If you are looking for something that is fun, will spark discussion around the family dinner table, and create an indelible memory of time spent together, Board Chair Gary Getson of the Muskoka Steamship & Discovery Centre will quickly suggest The Muskoka Story: A Microcosm of Canada.  

Opening in July 2023, this journey begins with the 10,000+ year Indigenous presence in Muskoka, and moves through the last 250 years of development to  present day. Different perspectives are presented across the three interactive exhibits designed to encourage thinking, discussion, and a better understanding amongst all peoples. 

I was fortunate to be invited by Ann Curley, Operations Manager/Curator on a tour of the expanded facilities. These three new galleries in combination with the existing exhibits, Watershed Wonders, Water is Life and Murray Walker Grace and Speed Boathouse, provide a thoroughly engaging experience that uniquely references all of Muskoka and the lands that comprise its watershed. 

The Galleries of The Muskoka Story: A Microcosm of Canada

Misko-Aki: Confluence of Cultures reveals the 10,000 year presence and culture of the Indigenous peoples in Muskoka.  This gallery is being created by a curatorial circle of Indigenous elders, scholars and linguists representing  four indigeous cultures including Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabek, Métis and Haudenosaunee. Visitors may take a symbolic canoe journey through time and across greater Muskoka while absorbing the Indigenous way of life and its traditions along the way.

Evolving Muskoka: Life on the Edge of the Shield tells the story of the last 250 years beginning with the first settlers and the development that has followed in the face of challenges brought on by geography, environment, technologies, conflict and population growth. In this period the Muskoka area changes rapidly from raw landscape to our current collection of towns and rural landscapes with thousands of permanent and vacation homes.

Wanda III: Steam to Green underscores the need for more sustainability in our quest to have Muskoka forever.  Symbolizing sustainable heritage, the now electrified 108 year old steam yacht, Wanda III will resume sailing on the Muskoka Lakes this year after a 20 year absence. Steam engine purists and their grandchildren will be happy to know that the original working engine was carefully removed, is being refurbished by an army of volunteers and will be a working display.

Membership includes unlimited visits to all three new galleries in addition to existing exhibits. 

One thing is certain, after my visit to the Muskoka Discovery Centre - I agree wholeheartedly with Getson. The Muskoka Story is a must do family acitivity that will inspire not only conversation, but an interest in finding out more about our shared history across different parts of the region. 

For details on membership, admission, Discovery & Cruise Admission, hours of operation, specials and events Muskoka Discovery Centre, Gravenhurst  

Here are a few other highly recommended places to visit this year:

Muskoka Heritage Place, Huntsville

Muskoka Lakes Museum, Port Carling

Huronia Museum & Huron Ouendat Village, Midland

(Temporarily Closed) Bethune Memorial House, Gravenhurst