Lake of Bays

Lake of Bays is located on the eastern end of Muskoka with highway 35 to the east and highway 60 to the north. The first known inhabitants of the Lake of Bays area were the Algonquin Indians. The Lake has had many names including Baptiste Lake, Forked Lake, Lake of Two Bays. Lake of Bays received its current name in 1853 by Alexander Murray of the Geological Survey of Canada.

 

Baysville

Coming Soon

 

Bigwin Island

Bigwin Island is located in the central part of the lake, it is 5 km (2 1/2 miles) in length by 1 km (1/2 mile) in width. Bigwin Island was named after Chief Joseph Big Wind of Lake Simcoe. Three sacred burial grounds were established by Chief Big Wind along with a summer settlement. Bigwin Island was first developed into the grand resort playground, known as Bigwin Inn between 1917 and 1920. Although many of the buildings are abandoned and decaying they can still be seen today.

A great book on Bigwin Island and Lake of Bays
BIGWIN INN, Douglas McTaggart

This book is published by

Boston Mills Press
132 Main Street
Erin Ontario, NOB 1TO
(519) 833-2407 Fax: (905) 833-2195

 

Dorset

Located on the eastern end of the lake. Dorset is likely best known for it's scenic look out tower, perched on the hill overlooking the town. Dorset has had a rich history in logging. At the turn of the century Dorset was home to many hotels and a saw mill or two.

 

Very interesting reading on local history and families
Dorset by Ruth McEachern, Kerry Greenaway, Susan Mckay
Published in 1976 by
Herald-Gazette Press
Bracebridge, Ontario
Canada

 

Dwight

Coming Soon

Fox Point

Coming Soon

Port Cunnington

Coming Soon

South Portage

South Portage once had the distinction of having the World's shortest commercially operated railway. Plans are underway to re-open the railway. Sixty years ago South Portage was the gateway to Lake of Bays via the steam ships that ferried people to Baysville, Dorset and Dwight and Bigwin Island.