Are you looking for a dreamy island escape? Do you think you need to travel to the coastal ends of the country or need to hop on a plane down south? Listen closely… what if I told you that a beautiful island getaway can be experienced in Ontario! There are endless activities you can do both solo or as a group on Manitoulin Island! From hiking trails, to day trip ideas, to learning about the local Indigenous culture, there are many recommendations on this list that can make your vacation 100x more enjoyable!
1.) Drive across the Iconic Little Current Swing Bridge
You can’t say you’ve visited Manitoulin Island until you’ve driven on the Little Current Swing Bridge! There are two main entry points to Manitoulin Island; the swing bridge as you enter Little Current or the Chi-Cheemaun ferry which sails between Tobermory and South Baymouth. I don’t anticipate driving across the bridge will be a problem! While you are in Little Current, take the opportunity and walk across the swing bridge; just be mindful of the bridge swinging for 15 minutes every hour throughout the summer months of course!
2.) Hike the Cup and Saucer Trail - Michigiwadinong
More than likely, the Cup and Saucer hiking trail is on top of everyone’s to do list when visiting Manitoulin Island. Located east of M’Chigeeng First Nation on Highway 540, there are very few times when the parking lot isn’t packed full of adventurers exploring this beautiful hiking spot! There are different paths that accommodate any kind of hiker, such as; the original path, the adventure trail for people wanting a challenge, and the extended path for a longer hike and extra rewarding views! All the paths lead to the breathtaking view of the jagged edges of the bluffs overlooking Lake Manitou and the municipality of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands. When you hike back down, just before the parking lot, you will find a small sign on a tree that says “Get a Hike Certificate”, follow the instructions and Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy will mail you a certificate if you email them after completing the hike. This is a great keepsake!
3.) Go for a walk-on day trip or an evening cruise on the M.S Chi-Cheemaun
Another way many tourists arrive on Manitoulin Island is via the M.S. Chi-Cheemaun ferry from Tobermory to South Baymouth. If you arrived on Manitoulin Island by way of the swing bridge, take a ride on the Chi-Cheemaun, or better yet take a day trip via the walk-on option to Tobermory and vice versa and return to your destination later in the evening. Either way, the walk-on gives you the feeling of more freedom and you should have anywhere from 5-7 hours of touring throughout the day! Don’t hesitate to check out the schedule online and book an evening cruise!
4.) Golf at all three of Manitoulin's golf courses
Manitoulin Island hosts three golf courses located on the west end (Manitoulin Golf Course) in Gore Bay, central Manitoulin (Brookwood Brae Golf Course) in Mindemoya and on the east end (Rainbow Ridge Golf Course) in Manitowaning (Owned by Wiikwemkoong Unceded Indian Reserve). If you are looking for quicker rounds of golf, Gore Bay and Mindemoya are both 9-hole courses. A full day of golfing can be played at Rainbow Ridge’s 18-hole course in Manitowaning. Do your best to go for a round at all three courses because each provide a great experience!
5.) Enjoy a beach or picnic day in Providence Bay
One of the popular stops and arguably the best beach on Manitoulin Island is at Providence Bay. While you are visiting the island, be sure to dedicate time to a beach day and don’t forget to pack a picnic! The water is a bit cooler, but that will make the water activities that more refreshing on a hot summer day. Plenty of recreational activities around the area can make the day fly by so fast! So, enjoy every moment of the day!
6.) Attend at least one of the annual powwows hosted by Manitoulin's seven First Nations
The main attraction that makes Manitoulin Island stand out compared to other tourist destinations in Ontario is that it has seven First Nations in close proximity to each other. Tourists are very fortunate to be exposed to the deep, rich Indigenous culture showcased at each community powwow! While you’re there, you have to try the delicious homemade Indian tacos and other pow wow food. You can then visit the vendor booths where local artisans sell their crafts. Not only can you listen to the traditional songs sung under the centre arbour by each drum group, you can also participate in dancing when an inter-tribal song is sung. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and deepen your understanding of Indigenous people. The following dates are the annual powwow ceremonies for each community in 2023: First weekend in June – Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation, Third weekend in June – Sheshegwaning First Nation, Second weekend in July – Sheguiandah First Nation, Civic Holiday weekend – Wiikwemkoong Unceded Indian Reserve, Third weekend in August – Whitefish River First Nation, Fourth weekend in August – Zhiibaahaasing First Nation, and the final pow wow of the summer is held on Labour Day weekend – M’Chigeeng First Nation.
7.) Hike at Misery Bay Provincial Park
Hiking at Misery Bay Provincial Park is a must while you are visiting Manitoulin Island! Different paths take you to different areas of the park and the distance varies. The beach view with a smooth rock-like floor is always worth the 15km adventure. Be sure to bring a camera because not only is the end view worth snapping a photo, but there is plenty of wildlife in the surrounding area, as well! Hint… hint… this will be featured again in my future blog “Top 7 Hidden Gems on Manitoulin Island”!
8.) Hike at Bebamikawe Memorial Trail Head
Wiikwemkoong’s best hiking spot is Bebamikawe Trail, no doubt. Study the sign board detailing the various trails you can take. It doesn’t matter if you go on the fitness trail, warriors trail loop, three fires trail loop or even the entire trail loop, you will be treated to beautiful, spectacular sceneries! Man, that view of Lake Huron is unforgettable! Side note: Try hiking here in the fall, it is guaranteed to be one of the most colorful hikes you will ever take. For your safety, please be aware of poison ivy and bears!
9.) Visit the dreamy Bridal Veil Falls
Aside from the Cup and Saucer Trail, Bridal Veil Falls is on every tourist’s must-see list on Manitoulin Island. It was voted #1 as part of the “Big Top Five” contest in Northern Ontario Travel -The Official Magazine. The beautiful natural waterfalls are definently one of the, if not THE best waterfalls in Ontario. The dreamy view of the falls looks great on anyone’s camera roll or post stamp! What makes the stop even better is the fact that the falls are open to the public all year round. Tourists can easily spend most of the day wandering under the falls to get soaked and go for a dip in the natural pool of water below. Be sure to walk the river trail while you are there!