Manitoulin Island
Manitoulin Island, located in Lake Huron in Ontario, is the world’s largest freshwater island and home to diverse communities, landscapes, and cultural traditions. Known as Mnidoo Mnis in Anishinaabemowin, the island is home to several First Nations as well as towns and rural communities, each with its own distinct identity. Manitoulin’s forests, inland lakes, farms, trails, and shorelines support year-round residents while attracting visitors from across the Great Lakes and beyond.
This resource directory brings together helpful information about transportation, services, government, education, recreation, and community resources for residents, visitors, and anyone interested in learning more about life on Manitoulin Island.
The comprehensive Manitoulin Island website is a production of a Manitoulin Island-based media group with a focus on visitor experience, tourism, recreation, hotels, events, and other resources. Another site, Manitoulin-Island.com, is managed independently and provides general information about island life, events, and other resources. NOTE: Manitoulin-Island.com does not appear to be in current development, and some information provided is outdated.
Quick facts
Population: 13,255 (2016 data)
Total Area: 2,766 sq km (1,068 sq mi)
Lake: Huron
Distance to mainland: 40 km (ferry route)
Country: CA
Province: Ontario
District: Manitoulin
Incorporated Towns: Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands (NEMI), Gore Bay
Townships: Assiginack, Billings, Burpee and Mills, Central Manitoulin, Dawson, Gordon/Barrie Island, Robinson, Tehkummah
First Nations Reserves: M'Chigeeng, Sheguiandah, Sheshegwaning, Aundeck Omni Kaning, Wiikwemkoong, Zhiibaahaasing
Transportation
Ferry
Ferry lines · One ferry line serves Manitoulin Island and is managed by Owen Sound Transportation Company. The ferry provides car and passenger service to the South side of the island. Little Current Swing Bridge connects Manitoulin to the mainland on the North side.
Air Transit
Airports · Manitoulin Island has two public airports that handle private and charter air traffic.
Marina & Docks
Boat Docks and Marians · Manitoulin has a variety of public and private marinas.
◆ Indicates a link to a social media page (e.g. Facebook)
Island Life
Tourism
Business and travel info · Comprehensive information about Madeline Island businesses and more.
Municipal
Local Government
Police & Emergency Services
Community Resources
Grantmakers · Funding for charitable and professional local projects, resources for legacy giving.
Housing
Workforce and Permanent Resident Housing
Traditional Real Estate
Essential Services
Education
Public Schools · Additional schools exist within individual communities
Higher Education
Healthcare & Human Services
Hospitals & Health Centers
Nursing Homes
Environment & Conservation
Natural Resources & Organizations
Conservancies, Parks, etc.
Culture & Lifestyle
Festivals & Events
Annual Events, Calendars, etc.
Recreation
Public Parks & Recreation · Locations and resources for leisure and outdoor activities
Arts & Culture
Historical Societies, Museums, etc.
Library
Arts & Culture Organizations
COMING SOON
Great Lakes Islands Navigator
The Great Lakes Islands Navigator is a physical print and electronic document publication that provides single-page layout information and graphics on each island in a concise, easy-to-read format. It's a great way to share information about islands. Navigator pages can be easily downloaded to print at home and/or publish online.
See anything that should be added, updated, or corrected? Reach out to us!
Contact Philip Rice, Communications Specialist, to submit changes, corrections, and suggestions for the resource directory. price@stewardshipnetwork.org