Manitoulin Island

The world's largest freshwater island, in Lake Huron, steeped in Indigenous Ojibwe culture; the Cup and Saucer Trail cliffs and Bridal Veil Falls in Kagawong are the top draws.

Manitoulin Island lies in northern Lake Huron in Ontario, Canada. Covering about 2,766 km², it is the largest island in a freshwater lake in the world, with more than 100 inland lakes, including Lake Manitou, the world's largest "lake on an island in a lake." The island has a population of about 13,000, spread across small towns such as Little Current, Gore Bay and Mindemoya and several Anishinaabe First Nations communities including Wiikwemkoong and M'Chigeeng; Indigenous culture is its defining feature. The Niagara Escarpment runs across the north of the island, forming high cliff scenery such as the Cup and Saucer Trail, while the south shore has sandy beaches and gently sloping limestone alvars. The best season is Jun–Oct: in summer you can swim, go boating and attend the powwow in early August, and fall colours peak from late September to mid-October; winters are cold and snowy, the ferry stops running, and most facilities close. There are two ways to get there: drive about 4 hours from Toronto to Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula and take the Chi-Cheemaun ferry (about 1 hr 45 min) to South Baymouth (operates roughly May–Oct, reservations required); or drive via Sudbury and Espanola on Highway 6 and cross the Little Current Swing Bridge onto the island, open year-round. There is no public transport on the island, so a car is essential. The island stretches about 130 km from east to west; allow 2–4 days and use Mindemoya or Little Current as a base for a loop around the island. Lodging is mostly small inns, cabins and campgrounds, so book ahead in the summer peak season. Local specialties include Lake Huron whitefish, Indigenous crafts and rural farmers' markets.

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries