2024 Algoma-Travel-Guide-online 100 - Flipbook - Page 69
St. Joseph Island
M
any colourful stories – some legend, some
historical fact — are told about St. Joseph
Island, the 2nd largest freshwater island in the world,
situated in the channel between Lakes Huron and Superior.
About 45 km (28 mi) long and 24 km (15 mi) wide, the
140,000-acre island is 56 km (28 mi) east of Sault Ste.
Marie via Highways 17 and 548. Originally named Anipich,
the Ojibwe word for “place of the hardwood trees”, the
Island was given its present name by Jesuit missionaries to
honour the patron saint of a new Indian church they were
building. St. Joseph Island has been listed as the ideal
destination for “ride and bike” cyclists. Whether you’re an
avid cyclist, a weekend enthusiast, or just cycle for fun and
fresh air, St. Joseph Island offers the perfect mix of rolling
hills, canopied side roads, picturesque vistas, low traffic
rates and friendly services for distance riding or circular
routes.
Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site of Canada is a mustsee stop. The British chose St. Joseph Island as the ideal
location for a fort because of its proximity to Fort Mackinac,
the navigation routes controlling the fur trade and access to
the Great Lakes. It was from Fort St. Joseph that a surprise
invasion took place in 1812, leading to the capture of the
American Fort on Mackinac Island.
The Island is linked to the mainland by a toll-free bridge,
opened in 1972.
With full-service marinas, libraries, public beaches and trails
within easy walking distance of the business centre, St.
Joseph Island has something for everyone.
The two villages, Hilton Beach and Richards Landing, have
a variety of businesses to serve the traveller, as well as
hosting many community events.
Hilton Beach
T
he beautiful Village of Hilton Beach offers many
amenities including, a general store, post office,
motel, seasonal tourist park (with trailer hook ups), a
public library, playgrounds, a boardwalk and a public
beach. Visitors are invited to walk around the Village and
experience the local wildlife including otters, muskrats,
deer, and an abundance of birds and butterflies. Our fullservice marina is one of the largest in the North Channel
and one of the most scenic on the Great Lakes.
Hilton Beach hosts unique events all summer long
including one of the largest art shows in the area, a classic
car show, and a community night parade & festival.
For more information visit our website at
www.hiltonbeach.com or email info@hiltonbeach.com
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