Discover the North Channel and Manitoulin Island, one of the most majestic vacation destinations in Canada and the world. A holiday paradise offering a safe, affordable and easily accessible, world class adventure experience. Ideally situated amongst the northern waters of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, a perfect choice for travellers of all ages and interests.

Manitoulin Island is the world's largest freshwater island and is also home of the world's largest lake within a freshwater island.
Manitoulins' beauty and tranquility is puncuated by quaint towns and a variety of inland lakes. An extremely popular destination for boaters. A wide selection of accommodation is available to visitors, including; lodges, resorts, campgrounds, bed & breakfasts and motels. Discover a rich Aboriginal heritage and culture, unique museums, festivals and Island hospitality.

The North Channel of Lake Huron encompasses the northern shores of Manitoulin Island to the southern shores of the mainland. Recognized by many boating magazines and boating elite, as a "boaters paradise" with over thirty thousand islands and countless secluded coves, bays and inlets. The visitor will find towns, marinas and resorts dot the vast stretches of wilderness shoreline in one of the world's top sailing waters.

The Township of Sables-Spanish Rivers

The Township of Sable-Spanish Rivers stretches along the Trans-Canada Highway a one hour drive west of Sudbury and a 2 1/2 hour drive east of Sault Ste. Marie. The municipality derived its name from the Sauble and Spanish Rivers, which meet in the centre of the community and flow to Lake Huron. The area is tranquil and picturesque and offers both rural and urban settings.

Immediately north of Massey, is beautiful Chutes Provincial Park, which is a fully serviced camping and recreational facility featuring a sandy beach, scenic hiking and well groomed cross-country ski trails for winter enthusiasts.

This is a quiet yet progressive community, which offers a full range of services to both residents and visitors alike. The area provides an abundance of lakes and rivers and forested areas offering superb hunting, fishing and camping opportunities.

The Sauble River is well noted as being a challenging watercourse by canoe enthusiasts. The area has an extensive logging history, which is displayed, at the Massey Area Museum visitors can see how the area's pioneers lived with tours of re-created rooms, many of which have original artifacts on display.

Whitefish Falls

Whitefish Falls is located on Highway 6 between Espanola and Manitoulin Island. Three different geological zones merge near Whitefish Falls so rock hounds can find interesting samples. With direct access onto the North Channel, boating, swimming and fishing are superb. Bass, Pickerel, Northern Pike and Muskellunge abound in these waters.

The Whitefish Falls area was one of the featured set locations for the Canadian television production of Adventures in Rainbow Country. Whitefish Falls is the perfect holiday destination for a family vacation or sightseeing adventure.

McKerrow/Espanola

At the junction of Hwy. 6 & 17 you will find motels for the weary traveler and wonderful family dining to break up the long drive. Espanola is located on Hwy. 6 heading toward Manitoulin Island and is home of the Domtar paper mill which offers tours. The community also offers a wide variety of amenities.

Little Current

Little Current is the largest town, and the northern gateway to Manitoulin Island. Pleasure craft line the docks of this waterfront town where cargo and passenger freighters did in the late 1800's and early 1900's.

The truly favourite landmark of Little Current is the Swing Bridge linking Manitoulin Island to the mainland.

Sheguiandah

A short drive south of Little Current on Highway 6, will bring you to the quaint town of Sheguiandah. Located on the northwestern water of Georgian Bay, Sheguiandah offers visitors a chance to "get away from it all".

Truly a historians dream awaits you in Sheguiandah. In 1950's an archeological dig uncovered artifacts that date back 10,000 years. You will also find a replica 19th century, water-powered gristmill.

Manitowaning

Manitowaning - The first European settlement on the Manitoulin, is a truly unique destination to all who wish to enjoy the beauty and history of the area. Today you can still capture and relive part of the towns legacy.

Assiginack Museum: Dated back to 1850's, the museum is well worth a visit. . Expect to see alot in one stop, such as a blacksmith shop, barn, pioneer home and school house.

S.S. Norisle Heritage Park: The Manitowaning Harbour is now home to the last steam powered passenger ship to sail the Great Lakes. Also along the waterfront is a 19th century grist flour mill and the Burns Wharf Theater.

Wikwemikong

Wikwemikong, translated: " Bay of the Beaver", remains the only unceded reserve in Canada. Wikwemikong encompasses the eastern peninsula, covering over 300 square miles. The community offers an interesting blend of traditional Aboriginal cultural heritage and modern facilities/services.

De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Theatre: One of only two existing, professional Aboriginal theatres in Canada. This community based group, produce and performs original works throughout the summer months, they organize workshops and tour across Canada.

Holy Cross Mission and Ruins: Overlooking the water in Wikemikong. The original mission was founded in 1648. The church was dedicated in 1852 but destroyed by fire in 1954.

Wikwemikong Bay Marina: The newest marina on Manitoulin, situated in Smith Bay on Wikwemikong's shoreline. The full service marina is ideally located between Georgian Bay and the North Channel.

Wikemikong Interpretive/Heritage Centre: Located on the upper floor of the Wikemikong Marina Bay Building. Historical collections, cultural displays and work shops. Special events are featured throughout the summer.

South Baymouth

South Baymouth is the southern gateway community that connects Manitoulin to the Bruce Peninsula and Southern Ontario via the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry.

Located on the southeastern shores of Manitoulin, the town's original inhabitants appropriately named the town, Sagradawawong, meaning "the outlet".

The South Baymouth has a lot to offer, restaurants, gift shops, and accommodation. During the summer, a big attraction for many visitors is viewing the arrival and departure of the Chi-Cheemaun ferry as it sails the mighty waters of Lake Huron.

Mindemoya

Mindemoya is located on Highway 551, situated at the centre of the Island. This small community comes alive with activities in the summer months and offers a selection of restaurants, accommodations, attractions and gift shops.

Big Lake

Contrary to it's name, Big Lake is a relatively smaller lake. Situated between Mindemoya and Sandfield on Highway 542, Big Lake is a short drive from the ferry docks in South Baymouth. Big Lake offers a variety of fishing opportunities for anglers, including ; Northern Pike, Bass, Perch and Muskie.

Lake Kagawong

Lake Kagawong is the second largest lake on Manitoulin, anglers can try your luck for Walleye, Perch and Small Mouth Bass.

The village of Kagawong is located on Highway 540, only 45 kms west of Little Current. Situated north of Lake Kagawong on Manitoulin's northern shore, Kagawong is nestled between the cliffs surrounding Mudge Bay, in a world all its own.

Follow the scenic road through Kagawong to Maple Point, for breathtaking views of the North Channel, or take the Lakeshore Road on Kagawong Lake where cottage and camping resorts provide retreats into beautiful and carefree surroundings.

Bridal Veil Falls, Kagawong: A picnic area and parking are located at the start of this scenic adventure. The huge stones in the rest area were used in the grist mill years ago at the Falls. Follow the stairs down to the viewing area, to enjoy the cascading watefall. A beautiful, yet short walking trail is on site as well.

Gore Bay

Gore Bay is the Island's second largest town, located on the north shore. Gore Bay comes alive with the boating season, be sure you take the time to visit and walk the boardwalk around this picturesque bay.

Western Manitoulin Historical Society Museum, Gore Bay: Formerly the old jail house, which has been converted into a museum. The old cells now hold the treasures of the past. You can expect to find items from the pioneer days as well as relics of a ship wreck, believed to be the Griffon which sunk off the Island in 1670.

Lake Manitou

Due to it's vast size Lake Manitou takes in many rural communities and a number of popular tourist establishments. It is the largest lake within a freshwater island in the world, approximately 30 miles long and 10 miles across. Accessible from all points on the Island, Lake Manitou is a short drive from Little Current and South Baymouth. Anglers can catch: lake trout, bass, jumbo perch, and northern pike. Lake Manitou's water purity, depth and size, play an important role in providing Lake Trout eggs, for fish hatcheries throughout Ontario.

Evansville

The quaint town of Evansville is located on Highway 540 in the western region of Manitoulin Island. You can reach the town you will cross over Indian Point Bridge, a causeway intersecting the narrows between Lake Wolsey and Campbell Bay. Evansville, can also be reached from a southern route from the ferry docks in South Baymouth, via Hwy, 542.

Meldrum Bay

Located at the extreme west-end of Manitoulin, at the end of highway 540, is Meldrum Bay, a beautiful village that reflects its early marine history. Meldrum Bay has lots to offer the tourist, a general store, HK accommodations, air charter service, campground, museum and dive shop. This area is known for some of the best salmon fishing in Canada. The Mississaugi lighthouse, restaurant and campground is well worth a stop.

Killarney

The rich history of Killarney, Northern Ontario's oldest town, dates back to 1820. Canada's voyageurs established a fur trading post there as they traveled by canoe across the country. Originally given an Ojibway name, "Shebanoning", for safe canoe passage, the community continued to rely upon the water for transportation and income. After fur trading, Killarney evolved into a commercial fishing village and then a logging center. Not until 1962 was a road built to connect Killarney with the Trans-Canada Highway. This gradually brought more visitors to the small outpost as tourism in the Rainbow Country began to grow. The village now sustains itself almost entirely on tourism in the summer months.

Some of Killarney's interesting history is displayed in a quaint pioneer museum open July and August. Colourful wooden commercial and pleasure boats built by members of the community line the shoreline; and the Killarney lighthouse still beckons the last of the fishing tugs. Friendly villagers are happy to share vivid memories of Killarney's past.
Killarney's attractions extend far beyond its unique history. The unparalleled beauty of the natural world draws outdoor adventures from around the world. Easily accessible just 6 km from the village lies Killarney Provincial Park, considered the "crown jewel" of Ontario's park system. For day-trippers, canoeing in George Lake at the main park entrance provides calm waters and a tranquil sand beach for swimming. Named after the Ontario Society of Artists, O.S.A. Lake is considered the most beautiful lake in Ontario and is a good day trip for those wishing to explore the park by canoe. For extensive canoe trips, the interior lakes of the park offer a variety of wilderness canoe routes for the novice or dedicated tripper.

Killaney's majestic white quartzite hills front the spectacular 100 km LaCLoche Silhouette Trail around the perimeter of the park. Beyond the park itself lies yet another outdoor playgroundGeorgian Bay. Located at the entrance of the North Channel, Killarney sits adjacent to world class cruising waters, spectacular sea kayaking routes and a myriad of fishing holes. The archipelago of pink granite islands provides a sharp contrast to the white hills of the LaCloche mountain range. In summer, Killarney is host to many power and sailing yachts enjoying the solitude of our pristine waters. For the landlover, this makes Killarney an even more colourful destination!

Discover the North Channel and Manitoulin Island for yourself, the ultimate vacation destination in the world.