Manitoulin Island holds the title of the largest freshwater island in the world, and its small, beachside towns and pristine forests feel relaxed, even in peak season. “You’re on island time when you come here,” says Christine LeeMcNaughton, who has lived on Manitoulin for more than 20 years. The island is part of a Lake Huron archipelago midway between Sudbury and Tobermory, Ont., and is also the home of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory.
How to get there
From the north, the historic Little Current Swing Bridge connects the island to the mainland. “My wife always says, ‘The second I cross the swing bridge, my shoulders go down,’ ” says local realtor Todd Hilton. From the south, the island is wateraccess, typically on the iconic MS Chi-Cheemaun. The drive-on ferry connects Tobermory to South Baymouth and runs three times a day between May and October.
The lay of the land
Thanks to an abundance of inland lakes (108 to be exact) and the surrounding great lake, there are plenty of cottage hubs—though properties are locally referred to as camps—on Manitoulin. Lake Mindemoya, Lake Manitou, and Lake Kagawong are the biggest lakes and are great for swimming, boating in small to mid-sized boats, and angling for whitefish and perch. Some cottages are clustered along the water, but thanks to the rugged natural landscape, they often feel far apart. “We joke that it’s a busy day on the lake, even on a weekend, if we see four or five boats pass our place,” says Chris Ricketts, a third-generation cottager on the island. While there are a number of properties on Lake Huron, you’ll find younger families on the inland lakes where the water is calmer and warmer for swimming.
Market overview
Real estate costs have risen significantly in the past 10 years—the average waterfront property costs $516,000 in 2025, a 154 per cent increase from 2015—but buyers can find an array of price points. Lakes Manitou, Mindemoya, and Kagawong, the latter of which connects to the famed Bridal Veil Falls, are at more of a premium than smaller waterbodies, such as Ice Lake and Big Lake. For cottagers looking to build, it’s relatively easy to find empty waterfront and forested lots listed for around $250,000. The caveat? It can be challenging to pin down contractors and other tradespeople, so be prepared for a longer construction timeline.
What about water quality?
Water quality monitoring on the island differs from other lakes. Wahl Water, a private water treatment company, tests lakes across Manitoulin on behalf of environmental groups, municipalities, and even real estate agents. On Lake Mindemoya, for example, Wahl Water regularly tests 14 different locations on behalf of the local stewardship association. Manitoulin has faced its fair share of invasive species, including zebra mussels, rusty crayfish, and round goby, as well as land-based phragmites and wild parsnip. Several local and national organizations, including Manitoulin Streams and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, work together to prevent invasive spread, enhance habitat, plant native trees, and restore wetlands. Cottagers can get involved by joining in on the regular events, from annual educational sessions to shoreline clean-ups.
What to do
Head to Providence Bay for white sand beaches, a stroll along the boardwalk, and arguably some of the most beautiful sunsets you’ll ever see. Bridal Veil Falls—an iconic 11-metre natural wonder and swimming hole near Kagawong—is a must-visit. Hike through Misery Bay Provincial Park along the southwestern coast of the island, or visit the Cup and Saucer Nature Reserve for stunning panoramic vistas of the forest and a rugged-yet-accessible hiking loop. Spend an afternoon out on the water and island hop through the North Channel, stopping to pick wild blueberries on rocky isles. Manitoulin is also jam-packed with delicious grub, often made with locally abundant hawthorn fruit. Islanders call themselves Haweaters, and local lore celebrates the fruit for saving early pioneers from starvation. Grab a pint of Hawberry Ale—which is brewed with haws—at Split Rail Brewing Co., a homemade Finnia Chocolate frozen bar, and local, fresh fish from family-owned Purvis Fish & Chips; and that’s just in Gore Bay. Matt’s Pizza Stand in Sheguiandah is beloved for its wood-fired pies. On a hot summer day, be sure to grab a scoop of award-winning salted caramel truffle ice cream from 3 Cows and a Cone in Little Current.
Toronto-based writer Sara Romano started her career in publishing as an intern at Cottage Life.
This story originally appeared in our Summer ’26 issue.
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