“Long ago, Nenabozhoo was down south taunting some Mohawks. The angered Mohawks chased him north up the Zaagiing (Bruce) Peninsula. Luckily, his grandma awaited him on the shore with a canoe. They paddled hard across the water to Mnidoo Mnis (Manitoulin Island), the Mohawks close behind. Once on the Island, Nenabozhoo kept running, carrying his grandma on his back. Too tired and scratched up, he threw her off, promising to return for her. She landed in the middle of Mindimoowenh Zaag’igan (Lake Mindemoya), where she still rests today as Treasure Island. Nenabozhoo then ran, through M’Chigeeng and arrived here where you stand. He transformed into a giant and began readying his spearhead and handle. But as the Mohawks caught up to him, he suddenly lost his helve. He dropped his disassembled spear and ran off. Nenabozhoo’s giant spearhead and handle remain here to this day. The lower, smaller bluff is the spearhead, and the higher, longer bluff forms the spear handle”

  ~ based on a story told by late Johnny Debassige of M’Chigeeng.

Considered The Heart and Spirit of the Great Lakes of Canada by the Native Anishinaabe people, Manitoulin Island is a sacred land, home of many legends, and stories.

Known as the largest freshwater island in the world, an island with over a hundred inland lakes itself, Manitoulin Island is a very popular destination for Ontarians. We have been familiar with it since 2017, when we took a road trip around Lake Huron, one of the five Great Lakes of North America. This is our third visit to the island, coming specifically to hike the Cup and Saucer Trail.