Construction 2026

Please note there are currently two ongoing construction projects that could create delays for passengers travelling to Gravenhurst. Please read below for details and allow plenty of extra travel time. If you have any questions you can reach our ticket office at 705-687-6667.

Ongoing highway 11 closures for rock-blasting operations in Muskoka area

The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is advising motorists of upcoming and ongoing lane and ramp closures on Highway 11 between Severn River Bridge and north of Gravenhurst to accommodate rock blasting operations. MTO has two concurrent projects in the area.

Closure Details

Severn River Bridge to South Kahshe Lake Road – Tuesday, July 14 to October 2026

  • Intermittent short-duration full highway closures will occur Tuesday through Thursday each week, beginning July 14, 2026, and continuing until October 2026.
  • Closures are scheduled three days each week to reduce impacts to weekend seasonal traffic.
  • A temporary full closure of the southbound on-ramp to Highway 11 from Muskoka Road 13 (Southwood Road) is planned from Monday, July 27, 2026, until October 2026.

South Kahshe Lake Road to Muskoka Road 41/6 Interchange – Tuesday, July 21 to Thursday, July 23, 2026

  • Intermittent full highway closures will occur between Tuesday July 21 and Thursday July 23, 2026, during daytime hours.
  • An emergency full closure of the southbound off-ramp at Muskoka Road 169 is currently in place due to flooding. Nightly full closures of this ramp will be required once flooding has been mitigated.

All closures are weather dependent and subject to change.

Traffic delays are expected during closure periods.

  • Advance signage and notification will be in place to help motorists plan their travel.
  • Detour routes will be signed during full ramp closures at:
    • Muskoka Road 169
    • Muskoka Road 13 (Southwood Road)
  • Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and exercise caution when travelling through the work zone.

Travellers can visit 511on.ca or @511Ontario, for updates on work and traffic impacts.

Alternate driving route to Gravenhurst (from the South)

There is an alternate driving route that avoids the closure available if coming from the South.

Take the 400 extension at Barrie to Muskoka Road 38 which will take you into Bala. From Bala proceed on highway 169 to Gravenhurst. This route adds about 25 minutes vs. the regular route on highway 11, but may be faster if closures create longer delays.

Project Areas

Bay & Beyond Project in Gravenhurst

Please note, the Bay & Beyond Construction Project will be continuing into Stage 2 starting in June 2026. You can learn more about the project at https://www.engagemuskoka.ca/bayandbeyond 

During the 2026 season, there will be construction on Bay Street which is normally the primary route to reach our location from downtown Gravenhurst, however, there is a detour in place and we will still be accessible by vehicles.

If you are joining us for a cruise, please allow at least 20 minutes additional travel time to get to our location, find parking, check-in/pick-up tickets, and board on time.

The project is called ‘Bay & Beyond’ and involves new underground pipes, roadway improvements, enhancing pedestrian safety and creating more opportunities for active transportation.

Other Information

View the District of Muskoka’s webpage on the ‘Bay and Beyond’ construction project:

https://www.engagemuskoka.ca/bayandbeyond 

Google Map to Muskoka Steamships

Google Map to Muskoka Discovery Centre