Gravenhurst is the gateway to Muskoka!

As the first incorporated town and geographical community in Muskoka, Gravenhurst welcomes you to explore Gull Lake, Muskoka Wharf, the historical downtown, the Little Norway War Memorial and countless other important sites in the community. As a four-season tourism destination, Gravenhurst gives you many opportunities to explore the community all year.

We know that you will enjoy your time in Gravenhurst!

Gravenhurst is located at the south end of Lake Muskoka, 170 km (106 miles) north of Toronto. Incorporated in 1887, the origin of the name is linked to the book "Gravenhurst: Or Thoughts on Good & Evil." Before being officially incorporated, the community was also known as McCabe's Landing after James McCabe and his wife — early settlers in the area who helped lead guiding expeditions on Lake Muskoka.

Being the first incorporated town in Muskoka and the southernmost large settlement, Gravenhurst became known as the "Gateway to Muskoka Lakes." In honour of this moniker, the town built a welcoming arch on the main road. Over the years, this arch changed shape, size and composition. It still stands today, however, welcoming everyone to the community.

The Muskoka Wharf holds a special place in our story as it was the hub of transportation activities for visitors and residents alike. A.P. Cockburn began to build steamships long before tourism or the boat-building industry were ever thought of. In 1865, he built the first steamship in Muskoka — the Wenonah — which launched in 1866. Cockburn went on to build many more steamers for use on the Muskoka lakes. Gravenhurst is still the home port to the oldest operating steamship in North America — the RMS Segwun.

Our history and heritage can be seen at the Muskoka Discovery Centre through a variety of exhibits and displays. Gravenhurst is also the birthplace of Dr. Norman Bethune, a Canadian cultural icon. Bethune helped create the Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) and critical blood-transfusion technology. He also helped address medical needs during the Spanish Civil War and the Sino Japanese War. Bethune is loved by many international visitors, and the Bethune Memorial House is an iconic location, welcoming thousands of visitors from around the world each year.

As Gravenhurst has grown and changed over the years, it has not been immune to tragedy. On September 21, 1887, a great fire was responsible for the loss of almost 100 businesses and homes. Despite tragedies, the town has continued to evolve and change and diversify with the times. Many heritage homes and businesses can be seen in the historical downtown core and throughout the community.

We encourage you to explore more of our past through our heritage walking tour to learn more about the people and how our community was shaped.

Gravenhurst humbly recognizes its deep connections to the past and has a strong commitment to acknowledging the Indigenous Peoples and their land stewardship for centuries. As part of our commitment to reconciliation, we read our land acknowledgement statement before all major events, council meetings and special celebrations to remind ourselves that the Indigenous Peoples are integral to our community.

We acknowledge the Indigenous Peoples who, for thousands of years before us, were and are still the keepers and caretakers of this land where we now live and work — in particular the Chippewas of Rama, Wahta Mohawk First Nations and the Moon River Métis. We are dedicated to honouring Indigenous history and culture and are committed to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation and respect with all First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples. We recognize all the generations of Indigenous people and their historical connection to this place and we are grateful for the opportunity to gather here.