Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Manitoulin Island?
 Manitoulin Island and the Sagamok Region are centrally located in the heart of Ontario connected by Highways from all directions.
Travelling either eastbound or westbound on Hwy 17 (aka Trans-Canada Highway) to Espanola where travelers will continue southbound
on Hwy 6 (50 kms) to the gateway community of Little Current on Manitoulin Island.
Visitors will be pleased to know that they may travel within the region with the aide of the Canadian Tourism Oriented Directional
Signage and route markers bearing The Great Spirit Circle Trail logo.
Can I get driving directions from Toronto?
Travel north on the Hwy. 400. Follow all directional signs to Sudbury, Ontario Via Hwy. 69. Upon entering Sudbury, access Hwy 17 westbound
bypass to Sault Ste. Marie. Just past the town of Mc Kerrow, you will turn left at junction on Hwy 6 and Hwy 17 in Espanola. Enjoy
the beautiful scenery (watch the roads are curvy) as you drive southbound on Hwy 6 through the Whitefish River First Nation before
arriving to the swing bridge and the gateway community of Little Current. (Approximate traveling time 6 ? hours)
Is there a ferry that connects to Manitoulin Island?
Visitors traveling from the Toronto area may make their way north on Hwy 6 and the Bruce Peninsula to Tobermory (Tobermory is approximately
300 km or a 3 ? hour drive from Toronto). Hwy 6 is linked to Manitoulin Island via the M.S. Ch-Cheemaun Ferry which carries both passengers
and automobiles to South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island
For five months, from early May to mid-October, the M.S. Chi-Cheemaun ("Big Canoe" in Ojibwe), the largest passenger/vehicle
ship on the Great Lakes, make departures between Tobermory at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula to South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island.
During the busy summer months, the Chi-Cheemaun makes four trips a day. Once on Board, travelers have approximately 1 hour and forty
five minutes (crossing time) to enjoy the ferry's comfortable seating, cafeteria, promenades, 'boatique' and children's play area.
First-time travellers will want to photograph the ferry loading and unloading as bow and stern can both lift to permit vehicles to
drive on and off.
Ferry schedules are widely available at tourist information centres throughout Ontario or by visiting www.chicheemaun.com.
For information and reservations please call 1-800-265-3163.
How big is Manitoulin Island?
Manitoulin is 176 km long and 80 km wide at its widest (5 km wide at its skinniest). There are 106 freshwater inland lakes. The population
is approximately 12,000 with half being First Nations or Aboriginal people. In the summer time the population on Manitoulin doubles
with vacationers, cottagers and tourists.
What is so special about your tours?
Our tours are carefully designed to incorporate a true reflection of the local Aboriginal culture and heritage. Our tour guides and
hosts are handpicked from the First Nations communities and are knowledgeable and fun loving.
How many people can you accommodate on a tour?
Anywhere from 1 to 300. We pride ourselves in being able to accommodate couples, independent travelers, small family groups on up
to large bus and cruise groups. We have many different experiences and activities to suit all interests.
What is the best time to visit?
Manitoulin and the Sagamok region are vacation paradises year round. The island is prettiest (and very busy) during the months of
June, July and August. However if you wish to avoid the height of the black flies and mosquito season visit us in August through September.
We also offer "indian summer" experiences into October.
What is the weather like?
During the summer months of June, July and August the weather ranges from a moderate 20 Celsius to the warmer mid 30s (especially
in July and August). Rainy days are few and far between but are welcomed when they do come and of course in the late fall herald the
change of seasons.
Do native people still live in teepees?
PAlthough you will see teepees in The Great Spirit Circle Trail communities, these are more for our visitors to enjoy and appreciate
or for camping outings and at special events such as powwows . First Nations communities make use of all of the modern amenities
including housing, transportation, education, healthcare and so forth.
Will I see native people in their traditional styles of dress?
If you happen to time your visit with us during one of the area's powwows, you will see many beautiful examples of the traditional
styles of dress and regalia. Additionally, dance performances and interpretations of the traditional regalia are offered as part of
our tour experiences and are also scheduled daily throughout the summer at the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation in M'Chigeeng.
Will I be able to purchase gifts and souvenirs?
The Great Spirit Circle Trail can refer you to many wonderful retail craft stores and art galleries and can help you find a particular
gift or item you are looking for.
Is tipping included and if not, how much should I budget?
For many of our tours we encourage a small donation towards the tourism infrastructure in our First Nation communities rather than
tipping.
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