Summer Ships: Take a Cruise in Ontario’s Cottage Country
Head out for a tour of the region’s spectacular waterways this summer and experience the most brilliant scenery you’ll see anywhere in Canada.
There’s something about being on the the deck of a touring boat, watching the world go by. Passengers can enjoy floating along at a gentle speed while Captain and crew take the vessel across open lakes and into smaller channels, past stunning shorelines and iconic landmarks. It’s an experience not to be missed, and a unique adventure to embark on with friends and family.
Read on for more information on cruise companies across the region.
30,000 Island Cruise Lines Parry Sound
Georgian Bay’s famous 30,000 Islands offer adventure at every turn! There are options for a two or three hour cruise on the Island Queen starting daily from June 14, 2025 until October 13. The cruise takes passengers through the inner islands of the Big Sound, an area many locals consider to be home to some of the most beautiful islands and channels on the Bay.
As well as the famous ship, more intimate trips are available aboard the 40ft Islander. There are four tours – Huckleberry Island for a guided hike and swim, the famous Henry’s Island Restaurant tour for a shore lunch, the Outer Islands Tour around Wasauksing First Nation and the Snug Harbour Lighthouse Tour.
CLICK HERE for tickets and schedules
Muskoka Cruises Bracebridge/Port Carling
Sailing out of Port Carling, the Lady Rosseau has 1.5 hour tours on its namesake lake, taking in the scenic views and fantastic cottage architecture. The boat departs on select dates until the middle of October.
The Lady Gaga Muskoka River Cruise sails out of Bracebridge. Enjoy the stunning views and picturesque landscape of the 1.5 hour tour of the Muskoka River as it winds along towards Lake Muskoka. Runs until October 8, 2024.
CLICK HERE for tickets and schedule
Muskoka Steamships Gravenhurst
Running into October the the Wennonah ll, is one of the iconic ships in our region. As well as the 1.5 and two-hour cruise schedule, there are a number of specialty sailings throughout the summer. These include unique live music cruises with Peter’s Players, Pirates take over on special days in July and August, the Canada Day and August’s Civic Long Weekend firework cruises. Joining the fleet is the Wanda III, a former yacht of the Eaton Family. The1887-built steamship RMS Segwun will be sailing Muskoka’s lakes alongside her once some renovations are completes in September.
CLICK HERE for tickets and schedules
Sunset Cruises Port Carling
The Peerless II, built in 1946 to deliver gasoline around the Muskoka lakes, was purchased by Sunset Cruises in 2003 and transformed into the beauty she is today. She sets sail from Saturday, June 1 to Sept 1, 2024 and continues to travel around the three big Muskoka Lakes out of Port Carling. Captain Randy Potts and crew have a number of cruises on offer including the Millionaire’s Row tour and the always popular sunset evening cruise.
CLICK HERE for tickets and schedule
SS Bigwin Lake of Bays
Temporarily ashore for repairs suffered over a long winter in storage. Built in 1910 it was the beloved ferry for the legendary Bigwin Inn, carrying the likes of Winston Churchill, Clark Gable, and Louis Armstrong across the sparkling waters of Lake of Bays. The now beautifully restored SS Bigwin is one of Muskoka’s most treasured heritage experiences, offering intimate 90-minute guided cruises departing from Dorset and Dwight past century-old lodges, pristine shorelines, and a landscape that has barely changed in a century. The Bigwin is aiming to welcome guests back aboard in August 2026 — check ssbigwin.com for the latest updates.
For more information and to plan your getaway in the great Canadian wilderness just north of Toronto, click here.
Feature Photo: Muskoka Steamships by Jake Good