Back in the spring of 1983, we presented in these pages the schedule for the season for the restored veteran Muskoka Lakes passenger steamer SEGWUN, (a) NIPISSING (II), a 124-foot, coal-fired vessel that was built in 1887 as a sidewheeler and converted to a propellor [sic] during the 1920s. She was retired in 1958 but, as a result of the generosity and efforts of many interested parties, was restored and was returned to passenger service in 1981.

This year, we are pleased once again to be able to provide a resume of the schedule planned for SEGWUN in 1984. We do this not by way of advertisement for the Muskoka Lakes Navigation and Hotel Company Ltd., which operates the vessel, but rather as an incentive to our members to enjoy a trip aboard this fascinating steamer. Now that SEGWUN is back in service, and her beautiful chime whistle is once again echoing amongst the islands of the Muskoka Lakes, she deserves the support of anyone who appreciates steamboating, and particularly the rare backwater variety, with its delightful "ad hoc" style. Indeed, SEGWUN must have our support in order to remain in service. We cannot allow this fine vessel to fall back into a state of disuse and disrepair.

The following trips are planned for her during the summer of 1984:

Spring Commodore Cruises (or "Friends of SEGWUN Cruises"): Depart Gravenhurst 5:00 p.m. Saturday, June 16 and 23. Lakes Muskoka and Rosseau, overnight at local hotel, Sunday on Lake Joseph. Return to Gravenhurst 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Fare $140.00 including meals, hotel, etc.

Autumn Two-Day Cruises: Depart Gravenhurst 9:00 a.m. Monday, September 3, 10, 17 and 24. Monday on Lakes Muskoka and Rosseau, overnight at hotel, Tuesday on Lake Joseph, return to Gravenhurst 6:30 p.m. (Note: Sept. 3 sailing is on Labour Day holiday.) Fare $199.00 including meals, hotel, etc.

Autumn Saturday Evening Escape: Depart Gravenhurst 5:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, 15, 22 and 29. Similar to Commodore Cruises except return Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Fare $110.00.

Beaumaris Excursions: New to schedule in '84. Depart Gravenhurst 2:00 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9, 16, 23 and 30. Four-hour trip up Lake Muskoka to Beaumaris and return. Fare $20.00. (Might be combined with a "Saturday Escape".)

"100 Mile" Cruises: Depart Gravenhurst 9:00 a.m. Sundays (new), Mondays and Thursdays, June 25 to Sept. 2, also Mondays in June and October, and Thursdays through whole season (June 16 through Oct. 8). Lakes Muskoka and Rosseau, lunch stop at Lake Rosseau hotel, return at 6:30 p.m. Fare $36.00. (Portion above Port Carling only, 11:30 to 3:30, available for $20.00.)

Sightseeing Excursions: Two-hour trips depart Gravenhurst 9:30 a.m., 12:00 noon, 2:15 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, late June to Labour Day. Noon and 2:15 departures Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout entire season. Fare $11.00.

Sunset Cruises: Depart Gravenhurst 7:15 p.m. daily, June 25 through Sept. 2, also other selected days in June, Sept. and Oct. Dinner served (reservations required). Fare $14.00.

Thanksgiving Cruises: Depart Gravenhurst 9:00 a.m. Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Oct. 6, 7 and 8. Return 7:30 p.m. Similar to "100 Mile" cruise but includes morning coffee and muffins, lunch at hotel, turkey dinner aboard before return. (N.B. Oct. 6 sailing will pass over site of loss of steamer WAOME on Lake Muskoka on 50th anniversary of that disaster.) Fare $65.00.

This schedule is rather more ambitious and interesting than in other years, with several new features added. Most notably, there are more of the popular overnight trips. A new meal policy features a la carte selections at noon and full-course dinners in the evening. New menu will feature good Canadian-style food at prices competitive with those ashore. When you book, be sure to check whether meals are included or extra on that trip. If not included and you wish to partake, reservations will be necessary.

It is not often that one can actually sail aboard a 97-year-old steamboat, and we are pleased to make SEGWUN's operations known to our members. As all those who have been aboard are aware, SEGWUN is definitely a "class operation", and she has been rebuilt to superb condition. All trips depart Town Dock, Gravenhurst, a comfortable drive of less than two hours north from Toronto. For information or to reserve space (reservations are a must at all times) contact Muskoka Lakes Navigation and Hotel Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 68, Gravenhurst, Ontario P0C 1G0, (705) 687-6667, or The Cruise People Ltd., 1752 Victoria Park Avenue, Scarborough, Ontario M1R 1R4, (416) 759-6606 (John or Diana Lang).

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Reproduced for the Web with the permission of the Toronto Marine Historical Society.