Many colourful stories, some legend, some historical fact, are told about St. Joseph Island. The most western of the Manitoulin chain of islands, St. Joseph Island is situated in the channel between Lakes Huron and Superior. This 140,000 acre island is located 45 km (28 mi) east of Sault Ste. Marie via Highways 17 and 548.
The “Island” is a great place to tour by motorcycle, car or bicycle. Visitors will fall in love with the two communities located on the Island: Richards Landing and Hilton Beach. Both communities offer amenities like great restaurants, campgrounds, motels, full-service marinas and charming shops. The Island is linked to the mainland by a non-toll bridge which opened in 1972.
Spring sees the Island come to life with the flow of maple syrup that has made St. Joseph Island famous. Pancake breakfasts, tours of maple syrup productions and the ability to purchase this sweet taste brings travelers to the Island each year. Spring, summer and fall see the return of the boaters to the two full-service marinas located on the Island. The Lake Huron waterway is a boater’s paradise and St. Joseph Island is one of the reasons why. There are many fishing opportunities year-round to catch northern pike, trout, bass and salmon. In the fall, the maples on the Island turn brilliant colours ranging from bright red, to orange to yellow.
Winter bustles carpets of snow on the snowmobile trail system. The location between Ontario and Michigan makes the Island a veritable hub of snowmobile activities. Great location for kayaking and canoeing, public beaches and trails, and the two villages have a variety of businesses to serve the traveller, as well as hosting many special community events.
