Sunny’s Guidebook
Sand Beach
Located on the south shore of Manitoulin and looking out upon Lake Huron, the beach at Providence Bay is said to be the best in Northern Ontario. Early native inhabitants of the area called the bay Bebekodawangog, which translates as “where the beach curves around the water”. In later years, after being shipwrecked offshore, survivors of the wreck reached the beach and called the bay ‘Providence’.
Beach amenities include:
The Harbour Centre - Restaraunt, Discovery Centre, History Room and Washrooms (Seasonal)
Wheel chair accessible boardwalk
Accesibiliy mats (Mobi Mats) at the playground and down to the beach. Please note the mats do not go into the water.
Annie McNichol Playground
Adult exercise equipment
Public Washrooms/Changerooms (seasonal)
Picnic Area
Parking
35 íbúar mæla með
Providence Bay
Located on the south shore of Manitoulin and looking out upon Lake Huron, the beach at Providence Bay is said to be the best in Northern Ontario. Early native inhabitants of the area called the bay Bebekodawangog, which translates as “where the beach curves around the water”. In later years, after being shipwrecked offshore, survivors of the wreck reached the beach and called the bay ‘Providence’.
Beach amenities include:
The Harbour Centre - Restaraunt, Discovery Centre, History Room and Washrooms (Seasonal)
Wheel chair accessible boardwalk
Accesibiliy mats (Mobi Mats) at the playground and down to the beach. Please note the mats do not go into the water.
Annie McNichol Playground
Adult exercise equipment
Public Washrooms/Changerooms (seasonal)
Picnic Area
Parking
City/town information
Providence Bay is an historic south shore Manitoulin port, facing out into mighty Lake Huron. It’s original European-origin settlers were commercial fishermen and lumberman as the giant bay after which the town is named was and remains a productive fishery….and then there is all of Lake Huron.
When people think of Providence Bay (‘Prov’ is the Island abbreviation) it’s mostly interest of fun on the enormous sand beach that is Prov’s prominent feature.
In fact, the Ojibwe name for the place is Bebikodawangog which translates as ‘where the sands curve around the bay’. Archeological finds have determined that the beach, the Mindemoya River which drains into it (out of Lake Mindemoya) were important places for pre-contact people to camp and, in fact, to dwell because of the ample supply of fish for sustenance.
A quarter century ago, naturalists realized that the natural sand dune making associated with sand beaches and strong on shore winds was being interfered with by human activity and so a long and interesting boardwalk was constructed to help mediate this situation. The boardwalk is a pleasure in and of itself, as it is the busy Harbour Centre terminus on the beach just down from the town’s main intersection. Here, you can enjoy a Farquhar’s ice cream treat at Huron Island Time and also investigate many of the area’s natural attractions in a (summertime) staffed interpretive centre in the same building. Your boardwalk adventure can begin (and/or end) with an ice cream cone or, for the children, a romp through the wonderful playground equipment complex adjacent to the Harbour Centre. It’s interesting to note that this extensive playground came about as a result of a partnership involving the community, the local Lions Club, the municipality of Central Manitoulin, Community Living Manitoulin and the ‘Let Them Be Kids’ voluntary not for profit national organization as well as the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
The beach itself is remarkable in that even when there are lots of vehicles in the parking areas around the Harbour Centre, and people are constantly coming and going from the change rooms, the beach is large enough that it is never crowded, a nice feature.
The main intersection of the community has as its centre piece a new Town Square with floral plantings, shrubs, seating to watch the world go by, a parking area and is just steps from the aforementioned Harbour Centre, the boardwalk and giant sand beach.
This is an interesting intersection because, on one corner, is The Mutchmor, a very large gallery space featuring arts and crafts and products from all over Manitoulin. Facing the Town Square, on The Mutchmor, long side, is an enormous mural that tells its own story in nature. The Peace Café is also part of The Mutchmor complex.
Then the way down to the beach, on the left, is the purpose-built and commodious On The Bay Bed and Breakfast and, across from it, the town’s busy community hall and library.
Turning left at the Town Square intersection will take you along a street that curves with the lakeshore, crosses over the Mindemoya River and takes you to Manitoulin’s largest campground, Providence Bay Tent and Trailer Park. It’s an agreeably sandy environment (summer vocations are made of this) and is right across the road from the long sand beach as it curves to the south, The boardwalk and sunsets over the bay.
Prov even has its own legends: The Sailors’ Grave and The Burning Boat and when you’re in Prov, just keep asking about them.
Further on down the road, past the campground, you’ll find the busy Providence Bay Marina where local fisherman come and go all summer and there is often commercial fishing ‘tug’ in port too.
35 íbúar mæla með
Providence Bay
Providence Bay is an historic south shore Manitoulin port, facing out into mighty Lake Huron. It’s original European-origin settlers were commercial fishermen and lumberman as the giant bay after which the town is named was and remains a productive fishery….and then there is all of Lake Huron.
When people think of Providence Bay (‘Prov’ is the Island abbreviation) it’s mostly interest of fun on the enormous sand beach that is Prov’s prominent feature.
In fact, the Ojibwe name for the place is Bebikodawangog which translates as ‘where the sands curve around the bay’. Archeological finds have determined that the beach, the Mindemoya River which drains into it (out of Lake Mindemoya) were important places for pre-contact people to camp and, in fact, to dwell because of the ample supply of fish for sustenance.
A quarter century ago, naturalists realized that the natural sand dune making associated with sand beaches and strong on shore winds was being interfered with by human activity and so a long and interesting boardwalk was constructed to help mediate this situation. The boardwalk is a pleasure in and of itself, as it is the busy Harbour Centre terminus on the beach just down from the town’s main intersection. Here, you can enjoy a Farquhar’s ice cream treat at Huron Island Time and also investigate many of the area’s natural attractions in a (summertime) staffed interpretive centre in the same building. Your boardwalk adventure can begin (and/or end) with an ice cream cone or, for the children, a romp through the wonderful playground equipment complex adjacent to the Harbour Centre. It’s interesting to note that this extensive playground came about as a result of a partnership involving the community, the local Lions Club, the municipality of Central Manitoulin, Community Living Manitoulin and the ‘Let Them Be Kids’ voluntary not for profit national organization as well as the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
The beach itself is remarkable in that even when there are lots of vehicles in the parking areas around the Harbour Centre, and people are constantly coming and going from the change rooms, the beach is large enough that it is never crowded, a nice feature.
The main intersection of the community has as its centre piece a new Town Square with floral plantings, shrubs, seating to watch the world go by, a parking area and is just steps from the aforementioned Harbour Centre, the boardwalk and giant sand beach.
This is an interesting intersection because, on one corner, is The Mutchmor, a very large gallery space featuring arts and crafts and products from all over Manitoulin. Facing the Town Square, on The Mutchmor, long side, is an enormous mural that tells its own story in nature. The Peace Café is also part of The Mutchmor complex.
Then the way down to the beach, on the left, is the purpose-built and commodious On The Bay Bed and Breakfast and, across from it, the town’s busy community hall and library.
Turning left at the Town Square intersection will take you along a street that curves with the lakeshore, crosses over the Mindemoya River and takes you to Manitoulin’s largest campground, Providence Bay Tent and Trailer Park. It’s an agreeably sandy environment (summer vocations are made of this) and is right across the road from the long sand beach as it curves to the south, The boardwalk and sunsets over the bay.
Prov even has its own legends: The Sailors’ Grave and The Burning Boat and when you’re in Prov, just keep asking about them.
Further on down the road, past the campground, you’ll find the busy Providence Bay Marina where local fisherman come and go all summer and there is often commercial fishing ‘tug’ in port too.
Neighbourhoods
Providence Bay's beautiful beach, diversified restaurants, access to nature, low crime rate, dark night sky and rich history, the town is the perfect place host family vacations.
35 íbúar mæla með
Providence Bay
Providence Bay's beautiful beach, diversified restaurants, access to nature, low crime rate, dark night sky and rich history, the town is the perfect place host family vacations.
Providence Bay Light House walk is one of my favorite places to visit. The walk is challenging with steep rises on the uneven limestone. I go here to look for fossils along the bay within the limestone sediment and take in a different perspective of the bay.
Providence Bay Lighthouse was automated in 1953, and just over twenty years later, on October 14, 1973, the old wooden lighthouse burned to the ground. According to some, the lighthouse was struck by lightning, but others claim the fire was set intentionally. A metal tower marks Providence Bay today, just a few steps from the foundation of the 1904 lighthouse. Nice spot to have a picnic, explore, and enjoy the view!
35 íbúar mæla með
Providence Bay
Providence Bay Light House walk is one of my favorite places to visit. The walk is challenging with steep rises on the uneven limestone. I go here to look for fossils along the bay within the limestone sediment and take in a different perspective of the bay.
Providence Bay Lighthouse was automated in 1953, and just over twenty years later, on October 14, 1973, the old wooden lighthouse burned to the ground. According to some, the lighthouse was struck by lightning, but others claim the fire was set intentionally. A metal tower marks Providence Bay today, just a few steps from the foundation of the 1904 lighthouse. Nice spot to have a picnic, explore, and enjoy the view!
Food scene
Review from Trip Advisor.
Fish & Chips That Are Worth the Hype!
This was our third summer visiting Manitoulin Island but we’d never tried Lake Huron Fish & Chips, despite all the great reviews until now. Lineups are huge and business is brisk so it’s best to call ahead and order well in advance of when you’d like to eat. Or, like our friends did who stayed nearby, drop by to order, and then come back an hour later to pick up. Having tried it, I can now understand what all the fuss is about! It really is extremely good fish and chips!! The batter is light and flavourful and not at all greasy. The fish tastes great and chips are crispy. They even make their own tartar sauce with little slivers of pickle right in it, and give you the option of normal tartar sauce and a spicy version. Gotta say. Worth the wait. All the great reviews are bang on. If you go to the island, and especially if you’re on the gorgeous Providence Bay beach next to it, you should definitely try it!
20 McNevin St, Providence Bay
Seasonal
Sunday 12PM-8PM
Monday 12PM-8PM
Tuesday 12PM-8PM
Wednesday 12PM-8PM
Thursday 12PM-8PM
Friday 12PM-8PM
Saturday 12PM-8PM
25 íbúar mæla með
Lake Huron Fish & Chips
20 McNevin StReview from Trip Advisor.
Fish & Chips That Are Worth the Hype!
This was our third summer visiting Manitoulin Island but we’d never tried Lake Huron Fish & Chips, despite all the great reviews until now. Lineups are huge and business is brisk so it’s best to call ahead and order well in advance of when you’d like to eat. Or, like our friends did who stayed nearby, drop by to order, and then come back an hour later to pick up. Having tried it, I can now understand what all the fuss is about! It really is extremely good fish and chips!! The batter is light and flavourful and not at all greasy. The fish tastes great and chips are crispy. They even make their own tartar sauce with little slivers of pickle right in it, and give you the option of normal tartar sauce and a spicy version. Gotta say. Worth the wait. All the great reviews are bang on. If you go to the island, and especially if you’re on the gorgeous Providence Bay beach next to it, you should definitely try it!
20 McNevin St, Providence Bay
Seasonal
Sunday 12PM-8PM
Monday 12PM-8PM
Tuesday 12PM-8PM
Wednesday 12PM-8PM
Thursday 12PM-8PM
Friday 12PM-8PM
Saturday 12PM-8PM
Huron Island Time serves Vegetarian options as well as a tasty variety of meat dishes including my favorite Jerk Chicken.
Review from Restaurant guru;
Kick back with one of the Islands best ice creams and take in the breathtaking views of Lake Huron in beautiful Providence Bay. Enjoy something tasty with with your beverage of choice from the unique menu at Huron Island Time. After your treat stroll along the winding boardwalk that leaves right from the restaurant and joins a bridge over Mindemoya river. Then it carries on down the lovely beach towards Providence Bay tent and trailer park for more awe-inspiring views.
24 Mutchmor St, Providence Bay, Ontario, Canada
Seasonal
Sunday 12PM-9PM
Monday 12PM-9PM
Tuesday 12PM-9PM
Wednesday 12PM-9PM
Thursday 12PM-9PM
Friday 12PM-9PM
Saturday 12PM-9PM
Huron Island Time
24 Mutchmor StHuron Island Time serves Vegetarian options as well as a tasty variety of meat dishes including my favorite Jerk Chicken.
Review from Restaurant guru;
Kick back with one of the Islands best ice creams and take in the breathtaking views of Lake Huron in beautiful Providence Bay. Enjoy something tasty with with your beverage of choice from the unique menu at Huron Island Time. After your treat stroll along the winding boardwalk that leaves right from the restaurant and joins a bridge over Mindemoya river. Then it carries on down the lovely beach towards Providence Bay tent and trailer park for more awe-inspiring views.
24 Mutchmor St, Providence Bay, Ontario, Canada
Seasonal
Sunday 12PM-9PM
Monday 12PM-9PM
Tuesday 12PM-9PM
Wednesday 12PM-9PM
Thursday 12PM-9PM
Friday 12PM-9PM
Saturday 12PM-9PM
We are pleased to offer a variety of different hot takeout meals!
Everyone can find something to their liking: starting from familiar favorites like pizza and hot dogs to famous items from Mediterranean cuisine like falafel and shawarma. A lot of options for breakfast and healthy homemade lunches and dinners.
5216 ON-551, Providence Bay
May have Seasonal Hours
Huron Sands Motel and Restaurant operated by Manitoulin Wonder Cubs Resort-Motel is open year around. Restaurant is open every second week Saturday to Wednesday.
5216 Ontario 551We are pleased to offer a variety of different hot takeout meals!
Everyone can find something to their liking: starting from familiar favorites like pizza and hot dogs to famous items from Mediterranean cuisine like falafel and shawarma. A lot of options for breakfast and healthy homemade lunches and dinners.
5216 ON-551, Providence Bay
May have Seasonal Hours
Nestled just inside the Mutchmor art gallery, the Peace Cafe offers specialty coffee, tea and a selection of freshly baked local desserts and baked goods.
5263 Hwy 551 Providence Bay, ON
May have seasonal hours
16 íbúar mæla með
The Mutchmor and Providence Peace Cafe
5263 ON-551Nestled just inside the Mutchmor art gallery, the Peace Cafe offers specialty coffee, tea and a selection of freshly baked local desserts and baked goods.
5263 Hwy 551 Providence Bay, ON
May have seasonal hours
Review:
"Stopped in here for a bite to eat. The burgers were really good, even the gluten free veggie burger. My daughter got the small poutine which was still large in our eyes. They made us a special doggie burger for our pup too. Good value and great food!"
Seasonal
Mon: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
Tue: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
Wed: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
Thu: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
Fri: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
Sat: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
Sun: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
Clyde's cookhouse
Review:
"Stopped in here for a bite to eat. The burgers were really good, even the gluten free veggie burger. My daughter got the small poutine which was still large in our eyes. They made us a special doggie burger for our pup too. Good value and great food!"
Seasonal
Mon: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
Tue: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
Wed: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
Thu: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
Fri: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
Sat: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
Sun: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
Review:
"This is an amazing little gem. Best peameal sandwich I've had with homemade dill sauce. They also offer sausages, burgers, pasta salad, and pop. The hours are very irregular so keep an eye out if the weather is good then he'll likely be open for lunch and dinner. He runs the bed and breakfast. Great alternative to local fish and chips spot. Very reasonable prices too."
12 Mutchmor St, Providence Bay
Seasonal Hours
BBQ
12 Mutchmor StreetReview:
"This is an amazing little gem. Best peameal sandwich I've had with homemade dill sauce. They also offer sausages, burgers, pasta salad, and pop. The hours are very irregular so keep an eye out if the weather is good then he'll likely be open for lunch and dinner. He runs the bed and breakfast. Great alternative to local fish and chips spot. Very reasonable prices too."
12 Mutchmor St, Providence Bay
Seasonal Hours
Great local organic food from our biodiverse garden to your plate!
Many Vegetarian and Vegan options.
Enjoy our artisan bakery goods made with organic flour. Our daily menu includes vegetarian and vegan lunch specialties with seasonal organic produce from our garden. Daily sweet specialties include pies, pulla, and cinnamon buns.
Maja's. Daily savoury specialties include quiches, sandwiches, soups and garden pizzas, as well as green, bean, and grain salads. We serve organic coffee and organic tea grown right here at Maja's..
Seasonal Hours
OPEN 2022
June 18 - September 17
11 am - 4pm
Mon. Tues. Wed. & Fri. Sat.
Closed Thursday & Sunday
6152 Highway 542 King St.
Mindemoya, Ontario
6 íbúar mæla með
Maja's
6152 King StGreat local organic food from our biodiverse garden to your plate!
Many Vegetarian and Vegan options.
Enjoy our artisan bakery goods made with organic flour. Our daily menu includes vegetarian and vegan lunch specialties with seasonal organic produce from our garden. Daily sweet specialties include pies, pulla, and cinnamon buns.
Maja's. Daily savoury specialties include quiches, sandwiches, soups and garden pizzas, as well as green, bean, and grain salads. We serve organic coffee and organic tea grown right here at Maja's..
Seasonal Hours
OPEN 2022
June 18 - September 17
11 am - 4pm
Mon. Tues. Wed. & Fri. Sat.
Closed Thursday & Sunday
6152 Highway 542 King St.
Mindemoya, Ontario
Fishing
Can you fish in Providence Bay? Yes, of course. The most popular species caught here are Chinook salmon, Rainbow trout, and Atlantic salmon.
Anglers catch salmon and trout in the deeper waters out into Lake Huron. There are also several tributaries that offer spawning runs of chinook, coho and pink salmon to go along with good numbers of steelhead and rainbow trout.
Chinook, coho and pink salmon are available in the waters of Providence Bay. Coho and Pink Salmon are here in smaller numbers, but they are here. Chinook salmon have benefitted from stocking programs from local clubs. The trout fishing is usually better in the spring and the salmon fishing picks up in summer and runs through the fall.
Rainbow trout are here in good numbers. Anglers usually report very good fishing for rainbow trout in the spring and fall. As rainbows move from the deeper, open waters of Georgian Bay towards the migratory streams, anglers will have good success trolling for them. In the summer, expect to find these fish in deeper water as they seek out cooler water temperatures.
Lake Huron is known as a great lake trout fishery. Lake Huron is a good lake trout fishery in terms of numbers and trophy fish. There are fishing charters available to help put you on these deep water fish, but some anglers come here to fish the spring and fall as these fish move into the shallower bays and can be caught around the points, rocky shorelines and many of the same areas. For the most part though, if you are looking to fish for lake trout here, plan on fishing deeper water by jigging or trolling.
Anglers can fish the lakes on the island, along the shorelines of the island or out around the island in a boat. Lake Manitou, lake Mindemoya, and Lake Kagawong get a lot of attention inland. Along the shorelines and out in the boat around the island, anglers catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, lake trout, rainbow trout, salmon, northern pike, walleye and perch.
Fishing Charters are available starting in Providence Bay!
35 íbúar mæla með
Providence Bay
Can you fish in Providence Bay? Yes, of course. The most popular species caught here are Chinook salmon, Rainbow trout, and Atlantic salmon.
Anglers catch salmon and trout in the deeper waters out into Lake Huron. There are also several tributaries that offer spawning runs of chinook, coho and pink salmon to go along with good numbers of steelhead and rainbow trout.
Chinook, coho and pink salmon are available in the waters of Providence Bay. Coho and Pink Salmon are here in smaller numbers, but they are here. Chinook salmon have benefitted from stocking programs from local clubs. The trout fishing is usually better in the spring and the salmon fishing picks up in summer and runs through the fall.
Rainbow trout are here in good numbers. Anglers usually report very good fishing for rainbow trout in the spring and fall. As rainbows move from the deeper, open waters of Georgian Bay towards the migratory streams, anglers will have good success trolling for them. In the summer, expect to find these fish in deeper water as they seek out cooler water temperatures.
Lake Huron is known as a great lake trout fishery. Lake Huron is a good lake trout fishery in terms of numbers and trophy fish. There are fishing charters available to help put you on these deep water fish, but some anglers come here to fish the spring and fall as these fish move into the shallower bays and can be caught around the points, rocky shorelines and many of the same areas. For the most part though, if you are looking to fish for lake trout here, plan on fishing deeper water by jigging or trolling.
Anglers can fish the lakes on the island, along the shorelines of the island or out around the island in a boat. Lake Manitou, lake Mindemoya, and Lake Kagawong get a lot of attention inland. Along the shorelines and out in the boat around the island, anglers catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, lake trout, rainbow trout, salmon, northern pike, walleye and perch.
Fishing Charters are available starting in Providence Bay!
Sightseeing
What is the Cup and Saucer trail?
Named for its unique rock shape, the Cup and Saucer trail is near Sheguindah, on Manitoulin Island. It’s a part of the Niagara Escarpment, with 230 foot high cliffs spanning across 2 km (the entire trail is about 14 km, including the various routes). The Niagara Escarpment runs 725 km through the United States and Canada, proudly housing the oldest forest ecosystem in eastern North America.
The Escarpment is a World Biosphere Reserve, meaning that it has plant and animal life that draws widespread interest and promotes special research and education, aiming to protect and develop the area. It began to form 450 million years ago, resulting in the beautiful limestone and shale rock formations we see today. The sharp cliffs and elevated ledges are a result of the limestone’s high resistance to the flow of water and glaciers over the years, paired with rocks that have different speeds of erosion.
48 íbúar mæla með
Cup and Saucer Trail
4097 ON-540What is the Cup and Saucer trail?
Named for its unique rock shape, the Cup and Saucer trail is near Sheguindah, on Manitoulin Island. It’s a part of the Niagara Escarpment, with 230 foot high cliffs spanning across 2 km (the entire trail is about 14 km, including the various routes). The Niagara Escarpment runs 725 km through the United States and Canada, proudly housing the oldest forest ecosystem in eastern North America.
The Escarpment is a World Biosphere Reserve, meaning that it has plant and animal life that draws widespread interest and promotes special research and education, aiming to protect and develop the area. It began to form 450 million years ago, resulting in the beautiful limestone and shale rock formations we see today. The sharp cliffs and elevated ledges are a result of the limestone’s high resistance to the flow of water and glaciers over the years, paired with rocks that have different speeds of erosion.
Bridal Veil Falls is a 34-meter-tall waterfall on Manitoulin Island, fed by Lake Kagawong. It is one of the few waterfalls in the Lake Huron region and a very picturesque place to visit. A steel stairway leads down to the gorge and the best view of the falls. You can even walk around the falls to take in all their beauty and the water tumbles down in a sheet – reminiscent, of course, of a bridal veil – into the gorge. The Bridal Veil Falls is one of Manitoulin’s most popular attractions.
65 íbúar mæla með
Bridal Veil Falls
50-64 Main StBridal Veil Falls is a 34-meter-tall waterfall on Manitoulin Island, fed by Lake Kagawong. It is one of the few waterfalls in the Lake Huron region and a very picturesque place to visit. A steel stairway leads down to the gorge and the best view of the falls. You can even walk around the falls to take in all their beauty and the water tumbles down in a sheet – reminiscent, of course, of a bridal veil – into the gorge. The Bridal Veil Falls is one of Manitoulin’s most popular attractions.