Heritage FAQ

What do you have inside the Heritage Centre?
The Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre contains historical information and artifacts about the steamships, wooden boat and luxury resort era, as well as early settlers. It is home to the largest in-water display of antique and classic boats, with a rotating collection of boats built in Muskoka. The aim is to preserve and promote this historical time period, while also educating the public about the history of this region. Our archives contain a large collection of photos of life in Muskoka in the early years, as well as those of the steamship fleet.

Can we go in the wooden boats?
No, the boats are displays only. These antique items must be especially cared for and are generously loaned to us by their owners.

Are you part of the Antique and Classic Boat Society?
We are not a part of the Antique and Classic Boat Society. However, we are members of this society and do work with them frequently on projects and events.

What is included in a basic room rental?
Room rentals at the Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre include time in that room, or the entire exhibit hall, as well as all the necessities, such as washrooms. Round or rectangular tables, chairs, linens, tableware, flatware, glassware, screens, microphone, speaker system, tv/vcr/dvd equipment, whiteboard, easels, large projector with screen, and necessary staff are all included, as well as the necessary setup for your function.

What is not included in a basic room rental?
Food and beverages are not included. Specialty décor is not included and some may not be allowed within the main exhibit hall of the Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre.

Are your facilities adapted for individuals with disabilities?
Our facility is universally accessible, with ramps and elevators accessible for those with mobility issues.

Can I deliver materials before the event?
The Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre is open to the public for regular hours, however items can be dropped off prior to your event, if room to hold items is available.

Is admission to the museum included in the rental?
Admission to all exhibits is included with rental of the exhibit hall. Admittance to the Grace and Speed Boathouse is dependent on volunteer staff availability and time of year.

Is parking free? Where do I park?
There is free parking at Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre in the municipal lot directly in front of the building. All bylaws must be adhered to.

Can I bring my own decorations and flowers?
Fresh cut flowers are a great way to decorate for an event and are welcome at the Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre. The site manager must approve other forms of décor. Please check our policies section to see what is feasible and what we cannot do.

Can I bring signage/banners for my event?
Signage and banners can be used for an event. However, these items cannot be affixed to any walls, windows, doors, carpet, ceiling or furniture by way of tape, putty, nails and/or staples.

At what time of day can I start my event?
For events such as wedding ceremonies or receptions we like to have the start time as 4 p.m. so we can ensure the public has vacated the premises and your event is private. Additional costs are applicable if you wish to have the venue entirely to yourself and closed to the public for the whole day.
Business meetings, lectures and other such functions can start when necessary, dependent on which room they are utilizing.

Can I bring my own lighting and sound technicians?
Lighting and sound can be coordinated by you. However, it must be approved by the site manager and must adhere to all codes and regulations. Boat & Heritage Centre Staff are allowed to ask for items to be moved or music to be turned down if it is not meeting standards.

Did you know?

The R.M.S. Segwun continues to be recognized by Canada Post as a "Royal Mail Ship" and that mail can be hand-franked or cancelled from the ship as they did more than 100 years ago.
In 1974, the Segwun was recommissioned by Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau.
In 1996, the Wanda III Steam Yacht was recommissioned by Prime Minister Jean Chretien.
The Segwun's coal comes all the way from Kentucky.
Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre opened in 2006 and celebrates Muskoka's steamship era, grand resorts and hotels and the region's rich boat-building history.
Wenonah II is Canada's newest passenger vessel combining turn-of-the-century charm with modern conveniences such as air-conditioning and an on board elevator.
The Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre is home to North America's largest in-water display of antique and classic boats.
The ship's private label wine is one of the few given permission by the LCBO to be sold in stores throughout Ontario.
In 2001 and 2002, the Segwun won the award of "Best Large Attraction" by Attractions Canada.
In 1988, the Segwun won the prestigious "Phoenix Award" presented by the Society of American Travel Writers. Recipients are chosen for their outstanding efforts in preservation and conservation.
In years past, a steamship purser used to take tickets as passengers boarded. Today, our Purser is responsible for all guest services on board including your dining experience.
The Segwun used to carry passengers, freight and mail to a variety of ports on the Muskoka lakes before the days of the automobile.
Each year, the Segwun and Wenonah II host upwards of 30 memorable wedding ceremonies and receptions.
In recent years the shift to air transport for mail has left only three ships with the right to the prefix; RMS Segwun, which serves as a passenger vessel in Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada, RMS St Helena, which serves the island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic,^[9] and RMS Queen Mary 2. QM2 was conferred "RMS" by Royal Mail when she entered service in 2004 on the Southampton to New York route as a gesture to Cunard's history – The RMS Segwun is the oldest Royal Mail Ship in the world.