Ahnii
in Odawa-Ojibway it means “welcome”
Manitoulin, the Spirit Island, sits in the middle of a cluster of Great Lakes, not far from the international border with Michigan, USA. The island can be found at the top of Lake Huron, separating it from the North Channel and the pristine waters of Georgian Bay to the east.
This area was part of a fur-trade route used by the Coureur des bois and Voyageurs to reach Lake Superior and the deep interior of Canada. The first known European settlement on the island was in 1648, but native peoples have lived here for thousands of years.
Today there are six reserves on the island – Zhiibaahaasing and Sheshegwaning First Nations in the west, the M’Chigeeng, Aundeck Omni Kaning and Sheguiandah First Nations on the more populated eastern end of the island, and Wikwemikong, Canada’s only officially recognized Unceded Indian Reserve and one of the ten largest First Nation communities in the country, takes up the entire eastern end of Manitoulin Island.
Native culture pervades Manitoulin Island and no description of this place is complete without mentioning it. Symbols and signage, like bilingual ‘turtle crossing’ road signs and the ubiquitous primary colours of the medicine wheel, are a gentle reminder of the different peoples we are among here. As well as an abundance of local native crafts, there are also cross-cultural anomalies like the M’Chigeeng Immaculate Conception Church.
For those interested in soaking up some of the local native culture, we suggest the Great Spirit Circle Trail. Also check out the Pow Wow schedule (between June and September) while staying at the new First Nations-inspired Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre.
Manitoulin Island should be experienced as a laid-back, pastoral land of bucolic farms, gentle forests of maple and spruce filled with frolicking white-tail deer and leisurely drives to sandy beaches and clean lakes. The hiking trails are exceptional and the local food is very tasty (try the fritters at Mum’s Bakery in Mindemoya and never pass up a fresh fish dinner anywhere).
The Chi-Cheemaun ferry can take you and your car return between Tobermory and South Baymouth four times each day during peak season (it takes about one hour and 45 minutes). The ferry was grounded due to low water levels when we went, so we took the land route, approaching from the north through Sudbury, Espanola and Little Current.
Wonderful Island & a very well written informative article, including 1 of the many alternative spellings for migwetch. You’re right don’t pass on the fish. I had some wonderful pickerel at Green Acres Restaurant. Great photos. What kind of camera do you use?
Thanks for sharing this excellent post on Manitoulin Island. Particularly grateful for the heads up on recommended trails. Although I lived in Southern Ontario for many years, I have no recollection of touring or hiking on this large island. Your photos are outstanding and the words have convinced me to be certain to spend several days here on my next sojourn to Northern Ontario.
Although we live in Alberta we try to visit Manitoulin Island every time we’re in Ontario. This quiet island is unlike anything in the province. This time we’re staying a full week and hope to see some more out of the way places. Can you recommend anything to see in the west end of the island?
This was one of our frequent summer trips when we were kids. My sister and I are planning to make a trip up there again soon. Great photos!
Great article! We are on Manitoulin now and have been coming here for over 30 years. There is so much to do and our kids have enjoyed coming since they were born. There are great hiking trails (Cup & Saucer) and Misery Bay along with wonderful beaches and loon filled lakes. Check out more on http://www.manitoulin-island.com/ – spend a week or two if you can – it is worth the visit. We stay at Turtle Creek lodge http://www.manitoulin-island.com/turtlecreek/ which is spectacular….
Wonderful article (s) – wonderful website Judy. My sister Wendy lives on Manitoulin and we have been to visit her several times. It is just another of so many lovely places in Canada. I heard from Diane (you met her on PEI) about your website. It is really terrific.
I went to Manitoulin Island this spring. Took the ferry from South Baymouth to Tobermory. A very beautiful area of Ontario that I didn’t know about until I went there.