Tuesday we headed south to Manitoulin Island - the world's largest fresh water island. It's a 2.5 hour drive (one way) from Elliot Lake and by the time we reached Espanola (still on the mainland) it was already time for a short stop to enjoy our picnic lunch. As luck would have it the sun peaked through the clouds to showcase the gorgeous autumn colours on .
Another quick stop along the way was Whitefish Falls for another photo shoot.
Our Manitoulin destination, the small community of Providence Bay, hugs the Lake Huron shoreline. But it wasn't the lake we'd come to see. It was this incredible mural painted on the south side of The Mutchmor Gallery building.
The detail and colours are exquisite.
Next we strolled to the lake and walked along the boardwalk. Two other people walked in the sand. I wonder if they were barefoot? They could easily have done so as the temperature reached 17C. Not bad at all for mid October!
From the boardwalk we captured this view of the town of Providence Bay.
Hidden behind the trees is this gorgeous home. It would be amazing during the summer months, but I'm not so sure I'd want to spend the long, cold winter months here. A week, perhaps, but no more!
Heading back home via Highway 6 part of the road hugs the eastern part of the island. Naturally we stopped to admire the view. The trading post (now closed for the season) is a favourite during the summer tourist season.
The views from the lookout are breathtaking.
Back on the mainland we continued oohing and aahing at every corner along the way. The slant of the sun glistened atop the fall leaves making the stark, rugged rock of the Canadian Shield all the more impressive.
One final stop was Willisville Road just north of Espanola. What a view!
Total driving time was about 5 hours and we covered approximately 500 kilometres - about the same distance as driving from London, England to Paris, France! The long drive aside, e'd like to thank these talented individuals for sharing their artistic endeavours with everyone who visits Providence Bay on beautiful Manitoulin Island.
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