Help Preserve Maritime Heritage

Support the SS Bigwin

Your Support Keeps History Afloat

The SS Bigwin and our Marine Museum are operated by the Lake of Bays Marine Museum & Navigation Society, a Registered Canadian Charity. Your generous support funds ongoing restoration, maintenance, museum exhibits, and community programming that keeps Lake of Bays' maritime heritage alive for future generations.

Your Impact

Where Your Donations Go

Vessel Maintenance

Ongoing maintenance and restoration of the SS Bigwin to Transport Canada certification standards.

Museum Exhibits

Preserving and expanding our collection of maritime artifacts, photographs, and historical documents.

Education Programs

Community outreach and educational programming that shares Lake of Bays' maritime heritage with schools and visitors.

Community Partnerships

Supporting the Lake of Bays Sailing Club, Heritage Foundation, and Dorset Health Hub through shared programming.

Make a Difference

Choose Your Level of Support

Friend

$50

Every gift counts. Your $50 helps cover the fuel, supplies, and day-to-day costs of getting the SS Bigwin back on the water.

Donate $50

Supporter

$100

Put materials in our volunteers' hands — paint, hardware, and timber — as we repair the winter's ice damage ahead of the 2026 season.

Donate $100

Patron

$250✓ Tax receipt issued

A major lift for the restoration. Donations at this level and above are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.

Donate $250

Guardian

$1,000✓ Tax receipt issued

Help fund a full stage of the repairs and bring her back to the lake. Gifts at this level receive a charitable tax receipt.

Donate $1,000

Beyond Financial Gifts

Other Ways to Help

Corporate sponsorship opportunities for businesses that value heritage preservation

In-kind donations of materials, services, and skilled volunteer labour

Spread the word — share our story with friends, family, and on social media

Book a cruise — ticket revenue directly supports our operating costs

Legacy gifts through bequests and planned giving

Tax receipts provided for all donations of $250 or more