doran bay model ship museum

For model ship enthusiasts this is the centre! Bert Cunningham, owner, curator, must be one of the most knowledgeable ship collectors anywhere. Conversation with this gentleman is honest, forthright and solid knowledge about historic watercraft. Plans must be original - no kits! My husband is a historic model ship builder and he was armed with bits and pieces in production, photographs, scrolls of plans under his arm and in he went. After two hours of intense, fact filled, interesting conversation with Bert we said our farewell with the knowledge that we will be back. Actually, we had dropped in two years earlier, our first visit so knew what to expect. I would recommend that every Dad and Mom take his or her son and daughter to see this museum. It really is inspiring.

Our family of three adults visited this excellent museum on our trip to Montreal from The Thousand Islands. We arrived just at five o'clock but the owner was kind enough to allow us in to see the museum . The workmanship of the model ships was wonderful. We also enjoyed reading several newspaper articles about the displays and the museum. This was a great stop and would recommend it to all.

A few weeks ago, on our way back from Toronto, we say the blue tourist sign for Model Ship Museum on the 401 and exited at Iroquois to take a closer look. It is located in the main building of a camping/cabin resort next to the St Lawrence River. We did not know what to expect as we walked in. We were greeted by the owner who took the time to explain the museum and the collection put together by her husband. For the next couple of hours, we toured the many model ships on display. Most are from the War of 1812 and the proximity to the St Lawrence and Lake Ontario where most of the naval action in that war took place made it more relevaant. The models themselves are each intricate pieces of art, very well crafted in every detail. Each ship has a history as to its origins, where it travelled and its ultimate fate. The visitor gets a good sense of the battles of the War of 1812 as a result. The collection is not limited to ships of that era and hosts the Bluenose to the Empress of Ireland and the Titanic. The ships on display are only a small fraction of the overall collection as space is limited in its current location. If there was an area for improvement, it is to house the collection in a larger facility since space is cramped and if there were a large number of visitors in the museum at the same time, it would have been difficult to move around and observe the models. For those visiting the area - Upper Canada Village, etc - this is a nice diversion for a few hours. The owners have gone to a lot of effort to put together this collection and a visit to the museum may encourage them to seek a larger venue to display the full collection.

An outstanding collection of model ships in a series well appointed rooms on the ground floor of a lovely vintage home where the friendly owners live upstairs. Well lit and tastefully arranged the museum was a pleasure to tour. Histories and interesting details about the ships are available to read and on the day we toured we enjoyed the added help of a young volunteer docent who answered our questions and offered his extensive knowledge of the ships displayed. I'm not a navel history buff and I found this visit an interesting and worthwhile way to spend an hour or two. Highlights are models of well known ships including the Bluenose, Titanic, The Bounty, and many with War of 1812 fame. Parking is adjacent to the building and ramps make it accessible. The museum is located on the lovely grounds of the Doran Bay Resort where one might choose to stay during summer season.

Since I am quite interested in naval warfare, I could not pass up the chance to visit this museum after having passed a sign on Highway 401 on the way to Montreal from Toronto. The museum is located a five minute drive away from the highway and there is adequate signage to guide you there.The museum is located on the premises of an existing cottage resort located on a tranquil bay. The person managing the museum during our visit told us that the Americans landed in that bay first during the War of 1812.The museum occupies the main floor of a two storied house. We saw almost 40 ships and were told there were the same number stored in the basement.The ships ranged from the usual, RMS Titanic to the arcane, the Portuguese Nav Trinidad that ferried Magellan around the world.The models are quite detailed and are accompanied by a one-page write up about the ship's history. From the sails to the cannons and the cannon ports, every detail is covered including moving rudders.The treasure is discovering models of the Golden Devil, an American submarine and a Viking boat. Also on display were the magnificent ships of the French King Louis XIV.The ships don't seem to be arranged in any particular order, so it is up to the viewer to discover how they want to enjoy the museum.The museum costs $10/adult and $25 for the family. If you are a naval history buff you can spends an entire day there.A bit more information needs to be provided - maybe an audio guide or a guidebook so one can take back some of the beautiful models history.There is also a beautiful collection of lead soldiers in a cabinet near the entrance.

My Wife, our two daughters and I stayed here in a campsite 07/22/13-0723/13. I stayed here several times as a child with my family and it was nice to return with two of our children. The campsites are dry camping with no hook ups but they are well suited for only a couple day stay. The bathroom showers are quarter operated and the beach is nice and close to all campsites.

Very much enjoyed our stay - lovely grounds and cottages in good shape, seemingly in the process of being updated, too. Great views across the St. Lawrence and most of all friendly and accommodating hosts.