Manitoulin Island

Wiky, as it’s known locally, is unique in being unceded Indigenous territory, meaning the rights to the land were never signed away to any nation. Guided tours are one way of learning about this proud heritage, with a range of tour possibilities from culinary to cultural experiences depending on the day. Paddle through fishing islands along Lake Huron and gaze upon the La Cloche Mountain range on the “Bay of the Beaver Canoe” tour. “The Unceded Journey” tour takes you to historic sites to gain an understanding of the seminal 1836 and 1862 treaties and to learn local lore and legend. One of these historic sites is the Holy Cross Church and Ruins, the grounds for one of the first residential schools in the Great Lakes region, first established as the Wikwemikong Industrial Residential School in 1844. In 1954 the church and residence were both damaged by a fire. The church was rebuilt but the adjacent building was too damaged and the interior was torn down leaving only the exterior ruins. Wikwemikong Tourism is your port of call to find out more about the history and culture of the area and to book tours.

Speaking of booking tours, you may also want to look into the possibility of a viewing at the Mishibinijima Private Art Gallery, where you’ll see the stunning work of artist James Mishibinijima.

As a visitor to Wiky, you’re invited to learn more about the traditions of the Anishinaabek people of the Three Fires Confederacy: Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi. One way to do this is through events (notably the Annual Cultural Festival, one of the largest Pow Wows in north-eastern North America). You can also take time to walk some of the professionally built 12 kilometres of trails collectively known as the Bebamikawe Memorial Trail. Scenic lookout points provide information about Anishinaabek history and beautiful views of the North Channel and Georgian Bay. Fitness fans can lace up for the one-and-a-half kilometre (bicycle-friendly) training trail, and birders should definitely bring the binos.

Manitowaning is also home to the critically acclaimed Debajehmujig Theatre Group, part of Debajehmujig Storytellers, a multi-disciplinary arts organization dedicated to the revitalization of the Anishnaabek culture, language and heritage. The organization is housed in the Debajehmujig Creation Centre, which houses an art gallery, performance, music and artist studios, and more. Among theatre group’s groundbreaking work is 2022’s conclusion of an international trilogy that began in Mexico and Ireland — make sure to check the Debajehmujig website for any upcoming performances.If you’re looking to learn more about local history, make your way to the Assiginack Museum Heritage Complex (open seasonally), where you can explore artifacts at their pioneer home, blacksmith shop, schoolhouse or barn.

Heading North of Manitouwaning to Little Current, you can also check out the Centennial Museum of Sheguiandah (open seasonally) for even more local history and artifacts. If you’re a real history buff, consider booking a tour of the Sheguiandah Site, a National Historic Site designated by Parks Canada, where over 4,000 prehistorical artifacts were uncovered.

En route to Little Current, you’ll also find the Rainbow Ridge Golf Course, one of many primarily Indigenous-owned businesses on the Island – it’s located outside of the village of Manitowaning.

A twenty-five minute drive brings you from Manitowaning to Little Current, the island’s four-season access point via the famous swing bridge. It’s also the Island’s largest town, so yes, it’s an excellent spot for dinner. Popular spots include Manitoulin Brewing Company and Brewgers food truck, Elliott’s (classic Canadian cuisine) and The Anchor Inn Hotel (known for its whitefish). Three Cows and A Cone is a fun option for pizza and (no surprise) ice cream. An after-dinner boardwalk stroll lets you peek at boats from all over the Great Lakes, as well as some from farther afield — makes sense, given that Georgian Bay’s north channel is considered some of the best freshwater boating anywhere. For live music, visit Little Current in August to hit up the annual rock and country music festivals.

One of the Island’s best-known attractions is The Cup and Saucer/Michigiwadinong trail, about a twenty-minute drive west of Little Current on the Manitoulin extension of the Niagara Escarpment. Michigiwadinong means “bluff in the shape of a spearhead,” a reference to it being the place where famous trickster Nanabush lay down his spearpoints while fleeing Iroquois warriors (warriors he’d tormented for generations). The legend and the surrounding area’s history make it an iconic spot. It’s also a hiker’s delight, with twelve kilometres of trails creating multiple options from fifteen minutes to four hours. There are good reasons it’s one of Ontario’s most popular hikes — magnificent 70 meter cliffs, wonderful views of the Island’s lakes and fields, and closeups of escarpment rock.

You’ll find the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation in M’Chigeeng, which has a museum, art gallery, gift shop, and amphitheatre. Learn about Anishinaabe spiritual knowledge, history and cultural practices at the museum, and enjoy beautiful heritage crafts, including porcupine quill boxes, ash and sweetgrass baskets, and antler carvings. Crafters and artists may also enjoy this area as it is home to Lillian’s Crafts (offering items made from local materials and artwork by Indigenous artists), as well as the source for the much-lauded Beam Paints (pigments harvested from the LaCloche mountain range).

Next, lunch. Maggie’s Café offers home cooking (literally — Maggie’s recipes are passed down from “Great Grandma Agnes Roy, Maggie Roy and Betsy Debassige”). Another option is Maja’s Garden Bistro, which is a short jog south of town and is known for local food and organic baking. Film buff alert: the Weengushk Film Institute (an artist-focused film and TV training centre) is based in M’Chigeeng and collaborates with the Weengushk International Film Festival to showcase work by Indigenous and diverse filmmakers.

Kagawong, located midway between M’Chigeeng and Gore Bay, has been called Ontario’s prettiest village, and there’s no question that it’s a picturesque waterfront town. That handsome limestone building you’ll spot is the Old Mill Heritage Centre, a former pulp mill turned art gallery and museum. Learn about the Island’s agricultural, military and shipping/fishing history, as well as the tragic tale of Daniel Dodge, a scion of the automotive family of the same name. On the upper floor of the Old Mill, you can find the Edwards Art Studio, an independently owned and operated studio and art gallery. The Gallery showcases various local artists from Manitoulin Island and the surrounding region.

Before you leave the Old Mill, pick up a map of the Billings Connection Trail. The trail features historic plaques and outdoor sculpture sites that highlight the local heritage and history of Anishinaabeg and settler residences. 

Kagawong is also home to Bridal Veil Falls, a hidden gem of a waterfall. Swimmers come prepared: on a warm day, you may want to climb down the staircase and enjoy a dip below the falls. Looking for a longer hike? Follow the gravel walkway running along the gorge to take in the rushing waters and giant Cedars. You’ll end up at Lake Huron and Kagawong Marina. Then, if you’re looking for a sweet treat before heading to your next stop, check out Manitoulin Chocolate Works, a local family-owned artisan chocolatier kitchen and chocolate shop.

If you head twenty minutes west of Kagawong you will find yourself in the charming town of Gore Bay. There’s plenty to explore in western Manitoulin’s largest community. At the Gore Bay Museum, you’ll find a fascinating piece of history located in the building that once served as the Manitoulin District Jail and jailer’s residence until 1945. The museum features self-guided exhibits, such as the Dentist’s Office and General Store, which bring history to life. It also boasts a gallery space that showcases the work of Manitoulin artists throughout the summer months.

Across from the museum is Gore Bays Harbour Center, which is open year-round. An arts hub for the town, the building is made up of small studio spaces and arts retail spaces. Head upstairs to visit the William Purvis Marine Museum, dedicated to preserving the marine history of Gore Bay and the Great Lakes.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Gore Bay offers the Noble Nature Trail, a 1.1km hike along the East Bluff that ends in a spectacular view of the town and bay from Harold Noble Memorial Park.

Gore Bay also has a lot to offer in terms of food and drink if you’re looking for lunch, including Split Rail Brewery Company. Split Rail Brewing opened in 2015 as Manitoulins Island’s first craft brewery. Named after the split rail fence, a distinctive cedar fence commonly found on the landscape of the island, Split Rail Brewery includes local ingredients, such as the island’s trademark – hawberries.

Providence Bay is known for its spectacular sand beach — and equally spectacular sunsets. Originally called Bebekodawangog, meaning “where the beach curves around the water,” the story goes that it was settler survivors of a shipwreck who first referred to it as Providence. Shallow water makes it a family swimming destination, and it’s a draw for lake trout and salmon fishing. Gaze at Lake Huron from what’s arguably the best beach in Northern Ontario, or stroll the boardwalk, possibly with a cone in hand from Huron Island Time. For something more substantial, there’s Lake Huron Fish and Chips — whitefish is always an Island delicacy. The Mutchmor and Providence Peace Café is where you’ll find local artwork and fresh baked goods.

If you’d like to get your bearings on the bay’s history and ecology, visit the Discovery Centre. After all, visiting the Island is nothing if not about discovering what makes it such an intriguing destination.