9 Popular Towns to Visit on Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada

Manitoulin Island is a popular tourist attraction throughout the summer months and is well known throughout Ontario. Each town on Manitoulin Island has something unique to offer! From the boating waterfronts of Little Current to the rich Indigenous culture of M’Chigeeng First Nation (one of six First Nations on the Island), Manitoulin’s towns can provide a life-lasting memory to any visitor touring the Island.

Without further delay, here is a list of nine popular towns to visit on Manitoulin Island. This will help guide any traveler looking to discover the Island’s extensive history.

1. Little Current

There are two ways to enter Manitoulin Island. The first town you will encounter when arriving from the north of the island is Little Current. The other entry is by ferry via the Chi-Cheemaun in South Baymouth, which we will talk about later in the blog. Nothing is more iconic than crossing the Little Current swing bridge! Throughout the summer months, the swing bridge will open every hour, from dawn to dusk, for about 15 minutes to allow waiting sailboats, cruise ships, and any large transportation ships to pass through to the open channel. Timing will be important to consider when arriving and leaving the island if you do not want any delays in your travel plans! On the contrary, if you do have to wait, this is an opportunity to witness the swing bridge opening and closing (definitely a must if it is your first time visiting Manitoulin Island). 

When you arrive on the island, be sure to stop at the Manitoulin Tourist Information Centre for further support in navigating Manitoulin Island. Afterward, be sure to grab an ice cream at 3 Cows and a Cone located in front of the Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre. From there you can start your journey, on foot, to Turner Park, down a staircase that leads to the waterfront to Low Island Park. It is a beautiful walk that includes breathtaking sceneries of the Lacloche Mountains, and a wide waterfront boardwalk, with the opportunity to visit small shops that line Water Street. I highly recommend going for lunch or supper at the Anchor Inn Hotel at the corner of the Worthington/Water Street intersection! (Enjoy the outdoor dining deck during the summer months). Once you reach Low Island Municipal Park, there are many options for recreational activities such as baseball diamonds, a soccer field, a beach volleyball court, a skateboard park, a basketball park, and the new BMX hills! For future reference, a picnic day at Low Island Park is recommended as there are picnic tables to eat at, and the playground and public beach/dock offer fun activities for the whole family, especially the splash pad!

2. M’Chigeeng

After Little Current, drive west for about 20 minutes on Highway 540, and you will reach M’Chigeeng First Nation. As you slowly drive down the hill take a look on your left rear side and you will see a dramatic view of the bluffs and a Hollywood-like sign of M’Chigeeng. M’Chigeeng is often considered the heart of Manitoulin Island because the town connects the western, northern, eastern, and southern directions of Manitoulin. Like many towns on Manitoulin Island that are busy during the summer, M’Chigeeng is the busiest during their annual traditional powwow which occurs every Labour Day weekend. If you are touring Manitoulin near the end of summer, you must attend the M'Chigeeng powwow because you will be overwhelmed with a weekend full of rich Indigenous cultural traditions and activities at the M'Chigeeng sacred powwow grounds. Popular stops in M’Chigeeng include Lillian's Indian Craft Shop which showcases homemade crafts by local artists that link to the Indigenous culture, and the world-renowned Ojibwe Cultural Foundation building which is the main Indigenous art gallery on Manitoulin Island. The Indigenous art pieces within the gallery are closely linked to the cultures history and ancestors of Turtle Island. 

3. Kagawong

Kagawong is home to one of the most beautiful natural waterfalls in Ontario, Bridal Veil Falls! Along with the scenery and a refreshing swim under the falls, there is a 15-20 minute trail along the river. (Just be aware of the poison ivy on the side of the trail).

The trail will lead you to downtown Kagawong where the Old Mill Heritage Centre resides to show Kagawong’s history. As you make your way back up to Main Street, be sure to check out the homemade sweets at Manitoulin Chocolate Works. Once you make it back to the Main Street and Highway 540 intersection, do not miss the Boo-Bah-Lou Candy Corner store for some sweets to take on the road before leaving Kagawong. If you are heading towards Gore Bay on Highway 540, take a quick look at Bare Naked Beauty for all your self-care needs. If you are heading back towards M’Chigeeng on Highway 540, why not stop for a bite to eat on top of the hill at Main Street Express Kagawong; Manitoulin's only drive-thru restaurant.

4. Gore Bay

Gore Bay is the furthest western Manitoulin town on this list, but worth the drive! Before you enter Gore Bay, why not stop for some ice cream or food at Campbell’s Drive-In on Highway 540 before the intersection to enter downtown Gore Bay. There is plenty to do on a day trip to Gore Bay including a great mix of recreational activities, food options, hiking adventures, and more!

Going for a stroll on the Water Street boardwalk is a must when visiting parks and recreational areas. Walking along Meredith Street offers a vintage vibe of small-town Ontario that could be put on a post stamp. For lunch or supper, the Codmothers is a popular stop for fish ‘n chips on Manitoulin Island. Tourists looking to taste some local drinks can check out Loco Beanz Coffee House. For people attracted to the history of their destinations, plenty of Gore Bay’s history can be seen at their local museum. Beautiful sceneries of Gore Bay can be found at Fish Point Park, Noble Nature Trail, and the East Bluff Lookout. Other stops while you are around the Gore Bay area, may include a round of 9-hole Golf at Manitoulin Golf Course just off Highway 542 and aviation enthusiasts can take a peek at Gore Bay-Manitoulin Airport (One of Manitoulin Island’s two airports). Gore Bay hosts an annual fireworks show on “July 1st” (Canada Day). For a more relaxed stay without worrying about night driving why not book a room at the Inn across the bay from the centre of town!

5. Mindemoya

Instead of heading to western Manitoulin, take a drive south on Highway 551 towards Mindemoya! Mindemoya is similar to M’Chigeeng in that it connects Manitoulin Island via an intersection crossing through it. Mindemoya hosts many summer cottagers along Ketchamkookem Trail Road from Sunset Lane Cottages to (my favorite swim spot) the dreamy sunsets of Idyll-Glen Campground! While you are down by the lake, go for a round of 9-hole golf at Brookwood Brae Golf Course, and afterward take a refreshing dip into the water at the Mindemoya Public Beach. You can also capture a photo of Treasure Island from the closest point at the Government Dock.

If anyone is looking for some physical activity there is a nice playground behind the Mindemoya Old School along with the Maple Ridge Trails for hiking. While you are in the heart of Mindemoya, there are many local businesses to visit: try some home-baked goods at Mum’s Restaurant, coffee and tea at the Manitoulin Espresso Bar, natural outdoor dining at Maja’s Garden Bistro, or take home Manitoulin Island souvenirs at the Island Home Outfitters gift shop! Another unforgettable drive is going for a ride around Lake Mindemoya!

6. Providence Bay

Providence Bay is one of Manitoulin Island’s most beautiful destinations! From Highway 542, exit south and take a left onto Highway 551 which will lead you right into Providence Bay. The town may be quiet in the winter, however, it is very busy and alive throughout the summer months. The main attraction is the Providence Bay beach which has a boardwalk stretching along the bay. There is plenty of space to swim, and a playground with picnic tables to enjoy a nice day outdoors. What goes great with a beach day? Ice cream! While you grab ice cream at Huron Island Time, check out the rest of the Harbour Centre for more tourist information. 

Probably the most popular stop for Fish ‘n Chips on Manitoulin Island is located in Providence Bay at Lake Huron Fish n Chips. The menu offers more than just fish ‘n chips and the restaurant has a beautiful outdoor deck to dine outdoors if people choose not to eat at the beach. Make sure to experience the friendly and positive service by the Lake Huron Fish ‘n Chips staff! They will be open again in May 2024 for a new season. 

The Mutchmor and Providence Peace Cafe is the spot to enjoy some downtime. It is located at the main intersection that crosses Muchmor Street and Mira Street. Fancy a stay in Providence Bay? The main options are: Huron Sands Motel and takeout meals, On the Bay Bed and Breakfast, Manitoulin Cottage Rentals, and the lovely lofts at the Mutchmor!

7. Manitowaning

Manitowaning is a small but historic town on Highway 6 about 15-20 minutes south of Little Current and 15-20 minutes north of South Baymouth. The first venue you should see before entering town is a tourist information booth along the highway where you can find further support/guidance. As you head down Arthur Street, check out the local businesses including Loco Beanz for some brunch indoors or outside on the deck. Speaking of a “historic town” plenty of information can be learned at the Assiginack Museum and the Manitowaning lighthouse is the main historic landmark overlooking the bay. The town also periodically hosts local live performances by the Debajehmujig Theatre group; you will be in for a treat if there is a live show when you are visiting! Despite Manitoulin’s only 18-hole golf course located in Manitowaning, Rainbow Ridge Golf Course is owned by Wiikwemkoong and is the most popular golf course on the island.

8. Wiikwemkoong

Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory (Wiky for short) is the largest Indigenous reserve on Manitoulin Island. Wiky owns Rainbow Ridge 18-hole golf course located in Manitowaning. As you drive down Wikwemikong Way there are a variety of local businesses to check out in the mini-mall. 

To get the most cultural experience, I highly recommend attending the annual Wiky powwow, held every Civic Holiday weekend, to learn about traditional ceremonies, songs, and dancing, and visiting all the local vendors surrounding the sacred powwow grounds. Don’t forget to try the delicious mouth-watering Indian tacos and scone dogs! Wiky’s popular hiking spot is at Bebamikawe Memorial Trail Head with a breathtaking view of Georgian Bay/Lake Huron. On your way out, take a quick picture for the album of Manitowaning Bay at the Two O’clock Lookout. 

9. South Baymouth

Similar to Providence Bay, South Baymouth is a quiet town in the winter, but during the summer months, the town is bustling with tourists. The other entry point to Manitoulin Island is by the 2-hour ferry ride on the famous Chi-Cheemaun from Tobermory to South Baymouth. Whether departing or arriving at South Baymouth, it is truly an experience you will never forget as they even offer sunset cruises! Travelers are immediately met with gift shops and restaurants upon arrival in South Baymouth and before you leave the downtown area, make sure to grab some fish ‘n chips. You enjoy your meal at the playground by the historic landmark of South Baymouth Range Front Lighthouse. After a bite to eat, go for a relaxing walk on the boardwalk over the bridge to the gazebo and enjoy the scenery! If you are feeling adventurous, give the South Baymouth Lookout Trail a go; it is located further down Fifth Street on Dyment Street. Another must-see in South Baymouth is the local museum where you can learn about the history on how the small town became the tourist attraction it is today! Looking for a place to stay? There are many lodges, motels, and campgrounds in South Baymouth and on Highway 6 to choose from.