Apr 15, 2025

Photos: Good Earth Productions

The popular TVO Original series TRIPPING returns with a boat ride exploring the Muskoka Lakes, Ontario’s celebrated cottage region with its boats, lavish cottages and striking natural environment. Available to stream across Canada starting April 20 on TVO.

Her name is Heather and she is a locally built runabout called a Playmate, built by Duke Boats of Port Carling. Stan, her owner and the driver in the film, is a boat builder. He converted her from gasoline powered to electric so now uses a lithium battery and has a range of 20-30kms. It is Stan’s mission to electrify vintage boats on the Muskoka Lakes. 

The real life three-hour scenic documentary offers viewers the opportunity to set aboard a locally built vintage mahogany runabout and join two Muskoka locals as they journey to both well-known and hidden wonders that highlight the region’s charm. Even for those already acquainted with Muskoka, the documentary uncovers history and lore that makes this area so unique. 

Animated sequences recreate historic moments along the route, allowing the audience to feel as if they are transported back in time. In addition to the sinking of the Waome passenger steamship, viewers journey to the grand dame of Muskoka resorts, the Royal Muskoka Hotel, which was destroyed by fire in 1952. This Tripping adventure also features present day sights, including “Millionaires’ Row”, historic resorts, stately steamships, an underwater exploration of an eerie shipwreck, “Billionaires’ Row”, and a quaint church accessible only by boat.

Tripping The Muskoka Lakes was filmed across an entire summer using multiple cameras including an underwater drone, to capture the stunning images above and below the water of the lakes. The filmmakers dedicated months to exploring local archives, libraries, and museums, uncovering fascinating stories that showcase what makes Muskoka unique— from the origins of the iconic Muskoka chair to the dramatic kidnapping of beer magnate John Labatt.

The series has included a string of real-time boat trips that bring our water routes to life – TRIPPING The Rideau Canal, TRIPPING The Niagara, TRIPPING The Bruce, TRIPPING Train 185 and TRIPPING The French River. The sixth installment, TRIPPING The Muskoka Lakes begins in Gravenhurst, the “Gateway to Muskoka” on Lake Muskoka and ends at the historic Sherwood Inn on Lake Joseph.

Starting April 20, TRIPPING The Muskoka Lakes premieres on digital via TVO Docs YouTube channel, website and Smart TV app. Watch TRIPPING The Muskoka Lakes at 9pm ET on April 20th 9 pm on TVO or stream anytime.