43rd ACBS Annual Vintage Boat Show
July 11-12, 2025 - Muskoka Wharf, 821 Bay Street, Gravenhurst, Ontario
This year we celebrating our 43rd Show – from wood to classic glass! Thanks to the on-going participation of boaters from near and far, this show has become the largest vintage boat show in Canada!
There is no cost to exhibit your boat in the water or on land. (If you have a boat to sell, please register with Boats4Sale.) ACBS Membership is NOT required.
If you are planning on bringing your boat on Friday, you can launch it and leave it overnight on B dock under the watchful eye of our security force.
This year’s show is a special one, as this will be a judged show, ensuring the best of the best will be in attendance.
There is something for everyone at the show which attracts several thousand people each year. With the historic steamships in the background, the Muskoka Wharf will also showcase an impressive selection of boats and other displays onshore. For those looking for that elusive boat part, there is the Nautical Flea Market. In Vendors' Alley you will find everything from artwork to shoes, and be sure to visit the ever-popular Boat4Sale area where you can find your next project. The Maple Leaf Antique Outboard Club will be there again this year with an extensive show and sale of vintage outboard motors. And take advantage of a special admission price of $10.00 for a visit to the Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre.
Besides showcasing your boat on the dock, there are a couple of other opportunities for you to show it off. The crowd loves it when boats roar to life while participating in the Boats in Motion portion of the show where one boat at a time gets Muskoka Bay to themselves to show what their boat can do while the announcer tells them about the history of the boat and why it is special.
This year, the extremely popular Ride-Along Program returns. If you have the inclination, you can register to take a short shift to introduce members of the public to vintage boating, with the thrill of a ride in a vintage boat.
On Saturday, take a break and enjoy a VIP lunch and afternoon drinks - because you deserve it. We couldn’t hold this show without you!
Returning this year is the Antique and Vintage Car Show being presented by the Muskoka Motor Club
Events
Friday, July 11
Option 1
Fast Cruise**: – 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Leaves from Muskoka Wharf
Description: Driving your own boat, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery and history of the Muskoka Lakes on this guided tour with several other go-fast boaters. Ticket includes a luncheon at Muskoka Wharf. For info contact Lawton Osler lawton.osler@oslerhr.ca 416 562 5910
Registration Cost: $35/person (taxes incl.)
Option 2
Slow Cruise** – 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Leaves from Muskoka Wharf
Description: This cruise is for those who enjoy running their boats at a slower pace so that they can really take in the beauty of the area. Ticket Includes a a luncheon at Muskoka Wharf.For info contact Lawton Osler lawton.osler@oslerhr.ca 416 562 5910
Registration Cost: $35/person (incl. taxes)
IMPORTANT NOTE
Due to the distance covered in these runs, boats should be fully fueled before the run as opportunities to refuel are very limited. If you’re considering joining in, we recommend that your boat be in top mechanical condition.
Option 3
Gala Dinner at the Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame** - Cocktails at 5:30, Dinner at 6:30
Description: Friday night will be an incredibly special social occasion with cocktails, dinner and a the opportunity to explore the exhibits on display.
Menu Options:
Sprout Salad with edible flowers and organic greens drizzled with a local honey, lavender and lemon vinaigrette
Choice of:
Herb Lemon Roasted Chicken rubbed with garlic and fresh summer herbs and Butter-basted Green Beans, Apricots and Almonds, crispy Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Fresh Herbs.
Or
Herb and Garlic Rubbed Roast Beef and Au Jus with Buttered Green Beans, Apricots and Almonds, crispy Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Fresh Herbs.
Or
Vegetarian Option: Indian Style Vegetable Curry with potatoes and Fresh Herbs.
Dessert Board: an assortment of desserts
Seating is limited so register early.
Registration Cost: $90.00 / person (incl. grat. & taxes)
Saturday, July 12
After you've dried the dew off your boat, please join us for complimentary coffee, tea and muffins in the Lions Pavilion. And then you are ready to face the adoring public!
Show Opens - 9 a.m.
Opening Ceremonies - 10 a.m.
Boats in Motion - 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m and 1:30:pm - 3:00 p.m.
Take your boat for a spin around the bay while our announcer tells the audience about your pride and joy. To participate, please indicate your interest on the Registration Form. Lead Bill Train williamtrain@sympatico.ca 416-605-0017
Ride-Along Program - 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m and 1:30:pm - 3:00 p.m.
This extremely popular Ride-Along program returns. Share your passion by offering rides in your boat for a short shift, giving people the thrill of a ride in a vintage boat.
Lead Jeff Titshall jefftitshall@xplornet.com 705-323-7801
VIP Lunch** 11:30 - 1:30
Under the shelter of the pavilion, enjoy a tasty buffet lunch and cool beverage at the cash bar while giving your feet a well-deserved break. Centenarian Boat Presentations and Sponsored Awards will be presented at 1:00pm. Cost: $50, child 2-13 $20.00, toddlers are free. (taxes & gratuity included) Includes a wine, beer or non-acholic beverage.
Judged Boat Awards Presentation - 4:00 to 6 p.m. Presentation of the judged boat awards in Lions Pavilion.
Show Closes: 4 p.m.
**Marked events require pre-registration. Tickets will not be sold at the show.
To Exhibit your boat, Register for one of the cruises, or buy lunch tickets, simply go back up this page
and click on the BLUE box on the right-hand side.
IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO REGISTER ONLINE, please contact Donna at 519-372-6356 or email shorttd1@outlook.com
