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Manitoulin Island, in northern Lake Huron, is the largest island in a freshwater lake anywhere in the world. Rolling farmland, limestone bluffs of the Niagara Escarpment, and more than a hundred inland lakes make up its landscape. The island is home to several Anishinaabe communities, including Wiikwemkoong, and Indigenous culture, art, and powwows are central to its identity.
Little Current, at the north end, is the first stop for most visitors, with a waterfront boardwalk beside the old swing bridge that links the island to the mainland. The Cup and Saucer Trail, near Sheguiandah, climbs to cliff-edge lookouts and is one of the island's best-known hikes. Manitowaning has historic buildings near its harbor, and Providence Bay has a long sandy beach on the south coast. Lake Mindemoya contains a wooded island nicknamed Treasure Island. Kagawong is home to Bridal Veil Falls, where visitors can walk behind the curtain of water, and Gore Bay offers a quiet harbor town with lookouts. The Mississagi Lighthouse sits at the island's western tip.
Manitoulin suits road-trippers, hikers, and anyone looking for a slow pace and wide skies. Distances between villages are longer than they look, so a car is essential. Summer is busiest, and South Baymouth receives the seasonal ferry from Tobermory.
WiserMap travel guideManitoulin Island Ontario Cup and Saucer TrailPlan a trip to Manitoulin Island in Ontario with Cup and Saucer Trail, Providence Bay, Bridal Veil Falls, Anishinaabe culture, the Chi-Cheemaun ferry and more.Read the guide
The island's largest town, reached from the mainland by the historic Little Current Swing Bridge, which swings open on the hour in summer to let boats pass. The waterfront boardwalk and marina are lively in season. Watch the bridge open and browse the shops along Water Street.
Historic village on the eastern shore with the Assiginack Museum in an old jail, the Norisle steamship and one of Ontario's oldest Anglican churches. It sits at the head of Manitowaning Bay. Allow an hour or two to walk the waterfront and visit the museum in summer.
Pretty town on the north shore set in a bay surrounded by high bluffs, with a marina, a museum in the former jail and lookout points over the water. The East Bluff lookout offers one of the island's best views. Stop for lunch on the harbor and drive up to the lookout.
Small harbor village on the southern tip where the MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry arrives from Tobermory in summer. It has a few shops, restaurants and a historic schoolhouse museum. Reserve the ferry ahead in peak season and arrive early for boarding.
The island's best-known hike, climbing the Niagara Escarpment near M'Chigeeng to cliffs about 70 meters high with sweeping views of the island and North Channel. Loops range from easy to challenging, including an adventure trail with ladders. Wear good shoes and keep away from cliff edges.
Small village on the north shore known for Bridal Veil Falls, where you can walk behind the curtain of water and swim in the pool below in summer. A trail follows the river down to the village harbor and a church with a boat-shaped pulpit. Bring water shoes for the rocks.
Quiet park on the south shore with trails across rare alvar landscapes, flat limestone shores and wetlands, home to unusual plants and many birds. A visitor center explains the ecology. Walk the shoreline loop and bring insect repellent in early summer.
Lake Mindemoya, near the island's center, holds Treasure Island, often described as the world's largest island in a lake on an island in a lake. The village of Mindemoya has shops and a beach on the lake. Rent a boat or simply enjoy the view from the shoreline road.
Village on the south shore with a long sandy beach on Lake Huron and a boardwalk through the dunes. It is the island's most popular beach in summer, with shallow water and a small snack bar nearby. Arrive in the afternoon for warmer water and stay for the sunset.
Historic lighthouse built in the 1870s at the western tip of Manitoulin, overlooking the Mississagi Strait, with a small museum and walking trails on the rocky shore. It is a remote, peaceful spot. Follow the gravel road from Meldrum Bay and check seasonal opening hours.
Large Anishinaabe community on the eastern peninsula, home to the Wiikwemkoong Annual Cultural Festival powwow each August and historic stone church ruins. Local guides offer cultural tours, hikes and heritage experiences. Book tours in advance and follow guidance on protocols.
Village on the northeast shore known for the Sheguiandah archaeological site, one of the oldest known sites of human activity in Ontario, and the Centennial Museum of Sheguiandah with local history and pioneer buildings. It is an easy stop on the road from Little Current.
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