Wanda III ready to set sail in Muskoka after 4 years of renovations

The century-old Wanda III is ready to set sail on the open waters of Muskoka after years of renovation.

After four years of renovations the Wanda III is set to soon sail on the Muskoka Lakes in Gravenhurst.

The steamboat was originally built for Mrs. Timothy Eaton in the early 1900s as a personal yacht to use during the summers.

The vessel has since undergone an extensive restoration and refurbishment.

John Miller, president of Muskoka Steamships and Discovery Centre, said the steam engine on the iconic ship has been removed.

“Everything runs off electric power, our propulsion engines have large battery banks and we look forward to seeing what the performance is going to be like,” he added.

Miller calls the upgrade “sustainable heritage.”

“We’ve taken a vessel from 1915 that’s relatively the same as she was when she was built, and we’ve electrified her and put her in a boathouse so, she’s got all the all the things she needs to remain here for generations,” he noted.

As for the experience, the interior of the ship has remained the same as it was over 100 years ago.

“It’s an exclusive trip to be on Wanda because we’ve got salons down below where you can sit and relax, maybe have a bite to eat or a glass of wine coffee,” said Miller. “Up above, there’s going to be chairs on the upper deck and that’s where people spend the most time when the weather is really nice.”

The vessel is 94 feet long and 12 feet wide. The finishing touches are currently underway with the ship expected to hit the open waters later this summer.

Miller believes in preserving the steam ships is important and beneficial.

“So future generations can come by and enjoy them,” he said. “So they can learn the stories about the about the history of these vessels on our lakes.”

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