Port Carling ↔ Bracebridge • Muskoka District • Central Ontario
Launched in 1946 as a fuel supply ship Peerless II is an all steel workboat delivering home heating oil and gasoline to cottagers and residents alike from break up of the ice until late fall of each season. The ship now cruises on the big 3 Muskoka Lakes with the summer home port of Port Carling. Captain Potts acquired Peerless II in 2003 and set about restoring it and enlarging it to meet Transport Canada passenger ship standards. Today the ship offers many different cruises with engaging commentary from Captain Potts who was born and raised on the same lakes he now travels with Peerless II.
Peerless II – Getting ready to cruise the Muskoka Lakes
Peerless II Turns 80
Visitor Experience
📍 Location – Boarding docks: Port Carling Locks
📅 Season – Mid May until late October (Peak fall colours late September)
⏰ Various Length of Cruises available – most starting 12 noon 7 days a week
💲 Admission for 2 hour cruise $55.00
♿ Accessibility – Wheelchair accessible main deck
🅿️🚻 Parking at Municipal Lot Port Carling • Public Washrooms at Port Carling Locks
🌐 Info@sunsetcruises.ca • 705-645-2462
What to Expect
Captain Potts often varies the route as a way to showcase as much of the lakes as possible. A favourite cruise is Millionaires Row on Lake Muskoka or the Royal Muskoka Hotel tour on Lake Rosseau. Bring layers as the breeze can be cool on the lake.
Peerless II – Under Construction
From Gasoline Drums to Guided Narratives
Workhorse Origins (1946 – 1990s)
- From Gasoline and Heating Oil deliveries to Guided narratives
- Workboat Origins (1946-1995)
- Built by Northern Shipbuilding of Bronte Ontario for British American Oil Co. of Canada, the 60 foot all steel tanker carried up to 7500 gallons of fuel and delivered furnace oil, stove oil, airplane gas, and boat gasoline for 50 seasons.
- Delivering to islanders as well as mainland residents and summer hotels.
Hull in Limbo (1993 – 2002)
Peerless II Retired – Taken out of service and purchased privately in 1996. Used by private owners until Captain Potts purchased Peerless II in 2003 and starting the long restoration /renovation which finished in 2012. Recertified in 2012 as a passenger ship, Peerless II started a whole new career as a historic supply ship offering tours on the lakes she has travelled for so many years.
The Story Ship (2012 – Present)
Recommissioned by Sunset Cruises-Peerless II now trades fuel for folklore. Captain Potts with now 45 years on the lakes offers lots of history and entertaining commentary of the over 300 islands and many miles of shoreline.
Fun Fact:
Peerless II often being confused with a great lakes Peerless , both ships owned by British American Oil Co., Peerless II was built in 1946 whilst the great lakes Peerless was built in 1952.
Captain Randy Potts at the wheel
