Knox Presbyterian Church

“The oldest continuously used Presbyterian church in Muskoka, and the oldest public building in Port Carling.”

— Est. 1872

A Look at Knox

Nestled in the heart of Port Carling — known as the “Hub of the Lakes” for its central position on the Indian River, connecting Lakes Rosseau, Joseph, and Muskoka — Knox Presbyterian Church has been a cornerstone of this vibrant community since 1872. As the oldest continuously used Presbyterian church in Muskoka and the oldest public building in Port Carling, Knox stands as a living testament to the faithful generations who have called this special place home.

Port Carling itself is a picturesque and welcoming village in the Township of Muskoka Lakes, with a year-round population of around 884 that blossoms to approximately 5,300 each summer. The village is rich in history, charm, and seasonal energy — home to iconic historic steamships like the Segwun, Peerless, and Wenonah II, the beloved island park with its lift bridge and locks, the Muskoka Lakes Museum, and the unforgettable “Wall” — a breathtaking mosaic crafted from over 9,000 photos depicting a classic Muskoka steamship scene. From boutique shopping and local eateries to community events and the Norma and Miller Alloway Library, Port Carling is a true centrepiece of Muskoka life from May through October and well beyond.

Like the village that surrounds it, Knox reflects the seasonal rhythm of Muskoka. A devoted core of year-round members — many of whom are retirees who have spent the better part of their lives in the area or chosen Muskoka as their cherished home — anchors the congregation throughout the year, providing steady and committed leadership through the Session and Finance and Maintenance Committee.

Come spring, Knox comes alive with the arrival of seasonal members, swelling the congregation to as many as 50 worshippers. This vibrant and diverse group — spanning parents, adult children, and grandchildren — joins the community from May through October, bringing with them a rich variety of denominational backgrounds and a shared love of this special place. Some carry deep roots with Knox stretching back many years; others are newer summer regulars or first-time visitors discovering the church for the very first time.

Despite the natural ebb and flow of a seasonal congregation, Knox is marked by a genuine sense of connection and shared purpose. Worship at Knox tends toward the traditional, and there is a collective and heartfelt desire to see both members and the wider Muskoka community enriched by the renewing power of the Gospel. The congregation shares a vision for worship that is meaningful across all generations — a place where the young and the young-at-heart are equally at home.

For over 150 years, Knox has been shaped by the generosity of cottagers, community members, and faithful supporters, and that spirit of giving and welcome continues to define who we are today. Whether you are a longtime local, a returning cottager, or a first-time visitor to the Hub of the Lakes, you are warmly welcome at Knox.

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