Welcome to Manitoulin Island
Manitoulin Island the largest freshwater island in the world is home to the Anishnaabe people who have long since believed Manitoulin as “Home of the Great Spirit
- Gitchi-Manitou.” Come be part of an ancient culture, learn the legends, explore the land and water
You can get to Manitoulin two ways; one by taking Highway 6 south from Espanola. This route takes you through the LaCloche Mountains and some of the most spectacular scenery here in northern Ontario to the one-lane swing bridge, the Gateway to the Island at Little Current. The other way to the Island is by the Chi Cheemaun Ferry which plies the waters between South Baymouth on the Island and Tobermory at the Southern end of Georgian Bay, 1 hour and 45 minute crossing.
With a large assortment of B & B’s to choose from plus locally owned motels, inns and lodges, plus campgrounds (including tee-pee tenting) Manitoulin Island’s accommodation selection is unique.
Did you know Manitoulin is a ‘Dark Sky’ destination? Because it’s an Island with a relatively small population, there isn’t a lot of ambient light to disrupt your view of the heavens. If you live in or near a city we can guarantee you’ve never seen stars like this before not to mention planets, satellites, the Milky Way and the Aurora? Borealis itself…the Northern Lights. Many places on the Island hold seminars and night sky viewing…so make sure you ask where and when.
We can’t begin to list the number of festivals, museums, special events and Pow Wows that take place each year, but a couple of the biggies are the Haweater Weekend in Little Current and the Wikwemikong Cultural Festival & Pow Wow which features international Native Dance competitions, as well as local arts and crafts.
If you are interested in native arts and culture, be sure to find out about The Great Spirit Circle Tour and the many regularly schedules events such as: The Mother Earth Walk where you can learn the identification of various local plant species and an explanation of their uses in traditional cooking and the medicinal properties they may contain.
Love Lore? Join the story telling at the Ojibwe Cutural Foundation. Begin your visit with a tour of the Centre. Sit in a circle as you learn about the local Aboriginal culture and values through stories and teachings presented by a gifted traditional teacher.
Remember there are no chain food restaurants on the Island. You can however, enjoy a Traditional Native Feast or dig in to the fresh catch of the day or just grab a hamburger. Manitoulin has a wide selection of restaurants for every budget.
There is some great hiking on Mantioulin Island the most famous of which is the Cup and Saucer Hiking Trail. The trail has a unique and easily recognized outline against the Manitoulin skyline. Signs mark the trail through the woods up the dramatic edge of the escarpment to a grassy resting-place. From the lookout, you’ll be looking down as the hawks circle below you, and don’t be surprised at all the rabbits and deer you may see along the way.
Just outside of Little Current, McLean’s Mountain Lookout offers the most spectacular views of the North and Wabuno channels set against the backdrop of the gleaming LaCloche Mountains.
In Sheguiandah, the Lewis Twin Peaks Hiking Trail begins. It is a relatively easy hike with two spectacular views along the way. There are three distinct trails offering fine views of Sheguiandah Bay and Bass Lake, plus two spectacular lookouts.
Bridal Veil Falls and Trail also has a picnic area that features huge millstones once used in the Kagawong gristmill. Follow the steps down from this area to the base of the falls then take one of several trails along the river as it winds its way down to the North Channel.
Behind the ballpark, just south of M’Chigeeng, is the beginning of two trails. One traverses along the bottom of the bluff and the other goes to the very top for an outstanding view of the North Channel. The Bear Caves and Fossil Rock Point are two spots of interest.
Located near Meldrum Bay the Mississagi Lighthouse trail follows the craggy shoreline over flat limestone ledges, around enormous boulders and through rock fissures. Trails offer fine views of Lake Huron.
Misery Bay Nature Reserve another feature that make Manitoulin Island unique. Located along remote stretches of Lake Huron shoreline 35 kilometers west of the Town of Gore Bay the park is managed for the protection of its natural heritage. Located on an ancient flat rock sea bottom. This unique feature, known as an alvar, presents unusual geological viewing opportunities for the visitors' enjoyment and is one of the few alvars found in North America.
The great outdoor experiences, the aboriginal culture, the people. All great reasons to make Mantioulin your next vacation destination.
