Manitoulin Island is beautiful and filled with many popular landmarks and tourist attractions! Growing up on Manitoulin Island has given me the opportunity to explore most of the Island and gain knowledge of amazing locations that many tourists may not know about. To kick off the hidden gems’ series, I can provide guidance on areas you can visit that may not be too crowded.
1.) Meldrum Bay
Manitoulin Island is bigger than what most people think, that may be because the two main entry points are located on the eastern and southern parts of the Island. Most tourists go as far as Gore Bay, but if you follow highway 540 west all the way to Meldrum Bay, I guarantee you that it will be the most peaceful and quiet drive you will ever have. The open fields and untouched forests are an added bonus to the drive. If you can catch a summer evening sunset at the western end of the Island, I promise it will be worth the long drive!
2.) McLeans Mountain Lookout
This beautiful view of the North Channel and Northeastern Manitoulin and Islands can easily be missed by most tourists, but you don’t have to! As you leave Little Current, heading west on highway 540, exit left onto McLeans Mountain Road and follow it to the top of the mountain where you will make a right to reach the McLeans Mountain Lookout. The view will not disappoint! Hey, you can even see the Little Current swing bridge to the east and the La Cloche Mountains to the north! (Hint: Catch a beautiful sunset, a thunderstorm, or just stargaze!).
3.) M'Chigeeng Lookout
When you are driving up or down the M’Chigeeng hill on highway 540, have you ever wondered if you could hike up to the M’Chigeeng sign at the top of the bluff? Yes you can! The trail is found at the tree line behind both the ballpark and powwow grounds as you head south on highway 551. To make it to the M’Chigeeng sign, the hike will take about 2 hours, but the end result is a breathtaking eagle’s view of M’Chigeeng First Nation and West Bay!
4.) Misery Bay Provincial Park
Manitoulin Island’s only provincial park is located on the west end of the Island. Near Elizabeth Bay on highway 540, take a left onto Misery Bay Park Road and follow it until you reach the hiking entrance. The hike feels like something out of a fairy tale because of how quiet and peaceful it is. The provincial park offers tourist information at the visitor centre (during summer months) and the hike has different trails with short, moderate, and long distances. So choose your desired path!
5.) JD's Manitoulin Garden Centre, Tehkummah
Any plant or flower lovers out there? You don’t want to miss this place while you are on the Island. If you are coming from South Baymouth and heading north on highway 6, take a left onto Side Road 10. About a minute down the road, you will see the garden centre on your left! Go ahead and admire the variety of flowers and plants for sale but before you leave, make sure to have lunch or dinner in an actual indoor garden! If your timing is right, there is also a weekly farmers market held in the parking lot throughout the summer months.
6.) McLean's Park Trail System
Not to be confused with the McLeans Mountain Lookout, the McLean’s Park Trail System is in Manitowaning. If you are coming from South Baymouth, stay on highway 6 north for about ten minutes and then take a left on to New England Road. About a minute or two in, you will see the parking lot on the right and immediately there are 2-3 serene paths to hike! Like many hiking trails on Manitoulin, McLeans Park is open year-round and also makes a great snowshoe trail during the winter months! Make sure to pack a lunch and use the picnic tables provided at the park.
7.) Low Island walkway / Waterfront view trail - Little Current
Low Island is in Little Current and has a walkway behind a tree line which circles all the way around the park. You will find some paths that branch off to the shoreline which make nice secret swimming spots and beautiful views of the sun setting over Picnic Island. While you are in Little Current, head over to the west end of Water Street and follow the shoreline waterfront trail to get beautiful views of the sunset and closer photos of the swing bridge from unexpected angles! (Keep an eye out, as Little Current will make another appearance in a future blog on "9 best places to visit on Manitoulin Island".)