Discover Manitowaning: Lighthouse, Waterfront and Culture

Manitowaning combines history with experiences on the water: a lighthouse dating from 1886, a marina with access to Manitowaning Bay and Lake Huron, and a beach with a designated swimming area give the town its varied character. Historic buildings stand along the waterfront, the museum offers a glimpse into the area's history, and trails south of town wind through McLean’s Park. When choosing a vacation rental, these different interests can provide a good starting point: should your stay focus mainly on the water, local history or outdoor activities?

Lighthouse, Marina and Water

The Manitowaning Lighthouse was built in 1886 and is currently operated by the Canadian Coast Guard's Marine Navigation Services. It is located at 188 Arthur Street in Manitowaning. Its long history and current navigational function give the lighthouse two distinct connections: it is part of the town's history and remains a marine navigation facility today.

River Road Marina, formerly Bay Street Marina, provides access to Manitowaning Bay and Lake Huron. It has 23 slips for boats up to 80 feet long and is a full-service marina. Facilities include shore power, gasoline, pump-out service, washrooms and showers. Boating is the focus here, while Manitowaning Beach offers a designated swimming area and a different way to spend time by the water.

Local History and Culture

The grounds of the Assiginack Museum Heritage Complex include a pioneer house, a blacksmith shop, a schoolhouse and a barn. The collection includes glassware, porcelain and ceramics, as well as artifacts about the history of the area's early settlers on Manitoulin Island. Individual exhibits may change. The buildings and collection offer different perspectives: here, you can explore the history of the settlement alongside objects from everyday life.

The museum also offers a special connection for family history research. Its archives contain organized genealogical records, with family information and photographs relating to many families who have lived in Assiginack Township and Manitowaning since the area was settled. Materials can be consulted under supervision in the research room; where possible, visitors are asked to arrange an appointment with the curator in advance. If you plan to use archival materials, check access arrangements with the museum before your visit.

St. Paul’s Anglican Church stands at the edge of downtown, overlooking Manitowaning Bay. The De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Creation Centre is also located downtown. It has 14,000 square feet of space for theatre and often for visual arts as well. Together, the church and cultural centre add more cultural destinations to the town's historic buildings and collections.

Waterfront and Outdoor Trails

Waterfront Heritage Park is located along Manitowaning's waterfront promenade. Its historic structures include a 19th-century gristmill and the Burns Wharf warehouse. The grounds also feature docks, a boat launch, change rooms and a sandy beach. Manitowaning Beach has a designated swimming area with a gently sloping entry into the water; public washrooms, picnic tables and grassy areas add to the amenities. Public facilities may change, so it is a good idea to check their current status before visiting.

If you would like to spend time outdoors in a different way, McLean’s Park is south of Manitowaning. Its four trails differ in their intended use: three are of varying lengths and are intended for walking, running, hiking or snowshoeing; another is reserved for cycling. Trail availability and conditions may vary by season. This makes it possible to distinguish the walking trails from the designated cycling route without assuming that all activities are available in every season.

The Right Base for Your Stay

When looking for a vacation rental in Manitowaning, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay. You may be most interested in the marina and water access, or you may prefer to visit the museum, waterfront and cultural sites. If you also want to explore the trails, keep in mind that McLean’s Park is south of town and that trail use may vary by season. This way, you can choose accommodation that suits your actual vacation plans rather than relying on a single idea of what Manitowaning has to offer.

Discover more destinations: Killarney, Gore Bay, Providence Bay, Little Current, Mindemoya.

Return to the main travel overview: Manitoulin District.