Vintage: RMS Segwun is Undergoing Huge Restoration
March 12, 2026
The Royal Mail Ship Segwun, North America’s oldest operating coal-fired steamship and an important feature of the Muskoka Lakes, is undergoing a remarkable and comprehensive restoration to ensure that she steams through the Muskoka lakes for future generations. Segwun is the sole survivor of a fleet of 22 steamships that carried passengers, mail and freight throughout Muskoka before the days of modern roads and the automobile.
In 2025, the RMS Segwun reached an extraordinary milestone – 100 years of sailing on the Muskoka lakes. From her beginning in 1887 as the paddle wheeler Nipissing to her relaunch as Segwun on July 9, 1925, she has remained a living symbol of Muskoka’s heritage and a vital link to our nostalgia and past. For a century, Segwun has symbolized so much for cottagers, boaters and the community. The echo of the steam whistle brings back treasured memories of grand resorts, stories of bygone days from grandparents and summers spent with family and friends.
Work started in January of this year to restore and renew her woodwork, mechanical and electrical systems. Expenditures are planned to total more than $2.2 million and she should return to service on September 1, 2026.
John Miller, President of Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre explains “We decided that the time had arrived to do major work on many aspects of the ship to ensure she sails for 30+ more years. Wood is being replaced throughout the ship using more versatile materials
and there is a renewed effort to seal the exterior to protect the work. We are replacing steam and water piping and wiring plus upgrading electrical systems.”
The Wenonah II will help out by increasing her schedule until the RMS Segwun rejoins the fleet on September 1. Wanda III, the 116-year-old steam yacht, which returned to service last year fully electrified as part of an exhibit called Steam to Green, will be sailing on a regular basis.
Miller adds, “In addition to this important work, we are looking for a dedicated engineering team to operate her engines and boiler.”
The RMS Segwun, Wenonah II and Wanda III are all owned by the Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre. The Discovery Centre is a cultural learning centre at Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst ON that has world class and award-winning exhibits about Indigenous and non-Indigenous history and the environment. It also has North America’s largest in water display of antique wooden boats and will host the Antique and Classic Boat Society, Toronto’s 44th Annual Vintage Boat Show on Saturday, July 11, 2026
