Manitoulin Island is a large Lake Huron island reached by a one-lane swing bridge at Little Current or by the Chi-Cheemaun ferry from Tobermory. It has beaches, trails, small towns and six First Nations communities. This guide covers how to get there, the main places and the Indigenous history the island’s own communities state.
Facts box
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Census, Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands (2021) | Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands: 2,641 people (2021 Census), down 2.6% from 2,712 in 2016; 1,903 private dwellings, 1,205 occupied by usual residents[1] |
| Census, Central Manitoulin (2021) | Central Manitoulin: 2,235 people (2021 Census), up 7.2% from 2,084 in 2016; 1,603 private dwellings, 1,050 occupied by usual residents[2] |
| Drive to Little Current | Toronto: about 510 km, 6 h 58 min; Ottawa: about 608 km, 8 h 41 min; London: about 669 km, 8 h 43 min; Kitchener: about 582 km, 7 h 43 min; Montreal: about 805 km, 11 h 04 min. OSRM estimates; allow for traffic and stops[3] |
| Size and setting | Described as "the world’s largest freshwater island," in Lake Huron. About 1.5 hours southwest of Sudbury via the Little Current Swing Bridge.[4] |
| Anishinaabemowin name | Mnidoo Mnising.[5] |
| Town office | Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands, 14 Water Street East, Little Current. Phone 705-368-3500.[6] |
Quick answer
Plan the crossing first. By road you cross the Little Current swing bridge, and by ferry you cross from Tobermory to South Baymouth. Then pick a base: Little Current for the bridge and the North Channel, Providence Bay for the beach, or Gore Bay and Kagawong for the museum, trails and Bridal Veil Falls.[7]
The Little Current swing bridge
The bridge carries Highway 6 across a narrow channel between Manitoulin Island and Goat Island, and it is the only roadway access to the island. It has a single vehicle lane with traffic signals.[8]
- Opening schedule: in summer, the bridge opens to boat traffic for the first 15 minutes of each daylight hour. At other times it stays closed to boats and open to road traffic. At night, and when the shipping channel is closed in winter, it stays closed to boats.[9]
- Information line: 705-368-2969.[10]
- History: built in 1913, upgraded in 1946 to carry vehicles as well as rail, and designated an Ontario Heritage site. The 2023 Ontario release posted on the Town’s page says it is almost 110 years old and nearing the end of its service life.[11]
- Replacement: an Ontario news release dated September 8, 2023 says planning, preliminary design and the environmental assessment are complete, with property acquisition and detail design next. It gives no construction dates.[12]
The Chi-Cheemaun ferry
The MS Chi-Cheemaun runs from Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula to South Baymouth. Destination Northern Ontario says it runs from the first Friday in May to the Sunday after Thanksgiving, and that the name is Ojibwe for "big canoe."[13] Owen Sound Transportation Company operates it, and both terminals have parking lots.[14] Book directly with the operator, on 1-800-265-3163, to avoid fraudulent booking sites, and confirm the season there.[15] We do not copy the schedule. See Things to do in Tobermory.
Anishinaabe history and the First Nations
Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory describes itself as located on the eastern peninsula of Manitoulin Island and home to the largest Anishnaabek community on the island. Its site says "Our lands are Unceded" and names the lands as homelands of the Peoples of the Three Fires Confederacy: the Odawa, Ojibway and Potawatomi.[16] The island has six First Nations communities: Wikwemikong, M’Chigeeng, Sheguiandah, Zhiibaahaasing, Sheshegwaning and Aundeck Omni Kaning.[17]
Wiikwemkoong lists an Annual Cultural Festival and a Traditional Pow Wow, without dates on its page.[18] Destination Northern Ontario points visitors to Wiky Tours for cultural experiences.[19] Destination Northern Ontario lists the Wiikwemkoong Annual Cultural Festival, the Sheguiandah Annual Jiingtamok summer pow wow and the Zhiibaahaasing First Nation summer pow wow.[19] Confirm dates with each community. We have not summarised treaty history here; read each community’s own pages.
Where to go
- Cup and Saucer Trail: rated challenging, about 20 km west of Little Current, with parking off Highway 540, 3 km past the Bidwell Road corner.[20]
- Bridal Veil Falls, Kagawong: part of an easy-to-moderate trail system. Visitors can swim in the pool at the base or picnic at the top.[21]
- Providence Bay: a long sandy shoreline with a boardwalk and shallow, clear water, a playground, and amenities and restaurants within walking distance.[22]
- Gore Bay: the Gore Bay & Western Manitoulin Museum in a former jail, the 1.1 km Noble Nature Trail, the Gore Bay Boardwalk Trail and Split Rail Brewery.[23]
- Misery Bay: an 860-hectare provincial nature reserve on the south shore, about 10 minutes west of Evansville.[24]
- Wiikwemkoong’s Bebamikawe Memorial Trail: 14 km, with a parking permit required.[25]
See Manitoulin trails and beaches for more detail.
Towns
Destination Northern Ontario names Little Current, Mindemoya, Gore Bay, Kagawong, Providence Bay, Manitowaning, South Baymouth, Sheguiandah, Meldrum Bay and Tehkummah.[26] The island has four main rivers and 108 freshwater lakes.[27]
FAQ
How do I get to Manitoulin Island?
By road across the Little Current swing bridge, the only roadway access, or by the Chi-Cheemaun ferry from Tobermory to South Baymouth. Checked November 3 2026.
When does the swing bridge open?
In summer, to boat traffic for the first 15 minutes of each daylight hour. It stays closed to boats at night and when the channel is closed in winter. Checked November 3 2026.
When does the Chi-Cheemaun run?
Destination Northern Ontario says from the first Friday in May to the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Confirm with Owen Sound Transportation Company. Checked November 3 2026.
Are there First Nations communities on Manitoulin?
Yes, six: Wikwemikong, M’Chigeeng, Sheguiandah, Zhiibaahaasing, Sheshegwaning and Aundeck Omni Kaning. Checked November 3 2026.
Cottages in this area
Browse cottages on Manitoulin Island or the whole Northern Ontario region.
Township Rules Check
Thinking of renting out a cottage here? Run the Township Rules Check. Rules for Manitoulin Island’s municipalities are being confirmed, so we state none here.
Claims table
Checked 2026-11-03 by the SEO & Content Writer agent. Draft; needs the independent second-agent fact-check before publishing.
| # | claim | source URL | checked | |—|—|—|—| | 1 | Census, Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands (2021) : Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands: 2,641 people (2021 Census), down 2.6% from 2,712 in 2016; 1,903 private dwellings, 1,205 occupied by usual residents | https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=9810000201 | 2026-11-03 | | 2 | Census, Central Manitoulin (2021) : Central Manitoulin: 2,235 people (2021 Census), up 7.2% from 2,084 in 2016; 1,603 private dwellings, 1,050 occupied by usual residents | https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=9810000201 | 2026-11-03 | | 3 | Drive to Little Current : Toronto: about 510 km, 6 h 58 min; Ottawa: about 608 km, 8 h 41 min; London: about 669 km, 8 h 43 min; Kitchener: about 582 km, 7 h 43 min; Montreal: about 805 km, 11 h 04 min. OSRM estimates; allow for traffic and stops | https://router.project-osrm.org | 2026-11-03 | | 4 | Size and setting : Described as "the world’s largest freshwater island," in Lake Huron. About 1.5 hours southwest of Sudbury via the Little Current Swing Bridge. | https://northernontario.travel/best/manitoulin-island-your-ultimate-guide-ontarios-island-retreat | 2026-11-03 | | 5 | Anishinaabemowin name : Mnidoo Mnising. | https://northernontario.travel/best/manitoulin-island-your-ultimate-guide-ontarios-island-retreat | 2026-11-03 | | 6 | Town office : Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands, 14 Water Street East, Little Current. Phone 705-368-3500. | https://townofnemi.on.ca/p/swing-bridge | 2026-11-03 | | 7 | Plan the crossing first. By road you cross the Little Current swing bridge, and by ferry you cross from Tobermory to South Baymouth. Then pick a base: Little Current for the bridge and the North Channel, Providence Bay for the beach, or Gore Bay and Kagawong on the north shore. | https://northernontario.travel/best/manitoulin-island-your-ultimate-guide-ontarios-island-retreat | 2026-11-03 | | 8 | The bridge carries Highway 6 across a narrow channel between Manitoulin Island and Goat Island, and it is the only roadway access to the island. It has a single vehicle lane with traffic signals. | https://townofnemi.on.ca/p/swing-bridge | 2026-11-03 | | 9 | Opening schedule: in summer, the bridge opens to boat traffic for the first 15 minutes of each daylight hour. At other times it stays closed to boats and open to road traffic. At night, and when the shipping channel is closed in winter, it stays closed to boats. | https://townofnemi.on.ca/p/swing-bridge | 2026-11-03 | | 10 | Information line: 705-368-2969. | https://townofnemi.on.ca/p/swing-bridge | 2026-11-03 | | 11 | History: built in 1913, upgraded in 1946 to carry vehicles as well as rail, and designated an Ontario Heritage site. The Town says it is nearly 110 years old and nearing the end of its service life. | https://townofnemi.on.ca/p/swing-bridge | 2026-11-03 | | 12 | Replacement: an Ontario news release dated September 8, 2023 says planning, preliminary design and the environmental assessment are complete, with property acquisition and detail design next. It gives no construction dates. | https://townofnemi.on.ca/p/swing-bridge | 2026-11-03 | | 13 | The MS Chi-Cheemaun runs from Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula to South Baymouth. Destination Northern Ontario says it runs from the first Friday in May to the Sunday after Thanksgiving, and that the name is Ojibwe for "big canoe." | https://northernontario.travel/best/manitoulin-island-your-ultimate-guide-ontarios-island-retreat | 2026-11-03 | | 14 | Owen Sound Transportation Company operates it, and both terminals have parking lots. | https://www.ontarioferries.com/chi-cheemaun | 2026-11-03 | | 15 | Book directly with the operator, on 1-800-265-3163, to avoid fraudulent booking sites, and confirm the season there. | https://www.ontarioferries.com/chi-cheemaun | 2026-11-03 | | 16 | Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory describes itself as located on the eastern peninsula of Manitoulin Island and home to the largest Anishnaabek community on the island. Its site says "Our lands are Unceded" and names the lands as homelands of the Peoples of the Three Fires Confederacy: the Odawa, Ojibway and Potawatomi. | https://www.wiikwemkoong.ca | 2026-11-03 | | 17 | The island has six First Nations communities: Wikwemikong, M’Chigeeng, Sheguiandah, Zhiibaahaasing, Sheshegwaning and Aundeck Omni Kaning. | https://northernontario.travel/best/manitoulin-island-your-ultimate-guide-ontarios-island-retreat | 2026-11-03 | | 18 | Wiikwemkoong lists an Annual Cultural Festival and a Traditional Pow Wow, without dates on its page. (Corrected: Wiky Tours is named on the Destination Northern Ontario page, row 19, not on wiikwemkoong.ca.) | https://www.wiikwemkoong.ca | 2026-11-03 | | 19 | Destination Northern Ontario lists the Wiikwemkoong Annual Cultural Festival, the Sheguiandah Annual Jiingtamok summer pow wow and the Zhiibaahaasing First Nation summer pow wow. | https://northernontario.travel/best/manitoulin-island-your-ultimate-guide-ontarios-island-retreat | 2026-11-03 | | 20 | Cup and Saucer Trail: rated challenging, about 20 km west of Little Current, with parking off Highway 540, 3 km past the Bidwell Road corner. | https://northernontario.travel/best/manitoulin-island-your-ultimate-guide-ontarios-island-retreat | 2026-11-03 | | 21 | Bridal Veil Falls, Kagawong: part of an easy-to-moderate trail system. Visitors can swim in the pool at the base or picnic at the top. | https://northernontario.travel/best/manitoulin-island-your-ultimate-guide-ontarios-island-retreat | 2026-11-03 | | 22 | Providence Bay: a long sandy shoreline with a boardwalk and shallow, clear water, a playground, and amenities and restaurants within walking distance. | https://northernontario.travel/best/manitoulin-island-your-ultimate-guide-ontarios-island-retreat | 2026-11-03 | | 23 | Gore Bay: the Gore Bay & Western Manitoulin Museum in a former jail, the 1.1 km Noble Nature Trail, the Gore Bay Boardwalk Trail and Split Rail Brewery. | https://northernontario.travel/best/manitoulin-island-your-ultimate-guide-ontarios-island-retreat | 2026-11-03 | | 24 | Misery Bay: an 860-hectare provincial nature reserve on the south shore, about 10 minutes west of Evansville. | https://northernontario.travel/best/manitoulin-island-your-ultimate-guide-ontarios-island-retreat | 2026-11-03 | | 25 | Wiikwemkoong’s Bebamikawe Memorial Trail: 14 km, with a parking permit required. | https://northernontario.travel/best/manitoulin-island-your-ultimate-guide-ontarios-island-retreat | 2026-11-03 | | 26 | Destination Northern Ontario names Little Current, Mindemoya, Gore Bay, Kagawong, Providence Bay, Manitowaning, South Baymouth, Sheguiandah, Meldrum Bay and Tehkummah. | https://northernontario.travel/best/manitoulin-island-your-ultimate-guide-ontarios-island-retreat | 2026-11-03 | | 27 | The island has four main rivers and 108 freshwater lakes. | https://northernontario.travel/best/manitoulin-island-your-ultimate-guide-ontarios-island-retreat | 2026-11-03 | Fact-check 2026-11-03 (independent): 24 rows confirmed; rows 7, 11, 18 corrected; unsupported "north shore", "expect waits" and treaty-map sentences removed. Census checked against the StatCan 98-10-0002-01 CSV. No manitoulintourism.com source used.