Meandering on Manitoulin

by Peg Lariviere

Last week, Gord and I spent a few days on the The Island. We lucked out weather-wise with sunshine and mild temperatures. It was marvellous. We stayed two nights at the Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre, which we highly recommend. The hotel’s restaurant, North46 Restaurant, is open from 7 AM to 11 PM, with specific times for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On the first evening, we had supper at the North46, and Gord enjoyed an Indigenous dish - the POW-WOW Taco. It was a warmed, soft Bannock shell topped with seasoned ground beef or bison (I’m not sure which he had), beans, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, onions and sour cream. He paired it with an Amber Ale from Split Rail Brewing Co., an Island craft brewery (Gord highly recommends both the dish and beer). I had pan-fried pickerel with a double side of veggies - both prepared perfectly. Over the two-and-a-half days, we visited familiar places and made discoveries.

While many flock to popular tourist hotspots in the summer like Little Current and Gore Bay, there’s something uniquely enchanting about simply taking the backroads of this picturesque Island in the off-season. As you wander, you’ll discover stunning landscapes, rich culture, and the warmth of community that permeates the Island. Even in the winter, The Island’s beauty is undeniable. Snow blankets the open fields, adds a layer of white icing to the old split-rail fences, and sculpts the tops of rocks, creating a tranquil atmosphere that feels almost otherworldly.

Whatever the season, Gord and I encourage you to embrace the adventure of a trip to The Island.

Speaking of islands, it’s that time of year. This week, we’ll take a day trip to historic St. Joseph Island for our annual sweet meal in the Pancake House at Gilbertson’s Maple Products.