DISCOVERY CENTRE > GRACE & SPEED BOATHOUSE
Exhibition Experience
The Grace and Speed Boathouse proudly showcases North America’s largest in-water collection of classic antique wooden boats, offering a rare and immersive glimpse into the golden age of boating craftsmanship. Nestled on the shores of Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst, this ever-evolving exhibition features beautifully restored vessels dating back to the early 20th century, each with its own unique history and story. During the summer months, the boats are displayed in the water, allowing visitors to experience them as they were meant to be seen—gracefully afloat and gleaming in the sunlight. In the winter, the vessels are carefully lifted and placed on beams inside the boathouse, exposing their intricately detailed wooden hulls for closer inspection. This seasonal transformation offers visitors a complete view of the boats, from elegant deck lines to masterfully crafted undersides. The entire collection is made possible through the generosity of private owners who lend their prized vessels for public enjoyment, ensuring a living, breathing tribute to vintage marine design. With boats rotating regularly, each visit offers something fresh and captivating.
Historical Significance and Legacy
Gravenhurst holds a distinguished place in Canadian maritime history as a centre of wooden boat manufacturing during the early to mid-20th century. Some of the country’s most iconic boat builders—Greavette, Minett, Duke, and Ditchburn—operated from this very region, producing vessels that combined elegance with engineering precision. These builders left behind a legacy of craftsmanship that helped shape the culture and aesthetics of recreational boating across North America. Today, that legacy lives on at the Grace and Speed Boathouse, where several of the vessels on display were originally built by these historic firms. Seeing these boats not only honors their original creators but connects visitors with Muskoka’s rich maritime heritage. As one enthusiast put it, “These boats aren’t just watercraft—they’re works of art that carry the spirit of an era.” Through its rotating display and dedication to preservation, the boathouse keeps this vibrant chapter of local history alive for new generations to discover.
