Those who have visited Manitoulin Island know how special it is.
As the world's largest freshwater island, this place will redefine your understanding of natural beauty. Crystal clear waters, ancient limestone formations, breathtaking viewpoints, and night skies that seem to engulf you completely... you'll wonder why you hadn't discovered this hidden gem sooner.
Wilderness that will leave you speechless
This carefully crafted 3-day journey takes you through some of Manitoulin's greatest treasures. You'll camp in a certified Dark Sky Preserve where stars blanket the night sky, conquer the legendary Cup and Saucer Trail with its 70-meter cliffs and panoramic vistas, stand behind the misty curtain of Bridal Veil Falls, and cruise across Georgian Bay on the iconic Chi-Cheemaun Ferry. It's a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, allowing you to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in Manitoulin life.
Experience natural wonders
There are surprisingly few organized trips to this magnificent place, despite its incredible natural offerings. We're thrilled to offer Wilderness Union members this unique island escape at an unbeatable price – just another benefit of your membership!
Adventure details
Our journey begins in Toronto, traveling through the Canadian Shield to reach Manitoulin Island. Our base for the trip is an eco reserve, where pristine wilderness surrounds us.
Each evening transforms into a stargazing paradise as we take full advantage of our Dark Sky Preserve location. Far from city lights, the night sky reveals itself in spectacular fashion – presenting stars, planets, and constellations with remarkable clarity that simply cannot be experienced in urban environments.
Day two brings our most active adventures, hiking the famous Cup and Saucer Trail with its breathtaking lookouts across the island's rolling landscapes, followed by the gorgeous Bridal Veil Falls where you can actually walk behind the cascading water. There's plenty of time built in for swimming, exploring, or simply relaxing at our campsite.
Our final day features the perfect conclusion – crossing Georgian Bay aboard the legendary Chi-Cheemaun Ferry ("Big Canoe" in Ojibwe) from South Baymouth to Tobermory. This two-hour cruise across deep blue waters offers spectacular views on the way to the beautiful town of Tobermory where we stop for lunch and a quick explore before returning to Toronto later that evening.
It's the perfect long weekend escape!
This trip includes all of the following:
- Campsite fees
- Expert guidance throughout the entire journey
- Transportation from Toronto and back
- All group meals from Saturday dinner through Monday breakfast
- A cruise on the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry
- Comfortable shared tents or bring your own
Meals
We'll provide vegan/vegetarian and meat options for all group meals, catering to various dietary preferences while maintaining delicious camp cuisine.
Sample menu
Breakfast - Hearty oatmeal with fresh berries, maple syrup and granola
Lunch - Build-your-own wraps with hummus, vegetables, cheese and protein options
Dinner - Fire-roasted vegetable and chicken skewers with seasoned rice
Transport
Transportation from Toronto is included in your trip cost. We'll depart early Saturday morning and return Monday evening, maximizing your time on the island while keeping the trip accessible for a weekend getaway.
Sleeping Arrangements
We'll be bringing Wilderness Union tents, split according to gender. There's plenty of space on site so you are able to bring your own tent - please message in discord if you plan to do this.
If you reserved gear: We'll be providing a sleeping pad and sleeping bag for you.
Washing facilities
Toilets - There are flush toilets as well as pit latrines throughout the camp. These are effectively a toilet over a deep hole in the ground and they are stocked with toilet paper.
Water - There is drinking water on tap available throughout the camp. There are also limited shower facilities!
Campsite responsibilities
This trip is an opportunity to build your skills so we'll all be mucking in to make the trip a success. We'll divide up responsibilities on the campsite so you learn how to set up a tent, how to hang a tarp and how to get a campfire going. We'll also share in the work to cook and keep things clean. Is there something you really want to learn while we're out? Do you have skills you could share with the group? Message on Discord and let's work it in.
Saturday 28th June - Day 1
06:00 - Depart from Keele Station, Toronto
12:00 - Quick lunch and fuel stop in Sudbury
15:00 - Arrive at Manitoulin Eco Park; set up camp
18:30 - Group dinner at campsite
20:30 - Stargazing in the Dark Sky Preserve
Sunday 29th June - Day 2
07:00 - Breakfast at campsite
08:00 - Depart for Cup and Saucer Trail
09:00 - Hike Cup and Saucer Trail
12:00 - Picnic lunch on trail
12:30 - Drive to Bridal Veil Falls
13:15 - Explore Bridal Veil Falls
14:15 - Return to Eco Park; afternoon relaxation
18:30 - Group dinner at campsite
20:30 - Optional night hike or stargazing
Monday 30th June - Day 3
07:00 - Breakfast and break camp
08:30 - Depart for South Baymouth Ferry Terminal
09:30 - Check-in for Chi-Cheemaun Ferry
10:50 - Ferry departs for Tobermory
12:50 - Arrive in Tobermory; lunch and exploration
14:15 - Depart for Toronto
19:00 - Arrival back at Keele Station, Toronto
This custom map is georeferenced, meaning it will show you where you are on the map in the right software and lays out the rough path that we’ll be following. It’s opened with the Avenza app which must be downloaded and installed in advance of the adventure.
You should also download the What3words app - this makes it easy to share and find locations in the unlikely event that you get lost.
Clothing:
Pack according to the weather. This is a suggested packing list:
Gear:
Camping Gear/Sleep system
We'll be providing Tents for everyone and a sleeping bag/pad for those who ordered it
Personal Stuff:
Cooking
We'll be providing plates, cutlery and a mug for everyone.
Period Products
Wondering how to handle camping on your period? Here's a great resource with everything you could need to know. If you still have questions, member Marie K has offered guidance and you can message her privately on Discord.
Random Stuff:
Got light-weight games? Bring em!
We'll be providing most meals (either vegan or meaty according to your dietary requirements) for this adventure along with tea and coffee but no milk.
You're responsible for your own breakfast (before we meet) and lunch in Tobermory on the return journey.
Day 1 lunch - Packed lunch that you bring
Day 1 dinner - Gourmet hot meal
Day 2 breakfast - Hot oatmeal
Day 2 lunch - Wraps
Day 2 dinner - Hot meal around the campfire
Day 3 breakfast - chef's choice
Day 3 lunch - Lunch in Tobermory
You're welcome to bring your own burner for making tea and coffee. You should also bring your own snacks!
We'll provide the following:
Tents
Additional gear for those who requested it
All necessary cooking and eating equipment
If you can't swim, keep out of the water. Be aware that the water will still be cold. If you do want to swim, let one of the guides know so we can keep an eye on you. We also ask that you don't canoe without a guide with you.
It's looking like it might be very sunny. Make sure you bring suncream and a hat.
There are a lot of rocks on the trail and it's easy to roll an ankle. Be careful when walking and bring poles if helpful.
Stay on the campsite and if you're wandering off, let us know where you'll be going and when you expect to return.
Bears are active in the area. We'll give you a full briefing on bear safety but rest assured that they pose very little threat to us. Want to learn more about wildlife safety? Watch the recording from our session with Ontario Park's bear expert.
It's extremely important that no food is left unattended at the campsite (we've had meals stolen by raccoons before!) and at night, we'll take everything smelly out of bags and keep them safely away from animals.
Tick season has started again and they're active in the area we're visiting. Black Legged Ticks have the risk of carrying Lyme disease so it's important that you check yourself thoroughly after each hike. You're also recommended to have your legs covered so it's harder for them to latch on.
Meaning: "Manitoulin" comes from the Ojibwe word "Manidoowaaling", meaning "cave of the spirit" or "place of the Great Spirit." The island was seen as a sacred place where the Gitchi Manitou (Great Spirit) dwelled. This spiritual significance made it an important site for gatherings, ceremonies, and vision quests.
Anishinaabe Presence:
- The island is part of the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, who have lived in the region for thousands of years.
- Oral histories and archaeological evidence show long-standing settlements and seasonal migrations for fishing, hunting, and gathering.
- Important gathering sites included the Cup and Saucer cliffs, Lake Mindemoya, and Gore Bay, among others.
Treaties and Colonial Impact:
- In 1836, the Manitoulin Island Treaty was signed between Indigenous leaders and the British Crown. It designated the island as a reserve for Indigenous peoples across Upper Canada.
- However, the 1862 Manitoulin Treaty controversially opened much of the island to settlers. Many Indigenous leaders disputed the legitimacy of this treaty, saying it was signed under coercion or without proper consent.
- The opening of the island to settlers led to displacement and the creation of reserves on the island, including Wikwemikong, which refused to sign the 1862 treaty and remains unceded territory to this day.
Wikwemikong Unceded Territory:
- Located on the eastern portion of the island, Wikwemikong First Nation is one of the largest Anishinaabe communities in Canada and is known for maintaining its independence by rejecting the 1862 treaty.
- Wikwemikong has been a stronghold of cultural preservation, language revitalization, and Indigenous governance.
Modern Significance:
Today, Manitoulin Island is home to six Anishinaabe First Nations:
- Aundeck Omni Kaning
- Sheguiandah
- Sheshegwaning
- M'Chigeeng
- Zhiibaahaasing
- Wikwemikong Unceded Territory
The island hosts cultural festivals, pow wows, and educational initiatives that celebrate Anishinaabe traditions, including:
- The Wiikwemkoong Annual Cultural Festival
- The Ojibwe Cultural Foundation in M’Chigeeng, which offers exhibits and workshops on Anishinaabe art, language, and history
Summary: Manitoulin Island is not just a place of natural beauty—it's a living landscape of Indigenous heritage, resistance, and resilience. From ancient spiritual traditions to ongoing efforts for sovereignty and cultural revitalization, the island remains a vital heartland for the Anishinaabe people.
Those who have visited Manitoulin Island know how special it is.
As the world's largest freshwater island, this place will redefine your understanding of natural beauty. Crystal clear waters, ancient limestone formations, breathtaking viewpoints, and night skies that seem to engulf you completely... you'll wonder why you hadn't discovered this hidden gem sooner.
Wilderness that will leave you speechless
This carefully crafted 3-day journey takes you through some of Manitoulin's greatest treasures. You'll camp in a certified Dark Sky Preserve where stars blanket the night sky, conquer the legendary Cup and Saucer Trail with its 70-meter cliffs and panoramic vistas, stand behind the misty curtain of Bridal Veil Falls, and cruise across Georgian Bay on the iconic Chi-Cheemaun Ferry. It's a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, allowing you to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in Manitoulin life.
Experience natural wonders
There are surprisingly few organized trips to this magnificent place, despite its incredible natural offerings. We're thrilled to offer Wilderness Union members this unique island escape at an unbeatable price – just another benefit of your membership!
Adventure details
Our journey begins in Toronto, traveling through the Canadian Shield to reach Manitoulin Island. Our base for the trip is an eco reserve, where pristine wilderness surrounds us.
Each evening transforms into a stargazing paradise as we take full advantage of our Dark Sky Preserve location. Far from city lights, the night sky reveals itself in spectacular fashion – presenting stars, planets, and constellations with remarkable clarity that simply cannot be experienced in urban environments.
Day two brings our most active adventures, hiking the famous Cup and Saucer Trail with its breathtaking lookouts across the island's rolling landscapes, followed by the gorgeous Bridal Veil Falls where you can actually walk behind the cascading water. There's plenty of time built in for swimming, exploring, or simply relaxing at our campsite.
Our final day features the perfect conclusion – crossing Georgian Bay aboard the legendary Chi-Cheemaun Ferry ("Big Canoe" in Ojibwe) from South Baymouth to Tobermory. This two-hour cruise across deep blue waters offers spectacular views on the way to the beautiful town of Tobermory where we stop for lunch and a quick explore before returning to Toronto later that evening.
It's the perfect long weekend escape!
This trip includes all of the following:
- Campsite fees
- Expert guidance throughout the entire journey
- Transportation from Toronto and back
- All group meals from Saturday dinner through Monday breakfast
- A cruise on the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry
- Comfortable shared tents or bring your own
Meals
We'll provide vegan/vegetarian and meat options for all group meals, catering to various dietary preferences while maintaining delicious camp cuisine.
Sample menu
Breakfast - Hearty oatmeal with fresh berries, maple syrup and granola
Lunch - Build-your-own wraps with hummus, vegetables, cheese and protein options
Dinner - Fire-roasted vegetable and chicken skewers with seasoned rice
Transport
Transportation from Toronto is included in your trip cost. We'll depart early Saturday morning and return Monday evening, maximizing your time on the island while keeping the trip accessible for a weekend getaway.
Sleeping Arrangements
We'll be bringing Wilderness Union tents, split according to gender. There's plenty of space on site so you are able to bring your own tent - please message in discord if you plan to do this.
If you reserved gear: We'll be providing a sleeping pad and sleeping bag for you.
Washing facilities
Toilets - There are flush toilets as well as pit latrines throughout the camp. These are effectively a toilet over a deep hole in the ground and they are stocked with toilet paper.
Water - There is drinking water on tap available throughout the camp. There are also limited shower facilities!
Campsite responsibilities
This trip is an opportunity to build your skills so we'll all be mucking in to make the trip a success. We'll divide up responsibilities on the campsite so you learn how to set up a tent, how to hang a tarp and how to get a campfire going. We'll also share in the work to cook and keep things clean. Is there something you really want to learn while we're out? Do you have skills you could share with the group? Message on Discord and let's work it in.
Saturday 28th June - Day 1
06:00 - Depart from Keele Station, Toronto
12:00 - Quick lunch and fuel stop in Sudbury
15:00 - Arrive at Manitoulin Eco Park; set up camp
18:30 - Group dinner at campsite
20:30 - Stargazing in the Dark Sky Preserve
Sunday 29th June - Day 2
07:00 - Breakfast at campsite
08:00 - Depart for Cup and Saucer Trail
09:00 - Hike Cup and Saucer Trail
12:00 - Picnic lunch on trail
12:30 - Drive to Bridal Veil Falls
13:15 - Explore Bridal Veil Falls
14:15 - Return to Eco Park; afternoon relaxation
18:30 - Group dinner at campsite
20:30 - Optional night hike or stargazing
Monday 30th June - Day 3
07:00 - Breakfast and break camp
08:30 - Depart for South Baymouth Ferry Terminal
09:30 - Check-in for Chi-Cheemaun Ferry
10:50 - Ferry departs for Tobermory
12:50 - Arrive in Tobermory; lunch and exploration
14:15 - Depart for Toronto
19:00 - Arrival back at Keele Station, Toronto
This custom map is georeferenced, meaning it will show you where you are on the map in the right software and lays out the rough path that we’ll be following. It’s opened with the Avenza app which must be downloaded and installed in advance of the adventure.
You should also download the What3words app - this makes it easy to share and find locations in the unlikely event that you get lost.
Clothing:
Pack according to the weather. This is a suggested packing list:
Gear:
Camping Gear/Sleep system
We'll be providing Tents for everyone and a sleeping bag/pad for those who ordered it
Personal Stuff:
Cooking
We'll be providing plates, cutlery and a mug for everyone.
Period Products
Wondering how to handle camping on your period? Here's a great resource with everything you could need to know. If you still have questions, member Marie K has offered guidance and you can message her privately on Discord.
Random Stuff:
Got light-weight games? Bring em!
We'll be providing most meals (either vegan or meaty according to your dietary requirements) for this adventure along with tea and coffee but no milk.
You're responsible for your own breakfast (before we meet) and lunch in Tobermory on the return journey.
Day 1 lunch - Packed lunch that you bring
Day 1 dinner - Gourmet hot meal
Day 2 breakfast - Hot oatmeal
Day 2 lunch - Wraps
Day 2 dinner - Hot meal around the campfire
Day 3 breakfast - chef's choice
Day 3 lunch - Lunch in Tobermory
You're welcome to bring your own burner for making tea and coffee. You should also bring your own snacks!
We'll provide the following:
Tents
Additional gear for those who requested it
All necessary cooking and eating equipment
If you can't swim, keep out of the water. Be aware that the water will still be cold. If you do want to swim, let one of the guides know so we can keep an eye on you. We also ask that you don't canoe without a guide with you.
It's looking like it might be very sunny. Make sure you bring suncream and a hat.
There are a lot of rocks on the trail and it's easy to roll an ankle. Be careful when walking and bring poles if helpful.
Stay on the campsite and if you're wandering off, let us know where you'll be going and when you expect to return.
Bears are active in the area. We'll give you a full briefing on bear safety but rest assured that they pose very little threat to us. Want to learn more about wildlife safety? Watch the recording from our session with Ontario Park's bear expert.
It's extremely important that no food is left unattended at the campsite (we've had meals stolen by raccoons before!) and at night, we'll take everything smelly out of bags and keep them safely away from animals.
Tick season has started again and they're active in the area we're visiting. Black Legged Ticks have the risk of carrying Lyme disease so it's important that you check yourself thoroughly after each hike. You're also recommended to have your legs covered so it's harder for them to latch on.
Meaning: "Manitoulin" comes from the Ojibwe word "Manidoowaaling", meaning "cave of the spirit" or "place of the Great Spirit." The island was seen as a sacred place where the Gitchi Manitou (Great Spirit) dwelled. This spiritual significance made it an important site for gatherings, ceremonies, and vision quests.
Anishinaabe Presence:
- The island is part of the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, who have lived in the region for thousands of years.
- Oral histories and archaeological evidence show long-standing settlements and seasonal migrations for fishing, hunting, and gathering.
- Important gathering sites included the Cup and Saucer cliffs, Lake Mindemoya, and Gore Bay, among others.
Treaties and Colonial Impact:
- In 1836, the Manitoulin Island Treaty was signed between Indigenous leaders and the British Crown. It designated the island as a reserve for Indigenous peoples across Upper Canada.
- However, the 1862 Manitoulin Treaty controversially opened much of the island to settlers. Many Indigenous leaders disputed the legitimacy of this treaty, saying it was signed under coercion or without proper consent.
- The opening of the island to settlers led to displacement and the creation of reserves on the island, including Wikwemikong, which refused to sign the 1862 treaty and remains unceded territory to this day.
Wikwemikong Unceded Territory:
- Located on the eastern portion of the island, Wikwemikong First Nation is one of the largest Anishinaabe communities in Canada and is known for maintaining its independence by rejecting the 1862 treaty.
- Wikwemikong has been a stronghold of cultural preservation, language revitalization, and Indigenous governance.
Modern Significance:
Today, Manitoulin Island is home to six Anishinaabe First Nations:
- Aundeck Omni Kaning
- Sheguiandah
- Sheshegwaning
- M'Chigeeng
- Zhiibaahaasing
- Wikwemikong Unceded Territory
The island hosts cultural festivals, pow wows, and educational initiatives that celebrate Anishinaabe traditions, including:
- The Wiikwemkoong Annual Cultural Festival
- The Ojibwe Cultural Foundation in M’Chigeeng, which offers exhibits and workshops on Anishinaabe art, language, and history
Summary: Manitoulin Island is not just a place of natural beauty—it's a living landscape of Indigenous heritage, resistance, and resilience. From ancient spiritual traditions to ongoing efforts for sovereignty and cultural revitalization, the island remains a vital heartland for the Anishinaabe people.
