Muskoka is one of Ontario’s largest and most economically vibrant outdoor recreation areas. It has long served as a vacation destination for the more than 7.6 million people living in Southern Ontario, Western Quebec, New York State, Ohio and Western Michigan. Its pristine lakes, rugged landscape and charming communities are the foundation of the regions economy.
With a capital budget of about $170 million, Muskoka Wharf is the largest single development project undertaken in Muskoka’s history and it will only serve to strengthen the economic well-being of the district.
Muskoka Wharf is located on Highway 169, in the Town of Gravenhurst, gateway to the Muskoka and Ontario’s Near North Region. Gravenhurst is a short 1½ hour drive north of Toronto. Nearby communities include Barrie, Orillia, Bracebridge, Huntsville and Midland.
Over the past two decades, the Town of Gravenhurst has been acquiring lands surrounding Muskoka (or Sagamo) Bay on Lake Muskoka with the vision that one day this premier and historic site would be redeveloped as a major tourist attraction. The result is now the heritage-themed waterfront development known as the “Muskoka Wharf.”
As a public-private partnership, the project has brought together the common vision of the Town of Gravenhurst, Evanco Corporation, Forrec Ltd. and the Muskoka Steamship and Historical Society.
The goal of the partners was to create an exciting place for people to discover the heritage of Muskoka, shop, dine and live. We believe the master plan, prepared by world renowned Forrec Ltd., achieves that objective by providing a proper
mix of natural parkland, active recreation areas, an exciting interactive heritage centre, locations for restaurants and festive retailing, offices, a hotel, and luxurious residential condominium units.
The unique components and spectacular setting of the Muskoka Wharf will ensure the economic, cultural and social success of this initiative that has been designed to draw visitors to Muskoka and make the Wharf a focal point for the
community.
The heritage-based anchor attractions on the 87 acre site include: the historic Muskoka Fleet presently comprised of the RMS Segwun, the Wenonah II, and the Wanda III at one end of the property and a $5 million Heritage Centre at the opposite end.
In addition to the hotel, residential units and approximately 54,300 square feet of retail and restaurant space, the plans for Muskoka Wharf also include:
- Marine facilities,
- An outdoor ice rink
- Farmers Market/Square
- Public pavillions
- Natural parklands
- Open spaces
- A soccer pitch
- A baseball diamond
- A play court
- Playgrounds
These facilities are all connected by trails and a pedestrian promenade around the Bay.
Total Space Per Category heigh="300" width="300"
Attractions - 24,600 sq. ft.
Retail- 35,200 sq. ft.
Foodservice - 19,100 sq. ft.
Hotel - 105,000 sq. ft.
Public Buildings - 27,150 sq. ft.
Residential Buildings - 178,000 sq. ft.
