Lake of Bays Marine Museum & SS Bigwin - Image 1
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Lake of Bays Marine Museum and SS Bigwin

4.8
ยท41 reviewsยทDorset, Canada

Cruise the historic SS Bigwin on Lake of Bays, enjoying electric boat rides, engaging history, and stunning scenery.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekend afternoons

Enjoy scenic views and history

CrowdMedium
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Lake of Bays Marine Museum & SS Bigwin - Image 1

Lake of Bays Marine Museum and SS Bigwin

Best Time

Weekend afternoons

Enjoy scenic views and history

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Cruise the historic SS Bigwin on Lake of Bays, enjoying electric boat rides, engaging history, and stunning scenery.

4.8
(41 reviews)

"An unforgettable cruise trip with fascinating history and stories about Lake of Bays."

Vertical photo
TIP

๐ŸŽฏ Double-check departure point

Cruises can depart from Dorset or Dwight. Confirm your ticket's departure location to avoid confusion!

๐Ÿ“ธ Photo ops at the wheel

Ask the crew if you can try steering or pose at the wheel for a memorable photo!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.8 ยท 41 reviews

Type

Tour Agency

๐Ÿ‘ถ Good for kids๐Ÿ…ฟ๏ธ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

SS Bigwin Electric Cruise

SS Bigwin Electric Cruise

Lake of Bays

Experience a historic boat, now electric, offering scenic tours with engaging commentary.

Captain's Historical Commentary

Captain's Historical Commentary

Onboard SS Bigwin

Learn fascinating local history and stories from a knowledgeable and entertaining captain.

Dinner Cruise Experience

Dinner Cruise Experience

Cunnington Lodge

Enjoy an excellent meal and superb service during a memorable evening cruise.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Popular Cruises

The SS Bigwin offers unique cruises, especially dinner options. Booking in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot, particularly for special occasions or weekend trips. Check their sailing schedule as departure points can vary.

Embrace the Scenic Lake Life

This experience is all about enjoying the beautiful Lake of Bays. Dress comfortably for a boat ride, and be prepared for informative commentary about the area's history and landmarks. It's a relaxing way to see the region.

Best Times

When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Enjoy scenic views and history
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Relaxing dinner cruise
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

๐ŸŽฏ Double-check departure point

Cruises can depart from Dorset or Dwight. Confirm your ticket's departure location to avoid confusion! Reddit

๐Ÿ“ธ Photo ops at the wheel

Ask the crew if you can try steering or pose at the wheel for a memorable photo! Reddit

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Dinner cruise is a treat

The meal at Cunnington Lodge is excellent, making for a perfect celebratory evening. Reddit

๐Ÿ‘‚ Listen to the captain's stories

The commentary is highly praised for its historical insights and engaging delivery. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

๐ŸŽฏ Double-check departure point

Cruises can depart from Dorset or Dwight. Confirm your ticket's departure location to avoid confusion! Reddit

๐Ÿ“ธ Photo ops at the wheel

Ask the crew if you can try steering or pose at the wheel for a memorable photo! Reddit

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Dinner cruise is a treat

The meal at Cunnington Lodge is excellent, making for a perfect celebratory evening. Reddit

๐Ÿ‘‚ Listen to the captain's stories

The commentary is highly praised for its historical insights and engaging delivery. Reddit

๐Ÿช‘ Comfortable seating

Enjoy the stunning views from comfortable, cushioned wicker furniture onboard. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(41 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the SS Bigwin for its unique blend of history and scenic beauty. The engaging commentary from the captain and the friendly crew are frequently highlighted as major positives, making for a relaxing and informative experience. While the departure points can sometimes cause confusion, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, especially for the memorable dinner cruises.

"Great 1.5 hour tour of the Lake of Bays. Historic boat, now powered by electric motor with a small and quiet diesel generator. Great commentary pointing out the history and landmarks. Friendly captain and crew."

Mike Austin

"This was an unforgettable cruise trip we had. The captain James told us the history of SS Bigwin and stories about lake of bays and Huntsville. The captain allowed us to try to steer the ship."

Quansheng Chang

"We did the dinner cruise and the crew couldnโ€™t have been better. They were so accommodating, taking our picture, and even invited my husband to pose at the wheel for a photo because it was his birthday.
We sat on the most comfortable cushioned wicker furniture to enjoy the stunning views. The commentary on the history of the boat and the area was very informative and extremely well told.
The meal at the Cunnington Lodge was excellent, as was the staff and serve at this beautiful spot. A memorable birthday celebration for my husband all around !"

Rob Coulbeck

What People Like

Engaging historical commentary
Friendly and accommodating crew
Beautiful lake scenery

What People Dislike

Potential confusion with departure points

Frequently Asked Questions

๐Ÿš‡ ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Getting There

The SS Bigwin can depart from both Dorset and Dwight. It's crucial to check your ticket or booking confirmation for the exact departure point, as this can vary. Reddit

Both Dorset and Dwight are accessible by car. Parking availability can vary, so arriving a little early is advisable. Reddit

Public transportation options to the Lake of Bays area are limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach the departure points. Reddit

If you accidentally go to the wrong dock, contact the ticket office immediately. They have been known to hold the boat for a short time if possible. Reddit

The drive between Dorset and Dwight is approximately 15 minutes, which can be helpful if you realize you're at the wrong location. Reddit

๐ŸŽซ ๐ŸŽซ Tickets & Entry

Tickets can typically be booked online through their official website or by contacting them directly. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for dinner cruises. Reddit

Yes, they offer various cruises, including scenic tours and dinner cruises. The dinner cruise is particularly popular for special occasions. Reddit

Pricing can vary depending on the type of cruise and any special events. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date pricing information. Reddit

While it might be possible, it's not guaranteed, especially during peak season or for popular dinner cruises. Booking ahead is strongly advised to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Cancellation policies can vary. It's important to review the terms and conditions at the time of booking or contact the organizers for specific details. Reddit

๐ŸŽซ ๐Ÿงญ Onsite Experience

The SS Bigwin is a historic boat that has been beautifully restored and now operates with a quiet electric motor, supplemented by a small generator. It offers a unique and eco-friendly way to explore the lake. Reddit

The captain provides engaging and informative commentary about the history of the SS Bigwin, Lake of Bays, and local landmarks. It's a highlight for many visitors. Reddit+1

Some visitors have reported being allowed to try steering the electric boat, which is a fun and memorable experience. Reddit

The boat features comfortable, cushioned wicker furniture, providing a pleasant place to relax and enjoy the scenic views. Reddit

Yes, the cruise is generally suitable for all ages. It's a relaxing experience with interesting historical information that can appeal to a wide audience. Reddit

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Food & Dining

Food is primarily served on the dedicated dinner cruises, often at the Cunnington Lodge. These meals are highly praised for their quality and service. Reddit

The Cunnington Lodge is described as a beautiful spot where excellent meals are served, contributing to a memorable dining experience. Reddit

Typically, bringing outside food and beverages is not permitted on organized cruises. It's best to check the specific policies when booking. Reddit

For dinner cruises, it's advisable to inquire about dietary options when booking to ensure they can accommodate your needs. Reddit

The dinner cruise offers a memorable celebration atmosphere, with accommodating staff and a focus on providing a special experience. Reddit

๐Ÿ“ธ ๐Ÿ“ธ Photography

The entire cruise offers stunning scenic views of Lake of Bays. Don't miss opportunities to photograph the historic boat itself, the shoreline, and the surrounding natural beauty. Reddit

Some visitors have been allowed to take photos at the captain's wheel, which makes for a unique souvenir shot. Reddit

Yes, the boat provides stable platforms, and the commentary often points out landmarks, giving you context for your shots. The comfortable seating also allows for relaxed photography. Reddit

Late afternoon or early evening cruises can offer beautiful golden hour lighting, enhancing the scenic views. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other passengers and avoid intrusive photography. Reddit

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Lake of Bays Marine Museum and SS Bigwin (2026) โ€“ Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide