My best friend and I wanted to do a fun mini roadtrip that was jam packed with sight seeing, so we spent only 2 days planning one and then we were off! It was a phenomenal trip, so I thought I would document it in case anyone wanted to do this trip (or adjust it).
We did this trip over a long weekend; we left Saturday at 12am, drove overnight and was on Manitoulin island around 6am. If I could change anything about what we did, it would be to have just a bit more time on day #2; but we’ll get into that.
Day #1 – Manitoulin Island
Like I said, we left at midnight on Saturday and drove overnight to be at our first stop at 6am.
Stop #1 – Cup & Saucer
We started with the Cup & Saucer trail, as well as the adventure trail (which is in same trail network) to start our trip off right! This trail is about 5km, and has a couple of very rewarding views to offer.
Stop #2 – Bridal Veil Falls
It was very hot out (even though we arrived here at 7:30am) so we took a dip in the waterfall and we had it to ourselves! So refreshing, beautiful and peaceful.
Stop #3 – Gore Bay
I asked a few of my friends who have been to Manitoulin island before for places they recommend, and every one of them said Gore bay! Gore bay is beautiful, but also offers a brewery, chocolate factory and cute book shop. I also had a deer approach me here!
Stop #4 – Misery Bay Provincial Park
This was the biggest stop of our Manitoulin tour, as we hiked all the trails here and also swam! This park is a must see as it has so much fascinating history and a variety of views. The sand is so clean, the water is clear, the rock formations are interesting, and the volunteers who run the park shop are so friendly!
Stop #5 – La Cloche Provincial Park
After our time at Misery Bay, we drove about an hour to La Cloche Provincial Park which is a non operating provincial park. We parked where the old office (that still stands!) is and hung out at the waterfalls until it started getting dark, then we explored until we found some crown land and camped there (which is a great money saver).
Day #2 – Provincial Parks
I wanted to squeeze in as many provincial parks into this trip while also being able to enjoy them and explore each one. We made a list of the ones we wanted to see most, as well as trails and trail lengths, and then we added back up parks/trails just in case we had spare time.
Stop #1 – Chutes Provincial Park
So Chutes is the closest park to La Cloche which is why we went, but we also stopped to watch the sunrise at Spanish River which is also close by. Both were beautiful, however Chutes is now one of my top favourite provincial parks! The Twinbridges trail was just incredible. I’ll definitely be visiting again.
Stop #2 – Mississagi Provincial Park
This was the park that I was most excited to see after all my research before the trip. The lookouts looked incredible, and they were! The Helenbar trail is definitely a favourite of mine now, and I recommend doing it early as I can imagine it gets busy.
Stop #3 – Windy Lake Provincial Park
Honestly, we barely spent any time at windy lake. When we arrived we realized we shouldn’t spend too much time here, so we went to the main beach and then quickly jumped back into the car and headed to the A.Y. Jackson trail to see Onaping Falls.
Stop #4 – Onaping Falls
Photos of this waterfall do not do it justice. It looked so tiny in photos, but massive in real life! Definitely a waterfall I would love to explore again. There is a 2km trail that takes you beside the waterfall and a bridge overtop of it. Such an underrated waterfall!
Stop #5 – Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park
I had a campsite booked here which was a lot of driving for Day #2 which is why I wish we had longer, so if you’re repeating this trip I recommend breaking the trip up a little more after Onaping falls. However, Kap-Kig-Iwan is home to the Hells Gate trail which is spectacular! We did it twice at night with headlamps so I have to go back and do it during the day time, however it was so pretty and peaceful.
Day #3 – Devil’s Rock & One More Provincial Park
We tried to not get caught in too much traffic after a long weekend, so we only made two stops but next time I will add at least one more stop in!
Stop #1 – Devil’s Rock
Devil’s Rock is a famous but lesser known hike in Ontario; it’s said to be similar to Top of the Giant (which I have yet to see) but also isn’t as far of a drive. It’s also only an hour away from Kap-Kig-Iwan on the drive home! Let me tell you…this is definitely a beautiful lookout! We did the trail twice because it was so pretty. I definitely wished it was longer!
Stop #2 – Restoule Provincial Park
I don’t often hear this park being talked about but the photos of it are breathtaking! This park was so beautiful. We did the Fire Tower trail and then cooled off at the beach after. It was a great way to end an amazing trip!
How Much Did We Spend?
- Gas – $135
- Food – $40
- Campsite – $50
- Parking – $20
= $245 between 2 people!
What did I pack?
- A cooler full of beverages, snacks & easy dinners
- Sleeping bag
- Pop up tent
- Pillow
- Headlamps
- Nightlight
- Bathingsuit
- Lots of clothes (I sweat so much!)
- Road trip games
- Battery pack for my phone
- Cameras
- Tripod
- Safety items (sprays, sunscreen, insect repellent)
- Hat/Sunglasses
If you end up doing this road trip or a similar one, tag me in your adventure! I’d love to see what you get up to.
Until next time, keep on trekkin’
Kate 🥾
* follow me on Instagram @yourmatiekatie for more adventures
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