|
|
St Joseph Island, On 
|
|
Many colourful stories – some legend, some historical fact – are told about St. Joseph Island the most western of the Manitoulin chain of islands. Situated in the channel between Lakes Huron an Superior, it is 4km (28mi) long and 24km (15mi) whide. This 140,000 acre island is located 45km (28mi) east of Sault Ste. Marie via Highways 17 and 548 - it's a great place to stay and tour.
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.
Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site of Canada is a must-see stop. The British chose St. Joseph Island as the ideal location for a fort because of its proximity to Fort Mackinac and 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 non-toll bridge which opened in 1972. With a full service marina, championship 9-hole golf course, libraries, public beaches and trails within easy walking distance of the business centre, St. Joseph Township 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.
|
|
|
 
|
