Destination Little Current

Destination Little Current Mar 22, 2016
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little current marinaview from the water

21st century amenities merge seamlessly with First Nations heritage to create an unforgettable vacation experience in any season.

The town of Little Current is the largest town on Manitoulin Island – the world’s largest freshwater island. Little Current sits just over the famous swing bridge, on the north shore facing the LaCloche Mountains on the mainland. In between, lie the beautiful waters of the world famous North Channel. These waters are known as “the very best freshwater cruising grounds in the world”.
Also situated on the north shore of the island is the Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre. It`s located in on the west side of the swing bridge, where it’s easily visible from land or water, make the hotel an unmistakable landmark for automobile or boat traffic.
The property is owned by six local First Nation Communities, and their heritage is reflected through the décor and architecture of the building. The 58-room hotel has a lot to say about local culture. The hotel was constructed to help improve both tourism and the economy on the island. With six First Nation Communities located on the island and two more on the nearby mainland, there is an abundance of cultural experiences for visitors of all ages, as well as some of the most spectacular scenery the island has to offer.

A perfect example of this is the hotel lobby. Designed to symbolize the ‘Seven Grandfather Teachings’ of the First Nations people, it creates an atmosphere for all visitors to reflect and relax. With six
pillars and the fire in the middle, the seven teachings are represented – Truth, Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom and Humility.
With its breathtaking views of the North Channel, the main lobby is truly a place for everyone to experience and enjoy. The lobby is also home to many pieces of local art work by artist Duncan Pheasant. His colourful interpretation of the woodland style of art brightens up the very natural elements of wood and stone in the décor.
This property also hosts a full service restaurant and full conference facility. The North 46 Restaurant was reopened October 2015 and has a great patio overlooking the North Channel. The menu offers a variety of fare, including local inspired dishes, for guests of all ages. The restaurant and bar gives guests a place to unwind from a busy day and have a peaceful dining experience.
dancing on deck

The conference facility follows the décor of the rest of the hotel. With high ceilings and natural elements of wood and stone, it allows for a perfect space for weddings and corporate or team events of up to 200 people. The conference hall can be divided into smaller rooms for more intimate gatherings and audio/video equipment is available to complete the package.
Located just a few minutes’ walk, or a short taxi ride, from the hotel is the downtown area and docks of Little Current. The town is located in the narrowest part of the North Channel. The first thing you’ll notice about this town is that it was built for boaters.
The downtown docks are almost a half a mile long with 100 boat slips and create a perfect place for boaters of all kinds. Time your visit right, and you might even catch a glimpse of the M/V Pearl Mist, or the M/V St Laurent, two of the large cruise ships that make port in Little Current at various times throughout the summer season.
The pavilions feature brand new washrooms and shower facilities and have a great space to cook up dinners and socialize. The docks have wireless internet for everyone to use.
The docks are equipped with a fueling station with pump out, and 30/50-amp power service is available at every slip. The town offers all of the necessary boating amenities within walking distance of the
marina, like a laundromat and post office. The local grocery store even offers delivery during the summer months, right to the docks. There is also a conveniently located ice cream shack right on the boardwalk for a quick treat.


MANITOULIN HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTRE

66 Meredith Street East, Little
Current, ON P0P1K0
Phone: (705) 368-9966
Fax: (705) 368-0466
Email:
reservations
@manitoulinhotel.com
Website:
www.manitoulinhotel.com


LITTLE CURRENT – TOWN OF NEMI
14 Water Street East
P0 Box 608
Little Current, ON
P0P 1K0
Phone: 705.368.3500
Fax: 705.368.2245
E-Mail:
info@townofnemi.on.ca


MS CHI-CHEEMAUN
Reservations: 1-800-265-3163
Website:
www.ontarioferries.com


GREAT LAKE CRUISE COMPANY
Phone: (888) 891-0203
Website:
www.greatlakecruising.com

If you trailering your boat to the island, rest assured the Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre has ample parking during you’re stay. There is also a city boat launch at Spider Bay Marina to the west of downtown, where you can get a slip for the night and drop your trailer.
There are many day trip options by boat from Little Current, including the Benjamin Islands and Killarney. When trailering your boat in this gives you the ability to explore more on the island. Places like Bridal Veil Falls and the Cup and Saucer trail are just two highlights you need to see.
Depending on the area you are traveling from, you may want to take the opportunity to catch a ride on the famous MS Chi-Cheemaun Ferry. The ferry runs seasonally from May until October out of Tobermory, at the tip of the scenic Bruce Peninsula, over to South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island. The ferry crossing takes about 2 hours, and it is well worth the experience.
The ship has a full restaurant, plenty of comfortable seating area and a well-stocked gift shop. The MS Chi-Cheemaun also host special events throughout the season, including stargazing, live music nights, sunset dinner cruises and art shows. Sailing the waters between Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, the ferry gives you time to take in the breathtaking beauty of the North.
Fishing is a big part of life on Manitoulin, fishers of all skill levels can come and be assured that the fish are biting. Whether it is fishing from the docks downtown, going out around the many islands, or enjoying the inland rivers and lakes, you can find salmon, northern pike, walleye, smallmouth bass, or speckled trout. If you are looking for a place to sample some of the local fish, North 46 Restaurant at the Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre has some great menu options right from the town fishery.
North-eastern Ontario is an extension of the Niagara Escarpment and is a majestic place with amazing scenery, and Manitoulin Island is just the start of it. The rich culture of the First Nations people and a landscape with spectacular vistas, give travellers the ability to experience something new with-
out having to go too far.
To experience this area by land is one thing, but to experience by boat is a whole other world. The anchorages are plenti- ful, and whether you have trailered your boat and are enjoying day trips or just pass- ing through the North Channel in a larger vessel, the Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre and the town of Little Current would love to welcome you to our pretty little piece of Northern Ontario.

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