Explore Manitoulin Island – 2 Day Trip Top Things To Do

[Read in 4 mins.]

Manitoulin Island is a Canadian island found within Lake Huron, one of Canada’s Great Lakes, and is the largest freshwater island in the world. Amazing scenery and friendly locals, the island is great for excursions, enjoy the water and trails of the island. Catch the sunset and sunrise at one of the lakes and lookouts for a mesmerizing nature view! If you’re looking to escape the city this summer then this itinerary is for you!

Driving, the only way to access the island is through Highway 6 going South and you’ll pass by multiple townships like Whitefish Falls, Espanola, and Birch Islands. It’s an absolute breathtaking drive! Scenic and you’ll be passing by many freshwater lakes and greenery during summer season. I stopped by many townships and cities on the way and here is my guide for your ultimate road trip to Manitoulin Island.

When you pass by Sudbury, you’ll start seeing signs for Manitoulin Island. To access the island, by driving from Sudbury, there is no other way but to enter through the town called Little Current by the means of Little Current Swing Bridge.

1. Explore Little Current

Little Current is this small little cute town north of the island and the busiest since it’s the entrance to the island. The Little Current Swing Bridge is a short minute drive or two to downtown and waterfront where you can grab a drink and food, wander in the shops, learn about First Nations , walk along Little Current Waterfront Trail overlooking Lake Huron.

Continue on Little Current Waterfront Trail, it will take you to the viewing area of Little Current Swing Bridge. You’ll pass by local places like The Port which has amazing fish & chips, and 3 Cows and a Cone which has creamy Farquhar’s ice cream. When I ended up at the viewing area, I had the perfect timing because I got to see the ‘bridge swing’ and the large boats passed by. This happens every hour for 15 minutes.

Also got to experience one of their biggest festival held every year during Civic Holiday weekend called Haweater Festival. Why Haweater? Hawaeter is a Manitoulin term for a person who is born on the island. There is live music, local shops, and food trucks making the little town crowded with locals and visitors that wants to experience the festival. Fireworks at night and this event is so grandeur that this is the only fireworks event that the town celebrates. They don’t do one on Canada Day!

A short drive from town is the Macleans Mountain Lookout. It offers the best views of the island and Lake Huron. There’re picnic tables and a grill so you can stay eat and be merry while being on top of the world!

2. Explore Kagawong

From Little Current, drive down Highway 540, pass by M’Chigeeng and you’ll end up in Kagawong. Another town in the island where you can catch a good sunset, bathe on a falls, and enjoy First Nation art installations on a trail.

The first place you’ll reach is the Bridal Veil Falls. It is a beautiful waterfall hidden from the crowd. To get to the falls, there are metal stairs that you can take to go down. It is nestled around green trees makes the place cool and perfect for relaxation.

Continue on 540 and you’ll see sign for Old Heritage Mill Centre where the Kagawong Lighthouse is located as well. Right across is the Kagawong River Trail where you can see cool looking First Nation Art installations. The river trail is nice and quiet away from the street and vehicle noise. If you continue on the river trail you’ll end up in Bridal Veil Waterfalls.

3. Lake Hopping

Yes that’s right. Crazy thing about Canadian waters is that there are lakes that have within them. Go ahead and explore the two largest lakes inside Manitoulin Island: Lake Manitou and Mindemoya Lake.

Lake Manitou

Lake Manitou, the largest lake in the island, is a lake in a lake that’s great for fishing such as lake trouts, water boat, and swimming.

Mindemoya Lake

Mindemoya Lake is the second largest lake in the island. Spend some time here swimming and have a picnic at the Mindemoya Public Beach.

4. Cup & Sauce Trail

Cup & Saucer Trail is a very famous hiking trail in the island with three lookouts. You’ll find yourself be one with nature, shaded by the lush green trees while enjoying your scenic hike up the lookouts. It is a very popular with local and visitors alike so don’t miss this one. The hike up takes about 4 hours round trip and has three main lookouts. Stop by each one of them for different views of the island, its lakes, and Lake Huron.

5. Eat Fish and Drink Beer

Canada’s richness in freshwater means it’s the breeding ground for freshwater whitefish. It’s abundant here on the island and that’s what to eat when you’re here! Be sure to eat fish and chips made from whitefish. I recommend The Port in Little Current. Fish was light and fluff, nicely season, perfect amount of coated batter.

Beer fan or not enjoy local brew at the Manitoulin Brewing Company. You definitely want a pint of beer after all the hike, swimming, and exploration you did while on the island! There’s food right beside the brewery to pair with your beer called The Trough.