From a stroll through the woods, horseback riding, golf, biking cross-country, sports, fishing, active card game groups, swimming lessons for visiting little ones, the Island really has it all!  For more detailed information on where you can enjoy some of these activities, visit the Manitoulin Tourism Association's website.

Swimming & Boating:

A prime activity for so many that is easily accessible from every point of Manitoulin.  There are a variety of places to go, from sand beaches of Providence Bay to rocky rivers and inland lakes.

Every kind of water sport is available from kayaking, canoeing, jet and water skiing to sailing and even yacht races.  There is a major yacht club in Little Current and Manitoulin has its own Sail and Power Squadron.  For anyone who loves the water (especially your children or grandchildren) this is a virtual paradise!

Hiking & Scenic Trails:

The trails that exist on Manitoulin can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day and this largely depends on your level of fitness.  For a listing of available trails on the Island please look at the Manitoulin Tourism Association’s website.

Tennis:

There are two courts located in Mindemoya behind the Township office; two courts on the Gore Bay waterfront (which provides a scenic view), two courts at the Little Current-Howland Recreation Centre on Hwy 6 South, two courts in Manitowaning beside the arena, and four courts at the Islands main high school Manitoulin Secondary School in M’Chigeeng (formerly known as West Bay).

Golf:

There are three golf destinations on Manitoulin.   Enjoy the beauty of Rainbow Ridge Golf Course located in Manitowaning near the Wikwemikong Reserve.  This is an 18-hole championship course that features nine water holes, several sand traps and scenery unlike anywhere else. Then enjoy a cold beverage in their fully licensed clubhouse.  Club and cart rentals are available.

On lake Mindemoya’s Ketchankookem Trail visit the Seabrook family at the Brookwood Brae Golf Course and try this challenging 9 hole, par 36 Golf course.  Afterwards relax in their air conditioned fully licensed clubhouse.  There is also a Pro Shop, club and cart rentals.

Your last stop on a cross-Island golfing experience should be the Manitoulin Island Golf and Country Club, which is located just outside of the Town of Gore Bay.  This is a 9 hole, par 36 course all set on rambling, treed terrain.  Of course there is a fully licensed Clubhouse, pro shop, club rentals and power pull carts.

Cycling:

Another great way to explore the Island's landscape is to take a bike tour. Even those who haven’t been on a bike for a while can take part. Manitoulin offers a variety of road surfaces, from pavement to hardtop to gravel. Shoulders are not paved and there are no designated bike lanes.  Traffic is usually light and other than a few cars about the only other people you’ll see are farmers driving tractors from farm to farm.

Farmer's Market:

Residents new and old are putting their skills to work while making a hobby of selling products and produce at the local summer farmer's markets.  Whether it's garden produce, woodworking, art, crafts, baking or knitting you can find this a fulfilling way to keep active and creative.

Fishing:

With it’s many lakes, river and creeks; Manitoulin brings something special to sport fishing.  If you have your own boat there are many government docks from which to launch, or if you are in need of a boat there are outfitters located all around that can set you up, and get you out there. 

If you prefer to have a guide there is certainly no lack of them that can help you discover the best spots to go down rigging for Salmon, Rainbow Trout or Lake Trout.  The species of fish are varied though and there are plenty of great spots so it’s a good thing you might be making Manitoulin your home, because you’ll need a lot of time to explore.  For more information on fishing click here.

Hunting:

Deer hunting season is held for a week during November and hunters take in around 3500 deer during this period. If you are into bow hunting that season begins the first Saturday in October until the Friday before the deer season officially opens.  Near the beginning of December there is a three-day “Black Powder Season” as well.  Click here for more information on hunting.

Astronomy:

The “Manitoulin Dark Sky Association” is helping the Island Municipalities and First Nations Communities to think of the Island as an ideal place for observers to watch the night sky and the annual Perseid Meteor Shower.  Steps have been taken by some of these communities to use shielded lighting, which will protect the sky from what is termed as “sky glow” and increase energy efficiency.  The overall goal is to focus on the pure and often forgotten past time of stargazing that delights so many.

Shopping:

There are many quaint shops throughout the Island selling everything from Native crafts to fresh produce from the local farmer’s markets.  Manitoulin is quickly becoming recognized for it’s unique offerings, in fact a Manitoulin Branding Association has formed to certify genuinely "Made on Manitoulin" products.  Visitors and locals alike are loving the fact that they can support the local economy. 

Pow Wows:

Manitoulin’s history is rich with Anishnaabe Culture, and that culture is celebrated annually in various First Nation Communities all over the Island.  People travel the world over to see the dance competitions not only for the skill involved but the regalia, music, sights and sounds.  This is an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and the First Nations culture is celebrated.

Other Activities include:

• Art and Craft classes

• Parades and festivals

• Children's fun days

• Boat tours

• Theatre

• Concerts

This site is currently maintained by Manitoulin Living. All content is subject to change without notice. For further information contact Patrick Kiley at info@manitoulinliving.com