Why Rent On Lake Manitou

Lake Manitou holds a distinction that surprises most visitors: it is the largest lake on a freshwater island in the world. Sitting at the heart of Manitoulin Island in northern Ontario, surrounded on all sides by Lake Huron, this 104-square-kilometre lake is a natural marvel that rewards the families who make the trip to reach it. The towns of Little Current and Gore Bay serve as your access points, and a full 90 miles of shoreline gives every visitor their own version of the view.

A Lake That Keeps Surprising Yo

The fishing here is exceptional. Trout, pike, and bass are all well established in waters that reach down to 162 feet, and the numerous marked shoals create a navigational puzzle that keeps experienced boaters genuinely engaged. In summer, sailing, kayaking, and canoeing are popular across the lake’s open expanse, while winter brings snowmobiling on well-marked trails and ice fishing on frozen bays. On the island itself, the Cup and Saucer Bluff trail climbs to a panoramic summit with views that make the effort entirely worthwhile. Children and adults both find it memorable.

The Case for Staying on the Water

A lakehouse or waterfront cabin on Lake Manitou is the natural choice for families who have travelled this far. The island has no large resort hotels near the lake, which means a private rental is not just the better option, it is often the only proper one. Cottages here range from cozy three-bedroom cabins with wood stoves and waterfront fire pits to larger lakehouses with full kitchens, private docks, and hot tubs overlooking the water. Pet-friendly properties are available, and the wildlife around the lake, including eagles, herons, and the occasional bear sighting from a safe distance, is part of the experience.

What to Know Before the Trip

Manitoulin Island is accessed by highway from the north or by Ontario’s last remaining passenger ferry, the Chi-Cheemaun, which runs seasonally from Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula. The ferry is a wonderful experience, but it runs on a schedule and fills up in summer. Book your crossing well in advance if you plan to arrive by water. Grocery options on the island are available in Mindemoya and Little Current, but selection is limited compared to a mainland city, so plan your provisions accordingly.

Lake Manitou is genuinely one of Ontario’s hidden stories. Manitoulin Island has a cultural richness rooted in First Nations heritage, a pace of life that feels deliberately unhurried, and a lake at its centre that holds its own among the finest fishing and boating water in the province. Come for the fishing, stay for the sunsets, and leave the car in Little Current for a day or two while you simply live on the water.