Discover Manitoulin Island: Your Ultimate Guide to Ontario's Island Retreat
With breathtaking trails, pristine beaches, and rich Indigenous heritage and culture, the world's largest freshwater island promises an adventure like no other.
Manitoulin Island, the world's largest freshwater island, is a hidden gem in the heart of the Great Lakes region of Ontario, Canada. Known locally as Mnidoo Mnising in Anishinaabemowin, this unique destination offers a blend of natural beauty, rich Indigenous culture, and outdoor adventures. Here's your ultimate guide to exploring Manitoulin Island.
Where is Manitoulin Island?
The Little Current Swing Bridge—gateway to Manitoulin Island.
Manitoulin Island is located in Lake Huron, Ontario, approximately a one-and-a-half-hour drive southwest from Sudbury via the iconic Little Current Swing Bridge. The island separates the larger part of Lake Huron from Georgian Bay to the east and the North Channel to the north.
Getting to Manitoulin Island
The island is an ideal destination for exploration by car, RV, or motorcycle*. From Toronto, head up Highway 400 to Sudbury, then hop on Highway 17 West to Espanola. From there, it's a straight shot down Highway 6 to the Little Current Swing Bridge.
Alternatively, you can take the full-service MS Chi-Cheemaun (Ojibwe for "big canoe") ferry from Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula to South Baymouth on Manitoulin. The ferry operates from the first Friday in May until the Sunday after Thanksgiving in October. Buy tickets online here.
Highlights: Found on the island's eastern side, this community is the largest Indigenous community on Manitoulin. Rich in culture and history, it offers various cultural experiences and events.
Highlights: Manitowaning is one of the oldest settlements on the island, featuring the Centennial Museum of Sheguiandah and historical sites.
Outdoor Activities on Manitoulin Island
See the beautiful views along the causeway to Meldrum Bay.
Manitoulin Island boasts a variety of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. Visitors to the island will find many opportunities to camp, hike, fish or swim at a variety of beautiful beaches along the shores of Lake Huron. The island has four main rivers: the Kagawong, Manitou, Blue Jay Creek and the Mindemoya, each providing spawning grounds for trout and salmon. Manitoulin Island has 108 freshwater lakes, some of which have their own islands. Lake Manitou is the largest lake in a freshwater island in the world.
There are so many activities to explore on the island—take a look at these fun ways to experience Manitoulin's natural charms:
A hiker’s dream, virtually every community on Manitoulin boasts its own unique hiking trail. Most range in difficulty from easy to moderate, with the M’Chigeeng Trail and the famous Cup and Saucer Trail being the more challenging exceptions. Here is a list of the top trails to explore:
Bowerman Trails in South Baymouth Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Waiting for the Chi-Cheemaun ferry or just disembarked? The Bowerman Trails are a great way to spend your time (about an hour), offering a delightful detour with beautiful views.
Manitoulin Eco Park Difficulty: Easy On Hwy 6, just north of Hwy 542, this private park and dark sky preserve features a nature interpretive centre and three hiking trails through five different ecosystems, offering an immersive nature experience.
Little Current Recreational Walking Trail Difficulty: Easy This 12 km path is well-lit, labelled and includes minimal elevation changes (and benches), making it ideal for a relaxing walk.
Misery Bay Trail Difficulty: Easy Misery Bay Provincial Nature Reserve, located 10 minutes west of Evansville, is an 860-hectare park on the south shore of Manitoulin Island, offering a tranquil natural escape.
McLean’s Park Difficulty: Easy Nestled on New England Road off Hwy 6, midway between Manitowaning and South Baymouth, this 100-acre park offers verdant landscapes perfect for a serene hike.
Bridal Veil Falls Trail System Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Situated in Kagawong, the Bridal Veil Falls trail system provides easy access to stunning waterfalls and scenic trails, making it a must-visit destination. Take a dip in the almost magical pool at the bottom of the falls, or enjoy a picnic at the top.
The gorgeous Bridal Veil Falls is a must-visit for anyone who comes to this island oasis.
Noble Nature Trail Difficulty: Easy to Moderate This 1.1 km trail offers a pleasant stroll starting at the intersection of Water and Bay Streets on the Gore Bay shoreline, ideal for a relaxing nature walk.
Gore Bay Boardwalk Trail Difficulty: Easy The Boardwalk Trail follows the town’s waterfront and connects with the Noble Nature Trail, providing a leisurely and scenic walk.
Wagg’s Wood Difficulty: Easy Located right off Hwy 542, across from the municipal office in Mindemoya, Wagg’s Wood offers a convenient and beautiful hiking experience, with 4 distinct woodland trails including an accessibility trail for anyone with mobility issues or strollers.
Sheshegwaning - Nimkee’s Hiking Trail Difficulty: Easy to Moderate North of Silver Water off Hwy 540 in the Sheshegwaning First Nation, it offers gorgeous views of the North Channel and boreal forest.
Bebamikawe Memorial Trail Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate Located at the end of Beach Road in Wikwemikong, the Bebamikawe Memorial Trail offers 14 km of picturesque trails featuring spectacular lookouts and educational signage. Perfect for nature lovers of all skill levels. *Note: You will require a parking permit, which you can get here.
M’Chigeeng Trail Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult Short but steep, the 5-kilometre M’Chigeeng Trail offers a good workout, views of the area, and a fun photo op of the Hollywood-esque trail sign.
Cup and Saucer Trail Difficulty: Challenging Located 20 km west of Little Current, with ample parking off Highway 540, 3 km past the Bidwell Road corner, the Cup and Saucer Trail is renowned for its challenging terrain and breathtaking views. This trail takes you to the highest point on the island (PS: Check out the ale inspired by it by Manitoulin Brewing).
Soak up the sun and rejuvenate at Providence Bay Beach.
Beaches in Manitoulin Island
Manitoulin Island is home to numerous beautiful beaches, perfect for enjoying the island's natural beauty. Here's a list of some of the notable beaches you can visit:
Features: One of the island's most popular beaches, known for its long sandy shoreline, boardwalk, and shallow, crystal-clear waters. Amenities and restaurants within walking distance and a playground on the beach make it a convenient and fabulous destination for families.
Features: A more secluded and undeveloped beach, known for its pristine sand dunes and clear waters. It's a great spot for those looking for a quieter experience.
Features: A small, charming beach located near the marina, offering beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere.
These beaches provide a range of experiences, from popular and family-friendly spots to more secluded and natural areas.
Camping on Manitoulin Island
These campgrounds offer a range of experiences from full-service sites to more rustic options, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your preferences. Be sure to check availability and book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Features: Offers a variety of camping options, including tent sites and cabin rentals. Amenities include a sandy beach, boat rentals, and picnic areas.
Features: A family-friendly campground with sites for tents and RVs, close to the popular Providence Bay Beach. Facilities include restrooms, showers, and picnic tables.
Location: Highway 6, just north of Highway 542, near the town of Little Current
Features: This designated Dark Sky Preserve, nestled in a hardwood forest, offers a perfect setting for connecting with nature and some of the best stargazing around.
Location: Near Killarney Provincial Park on the mainland, part of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory
Features: Owned and operated by the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory as a backcountry wilderness park. It offers incredible hiking trails, canoe routes, backcountry campsites and cultural tours.
Manitoulin Eco Park offers opportunities to experience the natural wonder of this extremely beautiful place.
Learn About Local Indigenous Cultures
Manitoulin Island is home to six First Nations communities. The island is a significant cultural and historical area for Indigenous peoples. Each First Nation has its own unique traditions, languages, and cultural practices, creating a rich diversity on the island. You are encouraged to read about each First Nation using the links below to learn about the communities before you arrive. The First Nations communities on Manitoulin Island include:
Wikwemikong Unceded Territory—Located on the eastern side of the island and home to the largest Anishnaabek community on the Island.
Attending a pow wow on Manitoulin is an experience like no other. // The Sheguiandah Annual Jiingtamok
Festivals on Manitoulin Island
Attend the Wiikwemkoong Annual Cultural Festival to experience the vibrant culture of the Anishinaabe people. This festival showcases traditional dance, music, crafts, and local cuisine, providing a deep insight into the island’s Indigenous heritage.
Best Things to See on Manitoulin Island
Gore Bay: History enthusiasts will appreciate the Gore Bay & Western Manitoulin Museum, housed in a former jail with exhibits about the island’s marine history and daily life in the past. You can also take some time to enjoy the scenic boardwalk.
Kagawong: Besides Bridal Veil Falls, explore the Old Mill Heritage Centre and enjoy local coffee at the Sugar Bush Canadian Coffee House.
Check out the beautiful sandy beach at Providence Bay.
In M’Chigeeng First Nation, explore the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation, which hosts cultural events and workshops. The foundation also has a craft studio, gift shop, and museum showcasing Anishinaabe art from ancient times to the present.
Learn about Manitoulin's many lighthouses and their stunning locations. // The Mississagi Lighthouse, Meldrum Bay
Where to Stay on Manitoulin Island
Manitoulin Island offers a range of accommodations to suit every traveller's needs. From charming bed and breakfasts to rustic cottages and modern lodges, you'll find the perfect place to stay while exploring the island.
Many of the fishing lodges on Manitoulin offer a range of fishing experiences, from guided trips to self-guided adventures, along with various accommodations to suit different preferences.
It’s always a good idea to check availability and book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Description: A modern, Indigenous-owned hotel with a design that is infused with symbolism and meaning, and decor that reflects the First Nations traditions. Offering a range of rooms and suites, it features amenities such as a fitness center, on-site dining, and conference facilities, and also provides easy access to local attractions and scenic views of the waterfront.
Description: A waterfront resort with 6 modern cottages with on-site nature trails, local wildlife, children’s playground, fishing and other outdoor activities.
Description: Situated on the waterfront of beautiful Gore Bay, this historical inn has been rated among the top ten B&B's in Ontario by Cottage Life Magazine.
Description: A quaint bed and breakfast with beautiful gardens and cozy accommodations, near the Cup and Saucer hiking trail and Wikwemikong Cultural Festival.
Features: Private lakeside cottages, self-guided or fully-guided fishing, paddling packages and sightseeing trips. Close to hiking trails, art galleries, and local amenities, yet far enough away to be quiet and peaceful.
Features: Luxurious waterfront rooms as well as cabin rentals, surrounded by the natural beauty of Gore Bay. Onsite dining at the Watersedge Pub and Restaurant.
Features: A charming resort located in Mindemoya, offering a range of accommodations including cottages and cabins. Known for its beautiful garden setting and tranquil atmosphere.
Find more accommodation ideas on Manitoulin with this Insider’s Guide.
Description: A historic hotel offering cozy rooms and a full-service restaurant, lively bar and street-side patio. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious cuisine. Located in the heart of Little Current, it's an ideal spot for exploring the town and enjoying local hospitality.
Welcome to Northern Ontario, Canada! Bigger than Texas, wilder than the west, more welcoming than a campfire in October, Northern Ontario is like no place else. Sunset Country is famous for its spectacular fishing lakes, Superior Country has friendly towns and a superior coastline, Algoma Country has bucket list drives and epic outdoor adventure, and the Northeast provides excellent vacation destinations close to Toronto and other large urban centres in Southern Ontario.
