Manitoulin Island is located in Ontario. The name comes from the Ojibwe language of the Anishinaabe people, and it means ‘spirit island.’ For many people, Manitoulin Island is a spiritual place to admire raw nature and appreciate the area’s culture.
Manitoulin Island, Ontario, has a lot to offer. So, let’s begin with a few facts about Manitoulin Island and what it offers.
1) Facts to Know about Manitoulin Island
Knowing a few things about Manitoulin Island helps get a clearer picture of why it’s a favorite attraction for tourists.
1.1) The Largest Freshwater Island in the World
Manitoulin Island is the world’s largest freshwater island. There was a bit of a controversy about this because Marajo Island is 20 times the size of Manitoulin. However, the water around this island isn’t entirely fresh, so Manitoulin is still the largest!
1.2) The Prehistoric Site of Sheguiandah
Thomas E. Lee found the site of Sheguiandah. It was full of ancient artifacts that date back to the Paleo-Indian period, at least 12000 years ago! It was declared a National Historic Site of Canada in 1954.
1.3) 108 Freshwater Lakes
Manitoulin Island, Ontario, has a lot of islands with ponds. Nameless Lake is one of the island’s unique lakes, which prohibits gas-powered vehicles.
1.4) The Little Current Swing Bridge
The Canadian Pacific Railway decided to keep this bridge open for all time. Today, more than 100 years later, this bridge is the only link to the island.
1.5) Historical Lighthouses
The Strawberry island lighthouse is the most protected one on the island. Built in 1881, it represents the economy of shipping and fishing and is an important symbol for people traveling in the waters.
2) 8 Things to do on Manitoulin Island
As mentioned, this easily accessible island has many things to offer tourists. Here are eight things you can do on Manitoulin Island.
2.1) Visit Lake Huron
Lake Huron is the fifth-largest freshwater lake in the world. It is home to over 30000 islands, with Manitoulin Island being the largest. There have been around 1000 shipwrecks on this lake, and many are preserved as artifacts. According to a legend, ‘Mishebeshu‘ (great lynx) has an underwater cave near the Serpent river that flows into Lake Huron. The Benjamin Islands is a place for boaters to enjoy because of the pink granite rocks and their beauty.
2.2) Check out Blue Jay Creek
Blue Jay Creek has some of the island’s largest raised beach and swale systems. The Provincial Park contains a mixture of cedar, pine, and spruce, along with the wetlands containing black spruce, black ash swamp forest, cedar, open and tree bogs, riparian marshes, and treed fens. The park offers hunting, fishing, exploration, canoeing, and nature appreciation facilities.
2.3) Visit the Georgian Bay
Georgian Bay is near the Main Channel, which leads to Lake Huron. The principal rivers in this bay are the French, the Muskoka, the Severn, and the Magnetawan. The area has a natural environment for hiking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, canoeing, biking, and some of the best fishing in Canada. It also has a friendly resort for tourists.
2.4) Explore the Treasure Island
Lake Mindemoya, also known as Treasure Island, is full of perch, walleye, bass, and whitefish. It has a startling turquoise hue which makes it stand out. Mindemoya is the third-largest lake on this island and has swimmer-friendly temperatures. ‘Mindemoya‘ is Ojibwe for ‘old woman.’
2.5) Enjoy the Haweater Festival
If you’re visiting Manitoulin Island in August, you must watch the Haweater Festival weekend! This festival is packed with vendors, inflatables for kids, barbeques, live entertainment, the annual Haweater Car show, a horse show, a beach volleyball tournament, a mixed slo-pitch tournament, the Miss Manitoulin Island pageant, cardboard boat races, fireworks, and the Haweater Parade. There are also multiple dances, including a teen dance, a 19+ Hawfest dance, and a street dance. Be on the lookout for a fantastic fireworks display at the end of the day!
2.6) Enjoy the Manitowaning Fall Fair
The town of Manitowaning has a lot of traditions, and the Manitowaning Fall Fair is one of them. It takes place during the second week of September. It includes vendors, exhibits, live entertainment, a pancake breakfast, a parade, a bake sale, barbeques, livestock judging, horse pulls, horse shows, kids’ activities, and wagon rides.
2.7) Check Out the Gore Bay Harbour Days
The Gore Bay Harbour Days are held on the 4th weekend in July. This weekend includes many outdoor adventure activities like the farmers market, an outdoor movie, a pancake breakfast, a summer water sports traveling show, the Gore Bay Summer Theatre, a classic car show, a fish fry, a licensed dance, and a cardboard boat regatta.
2.8) Adore the Cup and Saucer Trail
Amongst the many hiking trails on Manitoulin Island, the most famous one is the Cup and Saucer Trail. It is over 12km long and has a 2km adventure trail with ladders and rock scrambling. It has some steep climbs, a lot of scrambling, and some big climbs, but it is worth it.
If you want to check out another island Canada offers, feel free to check out this article: 15 Best Things to do in PEI (Prince Edward Island).
3) To Conclude
Manitoulin Island has a lot of spots to offer. It may not be easy to trace your way through them, so you should reach out to North Channel Tours. North Channel Tours is a small business that offers lunch, dinner, and sunset cruises on the east side of Manitoulin Island.
Manitoulin Island is popular for many reasons and has more than 100 inland lakes, some of them with their islands. This island is full of history, culture, and traditions that are helpful to its islanders’ highest level of respect.
Manitoulin Island is a great sport for tourists, and you won’t be disappointed when you visit. Even if you get the most out of a few lighthouses, the Haweater festival, and a few fairs, you will have a great time on Manitoulin Island!
