An RV Adventure Through Northern Ontario – Part 3

After six days on the road, part three of our Northern Ontario RV journey begins with a dream finally coming true—Manitoulin Island. With its peaceful pace, picture-perfect beaches, and rich cultural roots, the island sets the tone for the final stretch of our eight-day loop through part of Northern Ontario.
Beach & RV - Northeastern Ontario

And so, the journey continues on day six of our eight-day Northern Ontario RV adventure through northern Ontario.

Today marks the beginning of part three, and our anticipation is palpable.

We are on the verge of crossing off a monumental item from our bucket list – Manitoulin Island, the world’s largest freshwater island, nestled amidst the pristine waters of Lake Huron. With its quiet roads, stunning views, minimal traffic (just one traffic light on the entire island), numerous lakes, extensive hiking trails, and breathtaking scenery, we knew visiting the island was a must when planning our RV adventure in Northern Ontario

DAY 6 – Elliot Lake to Manitoulin Island – 217 km

We are very excited as we embark on the next part of our adventure. We are grateful for the opportunity to experience Manitoulin Island’s wonders, which we have been looking forward to for a long time. Finally, we are about to make that dream a reality. Let’s go.

Swing Bridge - Manitoulin Island

First thing First, Getting here

If you plan to visit, it’s important to note that you are limited to two options since this is an island.

  • Option number one and the one that works for us coming from the north. We follow Highway 6 to Little Current and cross the Little Current Swing Bridge, one of Canada’s few swing bridges.
  • Option number two: You can take the MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry from Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula to South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island between May and October. The ferry ride lasts approximately 2 hours and offers an exciting experience as you travel across the beautiful waters of Georgian Bay. We highly recommend making reservations in advance.
Exploring Manitoulin Island - Ten Mile Point, Restaurant

Welcome to the island: Little Current is the bustling hub of Manitoulin Island, and it offers a delightful array of local shops and restaurants. During our visit, we treated ourselves to a delicious lunch on the patio of Anchor Inn and strolled along Main Street and the picturesque waterfront to explore the local shops. Later, we stopped by Manitoulin Brewery to shop for tonight’s refreshments and then headed to Ten Mile Point Trading Post, which has an impressive collection of unique local souvenirs and captivating artwork. We enjoyed exploring this beautiful establishment and couldn’t resist taking a piece of Manitoulin Island home with us.

Campsite - Manitoulin Island

We set camp at Providence Bay Tent and Trailer Park as our home base for exploring the island. Our spacious site provided easy access for our 28-foot RV, plus convenient beach access and essential amenities.

Boardwalk - Manitoulin Island

We didn’t venture very far during our first attempt to explore the area. As we crossed the road from the campground, we were welcomed by Providence Bay Beach, considered one of the finest in Ontario. Its pristine sandy shores and crystal-clear blue waters were so inviting that we ended up spending quite some time there.

Exploring Manitoulin Island

In the community of Providence Bay, which is located nearby, we had the opportunity to relish mouth-watering fish and chips at Huron Fish & Chips, enjoy aromatic coffee and delicious sweets at Providence Peace Cafe, explore the charming souvenirs at Mutchmore, and listen to live music at the Harbour Center. While it is possible to access Providence Bay by road from the campground, we found that strolling along the boardwalk on the beach’s edge was a much more enjoyable way to get there.

DAY 7 – Manitoulin Island, Let’s Explore

“The early bird gets the worm.” With a list of stops on our agenda, we roll out early.

Our main reason for the early start is our first stop. Bridal Veil Falls, an awe-inspiring 11-meter high cascade, is an absolute must-visit.

You can walk behind the curtain of rushing water, which we did, and take a dip in the natural pool at the falls’ base, which we did not but should have.

Brideil Veil Falls - Manitoulin Island

Bridal Veil Falls is perhaps Manitoulin Island’s most popular attraction. The parking by the falls is limited, especially for a large RV. Arriving early meant we could get a parking spot.

There are more parking options in the nearby hamlet of Kagawong. You will find plenty of parking room for larger RVs and hiking trails to the falls here.

Exploring Manitoulin Island

The community of Kagawong is a hidden gem where you can find an abundance of fresh produce and exquisite handmade crafts. We satisfied our sweet tooth during our visit by trying out some delectable treats at Manitoulin Chocolate and Boobahloo Candy. We also enjoyed exploring the charming shops and galleries in the area.

Split Rail Brewing Co. Sunset at the Beach - Manitoulin Island

We make our way west to Gore Bay and the Split Rail Brewery, where we are greeted by the scent of Jamaica coming from the barbeque. The jerk chicken is delicious, as is the beer.

We settled in for the sunset at Providence Bay Beach, which does not disappoint, before returning to our campsite for our last campfire of this adventure.

Manitoulin Island Sign

DAY 8 – Destination Home

We hoped to continue our trip aboard the MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry to Tobermory, but our schedules did not align, so we retraced our steps north over the Little Current Swing Bridge and Highway 6.

We stop by the Big Nickel in Sudbury. The nine-metre (30 ft) replica of a 1951 Canadian nickel is located at the Dynamic Earth Science Museum. Enjoy a guided underground tour, multimedia theatres, engaging exhibits, and an outdoor science park here. We participated in the Dynamic Earth experience on a previous visit, so we grabbed a selfie with Big Nickel this time around.

Lunch at Hungry Bear Restaurant, French River Trading Post is a must; the burgers here are excellent.

Exploring Northeastern Ontario - Sudbury, French River

Our final official stop on our eight-day Norther Ontario RV adventure is at the French River Provincial Park Visitor Centre. The centre exhibits the fascinating history of the First Nations, French and English cultures that have inhabited, laboured and journeyed through these waters for centuries. Additionally, you can explore the river gorge by walking across the bridge outside.

What an adventure, eight days and 2600 kilometres on the odometer, and we wish we could keep rolling.

Are you planning your next RVing adventure in Ontario? Follow your wanderlust to northern Ontario and create unforgettable memories on your next RV journey.

About Martin Lortz

Martin Lortz is a freelance photographer/writer specializing in the outdoor lifestyle. Whether he is covering adventure motorcycling, kayak fishing or family oriented outdoor pursuits, his passion for capturing the beauty of nature and the people that partake in it, is evident in his work. His photos and articles have appeared in magazines such as Ski Canada, Explore, Bike, Mountain Life, Couloir, Kayak Angler and Family Camping, as well as in calendars, catalogs and brochures.

Recommended Articles

The Seven's Best Hikes, Biking Trails and Lakes

Scenic vistas, white pine, and waterfalls await!

7 Best Spots to Check Out in The Seven

From Killarney to Kirkland Lake, Mattawa to Manitoulin, here are all the best things to see and do in Northeastern Ontario.

Budget Bliss: Explore Northeastern Ontario Without Breaking the Bank

These budget-friendly spots in The Seven offer affordable (and sometimes free) fun for everyone.

Bring Your Fam!

7 family-friendly places to explore in The Seven.

Time to Unwind: 6 Spa Havens to Discover In The Seven

Check out these next-level ways to pamper yourself on your Northeastern Ontario getaway

5 Amazing Places to SUP in Northeastern Ontario

From Stormy Lake to Marathon Beach, there's an incredible SUP adventure waiting for you here.

5 Amazing Bike Rides to Discover

Varied terrain, quiet roads, and flowy trails—The Seven is calling.

Northern Lights in Northeastern Ontario

5 great spots in The Seven to find the Aurora Borealis.

Northeastern Ontario's Best Pride Festivals

Get ready to celebrate inclusivity, diversity, and community in these vibrant Canadian areas.

Fish for one of the World's Rarest Species of Trout

Found only in 12 remote Ontario lakes–and nowhere else in the world–the aurora trout is a special fish.

An Insider's Guide to Manitoulin Island

12 communities, sights, hikes and experiences that most first-time visitors miss!

6 Small-Town Gems to Explore in Northeastern Ontario

Award-winning distilleries, quirky theatres, boating adventures, and historic museums, Northeastern Ontario is yours to explore.

11 Best Things to Do in Kapuskasing, Ontario

Gourmet cheese, hammocks in the park, and Canadian-Szechuan cuisine await in this historic lumber town

Best Things to Do in Kirkland Lake: The Town that Gold Built

Check out a self-guided gold mine tour, a northern chateau museum, and get some beach time!

Search Northeastern Ontario