Muskoka Livery Boats | Muskoka Steamships and Discovery Centre

Hotel Launches & Livery Boats of Muskoka

When cruising the Muskoka lakes on one of our steamships, inevitably a guest asks, “How were guests transported on the lakes once they were settled in their hotels?” The answer? Launches or livery boats, built in the Muskoka style, from mahogany or other exotic woods and varnished with such intensity they shone in the sun like jewels.

Lady Elgin, 36 feet long, was built by Ditchburn Boats in 1928. During her 89 years of service, Lady Elgin was livery, a water taxi, and tour boat, carrying thousands of passengers on sightseeing cruises from hotels such as Clevelands House and Elgin House. In 1976, the Wilson family bought and refurbished her at Dukes in Port Carling. Watch for her as you cruise Lake Muskoka.

Some of the launches or livery boats are plying the lakes today.

Lady Elgin

36 feet long,

was built by Ditchburn Boats in 1928.

During her 89 years of service,

Lady Elgin was a livery,

a water taxi,

and tour boat,

carrying thousands of passengers on sightseeing cruises

from hotels such as Clevelands House and Elgin House.

In 1976,

the Wilson family bought and refurbished her at

Dukes in Port Carling.

Watch for her as you cruise Lake Muskoka.

Wiggy III,

31 feet long,

is privately owned these days.

She was part of a fleet of five

used at Wigwassan Lodge on Lake Rosseau.

Wiggy III

could carry 16 people.

Her first owner was Mrs. Timothy Eaton.

Wiggy III

was docked at her summer estate, Ravenscrag on Lake Rosseau

in the community of Windermere.

Viola,

36 feet long,

is a Ditchburn boat

that was used to give tours to guests of the many hotels near Minett.

She was named for the daughter of her first owner.

She now lives on Georgian Bay

having been handed down through five generations.

Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre

The Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre is the leader in preserving, promoting and celebrating the culture and heritage of Canada’s Muskoka District. Founded in 1973, the MS&DC is a membership-based, not-for-profit registered charity with an ongoing objective of presenting compelling, entertaining and educational experiences, attractions and events.

Muskoka Steamships
185 Cherokee Lane
Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1Z9
Toll free: 1-866-687-6667
Phone: 705-687-6667

Muskoka Discovery Centre
275 Steamship Bay Road
Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1Z9
Phone: 705-687-2115

Charitable Number: 132617770RR0001

Hotel Launches & Livery Boats of Muskoka

Some of the launches or livery boats are plying the lakes today.

Lady Elgin

In 1976,

Wiggy III,

Wiggy III

Wiggy III

Viola,

Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre

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