Exploring the Great Lakes; Manitoulin Island

If you're looking for the ideal summer vacation away from the all the hassle of everyday life, then Manitoulin Island is your destination. Labeled as the world's largest fresh water island, Manitoulin Island is situated in the Northern Channel of Lake Huron, at the end of Highway 7 from the north or from the south via the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry from Tobermory Ontario.

This peaceful Island has 15 towns, 22 lakes and ponds, Canada's only swinging bridge that is left, golf courses, many Indian Tribes and Tribal activities, ports and marina's for your boats, beautiful breath taking scenery, and so much more for you to explore.

The main town of the Island is Little Current, when you enter Manitoulin Island from the north. As you come up on the Island, you will cross on to the Island via a bridge that swings every hour on the hour for 15 minutes to let the big boats  and ships come through. In this quaint picturesque town you will find shops, museums, a very large marina, the town hospital, a welcome center, custom offices, restaurants, and lodging accommodations. While in Little Current make sure you take a minute to check out all the boats along the town dock, during the summer months you may get a glimpse of boats from all over the world including the Queen II (the Queen of England's yacht) and if you're lucky a talkative owner might be there to share his stories of travel with you! Every summer my crew has to go down to Little Current and watch the Tall Ships come into port!

For a great place to eat, try the Anchor Inn, where you can sit by the window and watch the boats come into town. If you're an ice cream connoisseur, then you have to try Farquhars Ice Cream. They make their own right there on the Island! Your family will love it and you can sit outside on the patio and watch the boats come through the bridge into the channel! Oh and make sure you fill up your gas tanks here, as depending which direction you go, it may be a while before you see another gas station, so don't go past half of a tank if you plan to explore all the Island.

On your way down to Providence Bay, hikers will find their treat. A little slice of heaven called the Cup and Saucer. As your traveling down the road, you can see what looks to be a cup on a saucer cut into the top of the mountain, this is a natural rock formation. The Cup and Saucer make for a great hiking trip for the novice hiker to the more experienced hiker.

On our next stop is Providence Bay. Known for it's ocean like beaches and waves, lighthouse, antique stores, and quaint little Artist shops that litter the few streets, this town will remind you of one you might find on the Atlantic Seaboard. That's how quaint it is. While in Providence Bay make sure you visit the nature center on the beach, the kids will love it, and be sure to take a quiet walk along their boardwalks. In the nature center kids (young at heart as well as the much younger ones) can interact with local wildlife, see a movie or visit the gift shop and snack bar (more Farrquar's Ice cream).

Another gorgeous adventure on Manitoulin Island is the Bridal Veil Falls. They stand 35 feet tall and are a part of the Kagawong River system that runs from Lake Huron to Kagawong Lake. Located on Highway 540, there is a path where you can walk down to Lake Huron, as well as enjoying the waterfalls. Located along Highway 7, the Falls and 7 Mile Point are must stop sites to see.

On the west end of Manitoulin Island, you will come to Meldrum Bay; this is the furthest point west you can go on the Island by car and its located only 35 miles east of Sault Ste. Marie Michigan. Here you will find Lighthouses, parks, many hiking trails, as well as Indian Cultural Centers to visit. On your way out to Meldrum Bay, your can family enjoy many things to see such as more Artist shops, totem poles that are hand carved, and breath taking views of the North Channel. You and your family will pass through smaller towns with quaint little souvenir stores, shops where you can buy Farquahars as well as authentic Indian moccasins, and parks where you can get out and have a picnic lunch and the kids can play in the lake.

What ever you choose to do on Manitoulin Island there is something for every one. From gorgeous walking trails to golfing, you're sure to find something for everyone on this delightful Island. I hope you enjoy your visit to the world's largest freshwater Island like my family has for many years. So pack your camera, fishing poles, and art supplies as you won't be disappointed in this Island adventure. Make sure you take in an authentic Indian Pow Wow while on the Island. The kids will adore it! Be sure to stay in one of the many Island camps or that cozy little Bed and Breakfast as you won't find any major hotel chains here that's how laid back the Island is.