Come explore our gorgeous and scenic Nimkee's Hiking Trail! The trail weaves its way along the stunning northern shoreline and through magnificent forests. The trail is over 10 kilometers long and offers an abundance of wildlife and incredible natural richness of the land. The trail is available for anyone and we are working on a new and improved map! The trail is accessible from April to October, however it is most breathtaking during the months of September and October for the beautiful colours of autumn.
Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island) is the most northern part of the Niagara Escarpment. Explore the most astounding limestone cliffs, spectacular tree varieties including maple, oak, elm trees, birch, pine and white cedar. After a lengthy trek through the light beautiful woodlands, you will reach a beach where you get a beautiful view of the North Channel. Be sure to keep an eye out for fossils of creatures that lived here lifetimes ago!
Historically, Nimkee's Hiking Trail was developed in the early 1900's by a local First Nation resident named Nimkee, meaning ‘Little Thunder’ in English. He spent much of his time in the woods around Sheshegwaning in seclusion. Little is known about Nimkee, except that locals would see him once every season whenever he would venture into the village for supplies. He would frequent different areas, depending on the season. Experience the Nimkee Hiking Trail and enjoy the beauty of Sheshegwaning. Hear traditional stories around the campfire as you stay overnight in one of the very many spots Nimkee once stayed.
Sheshegwaning First Nation reserve located on the northern shoreline, on the west side of ManitoulinIsland. Sheshegwaning translates in english to "the home of the rattle" The people of Sheshegwaning are of the Odawa Nation of Anishnaabek. The official languages of Sheshegwaning are Anishnaabemowin and English.
Manitoulin is home to the prehistoric archeological site of Sheguiandah. The Odawa name Manidoowaaling means "cave of the spirit". It was named for an underwater cave where a powerful spirit was said to live. The same word is now used for the town Manitowaning, which is located near the underwater cave where legend has it that the spirit dwells.
Manitoulin island is the largest freshwater island in the world, including 108 freshwater lakes within the island. The island has two incorporated towns, eight townships, and six Anishinaabe reserves M'Chigeeng, Sheguiandah, Sheshegwaning, Aundeck Omni Kaning, Wiikwemkoong and Zhiibaahaasing. The Odawa called the island Mnidoo Mnising, meaning "island of the Great Spirit." The Odawa believed that Mnidoo or Manitou dwelt on the island. The current name of the island is the English version, Manitoulin Island. The island is considered sacred by the Native Anishinaabe people, who identify as the "People of the Three Fires." This loose confederation is made up of the Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi tribes. The island has become a popular outdoor recreation area since the 1920s, and tourism and agriculture are now the principal activities. Little Current and Gore Bay are the main populated centers. Little Current is linked to the mainland by road which allows year-round motor-vehicle access to the island. A ferry runs for much of the year from South Baymouth to Tobermory on the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula, available between late May to early October, a daily passenger-vehicle ferry, the Chi-Cheemaun (Ojibwe for "Big Canoe"). Winter ice prevents ferry service during that season.