Categories: Things To Do

This island in Ontario is home to beaches & a bustling waterfront

Photo via jrtwynam / Shutterstock

We love our busy city, but every once in a while, we could use an escape. If you want a taste of lazy island living here in Ontario, you have to pay a visit to the charming St. Joseph Island.

Nestled in the channel between Lake Huron and Lake Superior, St. Joseph Island is a little slice of paradise.

It’s actually linked to the mainland by a bridge, so it’s easy to get to by car.

Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by two friendly communities — Richards Landing and Hilton Beach.

Both are home to a variety of great restaurants, shops, attractions, outdoor destinations, and cozy overnight accommodations, says the town’s website.

There are multiple parks and swimmable beaches on the island, including Women’s Institute Park which has floating docks, a sandy shoreline, and picnic shelters.

Richards Landing is the main part of town with a full-service marina and a shoreline boardwalk, with plenty of places to stop for food and drinks along the way.

Boaters must pay a visit to the scenic Whiskey Rock for views of towering cliffs and turquoise water.

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On July 28th, the island hosts its annual Boat Parade of Lights, which will give you a taste of the vibrant community spirit.

The surrounding waters are a fisherman’s delight, with year-round opportunities to reel in northern pike, trout, bass, and salmon.

In the fall, the island’s abundant maple forests transform with bursts of red, orange, and yellow.

This island is famous for its abundant flow of maple syrup, and every spring, the town hosts all kinds of events to celebrate — we’re talking pancake breakfasts galore!

And before you head home, be sure to soak up the mountaintop views at P Line Hill, which is said to have the best views of the island.

There are so many unique islands to visit in Ontario and St. Joseph is worth putting at the top of your list!