Things To Do on Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada.
Rainbow Country
Below are our recommended things to do on Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada. Some of the more popular summer and winter adventures and activities enjoyed while visiting and exploring, in and around, Northeastern Ontario, Canada.
Off Roading : Throughout the wilderness backcountry regions of the island are gravel roads and dirt trails which are ideal for ATVing. Check first as some trails do not allow off roading.
Fishing : Tow a boat, rentals or hire a charter fishing guide for the opportunity to fish an inland lake, Lake Huron and the North Channel for salmon, trout, bass, perch, pickerel and, even, musky.
Birding : Birding on the island includes over 300+ species of birds. Some local and some visit during migration season. Misery Bay and Point Break Bridge in Evansville are bird destinations.
Saddle Up : There are ranches which provide horseback riding adventures exploring the wilderness backcountry trails on the island. Horseback riding outfitters provide lessons, guides and horses.
First Nation Touring : The Great Spirit Circle Trail (GSCT) is a self guided sightseeing driving route visiting with the many First Nation villages, accommodations and historic sites on Manitoulin Island and throughout the La Cloche mainland region.
Beaching It : Pack the swimming trunks and water toys because there are some sweet sandy beaches on Manitoulin Island. Some with boat launches, playgrounds, campgrounds and picnic day use sites.
Picture Perfect Paddle : Over 100 lakes and an island surrounded by water creates some amazing canoeing and kayaking adventures like the Spanish River, Lake Kagawong, Bayfield Sound & the North Channel. Guides, tours and rentals available.
Pack a Picnic : With so many sandy beaches and quick access to so many waterfront areas there are many day use picnic sites on the island. Many are in parks, villages or near a popular hiking trail entrance. Some have boat launches.
Swing a Club : Pack your clubs for a golf game on Manitoulin Island. There are a selection of golf courses. Stay a long weekend and golf each one and then pick your favourite.
Eventful Stay : Every year the island is home to many events, festivals, dances, art gallery showings and traditional First Nation story telling circles and Pow Wows.
Star Gazing : Because selected areas on the island have very little artificial lighting the island is a popular star gazing viewing site which is also known as a "Dark Sky" destination.
Cycling : The country roads exploring the island are a popular route for cyclists. Generally the traffic is light and vehicles are courteous. There are many parks, beaches, campgrounds and picnic sites along the routes for pleasure, rest or brunch.
Road Trip : Manitoulin Island is small enough to sightsee in 2-3 days depending on how many stops along the way. You can plan theme tours around lighthouses, First Nation, beaches, parks or attractions.
Artful Drive : Plan a day visiting the local artist studios and artisans throughout the island. Paintings, carvings, pottery, sculptures and crafts created from local artists. All kinds of art including First Nation.
Boat or Sail : Over 100 islands. Marinas in Kagawong, Gore Bay, Little Current, Manitowaning and Meldrum Bay. Explore by boat the North Channel, Lake Huron and Georgian Bay.
Sledding : A popular winter activity. The snowmobile trail systems provide amazing views of the island. There are over 500+ kilometres of maintained and signed snowmobile trails exploring the island.
XC Ski : There are two separate cross country ski trail areas on the island. One being near Mindemoya and the other near Little Current.