Manitowaning offers clearly identifiable landmarks to help plan your stay: a marina with access to Manitowaning Bay and Lake Huron, a lighthouse, a museum complex, and a designated swimming area. Waterfront Heritage Park combines historic buildings with waterfront facilities; south of town, trails in McLean’s Park add to the outdoor options.
Water Access and Waterfront
River Road Marina, formerly Bay Street Marina, provides access to Manitowaning Bay and Lake Huron. It has 23 boat slips for vessels up to 80 feet long. This full-service marina offers shore power, gasoline, pump-out service, restrooms, and showers.
Waterfront Heritage Park is also located on the Manitowaning waterfront. It features docks, a boat launch, change rooms, and a sandy beach; it is also home to a 19th-century grist mill and Burns Wharf warehouse.
When planning your trip, the main consideration at the waterfront is the purpose of each location: the marina offers slips and services, Waterfront Heritage Park has waterfront facilities and historic buildings, and Manitowaning Beach is a designated swimming area.
Local History and Culture
Manitowaning Lighthouse was built in 1886 and is now operated by the Canadian Coast Guard’s Marine Navigation Services. The lighthouse is located at 188 Arthur Street in Manitowaning.
The Assiginack Museum Heritage Complex in Manitowaning includes a pioneer home, blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, and barn. Its collection includes glassware, porcelain, ceramics, and artifacts relating to the history of the area’s early settlers on Manitoulin Island; individual exhibits may change. The archives are distinct from the collection, with organized genealogical records containing family information and photographs for many families who have lived in Assiginack Township and Manitowaning since the area was founded.
The research room is available for supervised consultation of materials. An appointment with the curator is requested in advance whenever possible; check with the museum beforehand about arranging your visit.
St. Paul’s Anglican Church stands at the edge of downtown and offers a view of Manitowaning Bay. The De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Creation Centre in downtown has 14,000 square feet of space for theatre and, often, visual arts.
Swimming Area and Trails
Manitowaning Beach has a designated swimming area with a gently sloping entry into the water. The beach has public restrooms, picnic tables, and grassy areas. As public facilities may change, check the amenities before your visit.
Nearby McLean’s Park is south of Manitowaning and has four trails. Three vary in length and are intended for walking, running, hiking, or snowshoeing; the fourth is reserved for cycling. Trail availability and conditions may vary by season. The options are clearly divided by activity: three trails for different ways of getting around and a dedicated cycling trail.
Explore more destinations: Gore Bay, Mindemoya, Killarney, Providence Bay, Little Current
Return to the regional travel overview: Manitoulin District.
