Manitoulin Island: A Day Trip That’s Big on Adventure (and Yes, It’s the World’s Largest Freshwater Island!)
April 15, 2025
Okay, Michigan vacationers, let’s talk about an island so cool it’s practically a personality trait—Manitoulin Island. If you’re staying at Sunny Side Cottages (aka your new favorite cabin rental in Michigan), then buckle up because this charming, offbeat destination is a scenic hop, skip, and a ferry ride away—and it’s so worth the detour.
Wait, what’s Manitoulin Island again?
Let’s get one thing straight: Manitoulin Island isn’t just an island. It’s the largest freshwater island in the entire world. That’s right—Lake Huron said, “Go big or go home,” and Manitoulin delivered. This Canadian gem sits just north of the Michigan border, and while it’s in Ontario, it’s easily accessible for U.S. travelers looking to level up their getaway with a little international flair. Passport, please! ✈️🇨🇦
How to Get There from Sunny Side Cottages
Sunny Side Cottages is already the perfect hub for a Michigan vacation rental—but why not make your trip even more memorable with a day (or overnight!) trip to Manitoulin? You can drive up the scenic coast to Tobermory, Ontario (about 3.5 hours from the cottage), then board the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry—a floating mini-cruise, if you will. The ferry runs from spring through fall, and it's part of the adventure, offering onboard amenities and jaw-dropping views of Lake Huron.
🚗 Drive to Tobermory
🚢 Hop on the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry
🏝️ Arrive on Manitoulin Island—cue the magic
For ferry schedules and bookings, check out: ontarioferries.com
So… What’s There to Do?
Short answer: A lot. Longer answer: enough to keep the whole crew smiling, whether you're wrangling kids, corralling your BFFs, or sneaking away with your sweetie. Here’s what we recommend:
🥾 Go Chasing Views on the Cup and Saucer Trail
Do you want epic Instagram pics? This one’s for you. The Cup and Saucer Trail is one of Ontario’s most famous hikes, with panoramic views, dramatic cliffs, and enough wow-factor to make you forget your legs are tired.
🌿 Visit Bridal Veil Falls
Cue the oohs and ahhs. This dreamy waterfall in Kagawong is straight out of a fairy tale—and bonus, there’s a swimming hole at the bottom. Pack your suits!
🛶 Paddle or Fish the Day Away
Manitoulin is surrounded by water, so obviously kayaking, canoeing, and fishing are all major players here. Bring your gear or rent locally and enjoy a peaceful day on the lake (or brag-worthy bass if you’ve got the skills).
🧑🎨 Get a Taste of Local Culture
The island is home to a vibrant Indigenous Anishinaabe community, with art galleries, cultural centers, and experiences that offer a deep, meaningful connection to the land and its history. Visit Ojibwe Cultural Foundation or browse the M’Chigeeng art scene to add a little heart to your trip.
🍦And Don’t Forget the Ice Cream
Yes, we’re serious. Small-town Canada knows how to do sweet treats right, and no day trip is complete without a stop at a local scoop shop.
Tips for the Trip
- Pack snacks and layers. Ferry rides and hiking trails don’t wait for hangry humans or surprise breezes.
- Charge your phone. Trust us—you’ll want pics of everything.
- Start early! It’s a full day of fun, especially if you're coming back to your cozy vacation house in Michigan at Sunny Side Cottages.
Make Sunny Side Cottages Your Home Base
While Manitoulin Island is the star of the day, your stay at Sunny Side Cottages is the main event. After exploring waterfalls and trails, there’s nothing like returning to your lakeside haven to kick back by the firepit, grill up some fresh fish, or just sink into a hammock and exhale.
Our resort is the ultimate spot for families, couples, and friend groups looking for vacation house rentals in Michigan that are anything but ordinary. With quirky touches, cozy interiors, and all the charm of the Lake Huron coast, it’s the kind of place where memories practically make themselves.
Ready to explore the world’s largest freshwater island—then come home to the best cabin rental Michigan has to offer? Manitoulin Island + Sunny Side Cottages = the vacation combo you didn’t know you needed.
Pack your bags, passport, and sense of adventure. We’ll see you on the sand (and maybe the ferry deck too 😉).
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