A VISITOR'S GUIDE TO
MANITOULIN ISLAND
index Welcome .................................................................. p. 2 How to Get Here ..................................................... p. 3 Where to Stay ..................................................... p. 4-6 What to Do ........................................................ p. 7-13 Where to Eat ................................................... p. 14-16 Where to Shop ....................................................... p.17 Preferred Partners .............................................. p. 18 Business Hours & Contact Info ................... p. 19-21
You will notice that some of the listings include a 'preferred partner' label; this means that the business is participating in our Preferred Partner program, and is offering a discount/bonus to Festival attendees. We highly recommend visiting these businesses during Festival weekend! Please contact the 4elements office for more information about this program, or specific benefits to you, or find more details on p. 18 of this guide.
1
Welcome to 'The Island' Manitoulin Island, Mnidoo Mnising, or simply 'The Island' as it is referred to by the locals is a truly unique piece of the Canadian landscape. It is the largest freshwater island in the world, with more than 160kms of forest, lakes, rivers, meadows and escarpments, and over 100 inland lakes (many with islands of their own!). Many consider the Island to be a 'step back in time', or a return to a slower pace of life. With more than two dozen settlements, First Nations and towns, visiting Manitoulin really is like going back to the time of small town living. Most restaurants and businesses close early, and there is limited public transportation, so be sure to plan your stay accordingly. Evenings on the Island are quiet and peaceful: the perfect opportunity to relax & unwind.
2
How to Get Here By road... From Sudbury, follow Highway 17 (signs for Sault Ste. Marie/west) to Espanola In Espanola, turn left onto Highway 6 (signs for Manitoulin/ Espanola). Follow Highway 6 through and out of Espanola, then on to NEMI (North Eastern Manitoulin & the Islands) Cross the Swing Bridge, and follow Highway 540W to Kagawong. We are located at 91 Main St.
By ferry... Follow Highway 6 (N) to Tobermory Take the Chi CheeMaun ferry (1-800-265-3163) from Tobermory to South Baymouth Once in South Baymouth, follow Highway 6 until you reach Highway 542 W (left turn, signs for mindemoya/gore bay/tehkummah). Turn left onto Highway 542 W, and follow it to Mindemoya. (Foodland in Mindemoya is a convenient place to pick up groceries on your way through). Leaving Mindemoya, Turn right on hwy. 551. Follow 551 to m'chigeeng, where you will make a left turn onto hwy. 540. Follow 540 to Kagawong. We are located at 91 Main St.
3
Where to Stay... Located on Lakeshore Rd, just minutes outside of the village of Kagawong, Lake Kagawong Family Cabins offers beautiful views of Manitoulin's second largest lake in a quiet, peaceful setting. All cabins come with two bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, shower, BBQ, and lakeside fire pits.
ARTIST HOST
Also located on Lakeshore Rd, Norm's Tent & Trailer park offers open and shaded camping sites, some pull through and tent sites, as well as centrally-located showers and flush toilets. There is also a fully-equipped cottage available on site, and a beautiful sand beach. Located on Hideaway Rd. just 2kms from the village of Kagawong, Hideaway Lodge offers a selection of cottages as well as rooms in the main lodge. Hideaway also features a kids' playground, indoor and outdoor games, and a Cedar Lounge reading room.
4
Where to Stay... Located on Concession 8 in Kagawong, Solitudes is an adultoriented, smoke-free B&B. Guests can enjoy a comfy coffee nook, porch swing, covered deck, and hot, 3-course breakfast.
Rated among the top 10 B&Bs in Ontario by Cottage Life Magazine, Queen's Inn in Gore Bay offers guests multiple verandahs, a parlour, library nook, and dining room in addition to lodging rooms, which come equipped with cable TV and wireless internet access.
Located next to the Gore Bay Court House in a beautiful historic stone building, Stonehouse B&B offers large, comfortable rooms conveniently located near downtown Gore Bay. All rooms include satellite TV and wireless internet access.
5
Where to Stay... PREFERRED PARTNER Located on Borron St, just outside of downtown Gore Bay, Martha's Inn B&B offers bright, comfortable rooms, satellite TV, wireless internet access, as well as a continental breakfast.
Located on Phipps St. in downtown Gore Bay, the Gore Bay Apartment Hotel offers guests full apartments at overnight hotel rates. Choose from a one, two, three, or four-bedroom suite, each with high-speed internet and free access to a propane BBQ.
Located in Ice Lake (between Kagawong and Gore Bay), Evergreen Resort features a motel with breakfast, studio cabins and cottages, with fully-equipped kitchens, satellite TV and a private deck. Swim at the sandy beach or in the heated pool. Fish right off the dock, or enjoy a leisurely walk around the grounds.
PREFERRED PARTNER
6
What to Do... In Kagawong... One of the highlights of the village of Kagawong is Bridal Veil Falls and the Kagawong River Trail. Follow the staircase down to the base of the falls, then hike the leisurely trail along the river and down to the beach. A 'must see' for any visitor to Kagawong. Located below the hill in the village of Kagawong, the public beach is a beautiful spot to sit, relax, and enjoy the sounds of the water. On the beach, you'll find a variety of play equipment for children, as well as voleyball nets. Don't forget to pop over to the marina for an ice cream cone! Located just next to the public beach on Old Mill Road, the Old Mill Heritage Centre features a museum, art gallery, as well as the township office. Come learn about the village of Kagawong!
7
What to Do... In Kagawong/Gore Bay... North  Wind Adventure offers kayak, canoe, stand-up paddle board, and sailboat rentals in Mudge Bay and the Kagawong River. Based out of the Kagawong marina, they are open from late May - late September.
Boo Bah Lou Candy Corner will bring out the inner kid in anyone. With candies and treats from all over the world, you're sure to find something to delight your tastebuds. Check out their selection of retro treats; you might just find an old childhood favourite!
Split Rail Brewing Company started as a dream to brew high-quality, great tasting craft beer on Manitoulin Island. Their brewery on Water Street in Gore Bay now features a retail outlet and a patio for sampling one of their four signature brews.
8
What to Do... See some art... Located on the waterfront in Gore Bay, the Harbour Centre showcases seven artisan shops, a marine museum, as well as an ongoing used book sale. Be sure to step onto the balcony for stunning views of Lake Huron.
Featuring artisan shops, galleries, a cafĂŠ, and some impressive outdoor murals, the Mutchmor (and its Peace CafĂŠ) are a must-see for Island visitors. Find them on Mutchmor St. in Providence Bay. While there, be sure to pop down to the beach and walk the boardwalk. Ursula Hettmann is an internationally recognized painter, and creator of fine clothing and jewellery. She lives and works on the south shore of Manitoulin Island (turn at White Church Rd. on the way to Spring Bay), opening her studio for public viewing from May to October.
9
What to Do... Hiking Trails Perhaps the most famous hiking trail on Manitoulin, the Cup & Saucer Trail is located 18km west of Little Current, (trailhead located on the SE side of Hwy. 540, near Bidwell Rd.). An extension of the Niagara Esxarpment, Cup & Saucer offers over 12km of hiking trails with a number of stunning lookouts. The only operating provincial park on Manitoulin, Misery Bay Provincial Park offers visitors scenic views of the Lake Huron coastline, an eco-friendly Visitor Centre, 15km of hiking trails, and a variety of rare plants and globally significant ecosystems. Located in Evansville (west of Gore Bay). Located at 144 Meadowlark Place in Ice Lake (between Kagawong and Gore Bay, off of Robertson Rd), RavensWing Garden Trail features beautiful meadow lands, bountiful wildflowers, and an apple orchard. See if you can find the OTB Drawing Box on the Trail!
10
What to Do... Visit museums The Gore Bay Museum is part of the Gore Bay court complex and served as the Manitoulin District Jail and jailer's residence until 1945. It has retained many of its original features, and has now been converted into an art gallery and museum that displays the history of local early settlers.
Located in Mindemoya, the Central Manitoulin Historical Society's 'Pioneer Museum' prides itself on its collection and preservation of materials, pictures, and artifacts from the area's Pioneer period. There is also a Welcome Centre adjacent to the Pioneer Park.
Located in Mindemoya, Jack Seabrook's Farm Museum features 40 pre-war tractors (mostly Massey Harris), old gas engines, horse drawn equipment, small farm artifacts and power machinery from 1880 through 1951.
11
What to Do... Visit museums The Centennial Museum of Sheguiandah provides a glimpse into the past with artifacts from one of Canada's oldest archaeological sites, a new marine exhibit, reconstructed log homes, and more. Located on highway 6 just outside Little Current.
What to Do... Learn about First Nations culture Manitoulin (or 'Spirit Island' in the Ojibwe language) has been home to Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi peoples for generations, long before the arrival of the first European settlers. Today, there are seven First Nation reserves on Manitoulin: M'Chigeeng (formerly known as West Bay), Sheguiandah, Sheshegwaning, Wauwauskinga (formerly Whitefish River), Zhiibaahaasing, Aundeck Omni Kaning (formerly known as Sucker Creek), and Wikwemikong Unceded Reserve (which never surrendered land or sovereignty to the Crown). Visitors can learn more about these First Nations as well as First Nations' culture by visiting the organizations listed on the following page.
12
What to Do... Learn about First Nations culture Located just off of Hwy. 540 in M'Chigeeng, Great Spirit Circle Trail offers nature-based & cultural tourism from an Aboriginal perspective. Experiences range from eco-adventures to educational tours.Â
The Ojibwe Cultural Foundation 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 facility is home to a Museum, Public Art Gallery, Gift Shop, healing lodge, performance amphitheater, and more. The Debajehmujig Theatre Centre was the first - and remains the only - professional theatre company located on a Reserve in Canada. They are located on Wikwemikong Unceded Reserve. Visit their website for more info about upcoming events.
13
Where to Eat... In Kagawong... Located in 1428 Lakeshore Drive in Kagawong, the Main Street Cafe serves a variety of tasty treats, from breakfasts, soups, sandwiches, and sweet treats. Takeaway meals are also available in the freezer section.Â
PREFERRED PARTNER
To finish off your meal, be sure to stop by Manitoulin Chocolate Works (160 Main St.) for a sweet treat. Featuring a variety of hand-made truffles, cupcakes, bars, and more, Chocolate Works is a must-see for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Located next to the Park Centre in the Village of Kagawong, Hawg Eater's Slow Smoked BBQ offers hearty fare such as pulled pork, baked beans, sausages, and more. Outdoor Dining only.
14
Where to Eat... In Gore Bay... Located on the main street (Meredith St.) of Gore Bay, Loco Beanz is a classic coffeehouse, offering fresh coffee and espressobased drinks, tea, breakfast sandwiches, and paninis. Open for breakfast and lunch.
PREFERRED PARTNER
Located on Meredith St, B&J Restaurant offers customers a variety of dinerstyle food, from breakfasts, to sandwiches, to burgers and fries, and even homemade desserts. When the weather's nice, enjoy your meal on the licenced patio!
PREFERRED PARTNER
Located behind Loco Beanz Coffee House (parking on Water St.), Codmothers offers four varieties of fresh fish (cod, whitefish, halibut & haddock), fries, sandwiches, and more. Open late!
15
Where to Eat... In Gore Bay... Located on the waterfront in Gore Bay, Buoys offers customers fresh, local food in an intimate indoor setting, or on their outdoor patio. Give their pizzas, pastas, salads, and fresh fish a try!
Located on Meredith St., Quintina's offers grilled cheeses, crepes, and other plates made with a variety of highquality cheeses from around the world. They also have a shop which sells items to complement their cheese, including honeys, oils, deli meats, and coffees.
PREFERRED PARTNER Located just outside of town on Golf Course Road, the Manitoulin Island Country Club offers visitors a variety of sandwiches, salads, wraps, and fries in an indoor or outdoor setting with beautiful views of the golf course.Â
16
Where to Shop... For groceries... Dean's Valu-Mart is located on the main street (Meredith St.) of Gore Bay, and is open seven days/week. It offers standard grocery items, as well as some grab-and-go meal options in the deli section.
Located on Yonge St., on the main intersection in Mindemoya (about 1/2 hr drive from Kagawong), Foodland offers standard grocery items, grab-and-go meal options, a bakery section, and an LCBO. Open seven days/week.
Located on Kagawong's main street, Bridal Veil Esso offers fuel, convenience items, ice cream, a small selection of grocery items, and more. There is also an LCBO agency store on-site.
17
Preferred Partners Business
Festival Special
Phone #
Martha's Inn
Guests can book any room for the 'Cute Room' rate of $90/night
705-282-8738
Evergreen Resort
Motel room $150 (2 guests) Cabin = $220+ (6-8 guests)
705-282-1442
Hawg Eaters
Vegetarian Chili + Toast
705-210-0580
Loco Beanz Gore Bay
$10 Lunch Special
705-282-0007
Codmother's Fish & Chips
$2 off Fish & Chips
705-282-1212
Manitoulin Country Club
AYCE Fish & Chips w/ soup or salad - $15
705-282-2282
18
Contact Info & Hours Business
Hours
Phone #
Lake Kagawong Family Cabins
Check-in: 2:00pm Check-out: 9:00am
705-282-0989
Norm's Tent & Trailer Park
Check-in: Flexible Check-out: 11am
705-282-2827
Solitudes B&B
Check-in: 3-8:00pm Check-out: 11:00am
705-282-8879
Queen's Inn
Check-in: 4-6:00pm Check-out: 11:00am
705-282-0665
Martha's Inn
Check-in: 3:00pm Check-out: 11:00am
705-282-8738
Gore Bay Apartment Hotel
Check-in: 3:00pm Check-out: 11:00am
705-282-3196
Evergreen Resort
Check-in: 4-6:00pm Check-out: 11:00am
705-282-2616
Old Mill Heritage Centre
W-Sun: 11-4:00pm
705-282-1442
Harbour Centre
10:00-4:00pm
705-282-2040
The Mutchmor
8:30-5:30pm
705-377-4703
19
Contact Info & Hours Business
Hours
Phone #
Hettman Studios
T-Sun: 10-5:00pm
705-377-4625
Great Spirit Circle Trail
M-F: 9-7:00pm Sat: 11-4:00pm
705-377-4404
Ojibwe Cultural Foundation
M-F 8:30-4:00pm
705-377-4902
Debajehmujig Theatre Centre
M-F 10-4:00pm
705-859-1820
Gore Bay Museum
M-S 10-4:00pm Sun 2-4:00pm
705-282-2040
Pioneer Museum
By Appt Only.
705-377-5649
Jack Seabrook's Farm Museum
By Appt Only.
705-377-5133
Centennial Museum Sheguiandah
T-Sat 9-4:30pm
705-368-2367
Main St. Cafe
M-Sat 8-5:00pm (Closed Sat. Sept. 30)
Hawg Eaters
Sat-Sun 11-6:00pm
705-282-0335
Manitoulin Chocolate Works
T-Sat 10-5:00pm Sun 11-4:00pm
705-282-0961
20
Contact Info & Hours Business
Hours
Phone #
Loco Beanz
M-Sat 7-4:30pm Sun 8-1:00pm
705-282-0007
Codmother's Fish & Chips
Sun-Th 11-9:00pm F-Sat 11-10:00pm
705-282-1212
B&J Restaurant
M-W 9-2:30pm Sat 9-2:30pm
705-282-3320
Buoy's Eatery
Th-Sun 12-7:00pm
705-282-2869
Quintina's
Tu-Sat: 10-5pm
519-732-3320
Manitoulin Island Country Club
8-7:00pm
705-282-2282
Dean's Valu-Mart
Mo-We 8-6:00pm Th-F 8:30-8:00pm Sat 8:30-6:00pm Sun 9-5:00pm
705-282-2500
Mindemoya Foodland
M-Th 8-6:00pm F 8-7:00pm Sat 8-6:00pm Sun 10-4:00pm
705-377-6200
Bridal Veil Esso
M-F 7-9:00pm Sat-Sun 8-9:00pm
705-282-2593
21
Thanks for Visiting! Please come again soon!
91 Main St. Kagawong, ON P0P 1J0 Â (705) 282-0444 info@4elementslivingarts.org facebook.com/4elementslivingarts twitter.com/4elivingarts instagram.com/4elements.livingarts
22