Family-Friendly Things to Do on Manitoulin Island

The largest freshwater island in the world, Manitoulin Island is full of places to explore with the whole family. From a wide array of First Nations cultural experiences to outdoor adventures, Manitoulin is the perfect destination for families!

Great Spirit Circle Trail

The Great Spirit Circle Trail offers authentic Aboriginal experiences that explore the culture and traditions of the Anishinaabe people of Manitoulin Island. They offer many different packages including a Canoe Heritage Tour, a Hiker’s Enthusiast Package that includes an overnight stay at the Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre and a guided hike of the Cup and Saucer, and much more.

You can even stay in a tee-pee with the Great Spirit Circle Trail’s Tee-Pee Glamping and Voice of the Drum package. The tee-pees are outfitted with twin or king beds and plush duvets, buffalo hides and furs, and lounge chairs. You’ll also experience the Voice of the Drum with its introduction to traditional song and dance and an amazing drum performance.

Ojibwe Cultural Foundation

The Ojibwe Cultural Foundation is the perfect place to visit to learn more about the Anishinaabe culture of Manitoulin Island. It is home to the Manitoulin Spirit Island Art Gallery, the Manitoulin Spirit Island Museum, Cultural Arts Theatre and Ampitheatre.

The Manitoulin Spirit Museum features exhibits on the history, culture, customs, practices, and beliefs of the Anishinaabe people. The museum features everything from ancient scrolls to items and information from recent history.

Click here for more information about what the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation has to offer.

Gordon’s Park Eco Resort

Gordon’s Park Eco Resort is home to many different types of accommodations and activities for families. They offer camping spots, tipi tenting, cabins, and a bed and breakfast as options for where to lay your heads at the end of a day of exploring. Gordon’s Park has expansive hiking trails, an interpretive nature centre, a pool, 18-hole mini putt and much more! A Royal Astronomical Society of Canada designated Dark Sky Preserve makes it the ideal location to view the Northern Lights and other cosmic wonders! 

Visit a Pow Wow

Manitoulin Island is an absolute gem when it comes to experiencing First Nations culture. All summer long, the Island plays host to a long list of Pow Wows and cultural celebrations.

Click here for a list of Pow Wows on Manitoulin Island, and click here to learn more about visiting a Pow Wow for the first time.

M.S. Chi-Cheemaun

Getting to Manitoulin Island really is half the fun when you hop aboard the M.S. Chi-Cheemaun – a car/passenger ferry connecting Tobermory at the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula to South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island. While on board, you can choose to relax in a chair on the ship’s deck, learn about the Region from local information officers, or participate in on-board experiences like art exhibits, storytelling, live music and more!

Click here for the ferry’s schedule.

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