Shops on the Dock

This past summer (2006) saw the grand opening of $170 million, 89-acre Muskoka Wharf development in picturesque Gravenhurst Bay. The historic berths of the RMS Segwun, Winona II and Wanda III have undergone an extensive facelift, converting Gravenhurst, Ontario from a sleepy northern town to a central hub of activity.
Over 15,000 visitors and locals gathered on the boardwalk to celebrate the grand opening on Saturday June 24th. Wakeboard demonstrations, antique boats, float planes, petting zoos, and hot air balloon rides were some of the many spectacles taking place for opening celebrations which thousands took part in.
The new waterfront development intended to create job opportunities, share Muskoka heritage and boost tourism boasts many new stores, restaurants, residences and museums.
Boston Pizza, built right on the water’s edge has a vast patio offering a great view of the lake, not to mention the endless menu - perfect after a long day on the water. Other attractions include the Ice Cream Patio and Blue Willow Tea Shop. Rumor has it that the building beside Boston Pizza, which has been under construction all summer long will soon be a steakhouse – a welcome sight the area has been lacking for many years.
For the avid shopper, Due North offers clothing for outdoor enthusiasts. Fashion Lodge Trading Post is exactly what it sounds like, and Milani offers trendy clothing for women of all ages.
The Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre - easily spotted by the large white words ‘Grace and Speed’ on the side of a red building, is an interactive museum celebrating the area’s history in steam and boat building. Classic wooden launches rest in slips on the docks for those wishing to explore the historic beauty and craftsmanship.
Aside from the new attractions, many tourists can be seen meandering around and taking afternoon or evening cruises on the RMS Segwun, celebrating her Silver Anniversary of return to service this summer.
The way the new wharf was designed creates the perfect opportunity to hold public events. The Gravenhurst Farmers Market rolls in every Wednesday, the Antique and Classic Boat Show comes to town in July and August welcomes the Dockside Festival of the Arts.
This summer, Boston Pizza hosted a resort night on Wednesday evenings, kicked off by a wakeboarding show put on by Base Camp and Muskoka Militia – a group of local celebrity athletes. Unfortunately the Muskoka Militia and Boston Pizza butted heads and next summer the show will be taken over by Summer Water Sports.
Though the summer has suddenly and brutally come to and end, the Muskoka Wharf is still growing. Spring of 2007 is slated to be the official opening of a brand new Residence Inn by Mariott. Following the theme of the Muskoka Wharf, the hotel will resemble the early 1900’s heritage architecture.
For those who aren’t satisfied with just a brief stay at the wharf, construction continues through the winter on the second development of waterfront condominiums as well as townhouses that are also set to open in the Spring if 2007.
“As the new, scenic gateway to Northern Ontario, the Muskoka Wharf will be pivotal to attracting visitors and fostering health, recreation and economic development in the region,” said Tony Clement, MP for Parry Sound-Muskoka Region.
Recent years have seen other Muskoka areas making leaps and bounds in the way of tourism and development, but Gravenhurst was left in the dust. This new waterfront attraction has provided the small town with a bridge to a future of leisurely lifestyle.