Cheap & Best Hotels in Manitoulin Island

Here we list the must-visit places in Manitoulin Island:

• Maja's Garden
• Ojibwe Cultural Foundation
• Lillian's Crafts
• Neon Raven Art Gallery
• Central Manitoulin Historical Society Pioneer Museum

2 airport(s) close to Manitoulin Island are:

• Gore Bay Manitoulin Airport
• Manitoulin East Municipal Airport

Misery Bay Provincial Nature Reserve is the only day-use park on Manitoulin Island and provides access to the coastline of Lake Huron. There is a Visitor Centre and 15 kilometers of hiking trails where you can see rare plants and ecosystems.

Mindemoya Lake, the third largest of the more than 100 lakes in the area, is a striking turquoise color compared to the darker tones of surrounding lakes. It is a great place to go swimming and there is an abundance of whitefish. Treasure Island sits about 300 feet above the lake and was originally known as Mindemoya which, in Ojibwetongue, means “old woman.”

Between 1817 and 1822 Lieutenant Wolsey Bayfield surveyed Lake Huron on his ship Recovery and named several areas near Manitoulin Island after his own family. Janet Head Lighthouse is named for his daughter Janet while there is also Helen Bay, Elizabeth Bay, Julia Bay, and Lake Wolsey. The lighthouse is the second oldest standing on the island, it was constructed in 1879 and stands about 40 feet (12 m) high with a keeper’s house attached.

Following a dream to Manitoulin Island, Richard Lathwell learned that the Noble Alpaca Farm was selling their herd and felt they would be an excellent addition to his farm and the Lobo Loco Alpaca Farm was born. The herd produces soft durable fibers which are hypoallergenic, lightweight, and finer than sheep’s wool. You can see the adorable herd roaming the farm and pick up some alpaca fiber as well. You can find the farm at 800 Townline Road RR #1 in Sheguiandah.

The average monthly temperatures in Manitoulin Island are as follow:

• January – low of 9F (-13C); high of 25F (-4C)
  
• February – low of 9F (-13C); high of 26F (-3C)
  
• March – low of 18F (-8C); high of 35F (2C)
  
• April – low of 31F (-0.5C); high of 49F (9C)
  
• May – low of 42F (6C); high of 62F (17C)
  
• June – low of 51F (11C); high of 71F (22C)
  
• July – low of 56F (13C); high of 76F (24C)
  
• August – low of 56F (13C); high of 75F (24C)
  
• September – low of 50F (10C); high of 68F (20C)
  
• October – low of 40F (4C); high of 54F (12C)
  
• November – low of 31F (-0.5C); high of 43F (6C)
  
• December – low of 19F (-7C); high of 31F (-0.5C)

The area gets over 100 inches (319.4 cm) of snow each year.

Perivale Gallery offers fine paintings, photography, glassworks, sculptures, and more. The gallery is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is the premier art destination on the island. The McMullan family founded the gallery more than 40 years ago and since its opening, they have displayed some of the best artwork in the area. You can find the gallery at 1320 Perivale Road East in Spring Bay.

Centennial Museum of Sheguiandah, located on Highway 6, is an eight-acre site that features six outbuildings as well as the main exhibition area. Here you can learn more about the early settlers in the area and take a hike on Lewis Twin Peaks trail. There is also a walking tour of the village. You can find the museum site at 14 Water Street East.

The Pioneer Museum, part of Pioneer Park, preserves artifacts and the history of pioneer life in the area. It stands in a log cabin that was donated by the Brookwood Brae golf course and supplemental logs from the former Montgomery home was added when the budling was relocated to the property where it stands now. You can find the museum at 6020 Highway 542.

Lake Kagawong, located 100 feet above Lake Huron, drains into the North Channel, unlike other lakes in the region. The lake’s outlet plummets over a cliff to form Bridal Veil Falls. Kakawaie Island is a long, thin island on the southeast side of the lake. It is privately owned, spans about 90 acres but it is uninhabited. The beach on the island is a great place for a picnic. You can often see deer swimming from Kakawaie Island to the mainland.

Providence Bay Beach offers smooth sand and clear water, a great place to spend a nice summer day. There is a boardwalk on one end of the beach with a playground. It is the perfect place to watch the sunset, take a dip, or build a sandcastle.

The Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands, settled in 1880 as Little Current, was considered a gateway port to Manitoulin Island. It was a critical stopping point as voyagers traveled the Great Lakes. The waterfront area has been the lifeblood of this historic town and 560 meters of dock continue to provide service to boats each year. In 1998, the Town of Little Current merged with Bay of Islands, McGregor Bay, and the Township of Howland to form the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands. Walk along the downtown docks to see the many floating ships and relax in one of the new pavilions. Take a stroll down Water Street to do some shopping as well.

Bridal Veil Falls can be found by traveling a short trail that is fairly easy to navigate. The falls flow from the Kagawong River and the north channel of Lake Huron. It is approximately 35 feet and it is possible to swim under the falls. There is a staircase to the falls as well. It is a great place to take a picnic lunch and splash in the cool water.

The Cup and Saucer Hiking Trail is a moderate trail near Northeastern Manitoulin and The Islands with beautiful wildflowers. There are several activities available on the trail, including bird walking, overlooks, and wildlife. Dogs are permitted on the trail as long as they are leashed. The section just before the overlook is steep and can be muddy during certain times of the year.

Manitoulin Country Fest, held in August each year, features world-renowned country artists at a three-day festival. Artists have included Trace Adkins, High Valley, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Jason Blaine, Brad James, and Danielle Todd. Camping at the event is available as well. The festival is located at 181A Harbour View Road in Manitoulin.

Rockin’ at the Rock is a music festival, held in August is a three-day music festival offering live rock bands and a Band Battle. Musical acts have included Sass Jordan, The Suite, and Sweet plus many more. The event is held at the Flat Rock Entertainment Centre, 181 Harbour View Road, just south of Little Current.

The Wikwemikong Annual Cultural Festival, held in late July or early August in Wikwemikong began in 1961 when Wikwemikong Band Member Rosemary Odjig began an effort to revitalize a popular Pow Wow in the area. She arranged the first Wikwemikong Indian Days that summer, an event that eventually became the Wikwemikong Annual Cultural Festival. Today, it is the longest-running Pow Wow in North Eastern North America. The festival includes arts and crafts, a Champion Anishinaabe Dance, Anishinaabe cuisine, an art gallery, and many cross-cultural performances. There are also regalia, drum and dance lessons, programs providing the history of the Odawa Minis, instruction in the Anishnaabe language, and more. The festival is held at 2098G Wikwemikong Way.

The closest airport to Manitoulin Island, Canada is the Greater Sudbury Airport. This is a smaller airport, so you may need to fly into a larger airport and take a smaller plane to Greater Sudbury, about two and a half hours from Manitoulin Island. You will need to rent a car to get to the island.

You can also get to the island on the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry which travels Lake Huron between Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula and Manitoulin Island.

1890 Restaurant Gore Bay, owned by Chef Alberto Joseph, displays his passion for cooking, something that did not become a passion until he was in high school. In 1999, he registered in the Culinary Program at George Brown College and has created menu items that display his diverse upbringing through Quebec, Ontario, Haiti, and the United States. His fusion-style dishes have Caribbean, Asian and Canadian flavors. Chef Alberto owns the restaurant with his wife, Tammy Joseph, who manages the business. 1890 Restaurant is located at 1 Water Street in Gore Bay.

Maja’s Tea Garden is the perfect location for lunch in an outdoor garden setting. You can enjoy their artisan baked goods created with organic flour. The lunch specials include vegan and vegetarian options created with organic produce from their garden. You can also enjoy sandwiches, soups, salads, quiches, and garden pizza. The organic coffee and tea is also grown at Maja’s. You can find them at 6152 King Street in  Mindemoya.

The Mutchmor and Providence Peace Café is located in the Mutchmor Art Gallery, offering specialty coffee, tea, and locally baked desserts. Mutchmor is a cultural hub with an antique shop, art gallery, and lofts available for rent. They are located at 5263 Highway 551 in Providence Bay.

Lake Huron Fish and Chips, located across the street from the Mutchmor is owned by the same couple that owns the Peace Café and the Mutchmor. Since opening, it has become an island tradition, offering local haddock and whitefish, fried English-style in a beer batter made on site. It is served with perfectly cooked fries or you can grab onion rings or a burger. They also offer vegan and vegetarian options. They are located at 20 McNevin Street in Providence Bay.

The Island Jar focuses on healthy, wholesome foods created with organic ingredients. The café offers lunch items such as the wrap of the day, salads, samosa, pakoras the soup of the day, and more. There are vegetarian and vegan options available as well as coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and smoothies. Order your groceries from them online and just stop in to pick them up at15 Water Street East in Little Current.

In July 2015, Jason & Jodie Elliott took ownership of what was then Garry’s Family Restaurant, a staple in the area for 41 years. The couple changed the name, completely renovated the interior and updated the menu. You can find classic Canadian food on the menu and they also offer all-day breakfast. One favorite is the chicken clubhouse with apple, brie, and cranberry mayo as well as the Cajun chippers with chipotle mayo. All barbecue and pasta sauces, as well as salad dressings, are made from scratch. They have a full bar offering beer, wine, and cocktails. Find them at 28 Vankoughnet Street East in Little Current.

Located in an antique farmhouse, the Garden Gate Family Restaurant is an artisanal establishment and grocery. All menu items are prepared from scratch using locally grown meats and produce. They are open for breakfast, serving burritos, breakfast crepes, and sandwiches as well as breakfast bowls. Grab a Garden Gate picnic box and head to the beach or the lake. Dinner menu items include a Vietnamese rice noodle bowl, sirloin steak, and trout burger. They are located at 316-542 Highway in Tehkummah.

There is a Guardian – Mindemoya Medical Pharmacy in Mindemoya, an Edgewater Pharmacy in Little Current, and a Guardian Little Current Pharmacy in Little Current.

There are less than ten violent crimes in the area each year and around 23 property crimes which may include theft, burglary, and auto theft.

Anchor Inn Hotel has a bar that has been named one of the best on the island. They offer a large selection of beer on tap, including Manitoulin and Split Rail Brewing. In addition, they offer bottled beer, wine coolers, and cocktails. The bar menu is available from noon until 9:00 PM and ready-made pepperoni, vegetarian, Hawaiian, or deluxe pizza for those late-night trips in town from the water. The Anchor has retro arcade games a DJ on Friday and Saturdays plus specials each night. The hotel is located at 1 Water Street in Little Current.

Founders Andrea Smith and Eleanor Charlton created Split Rail Brewing, the first craft brewery on Manitoulin Island in 2012.  Enjoy their craft beers on a lakeside patio where you can get tastings, 12-ounce glasses, or beer to go. There are often food trucks at the brewery as well as live music. Find them at 31 Water Street in Gore Bay.

On your first day on the island, start with breakfast at the Peace Café before heading to Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands. Take a walk on the docks and do some shopping. Then hike to Bridal Veil Falls before visiting Providence Beach. Enjoy lunch at Matthew’s Fish and Chips before heading to Lake Kagawong. Finish with dinner at Elliott’s Café.

The next day, start with dinner at Garden Gate before heading to the Cup and Saucer Trail. Visit Lake Mindemoya and enjoy lunch at either the Island Jar or Maja’s Tea Garden. Take a ride to the Lobo Loco Alpaca Farm and then tour the Centennial Museum. Finish the day with dinner at 1890 Restaurant.