Manitoulin Island Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Island

Facts and practical information

Manitoulin Island, located in the Ontario region of Canada, is a captivating destination nestled in the vastness of Lake Huron. This enchanting island, known as the "Spirit Island", offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and endless outdoor adventures.

As you step foot on Manitoulin Island, you will be greeted by its picturesque landscapes and pristine wilderness. The island is home to stunning forests, serene lakes, and breathtaking views that will leave you in awe. Explore the island's numerous hiking and biking trails, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature as you encounter majestic waterfalls, vibrant wildflowers, and a diverse array of wildlife.

One of the island's highlights is its vibrant Indigenous culture. Manitoulin Island is the largest freshwater island in the world, and it is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe people. Discover the rich history and traditions of the Anishinaabe by visiting the Great Spirit Circle Trail, where you can participate in authentic cultural experiences such as storytelling, traditional crafts, and powwows. Don't miss the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing beauty of a sunrise ceremony or a traditional drum circle.

For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, Manitoulin Island is the perfect escape. Indulge in the island's soothing hot springs or treat yourself to a tranquil spa experience. Unwind on the island's pristine beaches, where you can bask in the sun, swim in crystal-clear waters, or embark on a kayaking adventure.

Manitoulin Island also offers a variety of culinary delights. Sample the island's local cuisine, which includes freshly caught fish, locally grown produce, and traditional Indigenous dishes. Explore the island's charming towns and villages, where you can find cozy cafes, quaint restaurants, and local artisans showcasing their unique creations.

Alternative names: Area: 1067.96 mi²Maximum elevation: 1155 ftCoordinates: 45°46'0"N, 82°11'60"W

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OntarioCanada

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Manitoulin Island Top Attractions

Manitoulin Island Attractions - What to See and Explore

Manitoulin Island offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Bridal Veil Falls, Lake Manitou, Assiginack Museum and Heritage Complex, Lake Kagawong. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Natural attraction • Park • Waterfall
Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is a waterfall near the town of Kagawong on Lake Huron's Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada. The water source is the Kagawong River, which flows from Lake Kagawong to the North Channel of Lake Huron.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lake Manitou
Lake Manitou is the largest lake on Manitoulin Island in Ontario, Canada. With an area of 104 square kilometres, it is the largest lake on a lake island in the world. It is drained by the Manitou River.
45°44'33"N • 81°48'27"W
Assiginack Museum and Heritage Complex
Specialty museum • Museum

Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lake Kagawong
Lake Kagawong is the second largest lake on Manitoulin Island in Ontario, Canada. Located in the central part of the island, the lake is drained by the Kagawong River, which falls over Bridal Veil Falls into Lake Huron.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lake Mindemoya
Lake Mindemoya is a lake in Ontario, Canada, located within Manitoulin Island which is the world's largest island in a freshwater lake.
45°49'36"N • 82°9'43"W
Ojibwe Cultural Foundation
History museum • Museum
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Nameless Lake
Nameless Lake is a small, spring-fed endorheic lake on Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron approximately 8.5 kilometres south of the town of Gore Bay in the municipality of Gordon/Barrie Island, Manitoulin District in Northeastern Ontario, Canada.
Archaeological site
Sheguiandah
Sheguiandah is a Paleo-Indian archaeological site on the northeastern shore of Manitoulin Island, Manitoulin District, Ontario, Canada. It was originally discovered in 1951 by Thomas E. Lee, who found artifacts in surface collections indicating the site was ancient. He led excavation teams for the next four years.
45°33'35"N • 82°0'35"W
Southbay Gallery and Guesthouse on Manitoulin
Art gallery • Shopping • Museum
Church
Holy Cross Church
Holy Cross Church is a Roman Catholic Parish church in the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Reserve, north-eastern Manitoulin island. It was founded by the Society of Jesus in 1844 and was their first mission in Northern Ontario since their suppression in 1767.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Sucker Lake
Sucker Lake is an endorheic lake in the municipality of Assiginack, Manitoulin District in Northeastern Ontario, Canada. It is on Manitoulin Island about 5 kilometres southwest of the community of Manitowaning and about 1.5 kilometres southeast of the much larger Lake Manitou.
45°46'0"N • 82°11'60"W
Manitoulin District
Manitoulin District is a district in Northeastern Ontario within the Canadian province of Ontario. It was created in 1888 from part of the Algoma District. The district seat is in Gore Bay.
45°59'2"N • 81°57'31"W
Little Current Water Aerodrome
Little Current Water Aerodrome was an aerodrome located in the town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands, Ontario, Canada, 1 nautical mile west of the community of Little Current and east of Mackay's Bay. The aerodrome was accessed from private drive off North Channel Drive.

Day trips

Manitoulin Island – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Manitoulin Island, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Big Tub Lighthouse (Tobermory), Little Current Swing Bridge (Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands), National Marine Conservation Area (Fathom Five National Marine Park).

43 milesSE
Lighthouse
Big Tub Lighthouse, Tobermory
Nestled on the rocky shores of Tobermory, Ontario, the Big Tub Lighthouse stands as a charming beacon, guiding mariners through the waters of Georgian Bay. This picturesque lighthouse, with its classic red and white facade, is not just a navigational aid but also a...
20 milesNE
Bridge
Little Current Swing Bridge, Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands
The Little Current Swing Bridge is a swing bridge in the Canadian province of Ontario, located at the community of Little Current in the town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands.
41 milesSE
Park
National Marine Conservation Area, Fathom Five National Marine Park
National Marine Conservation Areas is a Parks Canada programme responsible for marine areas managed for sustainability and containing smaller zones of high protection. They include the seabed, the water itself and any species which occur there. They may also include wetlands, estuaries, islands and other coastal lands.
42 milesNE
Museum, Observatories and planetariums
Killarney Provincial Park Observatory, Killarney
The Killarney Provincial Park Observatory is an astronomical observatory located at the George Lake Campground of Killarney Provincial Park. The Observatory is operated by Ontario Parks and houses two observatory buildings.
47 milesNE
National park, Park
Killarney Provincial Park
Killarney Provincial Park is a provincial park in central Ontario, Canada. The park contains just one campground at the George Lake entrance as it is primarily a wilderness park.