GRAVENHURST

Known as the first town in Muskoka, Gravenhurst is a four-season destination community, Gravenhurst has a little of everything for the outdoor adventure enthusiast. Explore hiking trails, nature preserves and inter-locking lagoons. The area is famous for awe-inspiring autumn colour-viewing tours, and for its 400-plus kms of professionally groomed snowmobile trails. Gravenhurst has a wide range of accommodations that will make your trip memorable. There are five-star resorts overlooking Lake Muskoka; peaceful lakeside cabins and campsites; and charming town and country bed and breakfast homes.

Not to be missed when in Muskoka, is a trip on North America’s oldest operating steamship – the R.M.S Segwun. This elegant vessel is the jewel of Gravenhurst, offering the best view of Lake Muskoka with June to October tours. Lunch, dinner and sunset cruises are spectacular. Don’t miss a tour of millionaires row, a must see when in Muskoka. After the cruise take in a show at the Gravenhurst Opera House, home to many world class performances.

Gravenhurst is also the birthplace of the great Canadian doctor, Dr. Norman Bethune. Famous for his inventions and innovative techniques used in thoracic surgery and the treatment of tuberculosis, Dr. Bethune is revered as a hero in China due to his humanitarian medical efforts during the war. Bethune House – Dr. Bethune’s boyhood home and a Parks Canada National Historic site – is located in downtown Gravenhurst.

Countless artisans have also fallen in love with the area’s raw, natural beauty. In their galleries you’ll find stained glass and wrought iron works, paintings and photographs, which are inspired by – and capture – the essence of Ontario wilderness and rural way of life. Plan to visit at least one potter’s studio or trek into one of the many galleries located throughout Gravenhurst.