Cruise Lake of Bays aboard the Famed SS Bigwin

Ride a living legend!

If Lake of Bays is the crown, then the SS Bigwin is the jewel in the crown.

Lake of Bays has a rich and storied heritage on the water, most of which involves the SS Bigwin in one way or another.

This beautiful vessel was launched over 100 years ago on Lake Muskoka, before it was moved to Lake of Bays in 1925 where it would reside for almost a century.

Once the ferry for the world-famous Bigwin Inn, the SS Bigwin has shuttled its fair share of celebrities over the years, carrying the likes of Winston Churchill, Clark Gable and Louis Armstrong to name a few.

Sadly, when the Bigwin Inn closed in the 1960’s, the SS Bigwin fell into disrepair and this precious piece of Lake of Bays heritage was almost lost.

A Return to its Glory Days

A passionate group of cottagers learned of the SS Bigwin’s declining state and in one of the greatest feel-good stories of heritage preservation, banded together to return the SS Bigwin to its Glory Days. After years of fundraising and subsequent restorations, the SS Bigwin was ready to set sail.

In 2013, the pride of Lake of Bays was officially launched again.

Today, this beautiful vessel is like that long lost friend. Every time you see her, she brings a smile to your face. Boaters and cottagers on Lake of Bays love seeing the SS Bigwin come around the bend, admiring, waving, and snapping photos of this beautiful vessel back where she belongs.

Book a Cruise

You can book your cruise online with their easy online reservation system, or you can give them a call at 1-844-424-4946.

Public cruises run May to October. Cruise tickets also include admission to the Lake of Bays Marine Museum, a quaint museum on the Dorset Town Docks that gives you a snapshot and appreciation for Lake of Bays’ rich nautical heritage.

There are cruises that depart from two locations: The Dwight Beach (Dwight Beach Road, view a map here), and The Dorset Docks (1090 Main St, Dorset, view map here). Please be aware of which cruise you are booking and where the pick up location.

In collaboration with Port Cunnington Lodge and Bigwin Island Dinner Cruises are from the Dorset Dock to Port Cunnington Lodge and back and lunch cruises are from the Dorset Dock to Bigwin Island and back. These cruises are ALWAYS popular, so reserve early!

For an up close view of Muskoka’s stunning fall colour display, we suggest booking one of the cruises in late September of October. This is just a best-guess based on fall colour timing from previous years. You can always check the current status of colours on our Fall Colour Report.

For more information or to book a cruise.