Discover one of the
most majestic vacation destinations in Canada and the world; the North Channel
and Manitoulin Island. A holiday paradise offering a world class adventure that
is safe, affordable and easily accessible.
Manitoulin Island is the world's largest freshwater island
and is also home to Lake Manitou; which is one of the largest freshwater lakes
to be within this freshwater island.
Manitoulin is overflowing with natures' wonders. These
include the miraculous hues of foaming water that crashes along rugged river
bottoms. Slippery streams of bright spring water streaming out of the earth's
natural crevices. There are also historic towns, festivals, superb recreation
and an assortment of inland lakes. Manitoulin also is home to wilderness
retreats and wildlife sanctuaries. Celebrate Aboriginal heritage and cultural
events as well as unique museums. Explore deepwater caves, famous shipwrecks and
ancient coral formations. There is a wide selection of accommodations that are
available to visitors, including; lodges, resorts, campgrounds, bed &
breakfasts' and motels.
Manitoulin is a very popular destination for boaters as the North Channel of Lake Huron was recognized by many boating magazines, as a "Boater's Paradise" with over thirty thousand islands and countless secluded coves, bays and inlets. The visitor will find towns, marinas and resorts dot the vast stretch of wilderness shoreline in one of the world's top sailing waters.
There are many small towns located on Manitoulin Island. Below are activities to do on Manitoulin, main places of interest, a description of the town and places to stay.
Manitoulin Activities
Cycling
Manitoulin Island's picturesque back roads are popular
with cyclists. Vehicle traffic is generally light, although cyclists are warned
to let ferry traffic get well ahead of them on Highway 6, and to watch out for
unique features like logging trucks, slow moving farm vehicles, and the
occasional cattle drive. A helpful book, cycling the Backroads of Manitoulin,
lays out day trips for cyclists exploring Manitoulin.
For more information on
Manitoulin cycling package tours, please call (705) 377-4272
The Cup and Saucer Hiking Trail
The Cup and Saucer Trail, located 20 miles west of Little
Current, is on of Manitoulin Island's premier tourist destinations. This unique
hiking trail offers a panoramic view of over 35 miles from 250 foot high cliff
lookouts. Lover trail is 2.7 km and the uppers trail is 5.4 km in length. The
adventure trail, a 2 km option on the top of the escarpment, takes the avid
hiker up and down sturdy ladders, up a natural rock chimney and along narrow
ledges for a panoramic view of the North Channel of Lake Huron.
For more
information, please call (705) 377-5726 or visit
www.ontariotrails.on.ca
Bridal Veil Falls
This trail is located on Highway 540 at the entrance to
Kagawong. A picnic area at the top of the falls leads down to the base of the
falls, and the trail follow both sides of the stream of the bay. While you are
there, take a dip in the falls, and take the walking tour of the old town. This
walk will take approximately 1 to 2 hours.
MS Chi-Cheemaun
Take a break from the highway! Come aboard the MS
Chi-Cheemaun for one of Ontario's most popular ferry rides connecting the Bruce
Peninsula and Manitoulin Island. Make the scenic Georgian Bay-Lake Huron
crossing in comfort and safety with a highly-specialized and professional
crew. Experience 30 years of exceptional sailing history. Discover a fascinating
region just waiting to capture the imagination of all ages.
(May to October) 1-800-265-3163 or visit
www.ontarioferries.com
M'Chigeeng Trail
Just south of West Bay, behind the ball park, the two
trails of M'Chigeeng Trail begin. One traverses along the bottom of the bluff
and the other goes to the very top. The Bear Caves and Fossil Rock Point are two
spots of interest. The top of the bluff offers outstanding views of the North
Channel.
For more information, please visit
www.manitoulintourism.com
Wagg's Woods Trails
Directly across the street from the municipal office in
Mindemoya, hikers can enjoy leafy bower of an old hardwood forest. Dense with
maple, basswood, birch and ash.
For more information, please visit
www.manitoulintourism.com
Gordon's Park Wilderness Retreat &
Interpretive Centre
Gordon's Park Wilderness Retreat & Interpretive Centre is
located on Highway 6, 13 minutes from the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry Terminal.
Attractions Canada Award winner, offering a bed & breakfast, teepee tenting,
camping, rustic cabins and activities. Activities include: mini golf, solar
heated swimming pool, nature interpretive centre, hiking trails, archery, store,
cycling routes, astronomy, bird watching, horseshoes, playground, women's
weekends, camp programs and a summertime calendar of events.
For more information, please call (705) 859-2470 or visit
www.gordonspark.com
Fishing
The Island has been attracting sports fishermen for
decades. One avid sports fisherman calls Manitoulin "one of the finest fishing
holes in the province of Ontario." Of course, Manitoulin isn't a fishing hole.
Its many creeks, rivers and lakes; each with its unique population of sports
fish.
Charters - For those who like the royal treatment,
almost every lodge will supply fishing guides and every one of Manitoulin's and
North Shore's "big water" ports has one or more resident charter fishing boat
operators ready and waiting to take the visitor out for a day or half-day's
adventure.
For information, please call The Manitoulin Tourism Association (705)
368-3021 or LaCloche Information Centre at Espanola (705) 869-6555.
Brookwood Brae Golf Course
Established in 1964, has the distinction of being
Manitoulin's first golf course. It is family owned and operated by the Seabrooks.
This challenging 9 holes, par 36 course on Lake Mindemoya's Ketchankookem Trail,
boasts a fully licensed course with air conditioned clubhouse, pro-shop, club
rental and cart rental.
For more information, please call (705) 377-4979 or visit
www.manitoulin-island.com
Manitoulin Island Country Club
Manitoulin Island Country Club is located in a pastoral
setting just 1 km south of Gore Bay on Highway 542. The 9 holes, par 36 course in
set on rolling terrain with treed fairways. There are two ponds on the course,
which also features three sets of keys (yellow, white and red). There is a
licensed clubhouse, a restaurant and a small pro-shop. Cart and club rentals are
available.
For more information, please call (705) 282-2282 or visit
www.manitoulinislandcountryclub.com
Charter a Yacht
Charter a yacht with Canadian Yacht Charters or Discovery
Yacht Charters. They offer Bareboat Charters, Skippered Cruises, Day Sails and
sailing, and Cruising School.
For more information from Canadian Yacht Charters, please call 1-800-565-0022 or
(705) 282-0185 or visit
www.cycnorth.com
For more information from Discovery Yacht Charters, please
call 1-800-268-8222 or (705) 368 3744 or visit
www.discoveryyachtcharters.com
Horseback Riding
Kicking Mule Ranch, located on Canada's Manitoulin
Island, provides a variety of horseback riding and entertainment experiences
that provide happy memories for tomorrow. Proprietor Willie Graham has helped
hundreds of customers blaze happy trails to add to their Manitoulin Island
experience.
For more information, please call (705) 859-1234 or visit
www.manitoulin-island.com/kmr
Little Current
Little Current is the
largest town, and the northern gateway to Manitoulin Island. It is located on
the northeastern shore of Manitoulin, where the island makes its closest
approach to the Ontario mainland. Pleasure craft line the docks of this
waterfront town where cargo passenger freighters did in the late 1800's and
early 1900's.
Places to stay in Little Current:
|
Woods
& Waves B&B |
Green
Acres Tent and Trailer Park/Restaurant |
| Hawberry
Motel 36 Meredith Street Little Current, ON, P0P 1K0 Phone: (705) 368-3388 or toll free at 1-800-769-7963 Website: www.hawberrymotel.ca |
Anchor
Inn Hotel 1 Water Street Little Current, ON, P0P 1K0 Phone: (705) 368-2023 Website: www.anchorgrill.com |
| Sunset
Motel & Cottages 7 Red Mill Road Little Current, ON, P0P 1K0 Phone: (705) 368-2186 Websitee: www.sunsetmotelcottages.com |
Shaftesbury Inn 19 Robinson Street, Box 655 Little Current, ON, P0P 1K0 Phone: (705) 368-1945 Website: www.rockgardenresort.on.ca |
| Whites
Point Bed & Breakfast 466 White's Point, Box 107 Little Current, ON, P0P 1K0 Phone: (705) 368-1577 Website: http://www.bbcanada.com/4483.html |
Silver
Birches Resort RR#1 Little Current, ON, P0P 1K0 Phone: (705) 368-2669 Website: www.silverbirchesresort.com |
M'Chigeeng
M'Chigeeng, as the
second-largest and most central of Manitoulin's First Nation communities, is a
fitting home to the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation. It also forms a part of the
Great Spirit Circle Trail. M'Chigeeng( sometimes translated as "place of the fish
harpoon") is home to a number of galleries, craft shops and restaurants. It was
initially settled in the early nineteenth-century by Minnesotans who moved on
from Wikwemikong after hearing of a long bay( known as West Bay), with good
fishing in a nearby lake.
Places to stay in M'Chigeeng:
|
M'Chigeeng Tent & Trailer Park Hwy 540, Box 68 M'Chigeeng, ON, P0P 1G0 Phone: (705) 377-4987 Website: www.manitoulin-island.com/communities/lillians |
Montgomery's Haven Trailer Park 139 Otter Lake M'Chigeeng, ON, P0P 1G0 Phone: (705) 377-7275 Website: n/a |
Kagawong
Take a step back in time
and enjoy a leisurely walking tour of the picturesque hamlet of Kagawong. Tucked
away from the outside world between the cliffs surrounding Mudge Bay, time has
virtually stood still for decades. The village of Kagawong is located on Highway
540, only 45 kms west of Little Current and situated north of Lake Kagawong.
Follow the scenic road through Kagawong to Maple Point, for breathtaking views
of the North Channel, or take the Lakeshore Road on Kagawong Lake where cottage
and camping resorts provide retreats into beautiful and carefree surroundings.
Places to stay in Kagawong:
|
Graham Cottage & Westie Cottage 123A Old Mill Road, Box 100 Kagawong, ON, P0P 1J0 Phone: (705) 282 1031 Website: www.manitoulincottages.net |
Bridal
Veil Bed & Breakfast 159 Main Street Kagawong, ON, P0P 1J0 Phone: (705) 282-3300 or toll free at 1-877-216-1132 Website: n/a |
| Cathy
and Archie's Family Cottages Lakeshore Road, R.R #1 Kagawong, ON, P0P 1J0 Phone: (705) 282-0989 Website: n/a |
Hide
Away Lodge Box 1012 Kagawong, ON, P0P 1J0 Phone, (705) 282-8882 Website: n/a |
| Lake
Kagawong Family Cabins 423 Lakeshore Road Kagawong, ON, P0P 1H0 Phone: (705) 282-0989 Winter (519) 652-1864 Website: www.manitoulin-island.com |
Lakeview
Resort 879 Lakeshore Road, R.R #1 Kagawong, ON, P0P 1J0 Phone: (705) 282-2888 Website: www.manitoulin-island.com/lakeview |
| Mike's
Park Resort Hwy 540 Kagawong, ON, P0P 1J0 Phone: (705) 282-2745 Winter (705) 673-9448 Website: www.mikespark.com |
Viva
Villa Cottage Resort 497 Lakeshore Road Kagawong, ON, P0P 1J0 Phone: (705) 282-2896 Website: www.vivavilla.ca |
Mindemoya
Mindemoya is located on
Highway 551, situated at the centre of the Island. This small community comes
alive with activities in the summer months and offers a selection of
restaurants, accommodations, attractions and gift shops.
Places to stay in Mindemoya:
|
Idyll Glen Park 280 Hill Road, R.R #1 Mindemoya, ON, P0P 1S0 Phone: (705) 377-4095 Winter (705) 855-3034 Website: http://www.idyllglen.com |
Santa
Maria Cottages and Trailer Resort Square Bay Road Spring Bay, ON Phone: (705) 377-5870 or toll free at 1-888-497-4917 Website: www.santamaria.on.ca |
|
Timberlane Rustic Lodges Site 10, R.R #1, Box 1 Silver Bay Road, Mindemoya Phone: (705) 377-4078 or toll free at 1-800-890-4177 Website: www.timberlane.ca |
Island
Spring Cottages 113 Ketchankooken Trail Road Mindemoya, ON, P0P 1S0 Phone: (705) 377-4075 Website: www.islandspring.ca |
|
Rockgarden Terrace Resort - Historic Mindemoya Cave 1358 Monument Road, R.R #1 Spring Bay, ON, P0P 2B0 Phone: (705) 377-4652 Website: www.rockgardenresort.on.ca |
Manitoulin Inn Hwy 551, Box 163 Mindemoya, ON, P0P 1S0 Phone: (705) 377-5500 or toll free at 1-877-270-0551 Website: www.manitoulininn.ca |
| Pirates'
Cove Cottages General Delivery Mindemoya, ON, P0P 1S0 Phone: (705) 377-4979 or (705) 377-5133 Website: www.manitoulin-island.com/piratescove |
Cedar
Grove Cottage Resort 544 Ketchankooken Trail Road Mindemoya, ON, P0P 1S0 Phone: (705) 377-4962 Winter (519) 396-8473 Website: www.cedargrovecr.ca |
Providence Bay
For islanders, the name
Providence Bay is synonymous with "the beach". Located on the south shore of Manitoulin and looking out upon a vast expanse of Lake Huron, the beach at
Providence Bay is arguably the best in Northern Ontario. The history of the town
name is evidence of its recognition as a focal point of the community. Early
native inhabitants of the area called the bay Bebekodawangog , which translates
as "where the beach curves around the water". In later years, after being
shipwrecked offshore, survivors of the wreck reached the beach and called the
bay "Providence" in an act of pious gratitude. The amazing boardwalk spans the
Mindemoya River and runs for a considerable length along the beach. It is
wheelchair-accessible and is worth a stroll at any hour of the day.
Places to stay in Providence Bay:
|
Sullivan's Cottages General Delivery Providence Bay, ON, P0P 1T0 Phone: (705) 377-4849 Website: www.manitoulin-island.com/sullivan |
Providence Bay Cottages General Delivery Providence Bay, ON, P0P 1T0 Phone: (705) 377-4213 Website: www.manitoulin-island.com/providencebaycottages |
|
Cedarwood Lodge 40 Cranston Road Providence Bay, ON, P0P 1T0 Phone: (705) 377-5845 Website: www.manitoulin-island.com/cedarwoodlodge |
On the
Bay Bed & Breakfast 12 Mutchmor Street Providence Bay, ON, P0P 1T0 Phone: (705) 377-7800 Website: www.onthebaybb.ca |
|
Manitoulin Oasis 4 Mary Jane Street Providence Bay, ON, P0P 1T0 Phone: (705) 377-4527 Website: www.manitoulinoasis.com |
Providence Bay Tent & Trailer Park General Delivery Providence Bay, ON, P0P 1T0 Phone: (705) 377-4650 or toll free at 1-877-269-2018 Website: www.manitoulin-island.com/providencebaypark |
| Black's
Bay Lodge 576 Firehall Road, Box 101 Providence Bay, ON, P0P 1T0 Phone: (705) 377-4039 Website: www.blacksbay.com |
Huron
Sands Motel 5216 Hwy 551 Providence Bay, ON, P0P 1T0 Phone: (705) 377-4616 or toll free at 1-866-427-5426 Website: www.huronsandsmotel.com |
South Baymouth
South Baymouth is the
southern gateway community that connects Manitoulin to the Bruce Peninsula and
Southern Ontario via the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry. Located on the southeastern shores
of Manitoulin, the town's original inhabitants appropriately named the town,
Sagragawawong, meaning "the outlet". The South Baymouth has a lot to offer.
Restaurants, gift shops and accommodations. During the summer, a big attraction
for many visitors is viewing the arrival and departure of the Chi-Cheemaun ferry
as it sails the mighty waters of Lake Huron.
Places to stay in South Baymouth:
|
South Bay Resort 21214 Hwy 6 South Baymouth, ON, P0P 1Z0 Phone: (705) 859-3106 Website: www.manitoulin-island.com/southbayresort |
Wigwam
Gift Shoppe & Motel 14 Water Street South Baymouth, ON, P0P 1Z0 Phone: (705) 859-3646 Website: www.manitoulin-island.com |
| Buckhorn
Motel & Snack Shack 21076 Hwy 6, Box 40 South Baymouth, ON, P0P 1Z0 Phone: (705) 859-3635 Website: www.buckhornmotel.com |
Huron
Motor Lodge, Chalet Gift Shop & Coffee Shop General Delivery South Baymouth, ON, P0P 1Z0 Phone: (705) 859-3131 or toll free at 1-800-387-2756 Website: www.manitoulin-island.com |
| Bears
Inn R.R #1 Tehkummah, ON, P0P 2C0 Phone: (705) 859-3314 Website: www.manitoulinbearsinn.com |
Southbay
Gallery & Guesthouse Manitoulin 14-15 Given Road South Baymouth, ON, P0P 1Z0 Phone: (705) 671-1812 or toll free at 1-877-656-8324 Website: www.southbayguesthouse.com |
| Happy
Acres Bed & Breakfast 19735 Hwy 6 Tehkummah,ON, P0P 2C0 Phone: (705) 859-3453 Website: n/a |