manitoulin island boat tours

Stillwater Fishing 

           fishing charters and tours servicing manitoulin island & surrounding waters.

Boat tours to Mcgregor Bay, Baie Fine, Killarney and the North Channel Ontario

see Mcgregor BaY & Surrounding area   

Spend the day touring the picturesque locations such as: McGregor Bay, Baie Fine, Killarney and The North Channel with locals who have spent their entire life on these waters. Our 20ft KingFisher Falcon can accommodate up to 4 passengers and larger groups can be arranged upon request. Our tours are fulling guided boat tours, remote hiking tours and water taxi services. 

McGregor Bay Tour

Come experience McGregor Bay's windswept trees, breathtaking rocky shorelines and endless islands. We have everything from scenic boat tours, sunset boat tours, and tours to remote hiking and hidden gems. Contact us for more information, and plan your day to play in the Bay.

 A half day (4 hours).                                                         $400

 A full day (8 hours)                                                           $600

 Scenic Sunset Cruise or McGregor Bay Loop (2 hours)$250

Lake Topaz Tour

Boat tour/ hiking tour to Lake Topaz in Killarney Provincial Park. The Baie Fine Fjord is one of the largest freshwater fjords in the world and it is breathtaking views make for the perfect boat ride. Enjoy a day spent on the water, navigating through Baie Fine, and finish with a 20 minute hike up to the famous Lake Topaz, where you can cool off in the turquoise water surrounded by quartzite. 

Full day (4 hours).                                                              $450

 Full Day (8 hours)                                                              $600

Lake Topaz, Killarnery Provincial Park boat tour with Stillwater Fishing & Tours.

Killarney Tour 

Boat tour to the town of Killarney. Enjoy the scenic boat ride on the way, where we stop at various locations to admire such as: Hole in the Wall, Landsdowne Channel and Covered Portage. Enter the town of Killarney by boat, where you can enjoy all the town has to offer, including World Famous Fish and Chips, Killarney Mountain Lodge, The Sportsman and much more. * Tours will depart from McGregor Bay, but we can pick up from multiple locations on Manitoulin Island, price may vary*. 

Boat tours to the town of Killarney and Killarney Provincial Park

  5 hours                                                                              $450

North Channel Tour 

Boat tour exploring the North Channel and its picturesque views of The La Cloche Mountain Range. Tour various locations in Bay of Islands, or do the complete loop around Great LaCloche Island with a stop in Little Current where you can enjoy shopping or dining at one of the restaurants on the Island. *Tours depart from McGregor bay, but we can pick up from multiple locations on Manitoulin Island, price may vary*

Half Day (4 hours)                                                               $450

 Full Day  (8 hours)                                                              $600

Boat Tours to the North Channel Ontario and surrounding area.

Taxi Service  

Providing water taxi services to most locations in the North Channel and Killarney area. Pick up and drops off to locations such as: McGregor Bay, Baie Fine, Bay of Islands, Killarney Provincial Park, Killarney, Little Current and other areas. *Price is dependent on location please contact us to book*

Have a destination in mind? We will go there! Contact us  

30 Water Street. Gore Bay, Ontario, Canada. P0P 1H0 | Bookings: 1-800-565-0022 | E-Mail: [email protected]

Welcome to Canadian Yacht Charters

The largest fleet on the great lakes..., bareboat charters                               skippered cruises                               day sails                               sailing/cruising school, the north channel - a boater's paradise.

Imagine pink granite islands, millions of years old, covered with windswept pines and scattered throughout a 120 mile expanse of the bluest freshwater in the world. Dozens of untainted anchorages, secret gunkholes and quaint harbour towns make up this "Boater's Paradise". This supreme waterway offers breath-taking scenery and solitude yet is within close reach of services and all amenities.

The timeless and unique pink granite of the Benjamin Islands, the protected sailing of the Whalesback Channel and the white quartz cliffs lining the 8 mile fjord of Baie Finn, are but a small part of this world renowned cruising area known as the North Channel of Lake Huron. The North Channel spills into Georgian Bay and there are literally hundreds of beautiful anchorages to discover. Read More...

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Testimonials

"Impeccably maintained and prepared.  Our people had a wonderful week and we thank you and your staff. "

"We love the company as their boats are always squeaky-clean, fully functional and up to date with technology."

"To cruise the North Channel all you need is leave from the  ‘Gitchie Manitou’ and one of CYC’s yachts. I would never dream of chartering with anyone else."

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Canadian Yachting 'Back to the Channel"

Proud Members of

Located on Manitoulin Island, CYC offers the finest selection of impeccably maintained modern yachts - sailboats, powerboats and catamarans. Our standard is second to none. CYC is located in the heart of the best freshwater cruising grounds in the world - "The North Channel".  Only 12 miles from the breathtaking Benjamin Islands.

* New To Fleet  *

Grand Banks 32 -  Catnip Is Back! 

29' Larson (Sea Señor). 2 Cabins - Loaded!

Grand Banks 40 (Water Baby)

41' Maxum 4100 SCA (Seaclusion) Bow and stern thrusters. Fully equipped!

Sabre 36 (Kindred Spirit)

NEW CYA Certification - Basic, Intermediate & Advanced Enjoy an adventurous week of sailing, anchoring, and swimming with family or friends or join a group and get certified during your North Channel "live aboard" adventure.

Fresh Fish & Smoked Fish Whitefish, Pickerel and Rainbow Trout Order ahead and we will vacuum pack it for your trip.

RENT A KAYAK or PADDLE BOARD to take along on your holiday. Single and Double Kayaks, Reserve Now! NEW WALKER BAY INFLATABLE PADDLE BOARDS

Canadian Yacht Charters (CYC) 30 Water St Gore Bay, Ontario P0P 1H0

Booking Line: 1-800-565-0022 Charter Base: 1-705-282-0185 Fax: 1-705-282-0443

[email protected]

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Trip Planning Materials

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This North Channel Cruise From Manitoulin Island Offers A Unique Summer Escape

North Channel Cruise Line operates one of the most scenic boat tours from Manitoulin Island. These tours, which are both scenic and family-friendly, offer some of the most unique views of the Georgian Bay shorelines.

For those who make the journey across Lake Huron to Manitoulin Island, whether by boat on the Chi Cheemaun Ferry from Tobermory or across from Sudbury on the iconic swing bridge, a new world awaits.

Manitoulin Island is the largest island in a freshwater lake in the world . And it’s truly one of the most unique places in Ontario . While many visitors to the island spend their days hiking the famous Cup and Saucer trail , enjoying the fish and chips in Providence Bay, or exploring the scenic lighthouses that dot the coast, those looking for a unique view of the island and surrounding area stop in Little Current at North Channel Tours .

The North Channel cruise line is run by Manitoulin Island tour boat company North Channel Tours, and they offer a magnificent selection of Georgian Bay cruises to areas such as the Benjamin Islands, Baie Fine Fjord, and Killarney.

I had the pleasure of joining them for a cruise to the Benjamin Islands in the summer of 2020 while I was on a 25-day road trip through Northern Ontario from Toronto to Thunder Bay . And the North Channel cruise was one of the highlights of the trip.

Cruising To the Benjamin Islands With North Channel Tours

Manitoulin Island is a destination that I visit nearly every year. Whether we’re touring up from Tobermory or driving around from Sudbury through the breathtaking Killarney landscapes, it’s always one of our favourite places to visit in Ontario.

The last time my family was in town was in the fall when we were up working with Ford on a project for the Explorer where we were creating Google Street Views of some of the island’s non-mapped regions. That experience was a total riot, but visiting the island without a 20-person film crew following us around is a much more relaxed experience.

We rolled into Little Current first thing in the morning after a night of stargazing at Gordon’s Park . Picking up our boarding passes at the North Channel Tours office was a breeze, and then we waited for our time to board.

And then the weather came in.

Chris, the owner of North Channel Tours, made an announcement that a weather front had been reported and that our tour would need to be delayed. Almost on queue, a bright flash of lightning lit up the sky outside of the boat. We rushed to the window and beyond the tour boat we could see a menacing cloud in the distance. It was heading straight for us.

As the wind kicked up and the lightning flashed on the water around us, we were all more than grateful that the company put safety first.

But as quickly as the storm began, it blew away into the distance. Chris and the North Channel crew quickly got to work prepping the boat for launch. And within moments we were on our way, cruising past the Little Current Swing Bridge along the North Channel.

The North Channel Views

As we began our North Channel cruise from Manitoulin Island, we had the chance to experience some of the angles of the island that many visitors never get the chance to see. One of the more fascinating spots are the ruins of the Mill on Picnic Island which sits just north of Little Current. The Picnic Island Mill ruins can only be reached by water, although you can’t catch a glimpse of them from Low Island Park in Little Current.

The calm waters of the North Channel were stunningly blue, even beneath the cloudy sky leftover from the earlier storm.

On our right as we cruised from Little Current was the spectacular Killarney Landscape. The La Cloche Mountains , which top out at about 540 metres, were once believed to be taller than the Rocky Mountains are today.

The La Cloche landscape is beautiful. There are many lists on where the most beautiful landscapes in Ontario are, in my books, this should make every one of them.

The 67 kilometre journey from Little Current to the Benjamin Islands offered views of Georgian Bay that few people get the opportunity to experience. Past the La Cloche Mountains, we cruised around sunken ships, past quaint lighthouses, and steep, white-quartz cliffs and mountains.

Benjamin Islands

As we pulled into the Benjamin Islands, it was evident that this is a popular place for those who have access to boats on Lake Huron. The bay was dotted with small yachts and sailboats. This was a scene I was used to seeing in remote Caribbean coves. Seeing this same kind of nautical community right here on Ontario’s great lakes was a beautiful thing.

Docking the big North Channel cruise line boat on the raw shores of Killarney Provincial Park can be likened to a gentle, controlled crash. The area doesn’t have a proper dock, so accessing land meant crossing a boarding ramp on the wet, tree-lined shores and then walking along the slick rocks.

It definitely required either bare feet or grippy shoes thanks to the rain from earlier in the day. But passengers and crew all worked together to get safely and comfortably onto the jaw-droppingly beautiful red rock slopes.

We spent the next two hours just lazing around the bay, hiking up the slopes, swimming in the warm waters of the bay. It was, quite honestly, a place I would have happily spent many more hours.

North Channel Cruise To Little Current

Much too soon it was time for us to board our North Channel cruise boat for a tour back to Manitoulin Island . The crew took a different route back circling Little La Cloche Island to gaze at the magnificent towering sheer rock cliffs.

We were served a delicious light meal and spent most of the rest of the journey wandering the boat and taking in the magical scenery that we passed by.

The North Channel Tours tour boat has a stocked bar and snacks available for purchase. There are also clean washrooms for use and both indoor and outdoor covered and uncovered seating spread out across two decks of the ship.

On the way back to Little Current we were treated to even more of the great explanations of the history, geography, and amazing stories that have come out of this section of Georgian Bay. That part of the journey alone was worth the price of the tour.

What To Do In Little Current

When we returned to Little Current we stopped by the Manitoulin Brewing Company for some refreshments and some delicious food truck grub at the on-site Chiblow restaurant . You can also order from the Anchor Inn and have food delivered right to your patio table.

If you’re looking for something a little less casual, head to the Little Current Hotel and Conference Centre to dine in style at their on-site restaurant. Their Aboriginal-themed dining will have your mouth watering.

For a little history, drive just out of town to the historic Centennial Museum of Sheguindah , a log home dating back to the 1860s. This spot also offers sweeping views of the Killarney coastline.

Now It’s Time to Experience the North Channel Cruise For Yourself

There is more things to do on Manitoulin Island than meets the eye. And the North Channel Tour is just one of them. Many of these businesses and restaurants are anxious for visitors after a tough year. So let’s support local and make the most of your Georgian Bay adventure.

Do you have a favourite attraction or restaurant on Manitoulin Island? Head over to the  Ultimate Ontario Facebook Community  and join the conversation! You’ll find an amazing group of people passionate about Ontario and who love to share their local secrets.

Kevin Wagar is a founder and editor of Ultimate Ontario. He has been working in the travel media industry since 2015 when he founded his family travel website Wandering Wagars – Adventure Family Travel . Over the years Kevin has developed a deep love for his home province of Ontario and aims to showcase the incredible experiences and amazing small businesses found within it.

Mike Daniels

Saturday 11th of June 2022

Good morning. Does North Channel Cruise lines offer any coupon/promotion codes?

Kevin Wagar

Thursday 16th of June 2022

Hi Mike, you'd be best served to reach out to them directly for this kind of information. Best of luck!

Barbara Biltz

Wednesday 4th of May 2022

Thank you for your wonderful article about Manitoulin. We have vacationed in Gore Bay area for 55 years. Our love for the Island has been passed to our family and friends. Would love to experience your boat tour sometime.

Steve Burke

Thursday 25th of March 2021

Kevin, that's actually a photo of The Benjamins not Baie Fine. The article should draw many visitors to the Island. The Island Tours staff are very professional in everything they do.

When can we book for 4 .?

Tuesday 30th of March 2021

Hi Ron, we are a media site, not a booking site. You would be best to reach out to North Channel Tours directly. You can find a link to them on our website.

Privacy Overview

Top Tours in Manitoulin Island, Ontario

Manitoulin island tours.

• Hiking & Camping Tours
• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Honora Bay Riding Stables

2. Split Rail Brewing Company

3. North Channel Cruise Line

4. Manitoulin Sport Fishing Charters

5. Wikwemikong Tourism

6. Kicking Mule Riding Stables & Cookhouse

7. Wasse-Giizhik Tours

8. Canadian Yacht Charters

9. Island Time Boat Rentals

10. Flint + Flora

11. Sarah Earley

12. manitoulin eco park, what travellers are saying.

• Split Rail Brewing Company
• North Channel Cruise Line
• Wasse-Giizhik Tours
• Island Time Boat Rentals
• Honora Bay Riding Stables

Rates All charters include tackle, rods, bait and fish cleaning.

Manitoulin island-killarney fishing charter rates

Salmon/Trout Fishing Charters

Killarney departures additional $100.

Small Mouth Bass, Northern Pike, Musky and Walleye Charters

Please note these charters travel to distant scenic locations in North Channel including: Spanish River, Mcgregor Bay, Baie Finne, Frazer Bay, Killarney and Collins Inlet and Phillip Edward Island.

Shoreline Fishing (Spring & Fall)

Shoreline fishing for Rainbow Trout can be enjoyed by individuals and groups during the months of April, May and October.

We can accommodate up to 25 on our shoreline fishing adventures which include a tasty shoreline lunch.

GROUPS- Contact for pricing 

Manitoulin Island Guiding Service

Our guiding service is available for those who own their own boat and require our knowledgeable guides to accompany them.

Our guides can customize your trip to increase the chances of landing the “big one” by offering half and full day trips throughout the North Channel and Georgian Bay including many of Manitoulin’s inland lakes.

Killarney- manitoulin island water taxi

• Our water taxi offers pick up and drop off service from Killarney and Prairie Point in Wikwemikong.
• Our passenger shuttle service can accommodate up to 6 people.

Manitoulin island / killarney boat tours

Our scenic boat cruises depart from Prairie Point in Wikwemikong and are available by reservation only. Boat capacity is up to 6 people. We also partner with licensed charter captains for larger groups and organizations.

Zhiibaanaaning “ Canoe Passage ” Killarney & Indian Head

Little current- webajoong, collins inlet pictographs and beaverstone village, baie finne – topaz lake, view of wikwemkoong bay slips.

Wasse-Giizhik Tours and Accommodations

Tel: 705-562-5852 Email: [email protected]

• Link to Facebook
• Ice Fishing
• Accommodations

THE 5 BEST Manitoulin Island Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in manitoulin island.

• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Waterskiing & Jetskiing
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• Good for Kids
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. North Channel Cruise Line

2. Manitoulin Sport Fishing Charters

3. Wikwemikong Tourism

4. Wasse-Giizhik Tours

5. Canadian Yacht Charters

6. Island Time Boat Rentals

What travellers are saying

• North Channel Cruise Line
• Wasse-Giizhik Tours
• Island Time Boat Rentals
• Manitoulin Sport Fishing Charters
• Wikwemikong Tourism

THE 10 BEST Manitoulin Island Tours & Excursions

Manitoulin island tours.

• Hiking & Camping Tours
• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• Boat Rentals
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Honora Bay Riding Stables

2. Split Rail Brewing Company

3. North Channel Cruise Line

4. Manitoulin Sport Fishing Charters

5. Wikwemikong Tourism

6. Kicking Mule Riding Stables & Cookhouse

7. Wasse-Giizhik Tours

8. Canadian Yacht Charters

9. Island Time Boat Rentals

10. Flint + Flora

11. Sarah Earley

12. manitoulin eco park, what travelers are saying.

• Split Rail Brewing Company
• North Channel Cruise Line
• Wasse-Giizhik Tours
• Island Time Boat Rentals
• Honora Bay Riding Stables

2024 Calendar

Covid-19 update.

Sunset Dinner Cruise

The most fabulous place to be on a Thursday and Friday night! Take in the fresh Manitoulin air, magnificent scenery, delicious food and locally crafted beer.

The Benjamin Islands are pure gems only to be discovered on Lake Huron. Windswept pines and secluded picturesque smooth granite islands in every direction.

Entering the Town of Killarney by water is a highlight for many experienced sailors. Join us on a day trip filled with scenery, fresh air and locally caught fish n’ chips!

French for Slender Bay, this rugged and beautiful freshwater fjord is a sight to behold. Enjoy a hike in Killarney Park and swim in the secluded Lake Topaz.

Be part of the HawEater Weekend action on the water! This tour is a hit because of the live band, great scenery and incomparable view of the best firework display of the year!

Drop us a line

1 Water St West, Box 596, Little Current, On, P0P 1K0

Various Cruises

Departing from little current.

Departing from Killarney

COVID PUBLIC SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: At North Channel Cruise Line we are determined to help reduce the spread of respiratory infections including COVID-19.‍

Employees: At the beginning of each shift, employees will go through a ‘pre-work’ screening“health check” to confirm that they are not suffering from any possible COVID-19 symptoms.

The following are healthy hygiene practices that our employees have been trained in and are taking seriously:

Hand Hygiene: -washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and water are unavailable an alcohol-based sanitizer that contains 60-95% alcohol will be used.‍

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) & Physical Distancing: -PPE will be worn by employees based on their role and responsibilities and in adherence to current regulations. -Employees have been trained on how to effectively use, clean, and dispose of PPE. -Disposable gloves will be used when changing waste/recycling receptacles and will wash hands when task is completed. -When staff cannot safely physical distance 2 meters from passengers outside the service area, non-medical masks or face coverings will be utilized. -The bar and galley area has been enclosed behind plexiglass. -Restrooms have been equipped with new fresh air exchange equipment.‍

Passengers: A pre-board self-assessment will be required before boarding the Grand Heron. No one with potential COVID-19 symptoms will be permitted to board. Please reduce the personal items you bring on-board to necessity only.‍

Physical Distancing: -We have significantly limited our sailing capacity to 50%. This provides plenty of room for the 50 or less passengers that can board. -Signage and a safety announcement at the beginning of our sail will give direction on safe passenger flow while aboard. Tables and chairs have been spaced apart at a distance that will allow appropriate distancing from others.‍

Group Size: -Size of parties cannot exceed that of current public health authority restrictions. Passengers should stay within their group for the duration of the cruise and not circulate. -Family Groups/bubbles can stay together in a 6ft(2M) space as long as the group is at least 6 feet away from any other individuals or groups.

Hand washing: -Wash your hands often and avoid touching your face. Avoid touching surfaces. Use hand sanitizer frequently.‍

Mask wearing: It is suggested that passengers bring their own face coverings for their comfort. A nonsurgical mask will be provided to those who arrive without one. At this time, masks are mandatory as per governmental regulations. Masks must be worn at all times while inside the cabin areas including the washrooms or while passengers are on their feet away from their table. Masks can be removed only while a passenger is seated. ‍

‍ Cleaning and Sanitation: -Enhanced cleaning procedures have been introduced with special attention to high touch surfaces and objects. The frequency and approach have become necessarily more meticulous. -An after hours deep cleaning and sanitation will take place when a ferry service will be departing within 48 hours of the previous sailing. -Hand sanitizer is available for staff and guests at the entrance, exit and service counters.‍

Services: -In an effort to reduce person-to-person interaction we encourage contactless payment options such as use of touch Mastercard or Visa as opposed to cash payment when purchasing an item at the bar. -We recommend tipping digitally rather than using cash. -Designate one person from your group to go to the bar for beverages -Prep-packed meal options will be served to passengers when they are seated. Meals and beverages should be consumed on the outside decks.‍

While many of these procedures seem foreign, they are necessary to allow us to resume operations and share the exquisite beauty of the North Channel. Once we arrive at our destination whether it be the Benjamins, Baie Fine or Killarney, you will have the chance to freely explore these secluded beauties without a face covering and feel the sun on your face or take a refreshing dip in Lake Huron. We all want to return to normal life and we thank you for supporting our business through these most unusual times.