Introducing Manitoulin Island
A trip to Manitoulin is like one giant tongue-twister. The names of its different regions sound like meditation mantras, or mythical beasts: Mindemoya, Sheguiandah (shuh-gwin-dah), Wikwemikong. Haweaters (people born on Manitoulin) will spot you a mile away as you fumble over six-syllable words. But don’t let these syllabic setbacks deter you from visiting – Manitoulin is truly an island of dreaming and secrets. Although there’s little sense of being on an island (it’s the largest freshwater island in the world), the jagged expanses of white quartzite and granite outcrops lead to breathtaking vistas and hidden runes.
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As you cross the bridge into Little Current, consider stopping at the Manitoulin Tourism Association (705-368-3021; www.manitoulintourism.com; Hwy 6, Little Current; 9am-7pm Mon-Fri, 9am-4:30pm Sat mid-May-Jun & Sep-Oct, 8am-8pm Jul-Aug) and pick up a free copy of the Bluewater Visitor Guide, which has a handy map of the island (known locally as the ‘Turner’s Map’). Small info booths in Gore Bay and Manitowaning are staffed during July and August (hours fluctuate according to volunteer availability).
Last updated: Sep 22, 2008
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: by car from Montréal to Niagara Falls
by ref_traveller 24 August 2011
There's not a heck of a lot to see in between, especially if you rule out Toronto. Are you also not interested in Ottawa? In terms of…
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RE: South Baymouth-Tobermory (ON) ferry: advance reservations
by RGM 05 August 2011
I drove up to Manitoulin Island via Sudbury and returned via ferry. That's driving instead! Time spent almost the same.
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RE: Road trip around Lake Huron
by ref_traveller 19 May 2011
There's not much to see from the highway (mountains? Ontario's as flat as Minnesota). You'll have to get over to the provincial (not STATE!!…
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