7 Amazing Northern Ontario Islands You Must Visit: Go Island Hopping This Summer

Larger in size than many countries, Northern Ontario, Canada has its fair share of astonishing landscapes. With over 250,000 freshwater lakes, some islands here are definitely worth a visit. 

Here are seven island destinations you should put on your bucket list.

1. Manitoulin Island, Lake Huron

When you hold the distinction of being the largest freshwater island in the world, you'll be at the top of any list, especially this one. With an area of 2,766 sq km (1,068 sq mi), Manitoulin Island has over 100 inland lakes and is part of the rugged Canadian Shield country on northern Lake Huron. The island has deep significance to Indigenous people who live there. Traditional activities such as Pow Wows are held each summer. You can get to the island on the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry or drive to Espanola, then head south on Highway 6 until you get to the swing bridge to the island.

• Check out our insider's guide to Manitoulin Island. 

2. St. Joseph Island, Lake Superior and Lake Huron

Did you know that St. Joseph Island, located in the channel between Lake Huron and Lake Superior, is the sixth-largest lake island in the world, with an area of 365 sq km (141 sq mi)? It's part of the Manitoulin Islands chain and not far from the City of Sault Ste. Marie. You can tour the island by car, motorcycle or bike and enjoy the beauty of the great lakes. Summertime is when everything heats up, so it's definitely the season to visit. 

3. Georgian Bay Islands National Park, Lake Huron

Just hop aboard the Day Tripper for a scenic 15-minute ride to spend a day of fun and adventure at Georgian Bay Islands National Park. The park is part of the largest freshwater archipelago on earth and offers stunning natural landscapes amid Lake Huron. If you want a longer experience, you can book a cabin or campsite within the park. It's a great family vacation destination where kids can enjoy time swimming and roasting marshmallows around the campfire. You'll be stunned by the scenery and won't want to miss the experience of Beausoleil Island National Historic Site, a testament to 5,000 years of indigenous settlement. 

4. Mission Island, Lake Superior

Mission Island, located near Thunder Bay, Ontario, is a worthwhile visit, especially for those who love nature. The Mission Island Marsh is an Ontario Conservation Area home to many nesting waterfowl species. A walking trail allows you to walk through the marsh and observe nature at its finest. Mission Island also has wildlife, such as whitetail deer and foxes. It's a great place to bring kids and is open year-round.

5. Sable Islands, Lake of the Woods

The Sable Islands on Lake of the Woods are unique because the "islands" are sand dunes that change shape depending on the water level and weather conditions. In high water years, the islands can change in number, and the soft, powdery sands of the dunes are fun to explore and walk on. Located on the south end of the lake adjacent to Big Traverse Bay, the landscapes here are much different than the rocky shorelines you see on the central and northern parts of the lake. Standing on the dunes overlooking the bay makes it feel like you're in the Caribbean. Shallow water makes for great swimming. The islands are only accessible by boat.

6. Manitou Islands Provincial Park, Lake Nippissing

Manitou Islands Provincial Park is an island destination comprising four islands on Lake Nipissing, around 10 km southwest of North Bay, Ontario. It is a day-use trip to visit the beautiful sand beach, swim, and relax. While designated a Provincial Park, there are no facilities per se, but if you enjoy being on the lake and relaxing in the sun, the beach visit definitely makes it worth the trip. The islands are ecologically important, home to over 50 species of birds and nesting grounds for Osprey and Great Blue Herons.

7. Slate Islands Provincial Park, Lake Superior

Perhaps the most remote island destination on this list, Slate Islands is an archipelago of 15 islands, and a Natural Environment Provincial Park located approximately 12 km (7.5 mi) south of the Town of Terrace Bay on Lake Superior. The Province of Ontario has designated it a Provincial Park primarily to protect the Woodland Caribou herd, which resides on the island and is the largest herd in Ontario. Slate Islands is notable most as a destination for sea kayakers and backcountry hiking enthusiasts. Naturally Superior Adventures offers an annual sea kayaking trip to the park each year.

• Check out the top 12 things to see on the Slate Islands.

Discover These Incredible Northern Ontario Islands This Summer

Visit Sunset Country, Algoma Country, Superior Country, and Northeastern Ontario to learn more and plan your trip. 

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