St . Joseph Island
Many 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 Ojibway 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 , to 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 , championship 9-hole golf course , 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 traveler , as well as hosting many special community events .
Hilton Beach
Hilton Beach offers many services such as restaurants ( two licenced under the LLBO ), a general store , gift shops , post office , motel , tourist park with cabins , hookups for trailers and a convenience store , public computer site with high-speed and WiFi , full service marina known as one of the largest in the North Channel and one of the most scenic on the Great Lakes , public library and a hairdresser .
Many events take place through the summer months . Arts at the Dock is one of the largest shows in Algoma . The Hilton Beach Car Show features about 100 original , restored cars . Old Town Hall concerts brings some of the best Canadian musicians .
For more information write Village of Hilton Beach , Box 25 , Hilton Beach ON P0R 1G0 , email info @ hiltonbeach . com or visit us online at www . hiltonbeach . com
57 2017 Algoma Travel Guide