2021 Algoma Travel Guide - Magazine - Page 70
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,
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, libraries, public
beaches and trails within easy walking distance of the business
centre, St. Joseph Island has something for everyone.
Hilton Beach
H
ilton Beach offers many services such as restaurants
(two licenced under the LLBO), a general store, post
office, motel, tourist park with cabins and hookups for trailers,
public library, automotive garage, and a full service marina
known as one of the largest in the North Channel and one of
the most scenic on the Great Lakes.
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
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The two villages, Hilton Beach and Richards Landing, have a
variety of businesses to serve the traveler, as well as hosting
many community events.