Old Muskoka

An insider's guide to a nostalgic tour.

Illustrated with scores of exceptional historic and contemporary photographs, this book describes 40 noteworthy century-old summer cottages and estates.

Muskoka has long been Ontario's most glamorous lake district, the holiday retreat of choice for generations of successful Americans and Canadians. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, industrial moguls from Pittsburgh such as the Mellons, Clemsons, Hillmans, Millers and Donners built or bought cottages here. Their neighbors were famous politicians, scientists, and bankers.

Today, these cottages are cherished not just because of their age and architecture, but because they are rich with stories about their builders, owners, visitors, summer gatherings, excursions, and vintage boats.

Muskoka's cottages and estates are repositories of family history, steeped in tradition and proud reminders of summers well spent.