is taking a boat cruise. So, whether you’re looking to learn more of the area’s history or for a scenic ride, one of these boat tours will be perfect for you!
Muskoka Steamships
After all of the Muskoka cruises I’ve experienced, my favourite is the ones aboard Muskoka Steamships!
Each Muskoka Steamship cruise departs from the scenic Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst. Along with being one of the best places to visit in Gravenhurst, the Wharf is also home to the Discovery Centre.
The Muskoka Steamships and Discovery Centre are a joint venture and pair well for a day of fun. Plus, visitors receive a discount off of admission at the Discovery Centre with their steamship ticket. It’s a wonderful place to learn about the Muskoka steamships history.
Fun Fact: The first steamship cruised Lake Muskoka in 1866
There are two steamships that take passengers out on Lake Muskoka, the RMS Segwun and the Wenonah II. The Royal Mail Ship Segwun was built in 1887. Built in 2002, the Wenonah II is much newer, but is named in honour of the first Lake Muskoka steamship.
Muskoka Steamship cruises run throughout the summer and fall months. With boat tours ranging from one to four hours in length. Each take you out on one of the most beautiful lakes in Muskoka.
Aboard the ship, passengers enjoy a live guided tour around Lake Muskoka. Along with seeing some unique sights, you’ll hear all about the area’s history and fun local stories.
If you’re looking for the best Lake Muskoka cruises, this is it! While it’s the most expensive, it gives the best experience and offers the most. Book tickets here.
What to know before you book:
- Departs from: Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst
- Length: 90 Minutes
- Tickets: start from $53.90 + tax
- Is there food & drink onboard? Yes
Lady Muskoka
The Lady Muskoka is a popular boat cruise in Bracebridge that takes you along the Muskoka River. This fun river cruise sets off from a dock behind the Quality Inn.
Enjoy comfortable seating and dreamy views of the scenic river out the windows. The boat has drinks and light snacks available for sale on the boat. Or, you can opt to bring your own beverage and snacks for the 90-minute boat tour.
The Lady Muskoka boat tour features a narrated journey that shares interesting historic quips as well as secrets. Plus, a big highlight is that visits one of the most popular Muskoka waterfalls!
In addition to public boat tours, the Lady Muskoka is available for private events. For those looking for a unique experience for their wedding, family reunion or other special occasion, a private charter is a fun way to celebrate.
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Bracebridge in the summer, this cruise is one of them!
What to know before you book:
- Departs from: Bracebridge, behind the Quality Inn
- Length: 90 Minutes
- Tickets: start from $40.75
- Is there food & drink onboard? Yes
Sunset Cruises’ Peerless II
One of the best Muskoka boat tours is aboard the Peerless II with Sunset Cruises. Departing from the Port Carling dock, their cruises run from summer through the fall.
A big highlight of the Sunset Cruises is the boat’s captain and owner. Captain Randy Potts has a larger than life personality. Born and raised in Muskoka, the Captain has a passion for sharing his love with other.
With over 45 years of experience on the water, he expertly maneuvers the Peerless II, which was built in 1946 in Bronte Ontario.
When it comes to Lake Rosseau cruises, this was my first. I hopped aboard an afternoon cruise and was impressed by the different landscape of the lake. Unique a cruise on Lake Muskoka, Lake Rosseau features more towering cliffs.
Along with the sheer cliffs, the views of the stunning Windemere House were one of my favourite highlights of the Sunset Cruises tour. I was also totally enamored by a small but striking church that sat perched atop a cliff.
What to know before you book:
- Departs from:
- Length: 90 Minutes
- Tickets: start from $40
- Is there food & drink onboard? Yes
SS Bigwin
Cruising Lake of Bays during autumn is one of the top things to do in Muskoka in the fall! The forests around the lake pop with all the vibrant fall colours, making for a magical experience.
The scenic Muskoka cruise to enjoy Lake of Bays is aboard the SS Bigwin. Built over 100 years ago, this small steamship has been in the Muskoka area most of its life.
This historic ship has seen a lot of famous people in its days. Back when it was a ferry for the Bigwin Inn, a few of its passengers included Winston Churchill and Louis Armstrong.
Now, visitors can enjoy SS Bigwin boat tours from May to October. Enjoy a tour around the quiet lake, take in the views of the rugged cliffs and picturesque islands.
In addition to your boat tour, cruise tickets include admission to the Lake of Bays Marine Museum. The small museum is conveniently located right beside the dock for the boat, in the heart of Dorset.
There are a couple of things to keep in mind about this Muskoka cruise. The boat is small and not all seats have the best views, so get there early for a good spot.
Plus, it has two locations that it leaves from. One is from the Dorset Public Dock and the other is the Dwight Public Dock. So, make sure you know where you’re boarding before you go.
On the plus side, the SS Bigwin offers the cheapest Muskoka cruise. In addition to their great prices for adults, they have lower prices for seniors and children. Plus, kids under 5 years old are free.
If you’re looking for a nice Muskoka dinner cruise, the SS Bigwin has you covered. Their dining cruise includes dinner at the historic Port Cunnington Lodge and the boat tour.
What to know before you book:
- Departs from: Dwight Public Dock or Dorset Public Dock
- Length: 90 Minutes
- Tickets: start from $30
- Is there food & drink onboard?
More Muskoka Boat Cruises
Landmark Cruises
One of the best 30,000 Islands cruises sets off out of Penetanguishene. Landmark Cruises runs boat tours out of Midland and Penetanguishene. While Penetanguishene is not in Muskoka, the 30,000 Islands is par of Georgian Bay Islands National Park, which is part of the District of Muskoka.
Fun Fact: The 30,000 Islands of Georgian Bay is the largest freshwater archipelago in the World!
Setting off out of Penetanguishene, you’ll board the Georgian Legacy. This 90-foot double decker boat fits 300 passengers.
The Georgian Legacy offers a variety of cruise options, many of which feature live music. Tour highlights include lively commentary that honestly had me laughing and making notes at times. I especially loved hearing all about the Indigenous stories behind the names and places we passed.
Cruising Georgian Bay, you’ll get to see many of the top sights in the 30,000 Islands. Tours pass by Giants Tomb Island, Beausoleil Island and Discovery Harbour.
If you’re looking for fun fall activities in Ontario, I highly recommend taking this boat tour. While all of their May through September cruises offer scenic views, fall colours are magical along this route.
Along with a speed boat tour out of Midland, Landmark Cruises offers lunch and dinner cruises.
Georgian Legacy boat tours are roughly 3 hours long with a price of $54.95 without a meal.
Lake Rosseau Cruise
In addition to the Lady Muskoka, the Muskoka Cruises company runs Lake Rosseau cruises. These 90-minute boat tours depart from the locks in Port Carling.
Hop aboard their newly renovated Lake Rosseau for a tour around what is considered the Hamptons of Muskoka. Lake Rosseau is often reported to be home to the richest people in Muskoka. While Lake Muskoka is famous for Millionaire’s Row, Lake Rosseau features Billionaire’s Row.
Along with the scenic shoreline of the lake, tour highlights include incredible cottages, historic sites, and more.
Island Queen Cruise
Leaving from the picturesque dock in Parry Sound is another one of the popular Muskoka boat cruises, the Island Queen Cruise.
This exceptional cruise line features a long list of cruise options that will give you a taste of the 30,000 Islands of Georgian Bay. Two of which are aboard their massive three-tier 550 passenger Island Queen.
The two main sightseeing cruises run daily. Choose from a 2-hour morning cruise or a 3-hour afternoon cruise. Each of which include a journey taking you through the channels of Georgian Bay, by islands full of wind-swept pines and other hidden gems.
For those looking for unique things to do in Parry Sound, I recommend checking out one of their Island Adventure Tours! These tours are aboard their much smaller 40 passenger Islander boat.
My favourite Island Adventure tour is the Huckleberry Island one. This eco-tour takes you out to Huckleberry Island where you get to enjoy a hike with a naturalist from the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve.
Another fun tour takes you out to Henry’s Sans Souci Restaurant on Frying Pan Island. Famous for their fish and chips, this lunch tour includes an hour boat ride out to the island where you get to eat with awesome water views.
Boat tours run between June and mid-October and prices range from $55 to $65. And the Island Queen features a snack bar that sells everything from pizza to soup as well as drinks.
Sevlo
If you’re looking for Muskoka boat tours in Port Severn then book a cruise aboard the Sevlo. Commissioned for Lady Eaton of Eaton Department stores, this unique boat was built in 1922 in Gravenhurst.
The boat tours aboard the Sevlo are part of the extensive list of activities at Severn Lodge. Guests of Severn Lodge will find a long list of things to do that include a kids club, swimming pool, hiking trails, and boat tours.
This historic lakeside resort is located in Port Severn on the scenic Gloucester Pool. Sevlo has been at the resort for over 80 years, making it the last Muskoka resort with a boat still in operation.
Visitors can enjoy a cruise aboard this stunning vessel during the summer months. Tours take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Final Thoughts on Which is the Best Muskoka Boat Tours
In conclusion, choosing the best Muskoka cruise ultimately comes down to personal preferences and interests. Depending on if you’re seeking serene views of nature, historical insights, or adrenaline-pumping adventures, Muskoka offers a variety of cruise options to cater to every taste. Whether it’s the iconic Segwun steamship, the luxurious Lady Muskoka, or a thrilling jet boat ride, each cruise promises an unforgettable experience amidst the breathtaking beauty of Muskoka’s lakes and landscapes. So, embark on your journey and discover the perfect Muskoka cruise for you!
Frequently Asked Questions on Choosing a Muskoka Cruise
The best Muskoka Cruise is the Muskoka Steamships tours out of Gravenhurst. It’s the most expensive but offers the best tour and experience.
The most popular time to take a cruise is in the summer. This is because the weather is ideal and there are frequent cruise options. However, the best time of year to take a Muskoka cruise is in the fall to enjoy the scenic fall colours.
Yes, most Muskoka boat tours have food and drinks available onboard.
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