Excursion Boats

During the steam era, excursion boats were popular on the Great Lakes and Upper St. Lawrence region, providing recreational trips and sightseeing tours for passengers. These boats were often luxurious and offered amenities such as dining, entertainment, and beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes. Here are some notable excursion boats from that time:

1. SS South American: Built in 1913, the SS South American was a grand excursion steamer that operated on the Great Lakes. It was known for its elegance and lavish interiors, accommodating up to 2,500 passengers.
2. SS Noronic: Launched in 1913, the SS Noronic was a luxurious excursion steamship that operated primarily on Lake Ontario. It offered overnight cruises and was considered one of the most elegant excursion vessels of its time.
3. SS Put-in-Bay: The SS Put-in-Bay was a popular excursion steamer that operated on Lake Erie from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century. It provided sightseeing trips to various destinations, including the famous Put-in-Bay Island.
4. SS Segwun: The SS Segwun is the oldest operating steamship in North America, built in 1887. Originally an excursion vessel on Muskoka Lakes in Ontario, Canada, it is now primarily used for cruises and tours.
5. SS Keewatin: The SS Keewatin is a historic steamship that operated on the Great Lakes from 1907 to 1965. It offered passenger services and was known for its luxurious accommodations. Today, it is a museum ship and tourist attraction in Port McNicoll, Ontario, Soon Kingston Ontario Aug 2023.
6. SS Columbia and SS Ste. Claire: Known as the “Bob-Lo Boats,” the SS Columbia and SS Ste. Claire were excursion steamers that transported passengers to Boblo Island amusement park on the Detroit River. They operated from the early 20th century until the park’s closure in 1993.

These are just a few examples of the steam-era excursion boats in the Great Lakes and Upper St. Lawrence region. Many more vessels provided memorable experiences for passengers during that time, showcasing the natural beauty and attractions of the region.