Premiering Sunday, April 20 at 9 p,m, on TVO, the Original TRIPPING The Muskoka Lakes continues the hugely popular TRIPPING series with a remarkable boat ride exploring Ontario’s best-known cottage lakes.
The three-hour documentary allows viewers to experience Ontario’s most famous cottage lakes without having to leave home.
See: French River featured in TVO documentary series
And: Tripping the French River
"Aboard a locally built mahogany runabout, viewers accompany two Muskoka locals as they visit the well-known and hidden wonders that make the Muskoka Lakes so intriguing," says a release. "
Along the way, viewers see “Millionaires’ Row”, historic resorts, stately steamships, an eerie shipwreck, “Billionaires Row” and a quaint church only accessible by boat. Even for those familiar with Muskoka, the documentary uncovers some of the history and lore that makes this area so unique.
Following the immersive adventures of TRIPPING The Niagara,TRIPPING The Rideau Canal, TRIPPING The Bruce, TRIPPING Train 185 and TRIPPING The French River this documentary begins in Gravenhurst, the Gateway to Muskoka.
The program captures some of the curious history of the district including an early tuberculous treatment centre, unique boathouse, and a tiny but very active bird sanctuary.
"As the journey heads north, the majestic steamship Wenonah II comes along our starboard side. We follow her through Lighthouse Narrows, before turning toward the elegant cottages that make up “Millionaires Row”. Then, suddenly a storm rises on the horizon. In an instant, we are cast back to 1934 and we are witnessing the fatal storm that struck the steamship Waome and caused her to sink. As she drops below the water’s surface, we follow her to see her haunting remains on the lakebed," says the release.
"Further along the lakes, we go through the charming self-serve lock system at Port Carling. In Lake Rosseau we see a tiny coal-burning steamship that is taking a slow tour of the lake. Up the lake, we learn the tale of two resorts. A glorious new four-season resort side by side with an abandoned century-old resort that was once a shining example of glorious summer retreats but now awaits redevelopment."
On Lake Joseph there is “Billionaires Row” contrasting against the primitive granite of the Canadian Shield. The journey ends at Sherwood Inn, a historic resort that harks back to another era.
Animated sequences bring to life some unique periods along the route. In addition to the sinking of the Waome viewers are taken back in time to see the grand dame of Muskoka resorts, the Royal Muskoka Hotel, which was destroyed by fire in 1952.
Watch the new TVO Original TRIPPING The Muskoka Lakes at 9pm ET on April 20 on TVO and stream anytime starting at 9 a.m. April 20 on TVO.org, YouTube and TVO streaming services.