Written By Alan Good
TRAVEL - Feel like getting away? Travel to the Islands. Not the Caribbean, the Manitoulin Islands located on Lake Huron. Surrounded by other islands, like Barrie Island, Cockburn Island and Fitzwilliam Island, there are also several smaller islands that border the main mass we call Manitoulin.
Manitoulin is the largest fresh water lake island in the world. It contains over 100 lakes itself, some of which contain their own islands such as the famous Treasure Island which is noted for being, “the largest island in a lake on an island in a lake in the world”.
The historic Anishinaabe and European settlements of the island and archaeological discoveries at Sheguiandah have demonstrated Paleo-Indian and Archaic cultures dating many years ago. Manitoulin’s name was derived from past cultures and means “cave of the spirit”.
Whether you disembark from the Chi-Cheemaun ferry or cross the swing bridge to arrive in Little Current, many wonders await. The timeframe to do either is about the same—eight hours. Little Current gets its name from the waters which are said to change direction.
Another larger town is Gore Bay, the seat of power on the island. Nearby is Bridle Veil Falls, with its short hiking path and fabulous falls. People come from all over just to go under the cascading waters. You’ll experience aboriginal art there and elsewhere as you travel the island.
The white sands of Providence Bay on Manitoulin’s south side stretch for two kilometres and are free to the public. Walk along the Providence Bay boardwalk, also 2 kilometres running along the Mindemoya River and across beach dunes. The boardwalk has elevated platforms which offer numerous viewing opportunities and is wheelchair accessible. Wagg’s Woods, a 42-acre park, contains four trails each about 3 kilometres in length (almost 2 miles). They all make for a wonderous adventure.
Speaking of hiking, the Cup and Saucer Trail is generally considered moderately challenging. There is a 5 kilometre climb to the lookouts and the “walk” can take between 1.5 to 4 hours to complete, depending on the chosen route and pace. Some sections feature steep climbs, rocky terrain, and even ladders, particularly on the Adventure Trail.
Many boat launches and docks surround the island and can be found on the inner lakes. Lake Manitou is the largest lake within a freshwater island in the world and contains fishing and boating delights, as do most lakes. Stay at a camping site, motel, cabin, or bed and breakfast spot, you’ll find the people friendly and informative about their island.
Why go south when you can spend your holiday on Manitoulin Island. Open for business—especially to hunters—through October.
