Located in Northern Ontario on the shores of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, Manitoulin Island is the most important freshwater island in the world. There are many issues to do in Manitoulin Island from studying about First Nation heritage on the Great Spirit Circle Trail to having fun with the great thing about Lake Huron, listed here are the perfect concepts to provide help to plan your journey.
Things to Do In Manitoulin Island
Just consider exploring 2766 km2 (1167 sq. miles) of pristine panorama. Part of the Niagara Escarpment, Manitoulin Island gives some wonderful nature experiences, unimaginable mountaineering trails, cultural experiences, and extra. Here are our high picks for what you possibly can’t miss when visiting Manitoulin Island.
1. Hike Cup and Saucer Trail
One of the best adventures to be had on Manitoulin Island is to hike the Cup and Saucer path. The Cup and Saucer mountaineering path is the quintessential hike of Manitoulin Island. Heck, it’s one of many Quintessential hikes in all of Ontario! It begins in a car parking zone off the primary highway, and inside a few hundred meters (600 ft or so) the steep rocky climb begins. Beginner hikers might discover it difficult, however keep it up, the payoff is definitely worth the climb up roots, over boulders, and thru the muddy path after a wet evening. We didn’t count on the views to be so staggering.
The foremost path is roughly 4 kilometers lengthy, with an extra 2 kilometers of aspect trails, together with the favored Adventure Trail that takes hikers alongside slender cliff edges and thru distinctive rock formations.
Climbing up to the second lookout took us up 70 meters (210 ft). The star of the present is the overhanging rock plunging into the valley beneath. Looking over the escarpment, lakes, and wetlands is a sight that can take your breath away. We may have spent hours taking images of the view.
The trailhead for the Cup and Saucer Trail is positioned on Highway 540, roughly 18 kilometers west of Little Current. The trailhead and car parking zone are on the north aspect of the freeway, and there are indicators marking the doorway. The bodily tackle is 9110 Highway 540, Sheguiandah, ON P0P 1W0, Canada.
2. Great Spirit Circle Trail
We extremely advocate taking a tour with the Great Spirit Circle Trail You can hike this by yourself, or take a tour. You will find out about native natural world and native customs and legends of the First Nations folks. It is without doubt one of the finest experiences for cultural journey we’ve ever had in Canada and in case you go to Manitoulin Island, be certain to take a look at the guests middle to be taught of all of the wonderful First Nation experiences.
3. Go Horseback Riding
Step again in time to go horseback driving on Manitoulin Island and spend an evening tenting on the island. Take in the attractive view of the island from the plateau as you get to know your horse. Riding on Manitoulin is a enjoyable and difficult journey with lots of ascents and descents on rocky trails. For an actual rustic Ontario expertise, that is the journey for us!
4. Swim Under Bridal Veil Falls
Even our financial institution teller advised us that we had to go to Bridal Veil Falls when visiting Manitoulin Island. It’s the primary attraction for everybody touring to Manitoulin Island. Located proper off the highway and only a quick stroll down well-maintained metallic stairs, Bridal Veil Falls is an ideal spot for a dip. this stunning waterfall is without doubt one of the hottest points of interest in Kagawong. You can hike to the underside of the falls and swim in the pool beneath.
Kids beloved taking part in underneath the falls and Dave and I beloved strolling behind them to take images. Since Bridal Veil Falls so standard it’s fairly crowded so arrive early. We waited round for the folks to filter and by late afternoon we had all of it to ourselves.
5. Stick Around Kagawong
In addition to the gorgeous Bridal Veil Falls, Kagawong on Manitoulin Island has a myriad of different points of interest and actions for guests to get pleasure from. Nature fanatics will admire the attractive Kagawong River Trail, a scenic path that meanders alongside the river and gives breathtaking views of the encircling panorama.
For these with a candy tooth, the Kagawong Chocolate Works is a must-visit, with its scrumptious handmade candies and treats. History and tradition buffs will discover the Old Mill Heritage Centre fascinating, because it supplies a complete take a look at the historical past and tradition of Manitoulin Island and the Great Lakes. Another choice for chocolate lovers is the Manitoulin Chocolate Works, which gives an array of handmade candies and different delectable sweets.
Lastly, don’t miss the possibility to discover the native artwork galleries and outlets in Kagawong, the place you could find distinctive, domestically made crafts merchandise.
6. Hiking Trails of Manitoulin Island
There is little question that mountaineering is without doubt one of the high issues to do in Manitoulin Island. There is the M’chigeeng Hiking Trail, South Bay Lookout, and the Bebamikawe Memorial Trail to identify a number of. The Bebamikawe Memorial Trail is a protracted, however reasonable 14 km hike that takes you to lookouts and vistas alongside a mixture of double and single-track trails.
7. Medicine Walk and Talk
Something that makes Manitoulin Island so particular is the possibility to immerse in the tradition of The First Nation People. In Africa, Australia, and throughout Southeast Asia now we have taken half in drugs walks, and on Manitoulin, we had the possibility to be taught concerning the medicinal vegetation of the island with our First Nation’s information, Falcon. We began with a smudging ceremony to give thanks to the land and surroundings after which went on a guided hike by way of the wonderful mountaineering trails to be taught what the vegetation are used for. This is fascinating and may be booked by way of the Great Spirit Circle Trail.
8. Sunset Canoe
If you occur to go to on the proper time of the month, you possibly can paddle the North Channel underneath the complete moonlight. We had been a bit late for the complete moon and the climate was a bit tough, so we as an alternative made our manner to Otter Lake with Aboriginal Guide Falcon to canoe underneath the celebs. When visiting Canada, you could give canoeing a strive. You’ll have the possibility to canoe with an skilled and listen to their tales concerning the vessel that the First Nations launched to the fur merchants and early European explorers. This sundown canoe was a part of our Great Spirit Circle tour bundle, however you possibly can simply guide canoe excursions and leases throughout the island.
9. Paddle Lake Manitou
You also can go paddling on Lake Manitou. ake Manitou is the most important lake on an island in the world, overlaying over 100 sq. kilometers, and its clear waters are surrounded by lush forests and rugged cliffs. The identify “Manitou” itself is derived from the Ojibwe phrase for spirit or deity, reflecting the religious significance of the lake to the native Ojibwe communities. Lake Manitou is comparatively undeveloped, offering a serene and tranquil surroundings. It will not be unusual to have giant sections of the lake totally to your self.
10. Misery Bay Provincial Park
Misery Bay Provincial Park is the one provincial park on Manitoulin Island. It’s probably the greatest locations to go mountaineering on Manitoulin Island with 15 km of mountaineering trails starting from a 2km loop to an 8km loop. The trails provide stunning views of Lake Huron.
11. Voice of the Drum
The drum is the middle of Aboriginal lives. We realized totally different drum methods and made our personal drums to take residence with us throughout our Voice of the Drum expertise on Manitoulin Island. A signature expertise of the Great Spirit Circle Tour, this was a lot enjoyable to do. We have our drums on show in our home and it’s a very attention-grabbing manner to be taught concerning the indigenous tradition whereas making your personal take-home memento.
The drum is the heartbeat of Mother Nature. Drum and we realized that tune is used for a lot of events: As a prayer, as a celebration, or simply plain having enjoyable! We listened to our guides Steven and Falcon sing as they performed us totally different songs for various functions whereas pulling the deer hides over our drum frames. There is one thing mesmerizing about listening to the vocal stylings of those proficient performers as they’re accompanied by their drums.
12. Aboriginal Feast with Song and Dance
Canada’s First Nations is without doubt one of the most fascinating cultures on earth. Learn of their historical methods handed down from generations and immerse in the tradition. There are a number of experiences to be taught of the Anishinaabe folks of Manitoulin and this was essentially the most stunning.
Rolling Thunder Dance Traditions carried out a conventional tune and dance and even allow us to be part of in earlier than we settled right into a First Nation’s Feast on the Ojibway Cultural Centre alongside the Great Spirit Circle Trail. It’s a captivating, enjoyable, and informative expertise. Don’t miss it!
13. Visit the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation
The Ojibwe Cultural Foundation serves as a cultural and religious hub of the Ojibwe First Nations People, the place guests can discover Ojibwe artwork, language, music, dance, and conventional practices by way of interactive reveals, workshops, and performances.
The Ojibwe Cultural Foundation can also be residence to a captivating museum that showcases an enormous assortment of artifacts and reveals detailing the historical past, spirituality, and social constructions of the Ojibwe folks. The gallery options works by modern Ojibwe artists, offering perception into how conventional creative practices have advanced and proceed to thrive in the present day.
In addition to its instructional and cultural choices, the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation additionally supplies guests with an opportunity to take part in workshops and actions that foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Ojibwe tradition. These experiences embody conventional storytelling periods, language lessons, and hands-on crafts workshops, permitting guests to have interaction with Ojibwe tradition in a really immersive manner.
14. Attend The Wiikwemkoong Annual Cultural Festival
If you need to immerse in extra Indigenous tradition, The Wiikwemkoong Annual Cultural Festival is a vibrant celebration of Indigenous heritage held in the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory. This three-day occasion, sometimes held in August, is without doubt one of the largest and longest-running powwows in Northern Ontario
The competition options conventional drumming, dancing, and singing, with performers donning colourful regalia and collaborating in numerous dance classes, together with conventional, grass, fancy, and jingle gown dances. The occasion serves as a contest powwow, with dancers and drum teams competing for prizes.
In addition to the powwow, the competition additionally consists of quite a lot of cultural demonstrations and workshops, corresponding to storytelling, conventional meals preparation, and craft making. Visitors can discover Indigenous artwork and crafts on the numerous vendor cubicles, sampling conventional meals and buying handmade objects corresponding to beadwork, jewellery, and moccasins.
The Wiikwemkoong Annual Cultural Festival is a singular alternative for each Indigenous and non-Indigenous folks to come collectively to have fun the cultural heritage of the Wiikwemkoong group and different Indigenous peoples from throughout North America.
15. Camp on the Benjamin Islands
We took a tour of the islands and coast with the North Channel Cruise Line Tour Boat. Manitoulin has stunning rocky surroundings and it have to be seen from a ship. After a day of sightseeing, we arrange camp on the rocks and spent the evening staring on the stars on the shores of Lake Huron. It is without doubt one of the finest locations to go tenting in Ontario.
16. Hike to the East Bluff Lookout
Hiking the East Bluff Lookout on Manitoulin Island is an expertise that gives gorgeous panoramic views, dose of nature, and the possibility to immerse your self in the tranquility of the island’s panorama. The hike leads you to a vantage level the place you possibly can take in breathtaking views of the encircling forests, wetlands, and the pristine waters of Lake Huron. The lookout level is especially spectacular throughout the fall, when the leaves change shade, reworking the panorama right into a vibrant palette of reds, oranges, and yellows.
The hike itself is a rewarding expertise, with well-maintained trails that wind by way of various ecosystems, offering a possibility to observe the island’s distinctive natural world. Along the best way, you could spot numerous fowl species, in addition to different wildlife that inhabit the world.
17. Meldrum Bay Marina
Meldrum Bay is a fishing village on Manitoulin Island that may be very standard with boaters touring the Great Lakes. As Canada shares the Great Lakes with the US, the Meldrum Bay Marina can also be a Canadian Customs port. The high attraction right here is the Mississagi Lighthouse and there are many alternatives for watersports and trip leases alongside the shores of Lake Huron.
18. Tour the Lighthouses of Manitoulin Island DP
Some folks go to the lakes of Ontario simply to see the outdated lighthouses scattered all through. There are a dozen lighthouses on a Manitoulin Island highway journey with the most well-liked and simply accessible being the Janet Head Lighthouse. The lighthouse, which was constructed in the late nineteenth century, is positioned in Gore Bay and has served as an necessary navigational support for ships touring by way of the North Channel of Lake Huron. Today, the lighthouse stands as a historic landmark, and gives guests a singular glimpse into the island’s maritime historical past
In addition to the Janet Head Lighthouse, there are a number of different lighthouses on Manitoulin Island and the encircling space which are value visiting:
Mississagi Lighthouse: Located on the western tip of Manitoulin Island, the Mississagi Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse that gives gorgeous views of the encircling panorama. The space can also be standard for mountaineering and birdwatching. South Baymouth Range Lights: These two small lighthouses are positioned in South Baymouth and information ferries and different vessels getting into and leaving the bay. Manitowaning Lighthouse: Located in Manitowaning Bay, this lighthouse is a part of a waterfront park that encompasses a sandy seashore and picnic areas.
19. Gore Bay Museum
Located in the charming city of Gore Bay, the Gore Bay Museum is housed in a wonderful historic constructing that was initially the district courthouse and jail constructed in 1889. The museum constructing itself is a chunk of historical past, with its gorgeous structure and exquisite grounds. Visitors can discover the historic courthouse, jail cells, and different options of the constructing. The museum gives a complete assortment of artifacts, images, and reveals that showcase the historical past of Gore Bay and Manitoulin Island. From Indigenous cultures to early European settlers, the museum supplies an in depth glimpse into the island’s previous.
When visiting Gore Bay Museum, you should have interactive reveals and can see a ranges of of classic and vintage collections, together with home items, clothes, and instruments that provide a glimpse into the each day lifetime of the island’s residents in the previous.
20. Providence Bay Beach
If you might be searching for some seashore time on Manitoulin Island, Providence Bay is commonly touted as the perfect seashore in Northern Ontario. There is a beautiful boardwalk, picnic space, and public washrooms.
21. Pick Up Some Items at Ten Mile Point Trading Post
Visiting the Ten Mile Point Trading Post on Manitoulin Island is a wonderful alternative to immerse your self in the native tradition and historical past of the area. The buying and selling publish is famend for its intensive collection of Native Canadian crafts and artwork, offering a singular and genuine glimpse into the wealthy traditions and creativity of the indigenous communities on Manitoulin Island.
From stunning handcrafted moccasins to intricately designed dream catchers, the buying and selling publish gives a variety of things which are excellent for souvenirs or presents. In addition to the crafts and artwork, Ten Mile Point Trading Post additionally boasts a surprising location, perched atop a limestone cliff and offering panoramic views of the encircling panorama and the clear blue waters of Georgian Bay. With its mix of tradition, historical past, and pure magnificence, the Ten Mile Point Trading Post is a must-visit vacation spot for anybody wanting to expertise the perfect of what Manitoulin Island has to provide.
22. Little Current Swing Bridge
If you’re taking a Manitoulin Island highway journey, chances are high you’ll be driving throughout the Little Current Swing Bridge. This is a singular and iconic construction that connects Manitoulin Island to the mainland of Northern Ontario, Canada. The bridge spans throughout the North Channel of Lake Huron on the city of Little Current.
The swing bridge was initially constructed as a railway bridge in 1913 and was later tailored to accommodate vehicular visitors. It is without doubt one of the few swing bridges in North America that’s nonetheless in operation.
The bridge operates as a single-lane, alternating-traffic bridge for a lot of the day. However, on the hour, each hour, throughout the summer time months (from June to October), the bridge swings open to enable boat visitors to cross by way of. The bridge opening is a well-liked sight, and guests typically collect to watch the bridge swing open and shut.
23. Farquhar’s Dairy Ice Cream
It appears that each cottage nation and weekend getaway vacation spot in Ontario has its personal family-run ice cream store. And Manitoulin Island isn’t any totally different. We Canadians love having fun with ice cream when touring the province. You’ll give you the option to seize a cone at a number of locations on the island. So be certain that to get pleasure from it earlier than you hit the mountaineering trails. (or after as your reward)
Where to Eat on Manitoulin Island
24. Eat At The Old Schoolhouse
Wondering the place to eat on Manitoulin Island? A trip wouldn’t be full and not using a nice meal and the perfect we had was on the Old Schoolhouse. Located in Providence Bay, this fine-dining restaurant is about in an outdated one-room schoolhouse relationship again to 1898. The ambiance is stress-free and quiet with tender lighting and music, making for the right night out.
Chef Greg Niven moved to Manitoulin together with his spouse Heather in 1996 after honing his abilities in Toronto and has by no means regarded again. The French-inspired menu gives a contact of sophistication to your Manitoulin trip at affordable costs. Make positive to save room for the B52 Crème Brûlée it’s delectable. Make positive to reserve a desk, this place fills up! See Website: The Old Schoolhouse Restaurant
25. Stop at Lake Huron Fish and Chips
Stopping at Lake Huron Fish and Chips on Manitoulin Island is a should for any customer searching for a scrumptious and satisfying meal. Their fish and chips are extensively acclaimed, that includes freshly caught fish from the encircling waters of Lake Huron. The fish is expertly ready, ensuing in a superbly crispy and flavorful batter that enhances the tender and flaky fish inside. The chips are golden and crispy, making for an ideal pairing with the fish.
In addition to the basic fish and chips, Lake Huron Fish and Chips additionally gives a menu with quite a lot of different tasty choices, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences. The restaurant’s location on Manitoulin Island, the most important freshwater island in the world, supplies a singular and picturesque setting in your meal. With pleasant service and a dedication to high quality, Lake Huron Fish and Chips is a wonderful selection for a memorable eating expertise on Manitoulin Island.
26. Brewery Tour and Beer Tastings
There are two breweries on Manitoulin Island that provide outside patios and beer sampling. The Split Rail Brewing Company and the Manitoulin Brewing Company provide beer samples, brewery excursions and funky swag. While Manitoulin Brewing gives an out of doors patio the place you possibly can pattern a flight of beer. There is nothing higher than grabbing some swag and brew to take residence with you after your journey to Manitoulin Island.
Other Places to Eat on Manitoulin
Where to keep on Manitoulin Island
Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre – Little Current: The convention middle additionally has a wonderful eating space with a patio overlooking the harbor. This First Nation-run lodge is a good place to make a base as you discover the Great Spirit Circle path and different points of interest round Manitoulin Island.
More Camping on Manitoulin Island
Manitoulin Island is without doubt one of the finest weekend getaways from Toronto Ontario. And automobile tenting is a big Ontario exercise. There are loads of locations to go tenting on Manitoulin with cottage leases and campgrounds out there. One of the good experiences we had on Manitoulin was positively tenting in a Teepee. We did the TeePee expertise as a part of the Great Spirit Circle Tour, however Gordon’s Park gives a singular Tipi Camping expertise.
How to Get to Manitoulin Island
Manitoulin Island is positioned on the north shore of Lake Huron simply north of Tobermory and the Bruce Peninsula and south of Killarney Provincial Park.
There are two methods to go to Manitoulin Island by driving
From Toronto, you’ll drive north up the 400 to the Trans Canada Highway 1 in the direction of Sudbury. From Sudbury, make your manner to Espenola the place you’ll flip onto Highway 6. Access to Manitoulin Island is by driving throughout the Little Current Swing Bridge. The swing bridge spans the north channel connecting the island to the mainland. It is open year-round and provides you with entry to Manitoulin Island from the north.
In the summer time months, you possibly can catch the Manitoulin Island Ferry, MS Chi-Cheemaun Ferry (Chi-Cheemaun means Big canoe in Ojibway) to Manitoulin Island from Tobermory. It takes you to the southernmost level of Manitoulin at South Baymouth. The MS Chi-Cheemaun is kind of giant with a capability of 650 passengers and 140 automobiles. But Manitoulin is turning into so standard, that you could be discover it booked out in the summer time months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Manitoulin Island particular?
Manitoulin Island is the world’s largest freshwater island. It additionally homes the most important lake inside a freshwater island in the world. It is Lake Manitou.
Is it value going to Manitoulin Island?
Yes, Manitoulin Island is value visiting due to its distinctive mix of pure magnificence, cultural significance, and leisure actions. The island is residence to gorgeous landscapes, together with crystal-clear lakes, lush forests, and rugged cliffs, in addition to a wealthy Indigenous tradition that guests can discover by way of numerous museums, cultural facilities, and occasions.
How do you spend a day on Manitoulin Island?
A day on Manitoulin Island might be spent exploring the attractive pure surroundings by way of mountaineering.. Popular mountaineering spots embody the Cup and Saucer Trail and the East Bluff Lookout. Visitors also can discover the cultural heritage of the island by visiting the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation or the Great Spirit Circle Trail. The island additionally has a number of charming small cities with native outlets, eating places, and artwork galleries to discover.
What is the prettiest city on Manitoulin Island?
One of the prettiest cities on Manitoulin Island is Kagawong, generally known as “Ontario’s Prettiest Village.” Kagawong is residence to the attractive Bridal Veil Falls, charming outlets, and a beautiful harbor space.
How many days do you want in Manitoulin Island?
Ideally, you’ll need to spend not less than three to 4 days on Manitoulin Island to totally discover and admire all it has to provide. This would provide you with sufficient time to hike among the island’s stunning trails, go to cultural websites, and discover the charming small cities. However, in case you’re quick on time, even a day or two on the island could be a rewarding expertise.
What will not be to be missed on Manitoulin Island?
You should go to the Great Spirit Circle Trail and immerse in Innishanabe Culture, hike to the Cup and Saucer Trail, and take a dip at Bridal Veil Falls.
Why We Love Manitoulin Island
And these are the perfect issues to do in Manitoulin Island. If you haven’t visited the most important freshwater island in the world, what are you ready for? There are loads of adventures to be had, cultural experiences to immerse in, and exquisite surroundings to get pleasure from. Have you been to Manitoulin Island? What are your favourite issues to do?
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