Over 84 Years
Manitoulin Island

Over 70 Years on Manitoulin Island

Dawson Resort was established in the mid 1930's. The first guests brought tents and enjoyed the unsettled area with the attractive clear waters of Lake Kagawong. The biggest part of the adventure was getting to the Manitoulin Island. Many guests tell how it took 3 days to drive to Tobermory on gravel roads and the capacity of the ferry was six cars. People described the rough waters of Lake Huron as the small ferry boat got tossed around. The challenge of getting here was soon forgotten when the fishermen got in their rowboats and headed for their favorite fishing hole.

As the tourist trade began to establish itself, cottages were built and the resort offered American Plan accommodations. The travel time was reduced as the highways were improved and the ferry service included larger ships. People who started out camping were now enjoying cottages with meals provided. Over time, the demand for family accommodations and less scheduled vacations led to the conversion to housekeeping cottages. By the early 1970's, the American Plan was a thing of the past and family vacations in a cottage had taken over.

We are very fortunate to have generations of family guests visit our resort. In recent years we have experienced many family reunions, each family with stories to tell of their early visits. We are proud to have guests travel from all over North America to join family members and experience the tranquility of our setting, to watch the sunset over the water like they have done so many times before. This important tradition is carried on by families from far and wide.

We are proud to say Dawson Resort has been operated by the Dawson Family since the beginning.

Marilyn Dawson

Send us your pictures and comments from the past and we will add them to the site.

Hamrock Family Reunion Celebrating 55 Years Vacationing on Lake Kagawong this picture was takes in 2001 this year will be their 60th. year.

Jan. 24/06