Guided Tours — Providence Bay, Ontario

Beauty And The Beach

Published in the August 2017 Issue February 2019 Editorials, Feature Austa Cook

If there’s one thing Providence Bay, Ontario, is known for, it’s the famous white crescent-shaped beach. Countless visitors and locals alike will tell you that it’s the best beach in all of northern Ontario — and not just in this time period. The bay was actually first called Bebekodawangog by early native inhabitants, which essentially translates to “where the beach curves around the water.” This gorgeous wilderness retreat perched on the glittering expanse of Lake Huron earned its current name, Providence Bay, after shipwreck victims managed to clamber onto the beach and joyously called their survival an act of Providence. As the wheel of time turned, this bright spot on Manitoulin Island’s southern shore grew into the popular stopover it is today, and while some facilities are a little limited, the quaint shops, restaurants, charter fishing operations and surrounding vistas continue to draw people from all over. All you have to do is set foot in this town for yourself to see why.

Providence Bay Marina

When you boat up north to this town, you’ll be greeted by the friendly folk at Providence Bay Marina and 43 slips of various lease lengths, including transient. When speaking with Gary Cooper, the harbormaster, his amiability and love of the area is palpable.

“It’s beautiful! The water is so clear. It’s a beautiful bay, it’s really nice and there are good walking trails where you’ll see lots of birds. There’s good fishing. It’s really, really beautiful,” Cooper enthuses.

Unusual Eateries

If you’ve worked up an appetite during your voyage, Providence Bay has some unique restaurants where you can get your fill. One hotspot is The Providence Bay Schoolhouse, an old 1898 schoolhouse that’s been converted into a fine dining establishment by Greg and Heather Niven. Having been apprenticed under a French chef, you could say Greg knows good food.

Another locally appraised option is Lake Huron Fish & Chips Co., renowned for — you guessed it — their excellent fish and chips. Owner Matthew Garniss also runs the Mutchmor, which includes the Peace Cafe, gallery, gift shop, record shop and massage therapist, with a second floor being converted into The Mutchmor Lofts for weekly summer rentals.

Events

“There are so many great places to visit on the island, especially in August,” Garniss shares. “I particularly enjoy the Wikwemikong Cultural Festival at the beginning of the month. The Providence Bay Fair is always a blast from the past which has a midway and happens the third weekend of August.”

If you’re gearing up for the big solar eclipse on the 21st, there’s also a Public Astronomy and Laser Sky Tour every Friday in the month of August to get you properly excited for celestial viewing. After all, while Providence Bay isn’t in the eclipse’s direct path, locals will still get a good show that day.

Things To Do

Garniss also weighed in on some activities he’d advise you not to miss out on.

“It’s nice to hike around Misery Bay, visit the Bridal Veil Falls and check out the local shops in each of our wonderful communities,” he recommends.

Bring your swimsuit if you head to Bridal Veil Falls, because you can swim right underneath this tumbling waterfall as a perfect, refreshing end to exploring the trail at the entrance to Kagawong, alongside the streams that empty right into the bay.

For any anglers out there, the Providence Bay area is also known for excellent salmon fishing, particularly for Chinook salmon of epic proportions.

Of course, you can’t miss out on walking along the Providence Bay beach, which includes a children’s play area and a boardwalk. One of the biggest draws of this area is the natural beauty you’ll find where Lake Huron meets the bay on the largest freshwater island in the world, all in a glorious array of clear water, white sand and the call of wild birds as the sun sets over the bay.

For More Information:

Great Lakes Sailing

www.great-lakes-sailing.com

Lake Huron Fish & Chips Co.

705-377-4500

Manitoulin Island

www.manitoulin-island.com

Manitoulin Tourism

705-368-3021

www.manitoulintourism.com

Our Manitoulin

www.ourmanitoulin.com