Manitoulin Island
Island World's largest freshwater island in Lake Huron
Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron is the world’s largest freshwater island, home to Indigenous communities, inland lakes and hiking trails. Visitors come for boating, fishing, cultural events and lakeside campgrounds.
Manitoulin Island is an island in Lake Huron in Ontario and is recognized as the largest freshwater island in the world with an area of roughly 2,766 km². The island contains multiple inland lakes and communities and is a regional centre for outdoor activities.
Hiking, boating, waterfalls and Indigenous cultural sites draw visitors; the island has a mixture of small towns, scenic drives and trails, with Little Current serving as the main transport link to the mainland via a swing bridge. Outdoor highlights include shoreline access on Lake Huron and inland lakes such as Lake Manitou, plus local waterfalls like Bridal Veil Falls.
The island has long been home to Anishinaabe peoples and later European settlers; its communities reflect a mix of Indigenous, Métis and settler histories and continued Indigenous cultural presence.
Manitoulin lies in northeastern Lake Huron off Ontario’s mainland, within the province of Ontario; it is served by seasonal ferry and bridge links and is reached by road from southern Ontario.
- Size: Covers about 2,766 km², making it the largest freshwater island in the world and a distinct landscape within Lake Huron.
What to See #
- Little Current: The island's principal town, located at the main bridge crossing to the mainland and serving as the transport and service hub.
- Lake Manitou: A sizable inland lake on the island notable as one of the larger lakes found on an island in a freshwater body.
- Bridal Veil Falls: A popular waterfall near the village of Kagawong that is a short walk from the shore and a frequent short-stop for visitors.
How to Get to Manitoulin Island #
Manitoulin Island is reached by road via Ontario Highway 6: the island is connected to the mainland by the Little Current swing bridge (vehicle access). In summer a seasonal passenger/vehicle ferry (the MS Chi-Cheemaun) links Tobermory (Bruce Peninsula) with South Baymouth on Manitoulin. The island is commonly reached by car from Northern Ontario cities; once on the island, inland towns and attractions are accessed via local roads.
Tips for Visiting Manitoulin Island #
- Aim for shoulder season (mid-June or September) to enjoy milder weather, fewer tourists and easier access to hiking and coastal sites.
- If coming by vehicle, note that Manitoulin's main vehicle connections are the Little Current swing bridge and the seasonal Chi-Cheemaun ferry at South Baymouth - plan routes and schedules ahead, especially if you depend on the ferry.
- Don't only visit the big viewpoints: stop in small communities (for example around Little Current and Gore Bay) for Indigenous cultural centres, seasonal farmers' markets and local craft shops that many day-trippers miss; services and fuel can be sparse, so plan accordingly.
Best Time to Visit Manitoulin Island #
Best visited in summer (for outdoor activities) or early fall (for foliage and fewer crowds).
Weather & Climate near Manitoulin Island #
Manitoulin Island's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -14°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (870 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -5°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with 94 mm of rain.
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October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -8°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
