If you’re picturing an oasis in your mind’s eye, it might be Manitoulin Island you see. People are few, nature is big, and the pace is refreshingly slow in this idyllic haven of crystal-clear lakes and quiet shores. It’s also a community with distinctive Indigenous culture and friendly folk who welcome guests and are happy to share their traditions.

The name means “Spirit Island” or “cave of the spirit” in Ojibwe, referring to an underwater cave in the local lore, and anyone who’s visited agrees Manitoulin weaves its own kind of magic.

Manitoulin Island is the largest freshwater island in the world. It has 108 lakes on the island, and many of these lakes have their own islands. Manitou, Kagawong, and Mindemoya are three of the largest lakes.

It’s also home to Canada’s first European settlement, the town of Manitowaning, and the historic Anishinaabe settlement. There are six Indigenous reserves on the island and one, the Wikwemikong, is still Canada’s only unceded reserve.

Gore Bay Boardwalk (1.2 km of very easy trails and boardwalk along the waterfront in downtown Gore Bay)

Noble Nature Trail (1.1. km of easy to moderate trails that lead to the East Bluff lookout and the H. Noble Memorial Park)

Mississagi Lighthouse Trails (These 3 km of trails are located at the Mississagi Lighthouse in Meldrum Bay, and offer beautiful views of the rockfaces and Lake Huron)

Misery Bay Provincial Park (Misery Bay is a popular hiking destination. There are 14 km of various trails that go out to the shores of Lake Huron and the famous alvars)

Waggs Wood (4 km of easy trails in the heart of Mindemoya. Immerse yourself in Manitoulin's ecosystem with views of the rock faces, woods, and a stream running through this park.)

Providence Bay Boardwalk (A 1.5 km boardwalk along the Providence Bay Beach with gorgeous views of the sandy beach and Lake Huron. There are multiple access points down to the beach as well as a bridge with views of the Mindemoya River)

Bridal Veil Falls Trails (6 km of easy to moderate trails surrounding Bridal Veil Falls and the Kagawong River)

Bebamikawe Memorial Trail (14 km of easy to moderate trails located in Wiikwemkoong at the end of Beach Road. This trail system includes multiple ammenities including an outdoor fitness park, a lakefront pavillion, and a specially designed stretch for mountain biking)

Lewis Twin Peaks Trails (Located in Sheguiandah, this easy trail system is roughly 2 km in length with fantastic views of both Lake Huron and Bass Lake.)

Ten Mile Point Trail (The Ten Mile Point Trail is located just outside of Sheguiandah on Highway 6, and is roughly 2 km in length. This trail offers spectacular views of Lake Huron and takes you on a descent to the Georgian Bay shore.)

Cup and Saucer Trail (Perhaps the most famous trail on Manitoulin, The Cup and Saucer is located between Aundeck Omni Kaning and M'Chigeeng on Highway 540. The system includes 14 km of moderate trails up to the top of the Niagara Escarpment. From the sharp cliff faces and lookouts, hikers can see for miles across the island and take in the breathtaking scenery.)

Kicking Mule Ranch in Tehkummah, ON (Eastern Lands)

Honora Bay Riding Stable in Little Current, ON (Eastern Lands)

Canadian Yacht Charters in Gore Bay, ON (Western Lands)

Manitoulin Wind and Wave in Kagawong, ON (Middle Lands)

Island Time Boat Rentals in Mindemoya, ON (Middle Lands)

North Channel Cruise Line in Little Current, ON (Eastern Lands)

Wass Tours in Wiikwemkoong, ON (Eastern Lands)

Screaminreels Sportfishing Charters in South Baymouth, ON (Eastern Lands)

Brookwood Brae Golf Course in Mindemoya, ON (Middle Lands)

Manitoulin Golf in Gore Bay, ON (Western Lands)

Rainbow Ridge Golf Course in Manitowaning, ON (Eastern Lands)

Western Lands

Harbour Centre in Gore Bay, ON

Middle Lands

4 Elements Living Arts in Kagawong, ON

Neon Raven Art Gallery in M’Chigeeng, ON

Perivale Gallery in Spring Bay, ON

Mutchmor Gallery in Providence Bay, ON

Hettmann Studio in Spring Bay, ON

Lillian’s Crafts in M’Chigeeng, ON

Edwards Art Studio in Kagawong, ON

Eastern Lands

K.B. Reynolds Mastin Gallery in Manitowaning, ON

Wiikwemkoong Art Gallery & Gift Shop in Wiikwemkoog, ON

Mishibinijima Art Gallery in Wiikwemkoong, ON

Ten Mile Point Trading Post in Sheguiandah, ON

Pierside/Manitoulin Trading Post in South Baymouth, ON

Turner’s of Little Current in Sheguiandah, ON

Western Lands

Gore Bay & Western Manitoulin Museum in Gore Bay, ON

William Purvis Marine Museum in Gore Bay, ON

Mississagi Lighthouse Museum in Meldrum Bay, ON

The Net Shed Museum in Meldrum Bay, ON

Middle Lands

Ojibwe Cultural Foundation in M’Chigeeg, ON

Welcome Centre & Pioneer Museum in Mindemoya, ON

Old Mill Heritage Centre in Kagawong, ON

Providence Bay Discovery Centre in Providence Bay, ON

Eastern Lands

The Little Schoolhouse & Museum in South Baymouth, ON

Assiginack Museum Heritage Complex in Manitowaning, ON

Centennial Museum of Sheguiandah in Sheguiandah, ON

The Norisle in Manitowaning, ON

Manitoulin Brewing Company in Little Current, ON (Eastern Lands)

Split Rail Brewing Co. in Gore Bay, ON (Western Lands)

Bridal Veil Falls in Kagawong, ON (Middle Lands)

Providence Bay Beach in Providence Bay, ON (Middle Lands)

Little Current Swing Bridge in Little Current, ON (Eastern Lands)

McLean's Mountain Lookout in Little Current, ON (Eastern Lands)

Ten Mile Point Trading Post Lookout in Sheguiandah, ON (Eastern Lands)