Within the coronary heart of the Nice Lakes area of Northern Ontario in Canada lies Manitoulin Island, the largest freshwater island on the planet and one of the vital particular locations in Canada.
This distinctive spot is a favorite trip vacation spot for a lot of Ontarians, providing pure magnificence, a down-to-earth vibe, and robust Indigenous tradition.
Generally known as “Spirit Island” within the native Ojibwe language, Manitoulin Island is house to a big share of Indigenous residents. Over 40 p.c of the inhabitants on the island are primarily Anishnabe or from one of many different seven totally different First Nations.
Measuring 100 miles (160 km) in size and masking 1,068 sq. miles (2,766 sq. km) in space, the island presents many issues to see and do. From chasing waterfalls and lounging on the seaside to mountaineering alongside lovely trails and indulging in among the native meals, Manitoulin Island has slightly little bit of all the things for many who recognize nature.
Manitoulin Island is a common cease on any Ontario highway journey, a terrific weekend escape from Toronto, and a fantastic vacation spot for an extended summer time vacation.
With an extremely peaceable vibe and an opportunity to flee the crowds and benefit from the pure wonders of Lake Huron, Manitoulin Island is a real hidden gem in Ontario value visiting.
We’ve been lucky sufficient to go to this particular area a couple of occasions over the previous couple of years, and hope that our strategies on issues to do in Manitoulin Island will assist you to plan your personal Manitoulin journey.
Find out how to Get to/Round Manitoulin Island
There are two major methods to entry Manitoulin Island. The island is related to the mainland through Little Present Swing Bridge and the Manitoulin Island Ferry. The bridge is the one year-round entry level to the island, because the ferry operates seasonally.
By aircraft
The island does have its personal airport, the Gore Bay Manitoulin Airport. Nevertheless, it’s solely serviced by chartered flights from the mainland.
If you’re coming from afar and are contemplating flying, the closest main airport is Sudbury Airport (YSB / CYSB), at the moment served by Air Canada, Bearskin Airways, Porter Airways, and Sunwing Airways. From Sudbury, you possibly can rent a automobile for a Manitoulin Island highway journey and head south to drive throughout the swing bridge.
Air Canada
By bus
There are at the moment no public bus connections to/from the island. Nevertheless, there’s a seasonal bus from Toronto to Bruce Peninsula Nationwide Park, that gives entry to the ferry from Tobermory to Manitoulin Island. Discover out extra at Parkbus to guide tickets.
By automobile
As talked about earlier, touring by automobile is the preferred and most handy transport possibility for visiting Manitoulin Island. You possibly can drive to the island throughout the north channel on the well-known swing bridge on Freeway 6 to the northern shore of the island. The bridge is simply 74.5 miles (120km) southwest of Sudbury in Ontario.
As soon as on the island, a automobile is nearly necessary, as public transport is restricted and sights are unfold out.
By Manitoulin Island Ferry
The Chi Cheemaun Ferry runs throughout Georgian Bay from Tobermory in Bruce Peninsula to South Baymouth on the south shore of Manitoulin Island. The ferry is operated by Owen Sound Transportation Firm and presents common each day service from Might till October.
The ferry terminal in Tobermory is simply 180 miles (290 km) from Toronto. You possibly can board the ferry along with your automobile, motorbike, bicycle, or on foot.
If you’re planning a visit to Manitoulin Island in the summertime, significantly the months of July and August, you should definitely guide the ferry properly upfront. Seats are restricted, and provide cannot sustain with demand, so tickets are sometimes bought out weeks upfront, significantly for lengthy weekends.
Greatest Time for Visiting Manitoulin Island
Though Manitoulin Island could be an all-year-round vacation spot, it’s primarily visited in the summertime months. The season on the island spans from late Might to early September, with Might/June and September/October thought of the shoulder months.
For those who plan on touring to Manitoulin Island in the course of the shoulder months, be ready for a quieter go to. Chances are you’ll discover that some eating places don’t open till properly into June, and lots of retailers in cities could restrict their working hours to only weekends.
Spring
The climate on Manitoulin Island stays cool all through Spring, with the typical temperature staying beneath 60℉ (15℃) till late Might. Crowds are non-existent throughout this time of the 12 months, so you possibly can take pleasure in a quieter go to. Spring flowers and waterfalls, at their finest, supply a wonderful nature escape. In spite of everything, out of doors actions are among the finest issues to do on Manitoulin Island.
Summer time
Summer time is by far the preferred time to go to Manitoulin Island. That is when the climate is heat and sunny and when all the things on Manitoulin Island comes alive. July is the warmest month, with a median temperature of round 70℉ (21℃). That is the most effective time to benefit from the seashores and spend loads of time outside. August sees the most popular days and is the busiest time on the island, significantly with households and returning guests.
For those who plan on visiting the island in July or August, you should definitely reserve your lodging properly upfront, as choices on the island are considerably restricted.
You possibly can time your go to with the Wiikwemkoong Annual Cultural Pageant, held on an extended weekend in July or August.
Fall
An underrated time to go throughout to Manitoulin Island is within the Fall, significantly the month of September. The climate tends to be cooler and extra pleasurable, good for hitting the implausible mountaineering trails on the island and catching some beautiful fall folliage.
The crowds dissipate and whereas some eating places and retailers scale back their working hours, there’s nonetheless loads to do on the island. The Manitoulin Island Ferry continues working till October, making ti simple to get to the island and an ideal time to benefit from the space at a extra stress-free tempo.
Winter
Winter could be bitterly chilly on Manitoulin Island. The temperatures get as little as 8℉ (-13℃) in January, so that you’ll undoubtedly must pack your finest winter gear. Nevertheless, in the event you just like the chilly, you’ll be capable to take pleasure in loads of winter sports activities and actions with out the crowds, together with snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and admiring the frozen waterfalls and lakes.
You possibly can even catch the aurora borealis or Northern Lights from October to March, particularly within the Darkish Sky Protect in Gordon’s Park.
Greatest Issues to Do on Manitoulin Island
Whether or not you propose on visiting Manitoulin Island for a weekend or staying for a couple of weeks, there are lots of Manitoulin Island sights to discover. From waterfalls to sandy seashores, mountaineering trails to historic lighthouses, you’ll discover an unimaginable selection to fill your time.
Listed below are our strategies for the most effective issues to do on Manitoulin Island!
Manitoulin Island seaside
Discover Little Present
For those who’re taking a Manitoulin Island highway journey, you’ll possible begin your journey in Little Present, simply throughout the north channel from the mainland. This small city is the hub of exercise on Manitoulin Island. It acts because the getaway to the remainder of the island and presents the most important collection of lodges, eating places, and retailers on the island.
Listed below are a couple of strategies for issues to do in Little Present:
Try Little Present Swing Bridge
Initially inbuilt 1913 for the Algoma Jap Railway, the bridge stays the one land entry to the island. You will get a pleasant view of the bridge from the waterfront footpath, and in the event you’re fortunate, you may even see the swing bridge in motion because it rotates on the hour to permit tall-masted boats to move.
Snap a Photograph at McLean’s Mountain Lookout
Only a bit south of Little Present city, you’ll discover McLean’s Mountain Lookout, slightly stop-off level with a picnic lookout that gives views out over the North Channel. You possibly can drive as much as the lookout for a photograph op, deliver a picnic up for a scenic lunch, or hike as much as the lookout for a little bit of a exercise.
There’s a 3km (1.85 miles) mountaineering path that leads from a footbridge and an archway-like path signal as much as the lookout and again. There are tree markers on the path, so it’s simple to comply with alongside.
Be part of a Cruise with North Channel Excursions
One of the simplest ways to discover the biggest lake on the planet is to get out on the water. North Channel Excursions presents extremely regarded cruises to the Benjamin Islands, Baie Superb Fjord, and the city of Killarney from Little Present.
You possibly can select from half-day journeys to their extra romantic sundown cruises and revel in the fantastic thing about Georgian Bay from a novel perspective. The cruises are guided by educated workers who share insights into the world and the lake’s ecology and wildlife.
Admire the views at Ten Mile Level
Pull off the primary Freeway 6, simply quarter-hour south of Little Present, and also you’ll discover Ten Mile Level Lookout, a terrific spot providing scenic views throughout the bay.
Simply subsequent to the lookout, you’ll discover the Ten Mile Level Buying and selling Publish, a gallery and store promoting Indigenous arts and crafts that help native artists from the island.
Go to Kagawong
On the north shore of Manitoulin Islands, you’ll discover Kagawong, the prettiest village on the island. Within the Ojibwe language, Kagawong means “the place mists rise from falling waters,” a saying that possible references the close by Bridal Veil Falls.
Lots of the finest issues to do on Manitoulin Island could be present in and round Kagawong, so it’s a terrific space to discover whereas on the island. From waterfalls to walks and historic sights, listed below are our suggestions for issues to do in Kagawong.
Admire the Bridal Veil Falls
Positioned simply exterior of the village, off Freeway 540, Bridal Veil Falls is commonly thought of one of many prime issues to do on Manitoulin Island, and for good cause. These beautiful falls are positioned contained in the Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park and are simply accessed by descending a couple of units of stairs from a small parking zone.
The waterfall, fed by the water from Lake Kagawong, incorporates a 35 toes (10-12 metres) drop and presents a picturesque setting alongside the river. In the summertime months, many individuals bounce into the pool to chill off and let the youngsters play beneath the waterfall.
There’s a pretty path that runs alongside the river that connects Bridal Veil Falls to the city of Kagawong.
Go to the Outdated Mill Heritage Centre Museum
Positioned proper on the waterfront within the village middle, this museum and heritage centre was once a pulp mill offering paper for catalogues in Michigan. It’s now house to a group of artifacts and multimedia displays referring to the native historical past.
Try the Kagawong Lighthouse
Positioned simply again from the marina, the historic Kagawong Lighthouse was initially inbuilt 1888. It was then rebuilt after a fireplace within the Eighteen Nineties and has remained in operation till immediately to information the ships offshore. It’s a square-shaped lighthouse, with an automatic gentle now going through out to sea.
Discover Gore Bay
Gore Bay city sits on the backside of Gore Bay and is one other common city on Manitoulin Island. The city is house to 1,000 residents and prides itself in its laid-back and pleasant vibe. It’s a wonderful spot to spend a couple of days surrounded by nature, with unimaginable lookouts and historic websites to discover.
Go to Janet Head Lighthouse
Head north from Gore Bay to search out Janet Head Lighthouse, an unassuming lighthouse with an fascinating story, standing on the north shore of the island. The lighthouse was constructed in 1879 and is the second oldest lighthouse on Manitoulin Island. The white, sq. tower stands 12 meters (40 ft) excessive with a two-story keeper’s home connected.
The Coast Guard continues to keep up the sunshine, which is now automated. There’s a small seaside in entrance with glowing turquoise water for a little bit of a paddle throughout your go to.
Janet Head Lighthouse
Head to the East Bluff Lookout
Positioned on the japanese shore of Gore Bay, the East Bluff Lookout presents among the finest views within the space. It’s positioned just some minutes out of city, alongside East Bluff Street.
Take a brief stroll to the statement deck to admire the expansive outlook overlooking Gore Bay and the North Channel. It’s particularly picturesque at sundown or dawn with the golden gentle reflecting off the ocean.
East Bluff Lookout
Spend time in Windfall Bay
Positioned on the south shore of the island, Windfall Bay is house to the most well-known sandy seaside on Manitoulin. A well-liked spot on heat summer time days, the world additionally has a couple of nice fish-and-chip eating places and lodging within the small village.
Loosen up on Windfall Bay Seashore
The seaside was initially known as “Bebekodawangog,” which suggests “the place the seaside curves across the water” after its lovely curved sandy bay.
It’s extremely crowded in the summertime when the waters are heat and calm, so you should definitely arrive early to snag a spot on the sand. It’s the proper spot for a calming day on the seaside, significantly for households with children.
Windfall Bay Boardwalk
For those who’d want to go off on a stroll and revel in seaside views, make the most of the Windfall Boardwalk that curves across the sand.
It’s accessible to all ages and talents and is a superb place to walk after some fish and chips on the seaside.
Go to M’Chigeeng First Nation Group
Positioned on the north shore of the island between Kagawong and Little Present, M’Chigeeng is a proud First Nation group. It’s the second largest First Nation on Manitoulin Island and was settled in the midst of the nineteenth century when many Anishinabek from the north shore space relocated.
It’s probably the greatest locations to study extra in regards to the Indigenous tradition on the island.
Ojibwe Cultural Basis
Uncover First Nations tradition at this museum, gallery, and studying area targeted on preserving Anishinaabe language, tradition, and spirituality. On show, you’ll discover conventional paintings, together with porcupine quill containers, sweetgrass baskets, and antler carvings. The small museum showcases tales from residential college survivors and presents an perception into a few of their experiences.
Within the busy season, the inspiration additionally runs each day arts and crafts workshops. A fantastic different to the Nice Spirit Circle Path, which used to supply related experiences in M’Chigeeng till its closure. It’s genuinely one of the vital distinctive issues to do on Manitoulin Island.
Manitoulin Island Cultural Centre
Handicraft demon at Manitoulin Island Cultural Centre
Hike the Cup and Saucer Path
Undoubtedly, probably the greatest issues to do on Manitoulin Island is to go off on this common mountaineering path. The Cup and Saucer Path is 12 km (7.5 miles) lengthy, winding via the hardwood forest resulting in a shocking lookout spot. There’s a 2 km (1.2 miles) journey path detour alongside that may have you ever climbing ladders and squeezing via rock caverns, a enjoyable expertise to do on the way in which to or from the lookout.
There are a number of lookouts on the prime, from the place you possibly can admire the Niagara Escarpment, which boasts 70 m (230 toes) excessive cliffs spanning 2 km (1.2 miles), constructed on 450 million-year-old limestone.
The trailhead is simply 5 km (3.1 miles) northeast of M’Chigeeng. There’s a small automobile park and a porter potty however no different amenities on the trailhead. Remember to put on correct footwear, because the path could be muddy and slippery.
Cup and Saucer Path Lookout
Lake Manitou
There are an estimated 100 lakes on Manitoulin Island, which supplies the island a really distinctive panorama. Nevertheless, the biggest of the lakes is Lake Manitou, which is technically the biggest lake inside an island inside a freshwater lake!
Kayaking or Canoeing on Lake Manitou
One of the crucial stress-free issues to do on Manitoulin Island is heading out on a canoe or kayaking journey on Lake Manitou. You’ll discover canoe or kayak leases on the northern facet of the lake at Uncle Steve’s Park and Cabins.
It’s particularly lovely at sundown time, so in the event you’re staying shut by, plan your kayaking journey for late afternoon. Lake Manitou is known for its fish, together with bass, perch, whitefish, pike, pickerel, lake trout, and ling.
South Baymouth
Because the gateway to Manitoulin Island for many who come by ferry throughout the Tobermory, South Baymouth is a tiny little settlement the place South Bay joins Lake Huron. Whereas there’s not a lot to do there, we are able to counsel a terrific stroll so as to add to your itinerary.
South Baymouth Lookout Path
Only a brief stroll from the ferry terminal, you’ll discover South Baymouth Lookout Path, a comparatively simple, family-friendly expertise. The stroll takes about 20-Half-hour, following the path and boardwalk near the coast.
Alongside the way in which, you’ll be capable to admire some native plant species and birdlife, together with views out over the marina. The path can get barely soggy after rain, so good strolling footwear are really useful.
West Manitoulin Island
A far much less inhabited a part of the island, the western half of Manitoulin is house to extra rugged terrain and spectacular views. Nevertheless, when you’ve got the time, among the most spectacular issues to do on Manitoulin Island could be discovered on this area.
Listed below are our strategies:
Distress Bay Provincial Park
A extra distant a part of the island, Distress Bay, is discovered on the south coast, about 38km (23.6 miles) southwest of Gore Bay. As the one working provincial park, it’s house to a novel ecosystem with uncommon crops, birds, and rock formations.
It’s a day-use-only park with about 15 km (9.3 miles) of mountaineering trails for many who are eager to go birdwatching and absorb some epic views. We suggest heading off on the 5km (3.1 mile) Distress Bay Path Loop, which takes in among the most original landscapes and geology elements of the park, together with wetlands, previous glacial seashores, glacial boulders, striations, grykes, and erratics.
Meldrum Bay
Searching for full seclusion? On the finish of the highway on the far western finish of the island, you’ll discover Meldrum Bay. Initially settled within the 1870s, it was as soon as a fishing village however has since turn into a extra laid-back vacation spot for individuals to flee the summer time crowds.
Through the summer time months, kayak and paddleboard leases can be found to discover the bay. Plus, there’s a regionally run campground proper on the water if you wish to keep the evening underneath the celebrities in your trailer or tent.
Greatest Eating places in Manitoulin Island
Manitoulin Island is undoubtedly an up-and-coming foodie vacation spot. There are a selection of nice little eateries dotted across the island. These are our favourites!
Break up Rail Brewing CO: Positioned simply close to the Gore Bay Marina, Break up Rail was the island’s first craft brewery opening in 2015. With lakeside views from the patio, you possibly can style a few of their beers and ciders, together with some seasonal native meals.
Manitoulin Brewing Firm: Closely concerned in the area people, Manitoulin Brewing Firm was began by three native guys on Lake Huron’s north channel shore in Little Present. They’ve raised cash for Indigenous girls and women and labored with native Indigenous artists. You possibly can go to their Farm Silo, a shelling out bar serving up their craft beers, together with a meals truck serving scrumptious meals.
Lake Huron Fish and Chips: Positioned in Windfall Bay, this small fish and chips spot simply again from the seaside serves up regionally sourced meals. Specializing within the tastiest native Whitefish and the favored deep-fried haddock fish and chips in a home made beer batter. You too can take pleasure in a vegetarian burger for many who go for plant-based meals. It’s necessary to notice that they’re solely open seasonally from Might till September.
Backyard’s Gate Cafe: Established in 1991 and simply 10 minutes away from South Baymouth ferry terminal, this cozy restaurant presents a farm-to-table menu specializing in regionally sourced components and plant-based choices. From pan-seared lake trout to creamy backyard risotto, you’ll discover slightly little bit of all the things on the menu. In addition they supply market objects on the market from native artisans and growers.
Manitoulin Island Chocolate
Greatest Accommodations in Manitoulin Island
Manitoulin Island lodging fluctuate extensively from affordable motels as much as higher-end resorts providing a calming escape. Listed below are our prime suggestions for locations to remain on the island.
Manitoulin Lodge and Convention Centre: This laidback, comfy lodge and convention centre is just some minutes stroll from the Little Present Lighthouse. With decor impressed by First Nations individuals, the lodge additionally presents Indigenous training and cultural experiences for friends, which we actually recognize. With queen rooms and king suites ranging from $130 per evening, it’s a terrific mid-range possibility.
Hawberry Motel : For one thing extra budget-friendly, think about this straightforward but comfy motel just some minutes stroll from the waterfront in Little Present. With simply 22 fundamental rooms, you’ll discover one thing for everybody, together with households. Costs begin from simply $100 per evening.
Crimson Lodge Resort: For a secluded escape, this resort is positioned on the shore of Lake Manitou. They provide rustic cottages with verandas, kitchenettes, and lake views to take a seat again and chill out after exploring the island. The onsite restaurant focuses on wholesome native meals, with loads of vegetarian and gluten-free choices. It’s additionally pet-friendly if you wish to deliver alongside your four-legged good friend for a weekend away. Costs begin from round $117 per evening.