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Aboriginal CultureExplore the home of the Anishnawbek, Ojibwe, Odawa and Pottawatomi people with a long and storied history, rich culture and abundant lands when visiting Manitoulin Island. Experience history as you retrace ancient canoe routes and unwind to the soft murmur of legends and stories from days long past. Follow a highway lined with native made inukshuks or enjoy the sights and sounds of one of Rainbow Country's many Pow Wows held year-round. |
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Ancient Rocks and Valuable MineralsBefore the times of the dinosaurs, a meteorite hit the Earth creating the Sudbury Basin, the second largest impact crater on Earth. The impact cracked the Earth's crust, releasing metal-rich magma. These metals helped secure the Sudbury region as one of the world's largest suppliers of nickel and copper ores. As you travel along the Georgian Bay shoreline you will see sloping red granite rocks intermingled with the quartzite ridges for a stunning view of pink rocks and lush green vegetation. Manitoulin Island, once underwater, now boasts of fossil rich limestone rocks that allow us a glimpse of our ancient past. The Inuit have also used rocks in form of an inukshuk to show directions, warn of danger, to help hunters and to mark sacred grounds. Inukshuks can be found along roads and trails throughout Rainbow Country. To learn more visit Science North and Dynamic Earth. When it comes to geology...Rainbow Country Rocks! |
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Art and ExpressionRainbow Country's diverse artistic and cultural experiences will leave you feeling invigorated and inspired! Enjoy the soothing sounds of a jazz quartet performing on the shoreline of Georgian Bay, escape to another place during at one of Rainbow Country's many community and professional theatres, take in the sights and sounds of one of our many festivals and events held year-round or immerse yourself in the landscape that inspired the Group of Seven, the first artists to depict Rainbow Country's essence through a number of world famous and captiviating paintings. |
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Forces of NatureSpring, Summer, Fall and Winter. The four glorious seasons that can be taken in when visiting Rainbow Country. Winter brings with it beautiful fluffy snow that can last for days, perfect for a brisk winter walk, a snowshoeing excursion or winter camping. Glide along endless miles of marked, groomed trails and drift away in a sea of white snow, the perfect setting for a snowmobile enthusiast. Spring brings some of the most magnificent thundershowers and downpours, often leaving behind in breathtaking Rainbows. Summer temperatures range from mild to moderate to hot, all perfect for hiking, camping, fishing, swimming and more. Fall is the season of stunning scenery! Brilliant reds, oranges, yellows and browns can be seen throughout the entire region, ideal for an afternoon walk, a quite trip in a canoe or to be seen as a canvass for painters and photographers alike. |
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Manitoulin IslandManitoulin Island is the largest freshwater island in the world and is home to the Anishnaabe people who have long since believed Manitoulin to be the "Home of the Great Spirit- Gitchi-Manitou". Recently Manitoulin Island became a designated 'Dark Sky' destination. As a small population Island, there is little ambient light to disrupt your view of the sky. If you live in or near a city we guarantee you've never seen stars and planets like this before! Manitoulin Island is also known for its spectacular views of the world famous 'Aurora Borealis' or 'Northern Lights'. |
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The 30,000 IslandsNestled along the shores of Georgian Bay lies one of the world's most renowned gems, the 30,000 Islands. The 30,000 Islands are situated in an untamed area noted for its rugged beauty and pristine wind swept pines. The 30,000 Islands have been made famous by artists, explorers and poets alike. Choose to sail, kayak, canoe, swim, join a boat cruise or soar over on a water plane for a sensational view of endless water and islands. |
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The French RiverThe French River is an ancient river system surrounded by dramatic landscape sculptured by the ice age glaciers. These glaciers left behind cliffs, ridges, shoals and thousands of islands, which gives this vast water system its unique topography. These historic rivers and waterways opened Canada to the world. If you listen closely you can almost hear the songs of the voyageurs who first travelled through this great region. |
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The Georgian Bay Biosphere ReserveThe Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve is one of over 500 UNESCO biosphere reserves throughout the world and currently one of only 13 in Canada. The eastern coast of Georgian Bay is also known as the "30,000 Islands" and is considered the world's largest freshwater archipelago. The Georgian Bay Biosphere reserve covers 347,000 hectares of shoreline ecosystem stretching from the Severn River to the French River. It contains over 100 species of animals and plants that are at risk in Canada and Ontario, including unique reptiles and amphibians. Biosphere reserves are internationally recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). |
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Vast WatersRainbow Country is home to some of the most vast and beautiful waterways, lakes and bays in the world. Sudbury's 330 plus lakes, the world famous Georgian Bay and its 30,000 Islands, the French River, Manitoulin Island and Baie Fine are just some of the many places you can visit to take in the surreal beauty of Rainbow Country's vast waters. Whether you are driving, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, boating, hiking, walking or flying, Rainbow Country is your water destination! |
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Windswept PinesGeorgian Bay, home to the 30,000 Islands is also known for its magnificent, towering windswept pines that line the shores and highways throughout Rainbow Country. The windswept pines can be seen by land, water and air and have become one of Rainbow Country's most recognizable images. Their beauty and grandeur is a must see! |
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