Ashley’s guidebook
Local Restaurants
Here are some local restaurants we recommend!
Live music, beautiful views on the water. Fantastic friendly service, great food and great craft beer.
13 preporuka/e lokalaca
Buoy's Eatery & TakeOut
1 Purvis DrLive music, beautiful views on the water. Fantastic friendly service, great food and great craft beer.
Free wifi, Fair-trade coffee, yummy sandwiches and treats AND friendly staff.
6 preporuka/e lokalaca
Loco Beanz Coffee House Gorebay
50 Meredith StFree wifi, Fair-trade coffee, yummy sandwiches and treats AND friendly staff.
Located just around the corner in Sheshegwaning First Nation, fantastic food, take out , cash only ( the gas station and convenience store has an ATM across the street ) - check out their social media for daily specials and reviews.
Randi's Snack Shack
Located just around the corner in Sheshegwaning First Nation, fantastic food, take out , cash only ( the gas station and convenience store has an ATM across the street ) - check out their social media for daily specials and reviews.
A licensed diner just around the corner that takes you back in time- located in the little community of Silver Water- great food!
Stop 540 Diner
A licensed diner just around the corner that takes you back in time- located in the little community of Silver Water- great food!
Award winning brewery with a fantastic selection, great atmosphere, stunning view of the North Channel and the East Bluff in Gore Bay. Usually some craft soda's on tap for the kiddos too- and some light nibbles available.
24 preporuka/e lokalaca
Split Rail Brewing Company
31 Water StAward winning brewery with a fantastic selection, great atmosphere, stunning view of the North Channel and the East Bluff in Gore Bay. Usually some craft soda's on tap for the kiddos too- and some light nibbles available.
Great food, great views and great service- located at the bottom of the East Bluff in Gore Bay- you can have lunch on the deck with a beautiful view of the water in the summer, and often a gathering of deer nearby as well!
Watersedge Pub and Restaurant
Great food, great views and great service- located at the bottom of the East Bluff in Gore Bay- you can have lunch on the deck with a beautiful view of the water in the summer, and often a gathering of deer nearby as well!
Awesome Fish and Chips , Whitefish or Pickerel. Seasonal business, dine in or take out- busy spot- neat building on the Gore Bay waterfront.
Purvis Fish & Chips
Awesome Fish and Chips , Whitefish or Pickerel. Seasonal business, dine in or take out- busy spot- neat building on the Gore Bay waterfront.
Drive Thru eats! Indoor dining is no longer available - but the food is great- just up the street from Bridal Veil Falls.
7 preporuka/e lokalaca
Main Street Cafe Kagawong
1428 Lakeshore RdDrive Thru eats! Indoor dining is no longer available - but the food is great- just up the street from Bridal Veil Falls.
So much to choose from in this shop, bamboo toothbrushes, essential oils, face creams, massage oils. Friendly service and so many testers!
Bare Naked Beauty
22 Yonge StSo much to choose from in this shop, bamboo toothbrushes, essential oils, face creams, massage oils. Friendly service and so many testers!
We buy something every time we visit!
Fair trade and handmade products from Africa, such a cool selection, and so beautifully displayed. A large outdoor chess/checker board is located right outside!
Kuku Hut
156 Main StWe buy something every time we visit!
Fair trade and handmade products from Africa, such a cool selection, and so beautifully displayed. A large outdoor chess/checker board is located right outside!
Creative homemade treats and unique food gifts. Definitely a must stop when you are on the island.
22 preporuka/e lokalaca
Manitoulin Chocolate Works
160 Main St Creative homemade treats and unique food gifts. Definitely a must stop when you are on the island.
Great selection of Candy from days gone by, but also really neat candy options from today. A fun spot to stop for the kids, grandkids and the grown ups ;)
10 preporuka/e lokalaca
Boo-Bah-Lou Candy Corner
67 Main StGreat selection of Candy from days gone by, but also really neat candy options from today. A fun spot to stop for the kids, grandkids and the grown ups ;)
Friendly family owned business just outside of Gore Bay. Beautiful items and many unique treasures waiting within!
Linens & Lavender
12145 ON-540Friendly family owned business just outside of Gore Bay. Beautiful items and many unique treasures waiting within!
Sightseeing
Gore Bay Harbour Centre
40 Lighthouse RdCute Shops and Local Artisans - located on the North Channel in Gore Bay
Meldrum Bay is at the very end of the road ( Hwy 540) it began as a North Channel fishery station and a sawmill town.
The big feature on the main street is the historic Meldrum Bay Inn and its delightful inside and deck side restaurant. This fine old building is in the capable hands of a couple who have restored it to its 1880s glory ( it has not been operating the last few years however..)
The old General Store - renamed 540 Ends - is open year round with a few gifts, groceries, ice cream ( in the summer) hot dog cart outside and small LCBO section as well.
Across the street, there is a small public campground by the Dawson Citizens Improvement Association (Dawson Township is the most westerly municipality on Manitoulin) and, below at and on the waterfront, there are new docks, marine gas sales, pump out services for recreational boaters and an elegant newly built two-story building designed as an on-shore refuge for pleasure boaters to meet, relax (and do laundry as requires.)
There is a museum open in the summer months- called the Net Shed Museum -because it’s located in a historic building that was designed for commercial fishermen to make and repair the nets they used to earn their living.
The Mississaugi Lighthouse is also located near Meldrum Bay ( but has been closed to the public for the past few years and the road access in has also been closed to the public)
Also in Meldrum Bay :
Meldrum Bay Knife and Forge- Offering Quality Hand forged Items - ( Check them out on Social Media for contact info and Business Hours)
Seven2One Studio Located at 721 Missisaugi Lighthhouse Rd ( Seasonal business - check out social media for contact info and business hours)
Meldrum Bay, Manitoulin District, ON, Kanada
Meldrum Bay is at the very end of the road ( Hwy 540) it began as a North Channel fishery station and a sawmill town.
The big feature on the main street is the historic Meldrum Bay Inn and its delightful inside and deck side restaurant. This fine old building is in the capable hands of a couple who have restored it to its 1880s glory ( it has not been operating the last few years however..)
The old General Store - renamed 540 Ends - is open year round with a few gifts, groceries, ice cream ( in the summer) hot dog cart outside and small LCBO section as well.
Across the street, there is a small public campground by the Dawson Citizens Improvement Association (Dawson Township is the most westerly municipality on Manitoulin) and, below at and on the waterfront, there are new docks, marine gas sales, pump out services for recreational boaters and an elegant newly built two-story building designed as an on-shore refuge for pleasure boaters to meet, relax (and do laundry as requires.)
There is a museum open in the summer months- called the Net Shed Museum -because it’s located in a historic building that was designed for commercial fishermen to make and repair the nets they used to earn their living.
The Mississaugi Lighthouse is also located near Meldrum Bay ( but has been closed to the public for the past few years and the road access in has also been closed to the public)
Also in Meldrum Bay :
Meldrum Bay Knife and Forge- Offering Quality Hand forged Items - ( Check them out on Social Media for contact info and Business Hours)
Seven2One Studio Located at 721 Missisaugi Lighthhouse Rd ( Seasonal business - check out social media for contact info and business hours)
Located in Kagawong right along Hwy 540 - I love taking the trail ( about 1km) along the river to the falls ( just beware of poison ivy off the trail- if you stick to the path you should be fine) - at the end a swim in the falls is a beautiful experience in the summer- in the winter when the falls are frozen - Ice Caves! We are located about 50 minutes from the falls- so its nice to make a day trip and include it along with Manitoulin Chocolate Works, Bou Bah Lou, the Kuku Hut, Bare Naked Beauty and grab lunch at The Kag or Main Street Cafe Drive Thru - or you could see the falls on the way in or out- if you want to avoid the extra driving ( If you are travelling along Hwy 540)
65 preporuka/e lokalaca
Bridal Veil Falls
50-64 Main St Located in Kagawong right along Hwy 540 - I love taking the trail ( about 1km) along the river to the falls ( just beware of poison ivy off the trail- if you stick to the path you should be fine) - at the end a swim in the falls is a beautiful experience in the summer- in the winter when the falls are frozen - Ice Caves! We are located about 50 minutes from the falls- so its nice to make a day trip and include it along with Manitoulin Chocolate Works, Bou Bah Lou, the Kuku Hut, Bare Naked Beauty and grab lunch at The Kag or Main Street Cafe Drive Thru - or you could see the falls on the way in or out- if you want to avoid the extra driving ( If you are travelling along Hwy 540)
If you travel along Burnt Island Rd and stop just before the sign for Purvis Fisheries- you will see the road that turns right- park somewhere and go for a walk along the waters edge- there is a large and unique alvar environment - sprawled across rock flats, woodlands, and shrublands. If you do visit here- be very mindful of the environment. Do not step on the mosses, little plants or grasses that grow in the cracks of the rocks making this place so special. This is a rarely visited and very special place.
Burnt Island, Manitoulin, Unorganized, West Part, ON P0P 1Y0, Kanada
If you travel along Burnt Island Rd and stop just before the sign for Purvis Fisheries- you will see the road that turns right- park somewhere and go for a walk along the waters edge- there is a large and unique alvar environment - sprawled across rock flats, woodlands, and shrublands. If you do visit here- be very mindful of the environment. Do not step on the mosses, little plants or grasses that grow in the cracks of the rocks making this place so special. This is a rarely visited and very special place.
Located about 15 minutes from the property - Misery Bay has a visitors center and beautiful hiking trails through mixed hardwood forest, and along the south shores of Lake Huron. There is a charge for parking and a pay station in the parking lot.
24 preporuka/e lokalaca
Misery Bay Provincial Nature Reserve
Located about 15 minutes from the property - Misery Bay has a visitors center and beautiful hiking trails through mixed hardwood forest, and along the south shores of Lake Huron. There is a charge for parking and a pay station in the parking lot.
The Cup and Saucer trail is one of the most visited destinations on the island- beautiful lookouts and stunning views.
Cup and Saucer Trail Parking
The Cup and Saucer trail is one of the most visited destinations on the island- beautiful lookouts and stunning views.
Located just past Sheshegwaning First Nation is Zhiibaahaasing First Nation home to three monumental installations: the World’s Largest Peace Pipe, the World’s Largest Dream Catcher and the World’s Largest Powwow Drum and when anyone visits the Zhiibaahaasing Traditional Powwow the fourth weekend in August each year, they will also be visiting these much larger-than-life monuments which are adjacent to the powwow grounds in the community. Expect good hospitality and an ample number of food and crafts vendors at the event. Zhiibaahaasing First Nation is accessed through the same road that leaves Highway 540 five kilometres west of the hamlet of Silver Water and is the entry to Sheshegwaning First Nation. Follow the road through Sheshegwaning to Zhiibaahaasing. ( There are several Powwows throughout the summer on the island- if you wish to visit a Powwow make sure you have a look on line for dates, times and locations)
Zhiibaahaasing First Nation peace pipe drum and dream catcher
Located just past Sheshegwaning First Nation is Zhiibaahaasing First Nation home to three monumental installations: the World’s Largest Peace Pipe, the World’s Largest Dream Catcher and the World’s Largest Powwow Drum and when anyone visits the Zhiibaahaasing Traditional Powwow the fourth weekend in August each year, they will also be visiting these much larger-than-life monuments which are adjacent to the powwow grounds in the community. Expect good hospitality and an ample number of food and crafts vendors at the event. Zhiibaahaasing First Nation is accessed through the same road that leaves Highway 540 five kilometres west of the hamlet of Silver Water and is the entry to Sheshegwaning First Nation. Follow the road through Sheshegwaning to Zhiibaahaasing. ( There are several Powwows throughout the summer on the island- if you wish to visit a Powwow make sure you have a look on line for dates, times and locations)
Enormous Sandy beach, a long boardwalk a great playground for kids and a Harbour Centre terminus on the beach just down from the town’s main intersection. Here, you can find ice cream, snacks and souvenirs at Huron Island Time and also investigate many of the area’s natural attractions in a (summertime) staffed interpretive centre in the same building.
Providence Bay, Manitoulin District, ON, Kanada
Enormous Sandy beach, a long boardwalk a great playground for kids and a Harbour Centre terminus on the beach just down from the town’s main intersection. Here, you can find ice cream, snacks and souvenirs at Huron Island Time and also investigate many of the area’s natural attractions in a (summertime) staffed interpretive centre in the same building.
Wagg's Woods Trail went through an amazing transformation over the past few years and now boasts three kilometers of hiking on four distinct trails.
Woodland Accessibility Trail - great for those with mobility issues, mobility devices and strollers. Enjoy nature on one of six donated benches.
Fossil Trail - Walk on the floor of an ancient sub-tropical sea that covered the Manitoulin Island area more than 400 million years ago.
Alvar Trail - Wander an alvar full of rock cracks and glacial erratic rocks deposited during the last ice age.
Escarpment Trail- This trail is for the adventurer. Follow along the edge of the escarpment and take in views of the park below as you twist turn and climb your way along the trail.
A.J. Wagg Memorial Park "Wagg's Woods"
1 Forest StWagg's Woods Trail went through an amazing transformation over the past few years and now boasts three kilometers of hiking on four distinct trails.
Woodland Accessibility Trail - great for those with mobility issues, mobility devices and strollers. Enjoy nature on one of six donated benches.
Fossil Trail - Walk on the floor of an ancient sub-tropical sea that covered the Manitoulin Island area more than 400 million years ago.
Alvar Trail - Wander an alvar full of rock cracks and glacial erratic rocks deposited during the last ice age.
Escarpment Trail- This trail is for the adventurer. Follow along the edge of the escarpment and take in views of the park below as you twist turn and climb your way along the trail.
Offers Bareboat Charters, Skippered Cruises and Day Sails. Located in Gore Bay at the Waterfront.
Canadian Yacht Charters
30 Water StOffers Bareboat Charters, Skippered Cruises and Day Sails. Located in Gore Bay at the Waterfront.
Manitoulin Island Boat Tours and Sunset Dinner Cruise -
Check out their website for tour information ( apologies- guidelines prevent us from sharing the link)
**Located in Little Current**
9 preporuka/e lokalaca
North Channel Cruise Line
1 Water St WManitoulin Island Boat Tours and Sunset Dinner Cruise -
Check out their website for tour information ( apologies- guidelines prevent us from sharing the link)
**Located in Little Current**
Food scene
63 Burnt Island Rd in Silver Water- offering seedlings in the spring and fresh veggies in the summer and fall, occasionally jams, jellies, preserves, eggs and meats as well!
the west highland homestead
63 Burnt Island Rd in Silver Water- offering seedlings in the spring and fresh veggies in the summer and fall, occasionally jams, jellies, preserves, eggs and meats as well!
Handcrafted Bean to Bar chocolate and truffles, yummy weekend cakes and cheesecake- great little shop- open year round. Located right behind Split Rail Brewing Co. in Gore Bay.
Finnia Chocolate & Cacao
Handcrafted Bean to Bar chocolate and truffles, yummy weekend cakes and cheesecake- great little shop- open year round. Located right behind Split Rail Brewing Co. in Gore Bay.
Wellness
Sarah is an amazing Massage Therapist and she has a treatment room right in her home- right down the road! Book well in advance.
Compassionate Touch Massage Therapy Silver Water
Sarah is an amazing Massage Therapist and she has a treatment room right in her home- right down the road! Book well in advance.
Local Communities
Gore Bay is Manitoulin Island’s ‘District Town’ and so the official trapping association with a local ‘capital’ are located here: the Manitoulin District Courthouse, Registry Office, Sherriff’s Office and so on. The district jail was also built at this time as a part of this complex and, when it fell into disuse a half-century ago, the municipality moved ahead to secure the historic building as the town’s museum.
Great Places to walk/hike in Gore Bay include the Gore Bay Boardwalk around the waterfront, Noble Nature Trail up to the East Bluff lookout and Lodge Trail and Picnic Area.
Gore Bay, Manitoulin District, ON, Kanada
Gore Bay is Manitoulin Island’s ‘District Town’ and so the official trapping association with a local ‘capital’ are located here: the Manitoulin District Courthouse, Registry Office, Sherriff’s Office and so on. The district jail was also built at this time as a part of this complex and, when it fell into disuse a half-century ago, the municipality moved ahead to secure the historic building as the town’s museum.
Great Places to walk/hike in Gore Bay include the Gore Bay Boardwalk around the waterfront, Noble Nature Trail up to the East Bluff lookout and Lodge Trail and Picnic Area.
Shopping
Great place for your traditional souvenirs in Gore Bay- Large selection of hoodies and T shirts, hats, etc. Also has clothing, shoes etc.
Island Promotional Products & Island General Merchandise
Great place for your traditional souvenirs in Gore Bay- Large selection of hoodies and T shirts, hats, etc. Also has clothing, shoes etc.
Located on Phipps Street in Gore Bay My Ol' Blues is a small apparel manufacturing company and specializes in an assortment of comfortable, eco-friendly, Canadiana themed clothing. All designs are patterned, cut, sewn, and packaged in-house by a talented team. My Ol' Blues has wholesaled from the Gore Bay location to over 300 stores across Canada and border states for 27 years.
My Ol' Blues
7 Phipps StLocated on Phipps Street in Gore Bay My Ol' Blues is a small apparel manufacturing company and specializes in an assortment of comfortable, eco-friendly, Canadiana themed clothing. All designs are patterned, cut, sewn, and packaged in-house by a talented team. My Ol' Blues has wholesaled from the Gore Bay location to over 300 stores across Canada and border states for 27 years.
Great selection of Manitoulin Swag, some decor and cool gifts.
8 preporuka/e lokalaca
Island Home Outfitters and Island Adventure Sport Rentals
6130 King StGreat selection of Manitoulin Swag, some decor and cool gifts.
Moccasins, Leather goods, Carvings, porcupine quill baskets, souvenirs, local artisans offerings- its a great stop on your way through M'Chigeeng.
6 preporuka/e lokalaca
Lillian's Indian Crafts
Ontario 540Moccasins, Leather goods, Carvings, porcupine quill baskets, souvenirs, local artisans offerings- its a great stop on your way through M'Chigeeng.
Fishing gear, Ice fishing gear, PDF's, SUP boards, Kayaks, canoes etc. Located right on Hwy 540 between Kagawong and Gore Bay
Manitoulin Wind & Wave
Fishing gear, Ice fishing gear, PDF's, SUP boards, Kayaks, canoes etc. Located right on Hwy 540 between Kagawong and Gore Bay
Manitoulin made art, gifts and apparel, really neat and unique items- located in Kagawong.
Wild Creations
Manitoulin made art, gifts and apparel, really neat and unique items- located in Kagawong.