Swimmers in the pool under Bridal Veil Falls in Kagawong. This is one of many idyllic things to see and do on Manitoulin Island, the largest freshwater island in the world. Manitoulin is located between Lake Huron and Georgian Bay in the Great Lakes. To the North is the North Channel, rainbow country, or what some people call the "Caribbean of the North."
The island is 2,766 square kilometres (1,068 square miles) and over 160 km (100 miles) long, varying in width due to its somewhat triangular shape with deep bays cutting into it. It has over 100 inland lakes of its own.
Manitoulin is a little out of the way. You either come from the South, taking the Chi-Cheemaun ferry from Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula, or from the North, crossing an old swing bridge at Little Current. Your other choices are by boat or plane at the island's two airports.. This has kept it unspoiled for a long time.
The Chi-Cheemaun, above, coming into South Baymouth, has connected Tobermory to Manitoulin Island since 1974. It replaced several earlier ferries. The decals that now decorate its bow pay homage to the indigenous people on the island. Chi-Cheemaun means big canoe in Ojibway.
Manitoulin has its share of beaches and scenic lookouts, hiking trails, cliffs, good fishing and sailing in crystal clear water. It's really a nature lover's paradise. This is early morning on South Bay, looking up the bay.
And down the bay, towards the narrows and in the direction of the ferry dock.
Its interior is bush and farmland. Charming little communities mostly hug the shorelines but there are a few inland like the little hamlet of Tehkumah with its gorgeous flower display, above, and there were flowers everywhere.
Similar to the Bruce Peninsula, there are high cliffs on one side and sandy beaches fronting Lake Huron on the other. This is 10 Mile Lookout, pretty high up but the highest elevation on the island, at 352 m (1155 feet), is on the popular Cup and Saucer hiking trail.
Manitoulin is a sailors' paradise. The winds in the North Channel are known to blow during the day but drop for when you're moored at night. Here are a few sailboats in Gore Bay, above and below.
I was watching the water while ordering fish and chips we bought in this beautiful pavilion that overlooks the water.
In recent years, Manitoulin has become known as a birding destination. Now I know you're probably not too excited about bluejays and humming birds but the sandhill cranes are impressive. I spent some time watching two adult bluejays with their four offspring.
A black-capped chickadee tries out the squirrel proof feeder as did the squirrels.
And here is a family of Canada geese at dusk.
On our nightly walks, the sides of the road are full of wildflowers.
This is Queen Anne's lace, wild carrot.
Sorry, I couldn't paddle and take photos at the same time. It's good exercise, but when most people think of Manitoulin, they think of relaxing at the cottage.
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Photos from the iPad of 
Enjoy!