Trip Ideas
Manitoulin Island
Manitoulin Island, located at the northern end of the Niagara Escarpment, is the largest freshwater island in the world at 100 miles long. There are several unique hikes we recommend, such as Cup and Saucer and Misery Bay, along with other natural attractions like Bridal Veil Falls, all easily accessible by car. For accommodations and exploring small-town shops, waterfront trails, and local breweries, Little Current and Gore Bay are your best options. Little Current is 25 minutes from Whitefish Falls and Gore Bay is 60 minutes away. There are also boat charters offering day trips throughout Lake Huron.
Whitefish Falls
Whitefish Falls and a few surrounding inland lakes provide a decent way to extend your time at the Bay of Islands. It has some nice hikes close by throughout the La Cloche Mountains in the Heaven’s Gate trail system (linked). Another nice hike about a 30-minute drive is Chutes Provincial Park near the town of Massey.
Killarney
The Killarney Provincial Park hosts both Lake Huron shorelines and some incredible inland lakes best explored by rented canoes. The park is a great option for hiking, camping, canoe / kayak trips, etc. Nearby Widgawa Lodge (five minutes from Whitefish Falls) rents canoes and is the nearest gateway to the string of Killarney lakes. Consider Kevlar canoes over heavier canoes or kayaks, since portaging is an important part of the experience. The town of Killarney is a popular yacht port city on Lake Huron. Accessing the town of Killarney by car is about 2 ¼ hours from Whitefish Falls and is about a 1 hour drive off the main highway going North from Toronto to Whitefish Falls. There are some very nice resorts in Killarney, including Killarney Mountain Lodge.
Tobermory and the Bruce Peninsula
The Bruce Peninsula is a beautiful Canadian National Park filled with hiking trails and dramatic waterfront landscapes. Tobermory is a cute little town at the northern tip of the Peninsula, and the area hosts a few hikes in the National Park and is headlined by a trip to the Flower Pot Island, which is another terrific highlight of the Niagara Escarpment and a fun way to add a day to your trip. If you take a boat tour to Flower Pot Island, there is a 2.1-mile hike that takes you to all the rock structures and lighthouse. Take a picnic lunch and goggles and plan to swim. There's also a great hike in Tobermory called Marr Lake Grotto Trail. And while there, you must try the truly Canadian dessert Beaver Tails! If you go this route, you can drive up the Bruce Peninsula from the Toronto (or Detroit) Airport. You will need to pre-book a car ferry ride to South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island. South Baymouth (on Manitoulin Island) is about 1 hour from Whitefish Falls, where the cabin is.
Niagara Falls
The falls are naturally spectacular, and the Niagara / St. Catherine's area has lots of hotels and other side attractions given the millions who visit every year. Most of the attractions are on the Canadian side of the Falls. Buffalo is less than 30 minutes south of the Falls, and the Toronto Airport is about 45 minutes north of the Falls. Whitefish Falls is about 5 ½ hours north of the Falls (sans traffic). The Maid of the Mist boat tour is an absolute must if you plan to go to Niagara Falls!
Mackinac Island
Right by the bridge connecting Michigan to the UP (Upper Peninsula of Michigan) on the west end of Lake Huron is Mackinac Island, a small & cute resort destination island accessed by a short ferry ride. Consider a stopover here if you’re planning a trek to or from Whitefish Falls that takes you through Michigan and crossing at Sault Ste. Marie.
