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Manitoulin Magic

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Wilderness U.
Manitoulin Magic

Details

This trip proved to be one of the most popular we've ever organized, selling out in just 2 minutes so we're giving you another chance to see what makes Manitoulin so special.
Manitoulin Island is literally the biggest island located in a freshwater lake anywhere in the world, with lakes within it containing more islands. The kind of geography messes with your head in a fun way.

Crystal clear waters, ancient limestone formations, breathtaking viewpoints and night skies that seem to engulf you completely... all in a location that is so quiet, it feels undiscovered. Ending with a spectacular cruise across Georgian bay, this will be an unforgettable long weekend.

Wilderness that will leave you speechless
This carefully crafted 3-day journey takes you through some of Manitoulin's greatest treasures. You'll camp in a certified Dark Sky Preserve where stars blanket the night sky, conquer the legendary Cup and Saucer Trail with its 70-meter cliffs and panoramic vistas, stand behind the misty curtain of Bridal Veil Falls, and cruise across Georgian Bay on the iconic Chi-Cheemaun Ferry. It's a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, allowing you to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in Manitoulin life.

Experience natural wonders
There are surprisingly few organized trips to this magnificent place, despite its incredible natural offerings. We're thrilled to offer Wilderness Union members this unique island escape at an unbeatable price – just another benefit of your membership!

Adventure details
Our journey begins in Toronto, traveling through the Canadian Shield to reach Manitoulin Island. Our base for the trip is an eco reserve, where pristine wilderness surrounds us.

Each evening transforms into a stargazing paradise as we take full advantage of our Dark Sky Preserve location. Far from city lights, the night sky reveals itself in spectacular fashion – presenting stars, planets and constellations with remarkable clarity that simply cannot be experienced in urban environments.

Day two brings our most active adventures, hiking the famous Cup and Saucer Trail with its breathtaking lookouts across the island's rolling landscapes, followed by the gorgeous Bridal Veil Falls where you can actually walk behind the cascading water. There's plenty of time built in for swimming, exploring, or simply relaxing at our campsite.

Our final day features the perfect conclusion – crossing Georgian Bay aboard the legendary Chi-Cheemaun Ferry ("Big Canoe" in Ojibwe) from South Baymouth to Tobermory. This two-hour cruise across deep blue waters offers spectacular views on the way to the beautiful town of Tobermory where we stop for lunch and a quick explore before returning to Toronto later that evening.

What's Included
This trip includes all of the following:

  • Campsite fees at Manitoulin Eco Park
  • Expert guidance throughout the entire journey
  • Transportation from Toronto and back
  • All group meals from Saturday dinner through Monday lunch
  • An unforgettable island experience
  • Comfortable shared tents

Meals
We'll provide vegan/vegetarian and meat options for all group meals, catering to various dietary preferences while maintaining delicious camp cuisine.
Sample menu
Breakfast – Hearty oatmeal with fresh berries, maple syrup, and granola
Lunch – Build-your-own wraps with hummus, vegetables, cheese, and protein options
Dinner – Fire-roasted vegetable and chicken skewers with seasoned rice

Itinerary
Friday, August 8th - Day 1
06:00 – Depart from Keele Station, Toronto
Afternoon - Arrive at camp, set up
Evening – Dinner and stargazing in the Dark Sky Preserve
Saturday, August 9th - Day 2
Hike Cup and Saucer Trail, visit bridal veil falls
Sunday, August 10th - Day 3
Break camp, take Chi Cheemaun to Tobermory, Lunch in town, head home.

Please note that you will first need to become a member at www.wildernessunion.com and complete registration there for this activity. We offer a one month risk-free trial and $25 trip credit to new members to figure out if the group is right for you.
About Wilderness Union
Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community of people like you who will become your new friend group. Members range from 20-40 years old and are a mix of people who've grown up here but their friends are in a different place, newcomers to Canada, and folks from out West who want that lifestyle in Toronto
Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming!

Photo of Wilderness Union Toronto - Outdoor Adventure and Hiking Club group
Wilderness Union Toronto - Outdoor Adventure and Hiking Club
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