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Manitoulin what to do and see

Welcome to Manitoulin Island

Manitoulin Island, surrounded by the waters of Lake Huron to the South and West, Georgian Bay to the east, and the North Channel to the north, is the largest island in any freshwater lake in the world. The island itself has 108 freshwater lakes, some of which have their own islands - which makes for an abundance of water and beaches (not to mention fish!).

Manitoulin Island is a continuation of the Bruce Peninsula and Niagara Escarpment, a geological rock formation running south into Niagara Falls and continuing into New York. During the summer months, the most popular way to travel to Manitoulin is the "MS Chi-Cheemaun"; the 'big canoe' as it is known in Ojibwe, carries up to 638 passengers and 143 vehicles on each of its up to four daily crossings between Tobermory and South Baymouth.

Of course, if you are arriving from the North (or anytime between late October and early May) you would be utilizing the Little Current Swing Bridge, one of the few remaining structures of the original Algoma Eastern Railway and now an Ontario Heritage Site. Every season on Manitoulin Island offers its own beauty and a host of activities. Here is a brief overviw, but please check out the Manitoulin Links on the left for more information. SPRING Sheguiandah Bay is famous for its great fishing; Pickerel and Rainbow Trout are plentiful at this time of year. Ask your Paradise Motel staff for more information on fishing excursions around the island. Bridal Veil Falls may still be frozen; a beautiful sight and definitely worth a drive to Kagawong.

SUMMER During the summer months, enjoy the beautiful scenery while fishing, boating, golfing, horseback riding, or hiking. "The Cup & Saucer" Hiking Trail offers spectacular views of the North Channel, as do many of the island's scenic Lookouts. You'll find some of Ontario's finest sandy beaches in Providence Bay, Carter Bay, and Michael's Bay. Festivals such as the annual Wikwemikong Cultural Festival and Pow Wow or the Sheguindah Pow Wow, which takes place just minutes from Paradise Motel, "Haweater Festival", Gore Bay Summer Festival, Kagawong Summerfest, the Providence Bay Fair, Regatta weekend, and the many Manitoulin Art Galleries and museums offer something for every taste. Throughout the summer you will also find art tours, and a huge variety of workshops. Children's summer programs are offered at various locations, including the Little Current Yacht Club and Honora Bay Riding Stable.

Autumn Each year our guests enjoy the picturesque scenery as the leaves change to vibrant red, orange, and gold colours against the beautiful blue water of the lakes. The view from the renowned Cup and Saucer is breathtaking at this time of year. This is also the season for the "Salmon Run"; salmon return to beautiful Bridal Veil Falls, the place of their birth, to spawn and continue the cycle of life.

Winter Of course, winter also offers a large variety of both outdoor and indoor activities to Manitoulin Island's visitors. But please remember that Paradise Motel is closed for the winter months.