The word "Tanamakoon" is a native American word meaning "Hail fellow, well met", an appropriate name for a camp that creates long lasting friendships.



Tanamakoon was started in 1925 by Mary G. Hamilton, principal of Margaret Eaton School in Toronto. Miss Hamilton chose the site where the camp stands on the shore of a sheltered bay of Tanamakoon Lake, then known as White's Lake.



"Here in close relation with training courses in physical education at University of Toronto, young women specialists in that subject learn the value of outdoor life, and go out to all parts of Canada as leaders in camp and health activities. A lodge, theatre, infirmary, craft shop, workshop, offices, cabins and tents, all contribute their share to the varied activities. "Quoted from the book "The Call of Algonquin" by Mary G. Hamilton



Mary G. Hamilton was born and brought up in Fergus, Ontario where her Grandfather was one of the original settlers in 1834.



Miss Hamilton was a pioneer in Physical Education and organized camping. Principal of Margaret Eaton School in Toronto 1926 -1934. She founded Tanamakoon in 1925 as need of a summer camp for girls arose through her work with the students of physical education at the school, plus, undertaking such a venture had a strong appeal. She continued as director until retirement in 1953.



In it's early days campers would arrive by train at Algonquin Park Station on Canoe Lake. To be transported to the camp by canoe and motorboat (for the non paddlers)