Admissions & Hours | Muskoka Steamships and Discovery Centre

DISCOVERY CENTRE > ADMISSION & HOURS

Admission & Hours

The Muskoka Discovery Centre is open year-round.
For inquiries about weddings, private events, or group bookings (20 or more), we’d love to hear from you. Call 705-687-2115 or email us at MDC@realmuskoka.com.

Scroll down to purchase tickets and see the schedule!

Hours

October 20 2024 – May 18, 2025

MONDAY	CLOSED
TUESDAY	CLOSED
WEDNESDAY	CLOSED
THURSDAY	10:00am – 5:00pm
FRIDAY	10:00am – 5:00pm
SATURDAY	10:00am – 5:00pm
SUNDAY	10:00am – 5:00pm

May 20, 2025 to October 19, 2025

MONDAY	CLOSED
TUESDAY	10:00am – 5:00pm
WEDNESDAY	10:00am – 5:00pm
THURSDAY	10:00am – 5:00pm
FRIDAY	10:00am – 5:00pm
SATURDAY	10:00am – 5:00pm
SUNDAY	10:00am – 5:00pm

Note

Hours of operation may change due to private bookings.
Last entry is at 4:00pm daily. For school programs or groups, we are available on Tuesday and Wednesday. Contact us at mdc@realmuskoka.co for more details.

2024/25 MDC Admission Rates

Children under 2 are free with an adult

Children 2yrs to 12yrs – $10.00 +HST

Ship’s Passengers – $15.00 +HST

Seniors/Students/Military – $22.00 +HST

Adults – $25.00 +HST

Rates are subject to change. ID may be requested.

Location

275 Steamship Bay Road, Gravenhurst, Ontario, P1P 1Z9

705-687-2115 or 1-800-866-6667 press #2 for Muskoka Discovery Centre

Located at beautiful Muskoka Wharf beside Marriott Residence Inn

Parking

Muskoka Discovery Centre has free on-site public parking at the front of the building.

Visitor drop off and pick up is allowed at the main entrance to the museum.

Designated Accessible Parking

As part of the Muskoka Discovery Centre and Town of Gravenhurst’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, designated spaces are available for people with special needs (permit required).

Accessibility

The Muskoka Discovery Centre is committed to providing an accessible environment to visitors of all ages and abilities.

Visitor drop off and pick up is allowed at the main entrance to the museum.

Getting around

Our Wheelchair can be borrowed free of charge, on a first-come, first-served basis. To sign out a wheelchair, please visit our admissions desk.

Support persons

Muskoka Discovery Centre offers free admission to one support person accompanying a person with disabilities.

Service animals

Service animals, such as guide dogs and hearing dogs, are welcome in the Muskoka Discovery Centre – please bring supporting documents

Washrooms

Washrooms are located on the main floor inside the museum and are only for museum guests.

Baby care and nursing

Washrooms located on the second floor feature diaper-changing tables.

Breastfeeding is welcome in all locations

Assistive listening and volume controls

Some of the exhibits are equipped with an assistive listening system to assist visitors with hearing loss.

Exhibits that include a sound component feature volume controls and headphone jacks.

Sensory concerns

Light, noise, and crowds will vary throughout the Muskoka Discovery Centre.

At peak times, the museum will be noisy; visitors may consider bringing noise-reducing headphones.

Cameras and Photo/Video

Go ahead and capture those fun moments as you Laugh, Learn, Explore, Discover …together the Muskoka Discovery Centre – photos and videos for personal use are permitted (inside the museum and on museum grounds).

Photos and videos for any other purpose require advance notice and the express written permission of the museum. For more information, send an email to: acurley@realmuskoka.com

Share your photos with us!

We’d love to hear about your museum experience – share your photos and comments through our social media channels.

Safety

As part of its mandate, the Muskoka Discovery Centre must provide a safe environment for visitors and employees. The possession of, or use of, objects that are dangerous or prohibited by law is not permitted on the premises during museum visits or events at our establishment. During the Covid-19 pandemic we will follow all protocols and guidelines issued by the Province of Ontario, Government of Canada, Health Units.

Visitor Code of Conduct

The Muskoka Discovery Centre is a museum and is open to all. Respectful use of the space and resources ensures an enriching experience for all visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Gravenhurst?

Gravenhurst is a beautiful 2-hour drive North from Toronto, an hour drive from Algonquin Park, a 30-minute drive from Orillia and the gateway to Muskoka. Please see our map for specific directions as there will be some detours in town due to roadwork project on Hwy 169 and Bay Street taking place during 2024-2025. Click here for a Google Map of Gravenhurst.

Where can we park?

We have plenty of free parking for cars, vans, trucks and buses. Parking lot for Muskoka Steamships is located at 185 Cherokee Lane in Gravenhurst and one for the Muskoka Discovery Centre is located at 275 Steamship Bay Road in Gravenhurst.

What is happening with road construction on Hwy 169 and how will it impact parking and cruises?

“Bay and Beyond” is a 3 year infrastructure improvement project with the District of Muskoka and the Town of Gravenhurst to begin construction in 2024. The construction will create a detour to our location so you will need to allow at least 20 minutes extra travelling time to reach our location. The parking lots at both Muskoka Steamships and Muskoka Discovery Centre will be fully accessible during the construction period. Learn more on our construction information page: https://realmuskoka.com/construction/

How early should we arrive at the wharf for cruises?

It is best to arrive at dockside 45 minutes before the cruise departure to check in at the Ticket Office and receive your boarding pass. You will not be able to board the ship without the collected Boarding Pass. As detailed above, plan an extra 20 minutes due to possible delays in traffic and detours – we don’t want you to miss the boat!

For the visit at Muskoka Discovery Centre arrive during the hours of operations – the centre opens at 10am and last entry is at 3pm. We encourage you to visit the centre prior to your cruise!

What should I wear?

It is always advisable to bring layers as the weather can change quickly out on the lake. A water resistant or water proof jacket is useful if it is raining, as we sail rain or shine. Weather on the lake is often cooler and breezier than on shore. Pack some sunscreen with you and remember that Wenonah II has air conditioning in the dining room and heating for cooler spring and fall days.

Are your ships and the Discovery Centre wheelchair accessible?

Wenonah II is fully wheelchair accessible with an elevator connecting the main decks. We regularly host groups with mobility issues onboard Wenonah and are happy to help with boarding and disembarking. Our ticket office is also wheelchair accessible. RMS Segwun is only partially wheelchair accessible – customers may remain on the main freight deck, but the lounge, bar, and washrooms are located on the second deck and only accessible by stairs. Wanda III is not wheelchair accessible and not suitable for walkers and strollers.

The MDC is fully wheelchair accessible and features an elevator and wheelchair accessible washrooms.

Can we bring our own food and drinks onboard?

No. Outside food or beverages are NOT permitted onboard with exception of baby food and bottled water. We do have a snack bar onboard Wenonah II and RMS Segwun and are fully licenced offering a variety of local draft beers, wines and cocktails.

What kind of food is served onboard?

We offer a range of cruises with meal services served onboard. Please click here to see the menus. We offer a plated Lunch, High Tea and Dinner onboard. A vegetarian option is also available. Please let us know in advance if you have allergy concerns or dietary restrictions. When booking online, please call the Ticket office with your meal choices and to discuss dietary issues. When booking by phone or in person, let our staff know so we can make note. We cannot guarantee dietary accommodations if we have not been notified in advance.

Are pets allowed on board?

No, pets are not allowed onboard Muskoka Steamships. The only animals allowed to be onboard the Muskoka Steamships and at the Muskoka Discovery Centre are service animals wearing appropriate identification. The service animal must be a working service animal which has received professional training to remain calm and continue assisting its owner in a busy public transportation setting, including in an emergency situation involving loud sounds. Please notify the Ticket Office ahead of time if you are bringing a service animal onboard.

Can I smoke or vape on board?

No. Due to government health and safety regulations and company policy, smoking and vaping is prohibited on board the Muskoka Steamships.

Do you sail when it rains?

We sail rain or shine. There is plenty of indoor space onboard the ships but bring appropriate clothing with you when poor weather is forecast. A rainy day is also the perfect time to visit the Muskoka Discovery Centre!

What happens if I cannot make the cruise I have booked?

We have a no refund, no cancellation policy but given a timely notice we may be able to transfer your tickets to a different cruise or day for your visit at a fee of $15 plus HST. Please call us at 1-866-687-6667 if you will be late or unable to make your reservation time. If a departure is cancelled by us for any reason, you will have the option to reschedule, or to opt for a full refund to the original method of payment.

Do I need a reservation?

While we do accept walk-ins, reservations are highly recommended. Only a limited number of tickets are available for each departure, and most cruises sell out in advance – book ahead to avoid disappointment. We require a credit card payment at the time of booking.

How far in advance should I make reservations?

Individuals should try to book as far in advance as possible. Reservations can be made right up to the day of the cruise, provided there is space available, but many departures sell out well in advance, so booking ahead is important. We recommend calling as early as you can to inquire, especially for cruises on holiday weekends and special events that tend to sell out.

What number should I call to make reservations?

Individuals can call 1-705-687-6667 or 1-866-687-6667 to book, or use our online reservation system at www.realmuskoka.com . Online reservations show the same availability that our Ticket Office agents use. You may also email us at ticketoffice@realmuskoka.com with any enquiries regarding purchased tickets – we are here to help!

Do you offer group rates?

Yes, we do! Groups of 20 or more passengers are welcome to contact the Sales Manager and enquire directly about pricing and availability via e-mail at sales@realmuskoka.com

Reservations are required and we offer free parking for buses at both Muskoka Steamships and the Muskoka Discovery Centre.

Do you charter your ships for private parties?

Yes, we do! Weddings, corporate functions and other celebrations are our specialty! Please enquire directly with the Sales Manager at sales@realmuskoka.com

Do infants sail for free?

Infants (age 2 and under) onboard all cruises pay a nominal fee of $10 plus tax. All persons count toward the passenger number on the ships manifest to meet the capacity requirements by Transport Canada.

How can I book RMS Segwun tickets?

After months of hard work and testing, we have made the extremely difficult decision to remove Segwun from the 2024 sailing schedule due to mechanical issues. Our hope is to undertake a significant restoration program on her engines and woodwork and come back strong in 2025.

Please consider a cruise aboard Wenonah II or our newly electrified 1915 Wanda III Yacht launching in August.

Our apologies for any inconvenience this has caused and we appreciate your understanding and continued support. As a charitable organization, we will continue our efforts to ensure the heritage of the steam era is preserved for generations.

John Miller
President
Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre

Can I use a drone onboard the ship?

For the safety of our passengers and crew Muskoka Steamships does not permit the use of drones aboard the ship for any reason unless authorized by the organization. This applies to all passengers, photographers, videographers, or any event staff that come on the ship.

How long is a 2-hour cruise?

The 2 hour cruise is exactly 120 minutes long 😊

What are the age levels for cruise/admission rates?

Infants aged 0-2 years

Children aged 3-12 years

Adults/Seniors aged 13 years and up

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