Enjoying Nature on Manitoulin Island’s Best Hiking and Walking Trails

Manitoulin Island is one of the best destinations in Ontario for anyone who wants to enjoy the great outdoors. Located in the north channel of Lake Huron on the Ontario side, Manitoulin is the largest freshwater island in the world (2,766 square kilometres) and a popular destination with nature lovers who enjoy the island’s rugged landscape, numerous inland lakes and extensive hiking trails.

My husband’s family is from Manitoulin and we have a cottage on the island where we spend part of every summer enjoying all that the island has to offer including its hiking trails.

Getting outdoors and hitting the hiking trails is a must for visitors to Manitoulin Island. There’s a hiking or walking trail for everyone!

Read 15 of the Best Things To Do on Manitoulin Island

1. The Cup and Saucer Trail

One of the most popular Manitoulin Island hiking trails is the Cup and Saucer Trail (also known as Michigiwadinong in Ojibwe) which is named for its unique rock formation – a cup and saucer or a spearhead and spearhandle according to native legend.

The Cup and Saucer Trail takes you to the top of the Niagara Escarpment so there are a lot of dramatic cliffs and breathtaking views over the North Channel of Lake Huron and Lake Manitou as your reward for climbing to the peak. There are three trails available: the Main Trail is approximately 4 km round trip according to signage at the trail entrance; the South Loop adds 5 km to the Main Trail; and the Adventure Trail which is about 500 metres and off of the Main Trail.

The out and back trail is considered moderately challenging and takes anywhere from 1.5 – 4 hours depending on your hiking speed and whether you complete the Main Trail only or add the South Loop. The terrain is rocky so watch your step particularly if it has been raining as it can get muddy and slippery as well. The path is mostly a steady incline but there is one fairly steep set of stairs to climb.

The trail is popular throughout the summer months so it’s best to plan on arriving early in the day as the parking lot can be full by mid-day.

The Cup and Saucer Trailhead is located on Highway 540 about 20 kilometres west of Little Current near the Bidwell Road corner.

2. Misery Bay Provincial Park

Misery Bay Provincial Park is a day-use only nature reserve that provides access to the Lake Huron coastline and approximately 15 km of hiking trails of varying difficulties. Misery Bay, designated a provincial park in 1989, encompasses Lake Huron shoreline, a wetland, scrub woodland and mixed forest as well as unique plants, wildlife and glacial features. Available trails include:

• The Coastal Alvar Trail – Rating: Moderate – Length: approximately 8km (loop)
• The Inland Alvar Trail – Rating: Easy – Length: approximately 5km (loop)
• Misery Bay Trail – Rating: Moderate/Difficult – Length: approximately 5km (loop to trail head)
• Mac’s Bay Trail – Rating: Easy – Length: approximately 2km (return to trail head)

So far we have only hiked the Inland Alvar Trail which goes through mixed forest, old glacial beaches and a variety of open alvar pavements (a habitat with either a thin covering of soil or no soil over a base of limestone or dolostone). The trail was easy and mostly flat although it seemed considerably longer than 5 km. There was some flooding along the coastline due to high water levels but we were able to get around the flooded areas without any difficulty.

The park is located on the south shore of Manitoulin Island 35km West of Gore Bay, 2km South of Highway 540 a 10 minute drive west of Evansville. Check the park website for details on opening and closing dates and available activities/educational programming. Generally open mid-May through mid-October.

3. Bridal Veil Falls Trail – Kagawong

The village of Kagawong where our cottage is located is one of the most popular places on Manitoulin Island with all the day trippers that arrive to visit Bridal Veil Falls. The falls, which is approximately 11 metres (36 feet) high, is formed by the Kagawong River cascading over a limestone cliff into a plunge pool below and is named for its resemblance to a bridal veil.

The majority of visitors park in or near the lot at the top of the falls and take the staircase down to the base of the falls to snap a few photos or sometimes swim in the summer months. In my opinion, however, the best way to visit is to take the trail along the river – it’s a much more impressive way to arrive at the falls than descending a metal staircase!

The best way to access the Bridal Veil Falls Trail is to park in the village itself rather than in the parking lot at the top of the falls. The trail begins near the small craft marina beside a bridge that spans the Kagawong River and runs along side the river leading up to the falls through a forested area for a little more than a kilometre. We often walk the trail in the evenings after the crowds have left the village for the day. It’s a lovely walk and if you’re lucky you might even see a blue heron on your walk – we have a couple of times! Be sure to stay on the trail though as there is usually poison ivy in the area.

I would describe the trail as easy with just a few uphill sections. Along the trail you will also see a few public sculptures and heritage plaques that are part of the Billings Connections Trail that was established as a Canada 150 project.

After your visit to the falls, treat yourself to a piece of handmade chocolate at Manitoulin Chocolate Works or a cone at Buttercup Ice Creamery.

Bridal Veil Falls is located on Highway 540 near the entrance to the village of Kagawong. To access the trail system drive down the hill and park in the village itself.

4. Noble Nature Trail – Gore Bay

The Noble Nature Trail in the town of Gore Bay is a hike of about 1 km along the east bluff to Harold Noble Memorial Park. There are views of the town en route and at the lookout at the top you will enjoy a panoramic view over the town of Gore Bay.

This is rated an easy to moderate trail – it’s a groomed, gradual uphill trail with a few rest stops at lookouts along the way. The park at the top of the bluff has a picnic area and parking.

Access the trail either from East Street via Water Street, or from Noble Boulevard (off of Kinney Street). There is a parking lot near the intersection of Bay and Water Streets.

5. Boardwalk Trails

Anyone who is looking for an easier walk or one that is accessible can enjoy the island’s beautiful waterfront boardwalk trails.

Providence Bay Boardwalk – Providence Bay is the place to go if you want some beach time! This beautiful sand beach on Lake Huron on the south shore of Manitoulin Island might just be the most beautiful in Northern Ontario and, as an added bonus, there’s a wheelchair-accessible (and stroller friendly) elevated boardwalk that spans the Mindemoya River and crosses the dunes running a considerable distance (2 km) down Providence Bay Beach.

Even if your priority is catching waves and building sandcastles, you should still make time for a leisurely stroll down the boardwalk and enjoy the beautiful views of the crystal clear waters of Lake Huron or a picturesque sunset.

Gore Bay Boardwalk Trail – There’s a boardwalk that runs along the town’s waterfront for just over 1 km connecting with the Noble Nature Trail which is lovely for an easy and accessible stroll. Along the route you will find several picnic areas, the town’s marina, a fish and chips restaurant in a unique building and at the end you will find the Harbour Centre which houses several artisan shops, a couple more restaurants and a recently-built breakwater that extends into the bay. We like to walk this boardwalk after enjoying a delicious meal on the patio at Buoys Eatery.

Little Current Waterfront Trail – If you’re driving onto the island then the first community you will visit is Little Current (also known as Northeastern Manitoulin & The Islands) which has a waterfront boardwalk that’s perfect for strolling and also connects to a longer recreational walking trail that you can choose to walk in full or part.

From the boardwalk you will appreciate the great views of the bridge which swings open in the summer to allow boat traffic through during daylight hours for the first 15 minutes of each hour.