People often ask me what there is to do on Manitoulin Island in the Winter. True, many of the businesses are closed until tourist season starts again in May, but there’s always something going on! If you’re an outdoor enthusiast and love keeping active with your family, you have got to check out the ice features and ice caves on Manitoulin Island.
Beware, as the temperature warms up, you won’t want to venture out in case the ice melts. Admittedly, I was a bit nervous when I saw some of the pressure cracks in the ice. I know that where we were walking was not too deep if we did fall through the ice, but it still made my heart skip a beat. Hubby ensured me that the ice was a few feet thick and if I looked at the cracks closely, I’d realize how thick the ice was.
We ventured out on Saturday with a few families (the children all friends of Little One). I was surprised to see how many people were checking out the ice caves and ice features! There must have been about twenty vehicles parked by the marina!
I made Hubby bring rope, his Winter First Aid Kit and other items just in case someone went through the ice. Though Mother Nature has blessed us with so much beauty to behold, we have to remember to be cautious.
It was a gorgeous, sunny day and perfect for taking a walk with family and friends. The little ones had a fabulous time! It was a veritable Winter Wonderland! Little One said it looked like a scene out of Frozen! I’m surprised no one broke out into song! No “Let it Go”!
To answer the question posed, there are many things to do on Manitoulin Island in the Winter. If you’re a busy, active person and you love the outdoors, you will never be bored here! The walk from the marina parking lot to the ice features took about thirty minutes to and thirty minutes from. We were out on the ice for over two hours though. So much beauty to take in.
For those interested in the distance, I was wearing my Fitbit and walked 11,897 steps (almost 4 miles).
Absolutely gorgeous! I would love to see this one day. 🙂
wow this looks amazing
w0w -these are very cool. I have been in summer but not winter.
Absolute gorgeous! What amazing natural creations.
These are beautiful! I visited here this summer but would love to return in the summer!
Wow, the ice formation/caves are amazing! Amazing to see what nature can do!
It’s pretty incredible, Judy! In awe of the beauty.
Spectacular, C! What an incredible experience to have something so beautiful nearby.
Janie, this sounds so sappy, but I was almost in tears, LOL! I get overwhelmed by how stunning and beautiful our surroundings are. These ice features are pretty incredible! I feel blessed that we are able to see them and that they’re only 10 min from our farm.
My DH and I are amazed of the ice caves. We had no idea that they existed… Definitely will have to check it out next winter
Yes! Come check it out next Winter! You won’t be disappointed! 🙂
What phenomenal photos, Christine! I would love to go walking out there. Just amazing!
Thanks, Sandy! Please come visit us!!!
Great photos. Amazing. I had to show them to my husband.
🙂 Thanks, Florence! I still cannot get over how beautiful the ice features are up close! They never cease to amaze!
All I can say is beautiful photos. I think I would enjoy seeing this but also scared of knowing that water is underneath. But than we like trails and seeing waterfalls and I know lately some of our outings we were on water that was frozen over. Looks like you had a great time
Thanks, Londia! HA! I’m deathly afraid of walking on frozen lakes! I’m trying to conquer my fears and not project them onto my daughter. I’m afraid of heights, small/confined spaces and walking on frozen lakes!
I have a funny story. Friends and I took the kids to see the ice caves last Winter and it was HORRIBLE! The wind was so raw and we were walking waist-deep in snow. The kids were freezing and crying. My friend’s husband had to pull a sled with two kids in it and had one kid on his shoulders. Yep. This year was AWESOME! The weather and temp were great, the kids are a bit bigger, and everyone enjoyed themselves tremendously!
I am in awe of nature right now! Thank you for posting these pics! I’m going to show my whole family!
Awww! Thanks, Anne! The ice features are truly incredible.