The Britannia Hotel on Lake of Bays: Muskoka’s Luxurious Historic Retreat
Imagine stepping off the train in Huntsville in the early 1900s, eager for a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Your journey isn’t over yet – reaching the Britannia Hotel on Lake of Bays was a journey marked by multiple modes of transportation, each offering a unique glimpse into the scenic beauty of the Muskoka region.
Once in Huntsville, travelers would commence their trip in Huntsville, boarding the steamship Algonquin. This vessel navigated through the Muskoka River into Fairy Lake and proceeded to the eastern end of Peninsula Lake, arriving at North Portage dock. Here, passengers transitioned to the Portage Flyer, a narrow-gauge steam train renowned as the world’s smallest commercial railroad. This train traversed a 1.125-mile track, overcoming a 175-foot elevation difference between Peninsula Lake and Lake of Bays, ultimately delivering passengers to “the Portage” dock on South Portage.
Upon reaching South Portage, travelers boarded the steamship Iroquois on Lake of Bays, which transported them to their destination – The renowned Britannia Hotel, an iconic gem of Muskoka hospitality, eagerly awaiting your arrival.
Built in 1905 by prominent Huntsville hardware merchant Thomas J. White, the Britannia Hotel quickly became known as one of Muskoka’s premier summer resorts. Set within 500 acres, the hotel was nestled on a 50-acre clearing, offering guests magnificent panoramic views of the lake and surrounding forests. With more than two miles of pristine shoreline and 300 yards of sandy beach, this resort was a haven of leisure and luxury.
In its early days the Britannia Hotel was open June 15th to October 15t. Fares were posted as $2.50 per day or $10. to $15 per week. There were special rates for those staying the season
Activities & Leisure: Something for Everyone
Golfers enjoyed a leisurely game of golf on the picturesque nine-hole golf course, beautifully designed to blend with the natural topography. For the adventurous, the hotel offered boating and canoeing, providing rowboats and canoes, allowing guests to explore the crystal clear waters of Lake of Bays at their own pace. Ball grounds added a playful touch for families and groups looking to spend quality outdoor time.
Luxurious Accommodations
At Britannia, luxury and comfort went hand-in-hand. Guest rooms featured modern conveniences of the era, including hot and cold running water—an impressive amenity in the early 20th century. These elegantly appointed rooms were designed with care, ensuring guests could retire in comfort and awaken refreshed for the day ahead.
A typical day at Britannia might begin with a leisurely breakfast overlooking the tranquil waters of Lake of Bays, followed by golfing on the lush greens or a gentle canoe ride along the shoreline. Afternoons could be spent relaxing on the sand beach or enjoying a friendly ball game. Evening brought guests together in the grand dining room, savouring culinary delights prepared with the freshest local ingredients. The spacious dining room was grand enough to accommodate 150 guests comfortably, providing a refined atmosphere where delicious cuisine and delightful conversation flowed effortlessly. After dinner, guests would retire to the remarkable 500-foot veranda—an iconic feature of the hotel—where they relaxed on comfortable furnishings, taking in beautiful views of Britannia Bay, Lake of Bays while engaging in leisurely chats and building lasting friendships.
Steamship Travel: An Integral Part of the Britannia Experience
The journey to Britannia via steamship wasn’t simply transportation—it was an enchanting introduction to your Muskoka vacation. The steamships that famously served Britannia and surrounding resorts were the graceful Iroquois and the charming Mohawk Belle. These vessels were more than just practical conveyances; they were part of the charm, elegance, and nostalgia that defined Muskoka in its golden age.
Guests travelling aboard these steamships experienced unparalleled views, pleasant company, and a smooth voyage, setting the stage for the luxurious accommodations awaiting them at the Britannia.
Legacy of the Britannia Hotel
Though the Britannia Hotel no longer stands today, its legacy remains vivid. It symbolizes a unique time in Muskoka’s storied history, reflecting an era when luxurious waterfront hotels were integral in shaping the region’s prestigious reputation. Those who cherish Muskoka and the lifestyle it represents can appreciate how Britannia Hotel once embodied the elegance and leisure of early Canadian hospitality.
Today, as you explore Lake of Bays premium waterfront properties, the rich heritage of the Britannia Hotel serves as an enchanting reminder of the timeless luxury that continues to draw sophisticated buyers to this exceptional region.
There’s something magical about Lake of Bays. This is why I made the decision over two decades ago to leave my home in Toronto and move to the area full time. The pristine waters, the whispering pines, and the rich history seem to echo across the lake. I’m fascinated with the stories of the grand old resorts that once dotted these shores—one of which I lived close to – the Britannia Hotel on Lake of Bays.
The Golden Age of Muskoka Resorts
If you’ve spent any time in cottage country, you know that Muskoka wasn’t always the domain of private cottages and luxury homes. Starting in the late 19th century and continuing into the early 20th century, this breathtaking region was discovered by wealthy tourists from Toronto, other Canadian cities, and our neighbors to the south. This sparked what many call Muskoka’s “Resort Era”—a time when magnificent wooden hotels reigned supreme.
The Britannia Hotel was born during this golden age, constructed in 1908 on the shores of Lake of Bays near what was then known as the community of Britannia. It was part of the second wave of resort development in the Muskoka region that occurred in the first decade of the 1900s. Like many of its contemporaries, it represented the height of summer luxury for the well-heeled vacationer seeking respite from city life.
If the story of the Britannia Hotel sparked your imagination, it’s because Lake of Bays has always had a way of capturing hearts. From its rich history to its breathtaking shorelines, this is a place where memories are made and legacies are built. If you’re dreaming of a cottage or waterfront estate in this iconic region, I’d love to help you explore what’s possible. Let’s connect and find the perfect place for your next chapter on Lake of Bays.
Imagine stepping off the train in Huntsville in the early 1900s, eager for a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Your journey isn’t over yet – reaching the Britannia Hotel on Lake of Bays was a journey marked by multiple modes of transportation, each offering a unique glimpse into the scenic beauty of the Muskoka region.
Once in Huntsville, travelers would commence their trip in Huntsville, boarding the steamship Algonquin. This vessel navigated through the Muskoka River into Fairy Lake and proceeded to the eastern end of Peninsula Lake, arriving at North Portage dock. Here, passengers transitioned to the Portage Flyer, a narrow-gauge steam train renowned as the world’s smallest commercial railroad. This train traversed a 1.125-mile track, overcoming a 175-foot elevation difference between Peninsula Lake and Lake of Bays, ultimately delivering passengers to “the Portage” dock on South Portage.
Upon reaching South Portage, travelers boarded the steamship Iroquois on Lake of Bays, which transported them to their destination – The renowned Britannia Hotel, an iconic gem of Muskoka hospitality, eagerly awaiting your arrival.
Built in 1905 by prominent Huntsville hardware merchant Thomas J. White, the Britannia Hotel quickly became known as one of Muskoka’s premier summer resorts. Set within 500 acres, the hotel was nestled on a 50-acre clearing, offering guests magnificent panoramic views of the lake and surrounding forests. With more than two miles of pristine shoreline and 300 yards of sandy beach, this resort was a haven of leisure and luxury.
In its early days the Britannia Hotel was open June 15th to October 15t. Fares were posted as $2.50 per day or $10. to $15 per week. There were special rates for those staying the season
Activities & Leisure: Something for Everyone
Golfers enjoyed a leisurely game of golf on the picturesque nine-hole golf course, beautifully designed to blend with the natural topography. For the adventurous, the hotel offered boating and canoeing, providing rowboats and canoes, allowing guests to explore the crystal clear waters of Lake of Bays at their own pace. Ball grounds added a playful touch for families and groups looking to spend quality outdoor time.
Luxurious Accommodations
At Britannia, luxury and comfort went hand-in-hand. Guest rooms featured modern conveniences of the era, including hot and cold running water—an impressive amenity in the early 20th century. These elegantly appointed rooms were designed with care, ensuring guests could retire in comfort and awaken refreshed for the day ahead.
A typical day at Britannia might begin with a leisurely breakfast overlooking the tranquil waters of Lake of Bays, followed by golfing on the lush greens or a gentle canoe ride along the shoreline. Afternoons could be spent relaxing on the sand beach or enjoying a friendly ball game. Evening brought guests together in the grand dining room, savouring culinary delights prepared with the freshest local ingredients. The spacious dining room was grand enough to accommodate 150 guests comfortably, providing a refined atmosphere where delicious cuisine and delightful conversation flowed effortlessly. After dinner, guests would retire to the remarkable 500-foot veranda—an iconic feature of the hotel—where they relaxed on comfortable furnishings, taking in beautiful views of Britannia Bay, Lake of Bays while engaging in leisurely chats and building lasting friendships.
Steamship Travel: An Integral Part of the Britannia Experience
The journey to Britannia via steamship wasn’t simply transportation—it was an enchanting introduction to your Muskoka vacation. The steamships that famously served Britannia and surrounding resorts were the graceful Iroquois and the charming Mohawk Belle. These vessels were more than just practical conveyances; they were part of the charm, elegance, and nostalgia that defined Muskoka in its golden age.
Guests travelling aboard these steamships experienced unparalleled views, pleasant company, and a smooth voyage, setting the stage for the luxurious accommodations awaiting them at the Britannia.
Legacy of the Britannia Hotel
Though the Britannia Hotel no longer stands today, its legacy remains vivid. It symbolizes a unique time in Muskoka’s storied history, reflecting an era when luxurious waterfront hotels were integral in shaping the region’s prestigious reputation. Those who cherish Muskoka and the lifestyle it represents can appreciate how Britannia Hotel once embodied the elegance and leisure of early Canadian hospitality.
Today, as you explore Lake of Bays premium waterfront properties, the rich heritage of the Britannia Hotel serves as an enchanting reminder of the timeless luxury that continues to draw sophisticated buyers to this exceptional region.
There’s something magical about Lake of Bays. This is why I made the decision over two decades ago to leave my home in Toronto and move to the area full time. The pristine waters, the whispering pines, and the rich history seem to echo across the lake. I’m fascinated with the stories of the grand old resorts that once dotted these shores—one of which I lived close to – the Britannia Hotel on Lake of Bays.
The Golden Age of Muskoka Resorts
If you’ve spent any time in cottage country, you know that Muskoka wasn’t always the domain of private cottages and luxury homes. Starting in the late 19th century and continuing into the early 20th century, this breathtaking region was discovered by wealthy tourists from Toronto, other Canadian cities, and our neighbors to the south. This sparked what many call Muskoka’s “Resort Era”—a time when magnificent wooden hotels reigned supreme.
The Britannia Hotel was born during this golden age, constructed in 1908 on the shores of Lake of Bays near what was then known as the community of Britannia. It was part of the second wave of resort development in the Muskoka region that occurred in the first decade of the 1900s. Like many of its contemporaries, it represented the height of summer luxury for the well-heeled vacationer seeking respite from city life.
If the story of the Britannia Hotel sparked your imagination, it’s because Lake of Bays has always had a way of capturing hearts. From its rich history to its breathtaking shorelines, this is a place where memories are made and legacies are built. If you’re dreaming of a cottage or waterfront estate in this iconic region, I’d love to help you explore what’s possible. Let’s connect and find the perfect place for your next chapter on Lake of Bays.
