Manitoulin Island, Ontario

Working in the tourism industry, especially in the Indigenous tourism industry, has many advantages; you get to live and experience amazing products with awesome people, who you’ll learn more than a few teachings from. It really is so rewarding to share moments and learn the traditional ways of different communities and relate to what your people have been doing for centuries.

This summer, I’ve been very fortunate to spend time in Ontario visiting Manitoulin Island. Manitoulin Island is the home of 6 Anishinaabe First Nations (M’Chigeeng, Sheguiandah, Sheshegwaning, Aundeck Omni Kaning, Wiikwemkoong and Zhiibaahaasing). 40% of the population on the island comes from one of these 6 communities, making the island a very vibrant cultural destination.

The first area I visited is located on the Eastern part of the island, the Unceded Territory of Wikwemikong. The team at Wikwemikong Tourism got me visiting a bunch of amazing places and I got to try some of their home packages.

We started our visit to the band council-owned and controlled Rainbow Ridge Golf Course, the only 18 hole championship course on the island. Having played golf for many years, I can assure you that the course offers a pretty decent challenge. The clubhouse is well managed and offers full food service from breakfast to dinner.

Rainbow Ridge Golf Course

1-705-859-2990
26 B Clover Valley Rd.
Manitowaning, ON
P0P 1N0

Afterwards we went to the Debajehmujig Creation Centre in Manitowaning, the only professional theatre located on reserve land in Canada, where multi-disciplinary creations come to life. Visitors have the opportunity to see a variety of art collections in the main pavilion, and since they also grow their own veggies, you can partake in outdoor cooking lessons while learning Anishnabeg words.

Debajehmujig Creation Centre

1-705-859-1820
43 Queen St
Manitowaning, ON
P0P 1N0

I also visited an amazing local artist, James Mishibinijima, one of the greatest Indigenous artists I’ve met. His private art gallery is open to the public and is just stunning. He showed me his work and explained the meaning behind the pieces, some of which took over 13 months to complete. If you’re a collector give James a call, the colours on his paintings are just phenomenal!

1-705-859-3871
426 Lakeshore Rd
Wikwemikong, ON
P0P 2J0

Later in the day, we got to visit the biggest log building complex in the world, the impressive new conference centre at Killarney Mountain Lodge. Although the lodge is under private non-Indigenous ownership many rooms are dedicated to local artists and artisans. Nearby is Wikwemikong owned and controlled Point Grondine Park, where many canoeing activities are available as well as workshops where you can learn about local medicinal plants and drum making.

While in Wiky, you can’t miss the opportunity to do some salmon fishing with Wass Tours! After 5 minutes of fishing, we had a fish on our line! The nicest one caught in 2 hours, a nice 13 pounder, those filets were just amazing. You’ll be impressed by the knowledge that the guides have on the water.

Wass Tours

1-705-562-5852
115 Henry St, Wikwemikong, ON
P0P 2J0

For your stay, I strongly recommend the privately-owned Indigenous lodging; Bayside Resort. Their three fully equipped log cabins are well maintained and you’ll have one of the best sunset views!

Bayside Resort

1-705-859-1070
30, Two O’Clock Road
Wikwemikong, ON
POP 2J0

For any booking or packaging options, you can contact the team at Wikwemikong Tourism. Their staff and guides are amazing and very talented, you’ll have fun guaranteed!

Wikwemikong Tourism

1-705-859-3001
2102 Wikwemikong Way
Wikwemikong, ON
P0P 2J0

The second part of my trip was done towards the Northern part of the Island, at the luxurious Manitoulin Island and Conference Centre, which has 58 rooms and is the largest hotel on the Island. The hotel opened in 2013 at a cost of 13 million dollars. The investment was split within the 6 First Nation communities and the Great Spirit Circle Trail. Their conference room can hold up to 400 pax and 90% of the 55 employees are Indigenous. The occupancy rate during the summer months is 95%. Pretty amazing. The rooms are super comfy, and the restaurant serves some authentic Indigenous dishes. It’s another great example of an Indigenous success story.

Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre

1-705-368-9966
66 Meredith St E
Little Current, ON
P0P 1K0

We stopped over at the newly formed Indigenous provincial tourism association, Indigenous Tourism Ontario. With their team, we hit the road and head toward Great Spirit Circle Trail. I’ve heard so much about Great Spirit Circle Trail over the years and was really happy to finally get the chance to visit. The site is really peaceful and has Teepees that can accommodate 16 people. Great Spirit Circle Trail offers a wide variety of tour packages and is certainly a great stop for families.

1-877-710-3211
5905 Hwy 540
M’Chigeeng, ON
P0P 1G0

Just across from there, you have Lillian’s Indian Crafts where you’ll find a wide range of Indigenous crafts, including the largest collection of porcupine quills. Lillian’s also the owner of West Bay Lodge Campground, where you’ll be able to park your RV and enjoy the island.

Lillian’s Indian Crafts

1-705-377-4987
5905 Hwy 540
M’Chigeeng, ON
P0P 1G0

Just a 2-minute walk from both places you’ll find the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation which was created to preserve and revitalize the language, culture, arts, spirituality, and traditions of the Anishinaabe People of the Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island) and surrounding areas. Located in M’Chigeeng First Nation the 11,000 sq.ft. facility is home to a museum, a public art gallery and a gift shop. The exhibits include many internationally recognized artists from Manitoulin Island and across northern Ontario. Traditional woodlands art styles, as well as contemporary Indigenous art from established and emerging Anishinaabe artists who bring forth an exciting blend of traditional and modern art forms and mediums that eloquently express the evolving nature of the Anishinaabek artistic vision. Entrance is free and they survive on donations, make sure to be generous!

Ojibwe Cultural Foundation

1-705-377-4902
15, Old Highway 551 Rd
M’Chigeeng, ON
P0P 1G0

About 10 minutes away, you’ll be able to refresh yourself at the very relaxing Bridal Veil Falls. A nice spot to take a dip and chill with the family.

Bridal Veil Falls

Talking about relaxing, why don’t you finish your day having a great pint at the Manitoulin Brewing Co, an Indigenous-owned venture of 3 guys, 2 Indigenous, proud to be sharing a nice cold one. Their menu is fun and their lemon Weiss is certainly one of the best I’ve had in ages.

Manitoulin Brewing Co

1-705-370-5633
43 Manitowaning Rd
Little Current, ON
P0P 1K0

Lastly, you can also stay over in one of the nice cabins at Endaa-aang Tourism cabin and teepee rentals owned by the Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation. Six cabins are available and, for the RV lovers, you’ll find a great campground which is also a property of the community.

Endaa-Aang Tourism

1-705-368-0548
13 Hill Street, R.R. #1
Little Current, ON
P0P 1K0

The easiest way to get to Manitoulin Island is to either drive from Toronto or fly into Sudbury. You’re then two hours away from the island and all those amazing experiences!