Manitoulin Island is a special place. It's the biggest freshwater island 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 views 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.
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.
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!
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.
It's the perfect long weekend escape!
What's included?
This trip includes all of the following:
- Campsite fees
- Expert guidance throughout the entire journey
- Transportation from Toronto and back
- All group meals from Saturday dinner through Monday breakfast
- A cruise on the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry
- Comfortable shared tents or bring your own
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
Transport
Transportation from Toronto is included in your trip cost. We'll depart early Saturday morning and return Monday evening, maximizing your time on the island while keeping the trip accessible for a weekend getaway.
Space for this Manitoulin adventure is strictly limited, so register early to secure your spot. This trip will fill quickly and won't be repeated this summer!
Manitoulin Island is a special place. It's the biggest freshwater island 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.
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.
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!
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.
It's the perfect long weekend escape!
What's included?
This trip includes all of the following:
- Campsite fees
- Expert guidance throughout the entire journey
- Transportation from Toronto and back
- All group meals from Saturday dinner through Monday breakfast
- A cruise on the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry
- Comfortable shared tents or bring your own
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
Transport
Transportation from Toronto is included in your trip cost. We'll depart early Saturday morning and return Monday evening, maximizing your time on the island while keeping the trip accessible for a weekend getaway.
Space for this Manitoulin adventure is strictly limited, so register early to secure your spot. This trip will fill quickly and won't be repeated this summer!
Please note that we're initially opening up to 10 people but if you miss out, add yourself to the waitlist - if we have enough people we will get a larger vehicle. There is no self-driving for this trip due to the complexity of getting around.
Saturday 28th June - Day 1
Morning - Depart from Keele Station, Toronto. We'll Drive through Northern Ontario, through stunning Shield scenery, stopping for lunch en route
Afternoon - Arrive at Eco Park; set up camp. Group dinner at campsite and stargazing in the Dark Sky Preserve
Sunday 29th June - Day 2
Morning - Breakfast at campsite, Hike Cup and Saucer Trail with picnic lunch on trail
Afternoon - Explore Bridal Veil Falls, return to Eco Park; afternoon relaxation before group dinner at campsite and optional night hike or stargazing
Monday 30th June - Day 3
Morning - Breakfast and break camp. Take the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry over to Tobermory
Afternoon - Lunch in Tobermory, check out the town before returning to Toronto approx 19:00
Instalment Payments
You'll be able to pay for this trip in 4 interest-free instalments, making it easier to plan your summer fun budget! Look for the option to pay with Klarna at checkout.
Camping Gear Rental
We have affordable sleeping mats and sleeping bags available for rent at checkout for anyone who does not have their own. Tents, plates, cutlery and mugs are all included
Sleeping Arrangements
You'll sleep in spacious, shared tents, separated by gender. You're welcome to bring your own tent for this adventure.
Carbon Offsetting
Wilderness Union offsets the estimated carbon emissions of every trip by investing in a global portfolio of verified carbon reduction projects.
Please read and understand this before registering
Cancellations made:
More than 10 days before the event: Will receive a full refund minus a 5% admin fee.
7–10 days before the event: 50% refund.
Less than 7 days before the event: No refunds.
Weather or emergency cancellations: If an event is canceled due to severe weather or other uncontrollable factors, members can receive a full credit to their account.
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Experience the Cup and Saucer Trail
The famous Cup and Saucer Trail features impressive 70-meter limestone cliffs along the Niagara Escarpment with panoramic views across Manitoulin Island. The main lookout provides spectacular vistas of Lake Huron and the surrounding wilderness - the perfect reward for your efforts.
Incredible Stargazing
We're staying at a designated Dark Sky Preserve with some of the best stargazing on earth. You'll get to see the Milky Way unfurl above you each night on the sparsely populated island.
Discover Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls drops over a limestone shelf into a clear swimming pool below. You'll have the unique opportunity to walk behind the cascading water for a different perspective.
Journey Aboard the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry
The legendary Chi-Cheemaun Ferry ("Big Canoe" in Ojibwe) provides a scenic two-hour crossing from South Baymouth to Tobermory across Georgian Bay. This isn't just transportation - it's a signature Great Lakes experience offering beautiful views of the shoreline and opportunities to spot wildlife. The ferry navigates through Fathom Five National Marine Park's clear waters, providing a stunning conclusion to our Manitoulin adventure.
