The Muskoka Steamships

This virtual cache is designed to give you a start on a historical journey.  The time you spend depends on your interest, but you could easily fill an entire day exploring this location.  Gravenhurst is the home port of the RMS Segwun, Wenonah II and the Wanda III.  Take time and explore the Gravenhurst Wharf area in Muskoka Bay.  All stages can be easily reached by walking along the boardwalk from the parking area.

The RMS Segwun is the only "steam-operating RMS designated ship" in the world.  Since the 1800s, when the designation was first used, there have been approximately 200 Royal Mail Ships.  Because these ships carried mail, they were contracted to be on time.  They faced stiff financial penalties for delays.  The designation became a mark of excellence.  There are only 3 remaining RMS designated vessels in the world, but the RMS Segwun is the only one powered by steam.  It was built in 1887 as the Nipissing and the conversion was performed at the Navigation Company's yard in Gravenhurst during the fall and winter of 1924-5. The bulk of the Nipissing's machinery was removed, including her engines and workers installed a new Scotch marine boiler along with two secondhand Doty compound steam engines and stack.  The bulk of the two lower decks were retained.  A carving of the Phoenix carried atop of Segwun's pilothouse is a replica of the one originally carried on Segwun in 1925.  The ship was launched in June 1925 for the summer passenger season.  While originally she was intended to retain the Nipissing name, the extent of the alterations were so extensive that the Navigation Company chose to rename her Segwun, an Ojibwa word meaning "springtime".  Today the Segwun accommodates up to 97 passengers.

The Wenonah II, a modern replica steamship, was launched in 2002 and combines turn-of-the-century charm with modern conveniences such as air conditioning and an elevator. Wenonah II comfortably accommodates up to 216 passengers.  She is diesel operated.

The Wanda III was originally built in 1915 for Margaret Eaton, the wife of Timothy Eaton and was the largest private steam yacht in Canada at that time.  Wanda III was also the fastest boat on the Muskoka Lakes and Mrs. Eaton planned her that way.  She wanted to go from the train in Gravenhurst to her Ravenscrag cottage, in two hours.  The Wanda III is the smallest of the fleet and has a hull measuring 94 feet long but only 12 feet wide, and a draft of a mere six feet.   She is currently undergoing renovation and is being stored in her new home near the Discovery Centre.  Hopefully she will return to excite passengers in the year 2023.

All of these ships have extensive histories and are well worth checking out.  

 

The Muskoka Steamship & Discovery Centre features exhibits that capture the glory of the Muskoka experience, explore the rich history of steamships, wooden boats and luxury hotels that helped define our region.  A highlight is the large boathouse with a collection of Muskoka's own jewels - the classic wooden boats with their finish glistening in the sunlight.  A museum worth visiting.  

Logging Requirements:

Visit the 4 waypoints. Send me the answer to each of the 4 questions using the geocaching.com message centre.  There is also a mandatory photo required at Waypoint 1 to prove that you were actually there.  Post it with your log.

Waypoint 1:   N 44° 55.288 W 079° 23.034

1. What is hanging at the posted coordinates?   Take a photo of the ships with the frame of the object as the frame for your picture. Have fun with it.

Waypoint 2:   N 44° 55.243 W 079° 23.027 

2. At the posted coordinates you will see a gazebo and a Compass Rose.  You should be near the NORTH point of the Compass Rose.  On the eave of the gazebo there is a sign that gives this location a name.  What is this name?   

Waypoint 3:   N 44° 55.215 W 079° 23.119 

3. Here you will see another gazebo and a historical plaque.  The "Sagamo" (1906) was another great steamship on the Muskoka Lakes.  What year did it cease operation?  

Waypoint 4:   N 44° 55.204 W 079° 23.372

4. This is the location of the Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre.  You will also notice the refurbished wheelhouses of the "R.M.S. Islander" and the "R.M.S. Cherokee".  On each there is a blue historical plaque.  Tell me the date on each of the TWO plaques.  

Muskoka has a very rich history.  I hope this virtual cache sparks some interest in you to exploring it more.  

Virtual Rewards 3.0 - 2022-2023

This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between March 1, 2022 and March 1, 2023. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 3.0 on the Geocaching Blog.