Manitowaning by the Water and Its Cultural Sites

Manitowaning brings together waterfront sites and insights into the area’s history. You can plan your trip around a range of interests: the marina and lighthouse, the collections and archives at the Assiginack Museum Heritage Complex, or the beach and trails in the surrounding area.

Waterfront, Marina, and Lighthouse

The Waterfront Heritage Park is located on the Manitowaning waterfront. Its historic buildings include a 19th-century grist mill and the Burns Wharf warehouse. You’ll also find docks, a boat launch, change rooms, and a sandy beach. Here, reminders of the area’s trading history meet waterfront amenities in one place.

River Road Marina, formerly Bay Street Marina, provides access to Manitowaning Bay and Lake Huron. It has 23 berths for boats up to 80 feet long and is a full-service marina. Listed facilities include shore power, gasoline, a pump-out service, washrooms, and showers. The number of berths and maximum boat length give you specific details to consider if the marina is relevant to your stay.

Manitowaning Lighthouse was built in 1886 and is located at 188 Arthur Street. The lighthouse is currently operated by the Canadian Coast Guard’s Marine Navigation Services. Its construction date and present-day operation are two distinct aspects of the site: it is part of both Manitowaning’s history and its current maritime infrastructure.

Museum, Archives, and Cultural Sites

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 relating to the history of Manitoulin Island’s early settlers. The buildings and collection offer different perspectives: the historic structures showcase various building types, while the objects tell the story of settlement.

The museum complex’s archives are also of interest for family history. They 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 first settled. A research room is available for supervised consultation of the materials; advance appointments with the curator are requested where possible. Check with the museum about access before your visit.

Other cultural sites include St. Paul’s Anglican Church on the edge of downtown Manitowaning, which offers a view of Manitowaning Bay. The De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Creation Centre is downtown and has 14,000 square feet of space for theatre, often also used for visual arts. Together, these sites showcase different aspects of Manitowaning’s culture, from a church with a view of the bay to a space for artistic work.

Beach and Nearby Trails

Manitowaning Beach has a designated swimming area with a gently sloping entry into the water. The beach has public washrooms, picnic tables, and grassy areas. If you’re planning to use these facilities during your visit, check their current status in advance, as public amenities can change.

McLean’s Park, south of Manitowaning, has four trails. Three trails are different lengths and, according to their descriptions, are suitable for walking, running, hiking, or snowshoeing; another trail is reserved for cycling. This means you can choose among trails for different activities, although not all trails support the same uses. Trail availability and conditions can vary by season.

Which sites you choose depends on what interests you most during your trip: maritime infrastructure and waterfront history, local collections and family research, or a swimming area and trails for outdoor activities. This way, you can get to know Manitowaning through specific themes rather than limiting your stay to a single focus.

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

Return to the main travel overview: Manitoulin District.