20 Amazing Things to see and do on Manitoulin Island, Ontario
Manitoulin Island is the largest fresh-water island in the world and a playground for those who love wide open spaces, natural beauty and outdoor adventure. With over 2,700 square kms to explore, this relatively large island has a cozy, small-town feel, and its quaint restaurants, unique shops, rich Indigenous culture and fun seasonal events make it the perfect place for a summer road trip. Discover our favourite places across the island and plan your next summer road trip through one of Ontario’s best hidden gems.
1. MS Chi-Cheemaun Ferry
The most exciting way to get to Manitoulin Island is via the Chi-Cheemaun ferry. Enjoy the scenic drive up to Tobermory where the iconic ferry linking the Bruce Peninsula has sailed the waters from Tobermory to Manitoulin Island since 1974. Pick up a coffee and breakfast to-go from the Tobermory Coffee Company adjacent to the ferry docks, and wait for the sound of the airhorn to get in your vehicle to drive into the MS Chi-Cheemaun for the sail to South Baymouth. Head up to the passenger deck and grab a spot on one of the outdoor decks to enjoy the fresh Lake Huron air as you gaze at amazing views of the Georgian Bay region.
2. Shop in South Baymouth
When you disembark the ferry at South Baymouth, be sure to make a stop at the Wigwam Gift Shop and the Manitoulin Trading Post, where you’ll find lovely locally-made Indigenous art from some of the many First Nations on the island. Choose from a beautiful selection of dreamcatchers, woven baskets, clothing and art. If you’ve worked up an appetite stop at Island Fish and Chips to sample delicious locally-caught whitefish. For those with a sweet tooth, pick up some decadent fudge inside the Wigwam Gift Shop, and start nibbling as you hit the road.
3. Providence Bay Beach
Manitoulin Island has some amazing beaches, and sun worshippers will want to take in the rays on one of the island’s best at Providence Bay Beach. With close to 2 km of pristine white sand, a beautiful boardwalk, and plenty of room for sandcastles and swimming, this is a must-stop spot on any road trip across Manitoulin Island. For those who love the water, kayaks and paddle boards are available for rent, and a snack shack, playground and washrooms make it the perfect place to spend a day under the sun.
4. Attend the Wiikwemkoong Annual Cultural Festival
Every First Nation community on Manitoulin Island hosts its own unique powwow throughout the year, but one of the biggest and most well-known is the Wiikwemkoong Annual Cultural Festival. Held every year on the August long weekend, the event is an important cultural event for the community; a chance to celebrate, reflect and connect. The pow-wow takes place over 2 days, and the public is welcome to attend. With an extensive Indigenous marketplace, and multiple food vendors serving up specialities like bannock and Indian tacos, it’s the perfect way to learn about and immerse yourself in Indigenous culture on the island.
5. Lake Huron Fish and Chips
Manitoulin Island is known for it’s delicious locally caught fish, and Providence Bay is home to one of the best fish and chips spots on the island, Lake Huron Fish and Chips. Order in advance by phone for pickup (as waits can be lengthy for on-the-spot orders), or devour your meal on their small outdoor patio. Trust us, it'll be worth the wait.
6. Bridal Veil Falls
One of the most well-known sights on the island, Bridal Veil Falls in the small town of Kagawong is one waterfall you won’t want to miss. Make the short descent down a small set of stairs to the base of the falls and go for a dip in the naturally-formed pool at the bottom. For those with water shoes, we recommend walking underneath the falls for a unique point of view, or take a meander down the river and get your toes wet. In autumn Bridal Veil Falls is also the place to catch the annual salmon run, a truly spectacular sight to see.
7. Shop and Snack in Kagawong
Just a stone’s throw away from Bridal Veil falls is the small town of Kagawong. Take a stroll on the well-marked forested trail leading from the falls into Kagawong. where you’ll find one of the island’s many quaint lighthouses, a small beach, and some great local shops. Be sure to stop at the Manitoulin Chocolate Works for tasty chocolate creations like chocolate fudge, bear paws and sinful hot chocolate. At the waterfront on the small pier, you’ll find a handful of local shops selling unique crafts and locally made products including Manitoulin Tea. There is also a small snack bar for a quick coffee or ice cream cone.
8. Ten Mile Point Lookout and Trading Post
Halfway between Little Current and Manitowaning, the Ten Mile Point Lookout and Trading Post is an iconic road trip stop for anyone visiting the island. Pull over in the large parking lot and get your camera ready for the breathtaking views from the Ten Mile Point Lookout. On a clear day you can see over a thousand square miles of cobalt blue water and forested shorelines across the eastern part of the island. A historic marker commemorates an early Jesuit mission at Wiikwemikoong, and the Ten Mile Point Trading Post is one of the best spots on the island to pick up Indigenous arts and crafts. Check out the gallery inside and then peruse the shop for beautiful handcrafted moccasins, wood carvings, dreamcatchers, and the freshest sweetgrass braids on the island.
9. Manitoulin Soap Factory
In operation for over 11 years, the Manitoulin Soap Factory is a well-known family business. Owned and operated by Sue Garbutt and her family in the small town of Sheguiandah, they’ve perfected the art of small-batch soap making, and their 100% vegetable glycerin, biodegradable soaps are all handmade, hand cut, and hand wrapped onsite. Pick up soaps, lotions, shampoos and conditioners in a variety of scents including island favourites like sweetgrass, hawberry and Manitoulin Mist.
Learn more about the Manitoulin Soap Factory here.
10. Meldrum Bay
Once a North Channel fishery station and a sawmill town, Meldrum Bay marks the end of the road as you drive west across Manitoulin Island. The historic Meldrum Bay Inn dating back to the late 1800’s is an institution in Meldrum Bay if you’re looking to stay overnight, and a small public campground across the street offers budget accommodation for those looking to sleep under the stars. Don’t miss the iconic rock pier on the shoreline of the campground, a great place to watch the sun rise.
11. Misery Bay Provincial Park
The only operating provincial park on Manitoulin Island, Misery Bay Provincial Park is a beautiful day-use park that provides access to the scenic Lake Huron coastline on the island’s south shore. Stop at the Visitor’s Centre for information on the unique ecosystem, rare plants, birds, and rock formations you’ll find while exploring, and then choose from over 15 km of hiking trails. From wetlands and boardwalks to rocky shorelines and forested paths, the landscape is stunning and the perfect place to spend a day.
12. Manitoulin Brewing Company
Founded in 2014 by three friends, Manitoulin Brewing is a small craft brewery making waves across the region. This small brewery with Indigenous roots pays homage to iconic landmarks on the island in all its brews, from Bridal Veil Pale Ale and Cup and Saucer English Ale, to the Swing Bridge Blonde and Haw Eaters' Brew Lager. Stop in for a pint, fresh bannock, and an order of their famous fish tacos when you pass through their flagship location in Little Current.
Read more about Manitoulin Brewing’s here.
13. Little Current Swing Bridge
If you’re heading onto the island by road, the famous Manitoulin Island swing bridge will be the first stop on your Manitoulin Island road trip. Built in 1913 for the Algoma Eastern Railway, this iconic swing bridge provides year-round highway access to the island from the mainland. Park the car at the Visitor’s Centre and walk along the waterfront pathway while you watch boats of all shapes and sizes pass below the bridge. If you’re lucky you might even see the swing bridge in action as it rotates on the hour to allow tall-masted boats to pass.
14. Lilian’s Crafts
If you’re looking for a great spot to pick up locally made Indigenous arts and crafts, be sure to make a stop at Lillian's Crafts in M’Chigeeng. Choose from crafts hand made from natural materials such as birch bark, leather, sweet grass, and porcupine quills. From pottery and beadwork, to antler carvings and quill boxes, this small shop is packed with amazing finds. They also have a beautiful gallery showcasing Indigenous art from the region, as well as an extensive selection of beads, leather hides, and traditional medicines.
15. Cup and Saucer Trail
Named for its unique rock shape, the Cup and Saucer trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Ontario. As part of the Niagara Escarpment, the trail boasts 70 m high cliffs spanning across 2 km, built on 450-million-year-old limestone. There are 12 km of hiking trail through the hardwood forest, as well as 2 km of adventure trails for those with good footwear and no fear of heights. There are several stunning lookout points at the top, so be sure to keep following the trail for different viewpoints. This trail is very popular in the summer and fall seasons, so we recommend heading out early if you’re visiting on a weekend.
16. The Historic SS. Norisle
Snuggled in the harbour in Manitowaning, you’ll find a historic Canadian steam-boat that sailed the route between Tobermory and South-Baymouth from 1946-1974. As the first steamship built in Canada after the end of World War II, the SS Norisle was built at the Collingwood shipyards in 1946 for the Owen Sound Transportation Company. Decommissioned after close to 30 years of service, the ship once operated as a museum, but has closed pending a revitalization project to restore the aging ship to its original steamship glory.
17. 3 Cows and a Cone
One of the island’s most popular ice cream and snack stands, 3 Cow’s and a Cone began over 23 years ago when they took over the day-to-day operation from Farquhar's dairy. Located conveniently beside the Visitor’s Centre in Little Current, with the swing bridge in view, it’s the perfect spot for lunch and serves up tasty food truck fare, as well as cones piled high with the famous Farquhar’s dairy ice cream.
18. Little Current Lighthouse and Waterfront Boardwalk
No trip to Manitoulin Island is complete without a stop in Little Current, the island’s biggest town and the gateway to the island for those arriving by land. Stroll down the waterfront boardwalk and watch boats glide in and out of the harbour, and stop at the Little Current lighthouse for an iconic selfie. While you’re in town don’t forget to head to Little Current’s main strip on Water St. to do some shopping and grab a bite.
19. Grab a bite at Elliott’s Restaurant
When you’re looking to fuel up after a day of exploration (not the car, but you), head to local favourite Elliott’s Restaurant in Little Current. Serving classic Canadian cuisine from breakfast to dinner, their menu is extensive and delicious with options to suit every taste, including the little ones. Choose from salads, sandwiches, tacos, wraps, burgers, flatbread, steaks, and fish and chips for dine-in or takeout. Try our favourite, the pan-fried whitefish, you won’t be disappointed! Be sure to save room for a piece of homemade carrot cake, gluten free white chocolate brownie cake or coconut cream pie – you won’t regret it.
20. Wiikwemkoong Bebamikawe Memorial Trail
In the heart of the Wiikwemkoong First Nation, the Bebamikawe Memorial Trail is a hiker’s paradise. With 14km of stacked looped trails snaking along the top of the Niagara Escarpment, there are three amazing lookout points overlooking the North Channel and Georgian Bay that are not to be missed. There is also an outdoor fitness park with five fitness stations, as well as beautiful Indigenous carvings with educational signage detailing the Anishinaabek history and connection to the land.
Where to stay
• Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre - Little Current
• Twin Peaks Bed & Breakfast - Mindemoya
• Mutchmor Lofts – Providence Bay
• Manitoulin Eco Park (formerly Gordon’s Park) – Tehkummah
• Meldrum Bay Inn - Meldrum Bay
• Batman’s Cottages and Campground - Sheguiandah
• Wayside Motel Manitoulin - Manitowaning
• Meldrum Bay Marina and Campground - Meldrum Bay
• Kicking Mule Ranch - Tehkummah
