Will be circumnavigating Manitoulin Island this summer. Starting at Tobermory and making the crossing to the island. I will be going up the North Channel and also circumnavigating Cockburn Island as well. As far as I can tell I can find no info on the crossing by kayakers in the past. Anybody out there done this trip or the Island? Any advice would be useful.

Hey, good for you! I was planning the crossing last fall with my buddy but it fell through. Now he took his nice big stable Feathercraft K2 to B.C. and so I guess I will have to take the Caribou when I get around to it.
I did a search on kayaking and Tobermory and Manitoulin and came up with an outfitter "www.bypathorpaddle.com". I emailed them and they were very helpful, though as you would guess, they were tentative about the idea as they didn't know us or our ability.
I did ask them about their take on camping on an island on the way as they are private property, but they didn't think that would be an issue.
Obviously, it can be a nasty piece of water and I was going to come back from the island to Tobermory for the classic reason of prevailing winds.
I'm sure you'll do your research on weather and keep that marine band on, cause it can change in a hurry. I can't help but think that the seas and wind will really funnel though there, so I was going to check out normal powercraft resources and possibly the coast guard (find the closest base) or call Parry Sound and find out who you should contact.
Wish I was going with.
Let us know how it goes. There is not enough central Canada represented here, all these coasties!!
Cheers Steve

Completed the trip.
Started from Tobermory and island hopped over to Fitzwilliams Island then began working my way north solo. Had to keep a close eye on weather and water conditions...plenty of wind amd previous shipwrecks to give you a real erriefeeling along the way. Some real long shots.
Heavy winds in the North Channel but it started to get really isolated after Barrie Island. Went to the northwest corner of Manitoulin and crossed the strait over to Cockburn Island and navigated it also...then began working my way south along the coast. Sand dunes were incredible especially at a place called Great Duck Island. I've hiked, camped, canoed and kayaked all over large chinks of this planet and this island really stands out...the last of the great untouched dunes from the galaciation on the Great Lakes. A real gem and totally unihabitated. Just wonderful.

Worked my way to the southern tip of the Island and then once again made the legendary dangerous crossing to the mainland at Tobermory. Took more time and quickly worked my way down the Bruce and eventually to Wiarton where I put in. Was paddling like a madman most days (with some large segments of night paddling (with compass bearings) crossings).

I went hard the whole thing took 32 days and 20 lbs. Great time with little if any human contact and reams of wilderness. Got to feel Mother Natures vibrations baby!

That is fantastic. I must start exploring around the island and do the crossing. Don't tell my wife.
Am always amazed by those who can solo for so long. I guess the upside is no compromise.
Thanks for the report. S

Glad to give the report Steve. You are wise not to tell the wife (they do worry!).
I know it is a little odd to go out for such long solo trips but I really like it. You don't read about it on many blogs except for the sponsored trips etc. which seem to be people racing or trying to stay out longer as if they have something to prove; or to outdo others. These things are not relevant to me.
You obviously know what you are talking about because the biggest advantage to going solo for long periods is no compromise! You are not hindered by a weaker paddler or camper. You go where you want when you want. You camp where and when you want. Of course you have sole responsibility for everything and this can become quite a chore around camp.
Most people that go solo for long periods also stop at places to resupply, rest, etc. I don't do this since I pack everything for the entire trip with no resupply at any time.
Loneliness can become an issue but also a source of great resolve. Best of luck and make sure you go out to Great Duck Island (a true jewel!).

Smitter

My wife and I circumnavigated Manitoulin last year. Took 9 days - some very long, 60 km and 12 hours. But was well worth it. We just got back from a trip to the Ducks and LOVED it. You are correct - a jewel!
We're considering heading across to Tobermory next to check out Fathom Five National Park. How did you find that crossing?

We decided to avoid the usual Hwy.6 route and wander towards the centre of the island. Brenda at the B&B mentioned the chocolate factory at Kagawong on the north shore of the island.

It's a nice drive.

The Bridal Veil falls at Kagawong provided a nice walk in the shade, away from the brutal heat.

We just got back last week from 4 day trip out to the Duck Islands ( lake Huron )

Some real amazing vistas, sand dunes, pebbled beaches, lighthouse, etc...

We had great weather while out ( 25' C ) ...water temp 11' C

Still really unspoiled.... and rarely visited waters, where you can drink the fresh water right out of the lake

Amongst other things I'm now planning for a Lake Nipigon circumnavigation ....
Has anyone ever gone and did it ?
Any special tips I should know of ?

Keep your head up and paddle straight

Denis

Just got back from another trip to the Island and I did the crossing to and from Tobermory again. The crossing itself isn't too bad if you check the weather. If coming from South Bay Mouth stay close to the Fitzwilliam Island shore in case of weather change. I always camp on the back of Yeo Island (2 spots: Yeo Spit or the Knob). Check the wind forecast to see what campsite to choose.
Hit the crosssing to Cove Island early and with high power. Get across this stretch of water quickly but watchout for the ferry (check ferry times ahead although, even in fog, you will hear it). If crossing ferry route in fog wait for it to pass before making your run. There are other large boats that use this route so have magnetic markers on your paddle and a fog horn handy.
This stretch of water intimidates even the most seasoned paddlers and rightly so. Ensure that you have all safety equipment including flares. Really keep an eye on the weather.
If coming from Tobermory all of the same rules apply and I usually camp on the east or west sides of Fitzwilliam for the night before heading north.
I've probaby crossed this stretch more than anyone else in a kayak so be careful. Although everything might go fine on a nice day this piece of water is very dangerous and has claimed the life of many an experienced sailor over the years. Hit the water hard and get the hell across...do not dawdle! Your stomach will have butterflies in the rough stuff!!!!

If the weather is clear you can change course to Flowerpot Island midway and this negates crossing the ferry course. If you have any more specific questions about the crossing please reply and I will get back to you.

Our trip around Manitoulin took us 9 days. Lots of adventure. Not many photos posted on the blog because have sold them to a magazine that will publish next summer. Here's a few of our food planning and sunrise photos.You have to scroll down through all the kayak posts.

If you want to see all other posts - go to the sidebar to view other adventure topics or go to the home page.

http://terrylynnjohnson.blogspot.com/search/label/kayak%20expedition

Google " sea kayak lonely island Georgian Bay ". Some guy from Chicago and a friend kayaked from Tobermory to Lonely Island and back. I believe they crossed from Cove Island to Yeo Island to Fitzwilliam Island then to Club Island and finally to Lonely Island. If you google it you'll find that.
My girlfriends dad has waterfront property on the southwest end of Manitoulin. His property is across from Burnt Island. I kayaked out to Western Duck Island. A 7 km open water crossing. My girlfriend doesn't like open water crossings so we came back with no further exploration. I plan on doing a multi day next time I am up on Manitoulin. I am gonna Circumnavigate all the Duck Islands.
Anyway check out that article. Sounds like a fun trip.

Hey Kayakman. I plan to do the crossing between cove and yeo islands this year or next (probably next). How long does it take you to do the crossing? What time of year is best to do the crossing? And what is a typical speed in knots. It can't take more than an hour and a half, can it? Anyway, I would greatly appreciate anymore details.
Have you ever kayaked off the east end of Manitoulin. I really want to hit squaw and papoose islands. I want to hit these islands starting from philip edward island near killarney, then going on to the hawk islands, green island, papoose island and finally squaw. What do you think of that trip?

Hey Chad: Read my previous comments in this forum on the crossing...everything you need to know is there. I've kayaked all of the islands you have mentioned and some have great beauty. If the weather is rough make sure you check your charts if there are rollers for you directional landing approach...there are some dangerous shallows if the waves have a high fetch.
Some of the islands you mention do not have the greatest camp sites...for example Squaw Island is a pigsty from previous campers...absolutely disgusting...how could anyone do this to such a beautiful place???...if you go there you will see what I mean.
Be careful out there...especially in the fog...some big boats whip between these islands at high speed on their way to the North Channel and will have trouble observing you...stay very visible and have all necessary gear including flares. Lonely Island is neat.

His property is across from Burnt Island. I kayaked out to Western Duck Island. A 7 km open water crossing. My girlfriend doesn't like open water crossings so we came back with no further exploration. I plan on doing a multi day next time I am up on Manitoulin. I am gonna Circumnavigate all the Duck Islands.

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