Meldrum Bay on Manitoulin Island has a marina 🛥️ favored by boaters around the Great Lakes. It’s a destination for campers ⛺️ from the Great Lakes region
Where is Meldrum Bay?
Meldrum Bay is a small village located on the western tip of Manitoulin Island in Ontario, Canada. It sits on the shores of the North Channel, which connects Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. Meldrum Bay is about a 1.5 hour drive from the town of Little Current on Highway 540.
What to Do in Meldrum Bay?
Meldrum Bay is known as a quiet, relaxing destination for boaters, fishermen, and campers. The village’s marina is well equipped to service both seasonal and transient boaters travelling around the Great Lakes. With new docks and top-notch amenities like electricity, water, pump out, laundry, and shower facilities, boaters recognize Meldrum Bay Marina as the first Canadian customs port for those travelling east from Michigan and American ports.
In addition to the marina, Meldrum Bay has a campground owned and operated by the Dawson Township Citizens Improvement Association. Campers from around the Great Lakes appreciate a quiet, simple get-away in Meldrum Bay. The campground provides sites with electricity and water hookups.
Meldrum Bay is also a favoured fishing destination, with some of the best chinook salmon fishing in all of Canada found in these waters. Commercial fishing boats and Great Lakes steamers once lined the docks, making Meldrum Bay a busy fishing and lumbering centre. Today, the village offers charter fishing trips for visitors hoping to reel in a big catch.
What Makes Meldrum Bay Special?
Meldrum Bay has retained its small town charm, with heritage buildings like the Meldrum Bay Inn, built in the 1870s. Settled originally by Scottish immigrants, the village was named after a town in Scotland. The Net Shed Museum provides a glimpse into Meldrum Bay’s past as a fishing and lumber town.
At the very tip of Manitoulin Island is the historic Mississagi Lighthouse, warning boats of the dangerous waters and shoals around the Island. Visitors can take a day trip to explore the lighthouse and attached lightkeeper’s house.
Meldrum Bay Marina and Campground
The waters of Meldrum Bay are a favoured boating destination, and the marina is well equipped to service both seasonal boaters as well as transient boaters and campers from around the Great Lakes. The marina provides new docks, electricity, water hookups, pump out, laundry, showers and other amenities to make it a convenient first stop in Canada for those travelling east from Lake Superior, Michigan and American ports. The campground located right in the village is owned and operated by the Citizens of Dawson Township and offers quiet, scenic sites with electric and water hookups for RVs and trailers. Between the first-class marina and the peaceful campground, Meldrum Bay has everything needed for an ideal Great Lakes getaway.
Are There Hotels and Restaurants?
Accommodations can be found at the Meldrum Bay Inn, a restored country inn, as well as nearby resorts like White Sea Resort. There are also a handful of Airbnbs and cottages for rent in the area.
The Meldrum Bay Inn’s pub and patio has delicious food and gorgeous views over the water. The village also has a seasonal general store, Dukes of Meldrum, for any supplies you need during your stay.
In summary, Meldrum Bay offers natural beauty and a chance to experience small town Ontario. Its marina, campground, fishing, and historic sites make it the perfect destination for an easygoing Great Lakes getaway.
