First Nations’ Chippewas of Bigwin Island made this part of Lake of Bays their summer campgrounds for years. When white settlers began moving into the area in the early 1800’s, Dorset became known as Trading Bay for Francis Harvey’s trading post that sprang up along the Narrows. No one knows who the first white travellers were, but someone carved 1675 into a rock in the area – found in the early 1800’s by TomSalmon, one of the first settlers on Lake of Bays.

DOWNLOAD THE MAP AND GUIDE (PDF)

Credit for this project must go to the Township of Lake of Bays Heritage Advisory Committee and their dedicated volunteers, and the Dorset Community Group for their invaluable insights into their hometown. Special mention must go to Brad Robinson, Roy McKay, Penny McEachern and Ruth Ross. 

We hope you enjoy this heritage tour.