TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL | Top 10,000 Places to Visit in Canada
The page created by Ekaterina Makarova, Humber College 
| Photo by Whpq, Wikimedia Commons
Scores of vintage wooden and fibre-glassic boats (as well as vintage autos) line the shores of Muskoka Bay in Gravenhurst in July. Hosted by the Toronto Chapter, Antique and Classic Boat Society, this event is liable to go down in history as one of the best-attended shows on record.
This event is one of the largest of its kind in North America.
Dr. Norman Bethune’s statues and photographs of him can be found everywhere in China. More than 250 schools, hospitals and museums have been dedicated to him. Elementary school children read about him in their textbooks. In fact, his name is known more in China than in Canada.
Norman Bethune was born in Gravenhurst in 1890.
Donald Sutherland (People of Small Towns) portrayed Henry Bethune in a CBC Television drama.
Explore the hometown of Dr. Norman Bethune. Take a tour of Bethune Memorial House, a charming Victorian-era home set on a manicured property alongside an informative Visitor Centre, and immerse in an incredible legacy of accomplishment that strengthens the bond between nations to this day.
Photos: Valery Shatrov, Colin Old, Wikimedia Commons
Gravenhurst is positioned as the “Gateway to Muskoka” known to Ontarians as Cottage Country.
Check the tour – approx. 95 km | about 3 hours depending on the number of stops.
Photo: Skeezix1000, Wikimedia Commons
Muskoka Wharf is a boardwalk trail along famous Lake Muskoka. Along with a beautiful view, the Wharf offers docking for boats and pontoon aircraft, shops and plenty of parking, and of course, delicious dining.
Muskoka Wharf is a historical landmark and celebration of Gravenhurst’s unique and varied heritage.
Photo: Whpq, Wikimedia Commons
The Muskoka Lakes Navigation Company (a.k.a. NAVCO), from its founding in 1866, operated the largest and finest fleet of inland lake steamships in North America.
Photograph of the RMS Segwun on her maiden voyage to Bracebridge on July 9, 1925. Wikimedia Commons
Welcome aboard 130-year-old historic steamship R.M.S. Segwun and the modern replica steamship Wenonah II – the only fleet of its kind in Canada.
Photo: Mathew Ingram, Wikimedia Commons
Explore Gravenhurst’s breathtaking views with a variety of trails all along the park. Lookout Park offers tons of activities for every taste.
Do not forget to visit the local book exchange library right in the park and take a piece of Gravenhurst with you.
The “Barge” live concert series is the most extensive outdoor concert series north of Toronto. For over 70 years, the “Barge” offers dozens of live concerts, shows and performances. The place draws hundreds of music fans all over nearby provinces.
Come to Gull Lake’s shores to enjoy a great evening of musical entertainment at this unique waterfront setting.
Photo: facebook.com/MusicOnTheBarge
One of the most beloved activities quickly became a tradition since the initial launch of cinema under the stars in 2012—Stargaze under Muskoka lake’s beautiful sky.
More than just an outdoor movie, the Town of Gravenhurst offers an entire evening of fun for families with crafts and activities ahead of each screening.
Please check for COVID-19 updates on the Town of Ravenhurst Facebook page.
Photo: explorersedge.ca
Relax and take a walk along this charming mulch-based pathway, which extends along the peninsula.
Feel and see the breathtaking views of Lake Muskoka and the Muskoka Wharf.
You will find gazebos, benches and picnic tables along the pathway for you to take a break and enjoy the scenery. You will also find on the peninsula the Children’s Memorial Gazebo a special spot on the water’s edge just off the main trail.
Started in 1992, Gravenhurst Farmers’ Market attracts people all over Ontario.
One of the best ways to get to know the town a little better is to experience local life! Make new friends while supporting small businesses and enjoying excellent local food.
Photo: facebook.com/gravenhurstfarmersmarket
The Gravenhurst Opera House is credited for having been home to the birth of summer theatre in Ontario.
This historic gem is a spectacular heritage performing arts facility owned by the Town of Gravenhurst. With over a century of great entertainment, the Gravenhurst Opera House is home to a diverse spectrum of cultural programming located directly in the heart of downtown Gravenhurst.
Photo: Valery Shatrov
Situated on a hill near the Gravenhurst Wharf, it was called Camp 20 and accommodated upwards of 490 Nazi Prisoners of War from 1940 to 1946. The Gravenhurst Internment Camp was known locally as “the Muskoka officers club”. Many describe Camp 20 as a vacation for the prisoners of war. The camp had a swimming area and gardens. The prisoners were taken around Gravenhurst to work on various projects.
Photo: “Lager Zoo” at Camp 20 (Gravenhurst, Ontario). Courtesy of International Committee of the Red Cross Audiovisual Archives
The site was taken over by the Gateway Hotel, which would be Ontario’s largest Jewish resort in the 1950s.
Irving Ungerman, the late Toronto boxing promoter and a summer resident of Gravenhurst bought the land and donated it to the town. Today, it’s known as the Ungerman Gateway Park.
All that remains of Camp 20 are concrete pillars, a fire hydrant, and the outline of a fence. There is an information kiosk at the end of Lorne Street where visitors can go to get more information on the camp.
The well-documented Gravenhurst camp has been profiled in the book The Gilded Cage (1999) by Cecil Porter of Gravenhurst.
If you are an absolute fan of craft beers, you will love this gem. Sawdust City Brewing Company was founded in 2013 and is proud to call Gravenhurst it’s home.
The initial name was based on the famous nickname of Town “Sawdust City” because of the mills and lumberyards lined Lake Muskoka’s shores in Gravenhurst back in the days.
Stop by the Saloon for an ice-cold brew and check out live music and events happening all year round! Or cruise by the patio and soak up the sun while downing your suds!
Photo: facebook.com/sawdustcitybrewery
See the night sky in all its glory without the light penetration from the urban core.
Meteor Showers, the Milky Way and various Constellations all present themselves in this rugged and protected location.
Be sure to see the area and hike the trails during the day too!
Photo: Paul Zogala (CC BY-ND 2.0)
Since the late 1800’s trains have played an important role in the communities of Muskoka. The first railroad appeared in 1875, built to a terminus in Gravenhurst and then extended northward in 1885 to Bracebridge and Huntsville.
The museum features train and railway-related exhibits and artifacts, as well as houses the Station Cafe and Gravenhurst Bus Centre.
Photo: Balcer, Wikimedia Commons
