Resources - Tours & Guides

Three page impressionistic guide to the lower Oxtongue River. Stunning photos and informative text.

First Nations’ Chippewas of Bigwin Island made this part of Lake of Bays their summer cam pgrounds 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 travel l ers 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 pr oject 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 h eritage t our.

This tour takes about an hour and a half to walk through the main central region, with side trips by bike or car to the more outlying points of interest. Please park in the Municipal lot, take some time to explore the shops in the village itself, and do be respectful of private property. DOWNLOAD THE MAP & GUIDE (PDF) Credit for this project must go to the volunteers of the Heritage Committee and residents of Dwight for their invaluable insights into their hometown. Special mention to Jacqueline Godard and Nancy Tapley, and a special thanks to Rebecca Krawczyk for crafting the maps. Thank you to the Township of Lake of Bays, The Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce and Muskoka Futures for supporting this project. We hope you enjoy this Historical Tour.

This guide was designed for paddlers exploring the tranquil waters, lush wetlands, and the beautiful waterfall on the lower Oxtongue River. The natural and cultural heritage associated with this river is a legacy being preserved by the Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation. The guide was compiled by Brian Simpson with assistance from David Franks, Rebecca Krawczyk, Caroline Konarzewski, Bruce MacLellan, Mark McLean, Simon Miles, Kelly Stronks, Rick Stronks and support from the Lake of Bays Heritage Advisory Committee.