Hiking Trails across Manitoulin Island
Manitoulin has many hiking trails which take anywhere from a couple of hours to a full day, requiring various degrees of fitness. For the casual walker, there are nature trails and boardwalks in and around many of the towns. Brief descriptions follow.
On Hwy 6, just north of Hwy 542, Try this 2.4-km loop trail near Tehkummah, Ontario. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 34 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking, snowshoeing, and walking, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
McLean’s Park
This verdant 100-acre park is located on New England Road, a sideroad off Hwy 6 mid-way between Manitowaning and South Baymouth. Allow 1.5 hours to walk.
Donated to the Municipality by Don McLean, this beautiful wooded park is home to 4 trails, 3 of varying distance for walking, running, hiking, or snowshoeing, and 1 trail reserved for bicycle trail riding. There is parking available off of New England Road and a covered pavilion in case of rain or for a picnic.
Located south of Manitowaning on Highway 6, turn down New England Road, signage for the park is on the right hand side.
In the winter months, the parking lot is open, the trails are groomed and you can borrow snowshoes from the municipal office at no cost. (156 Arthur Street, Manitowaning ON)
Best Activities for this trail: walking, hiking, bicycling in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter.
The Bridal Veil Falls trail system is located in Kagawong. Although there is access to the trail system at Bridal Veil Falls, which is adjacent to Hwy 540, there are much safer and roomier parking options in the lower hamlet of Kagawong, including at the Park Centre and in the vicinity of the river mouth as well as next to Dig and Doug’s Cedar Furniture. Park in lower Kagawong and enjoy the river trail system/falls on foot – you get the best of both worlds! The lower village includes other points of interest, and both the upper and lower village have unique shops. Note that the Bridal Veil Falls trail system is also part of the new Billings Connections Trail and includes access to several of the new public sculptures and heritage plaques installed as part of the Billings Canada 150 project. Along with the beautiful trail by the falls there is a trail out along the roadway and a trail that goes up behind the Kagawong Park Centre that takes you to a lovely little rustic amphitheatre
Sheshegwaning – Nimkee’s Hiking Trail
North of Silver Water, off Hwy 540, the Sheshegwaning First Nation is developing a 20km trail, which can be enjoyed in several sections, some offering wonderful views of the North Channel. There are facilities for camping and picnicking. Trail maps are available at the Band Office or at the Gas/Convenience store at the trailhead. Allow 3 to 6 hours.
The Noble Nature Trail is an easy to moderate trail that offers a 1.1km stroll east from its starting point at the intersection of Water and Bay Streets on the Gore Bay shoreline up to and along the East Bluff overlooking Gore Bay and the town. The Noble Nature Trail ends at the Harold Noble Memorial Park which offers a high vantage point that provides outstanding panoramic opportunities for that perfect photo of the Port of Gore Bay and its busy harbourfront. A picnic area and parking is available at the trailhead located at Harold Noble Memorial Park.
The Boardwalk Trail follows the town’s waterfront and connects with the Noble Nature Trail. It travels 1.2km along the shoreline west to Fish Point Park, where the Harbour Centre Gallery and Split Rail Brewery are in the neighbourhood. The Boardwalk Trail offers an easy and wheelchair accessible route along the length of the town’s waterfront will bring you to the newly constructed breakwall, providing an opportunity to get further out into the bay. Picnic areas are available along this trail as is direct access to the many downtown businesses and services. Interpretive educational plaques are also offered along this trail.
Heaven’s Gate (Kitchitwaa Shkwaandem)
This approx 50km trail runs from the Willisville turn-off on Hwy 6 through to Fort Lacloche on the Sagamok First Nation, south of Massey. The multi-day hike runs through the magnificent Lacloche Mountains with beautiful views of the North Channel and surrounding lakes. However it is not well marked or maintained and only recommended for very skilled hikers. Guided hiking and canoeing tours of the area, with a Native theme, are available from “Trails of The Eagle Clan,” 705-865-2526, or email mowl@vianet.ca. With its extensive trails connecting two provincial parks, Heaven’s Gate offers one of the most memorable hiking experiences available. Black Bears are also prevalent in this area so visitors are advised to do prior research and preparations to ensure they are adequately prepared for a bear encounter on the trail. Learn more at https://www.ontario.ca/page/prevent-bear-encounters-bear-wise
Right off one of Mindemoya’s main streets, Hwy 542, Wagg’s Woods is located almost directly across the street from the municipal office and library building. Features maple, basswood, birch and ash. Moss climbs the cliffs which are part of the Niagara Escarpment. Watch for 15 different species of fern. Explore this 3.1-km loop trail near Mindemoya, Ontario. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 46 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking and walking, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring.
Bowerman trails in South Baymouth
While you’re waiting for the Chi-Cheemaun ferry, or after you disembark, this trail is a great diversion. Access points are off the small boat harbour parking lot and across from the boat launch (south of the ferry terminal building) and also off Green Street in the same area. The trails take you up limestone steps, through the bush and offer Lake Huron views. Experience this 1.4-km loop trail near Tehkummah, Ontario. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 19 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, running, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are April through November.
Located at the end of Beach Rd, the Bebamikawe Memorial Trail is an easy to moderate 14km stacked looped trail with scenic lookouts along the Niagara Escarpment. The Trail system consists of an Outdoor Fitness Park with 1.5km double tract trail complete with five outdoor fitness stations. The hiking trail has over 12km of single tract wilderness class trail and incorporates up to 800m of double tract trail that can accommodate mountain bikes. Users can enjoy three scenic lookouts overlooking the North Channel and Georgian Bay with educational signage detailing the Anishinaabek history and connection to the land. Call (705) 859-3477 for more information.
The Little Current Recreational Walking Trail
The Little Current Recreational Walking Trail is approximately 7 kilometers in total length. The beauty of this trail is that you can choose to walk the entire trail or a section of trail. Trail runs from:
- Information Centre (MTA) to Downtown Little Current along the waterfront and Downtown Docks
- Waterfront area to Low Island Park
- Low Island Park to Red Mill Road
- Red Mill Road to Boozeneck Road
- Boozeneck Road (Lagoon Trail) to Gammie Street
- Gammie Street crosses Highway 6 to Harbour View Road
- Harbour View Road to Shaftsbury Street
- Shaftsbury back to Information Centre
Get to know this 1.8-km loop trail near Northeastern Manitoulin And The Islands, Ontario. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 25 min to complete. This trail is great for camping and hiking, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring.