Bebamikawe Memorial Trail for Hiking on Manitoulin Island

Nina Out and About contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Manitoulin Island is home to some of the most stunning hikes in Northern Ontario. One of my favourites is the Bebamikawe Memorial Trail.

Located on the eastern side of Manitoulin, in Wikwemikong, this trail takes you along a coastal track, through cliffs, and up to stunning lookout points.

As a bonus, it also offers a fitness trail full of free, outdoor fitness equipment. This shorter trail leads you down to the water so you can even take a dip after a long hike.

This 14km trail system is perfect for beginner hikers, adventurers, and and leaf peepers hoping to enjoy some of the natural beauty that this part of Ontario is famous for. You’ll love this easy trail with only a few inclines.

To help you prepare to hike this amazing hiking trail and to get the complete interactive experience, I’ve prepared a guide that I wish I’d had before setting out to hike Bebamikawe Memorial Trail.

Get your hiking boots ready, cause you’ll be dying to climb some trails after this!

Quick Facts About the Bebamikawe Memorial Trail

Difficulty: Intermediate

Elevation: 186m

Type: Loop Trail

Length: 12km if you do all 3 trails

Duration: 4 hours total

Address: Beach Rd, Ontario. Follow signs for “Bebamikawe Memorial Trail”

AllTrails Map: Click here

Bebamikawe Memorial Trail, Manitoulin Island Map

Trailhead Location

The Bebamikawe Memorial Trail begins at Beach Rd, Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada.

Google Maps recognizes “Bebamikawe Memorial Trail” and will lead you directly to the location.

For other GPS, enter the following coordinates:

Latitude: 45° 49′ 40.1772” N
Longitude: 81° 40′ 18.8256” W

How to Get to the Hike

Bebamikawe is located in Wikwemikong on Manitoulin Island. To get to this region, take Highway 6.

Exit on Meredith Street. Follow to Cardwell Street. Turn onto Wikwemikong Way.

Turn right onto Maple Street then another right onto Beach Road.

Beach road is unpaved and very choppy. If you have a nice car, you won’t want to take this route. In our RV, we felt like we might tip over at any moment, even when we were going 10km/h. It’s 4km of dusty, rough road before you’ll reach the Bebamikawe trailhead.

Cost to Hike the Trail

Most hikes in Ontario are free. However, Bebamikawe is located on Indigenous land. They maintain the area, including keeping trail dogs to prevent bear attacks.

To thank them for their hard work, a $5 CAD parking fee is enforced.

You can buy this pass online ahead of time, as the machine at the trail is out of service.

Nina posing at the viewpoint from the Warriors Trail at Bebamikawe

How Long Does it Take to Hike the Bebamikawe Memorial Trail?

The trail has many route options.

You can take the short 1.9km Fitness Trail, with the expectation that you’ll stop along the way to workout. The time it takes to hike this trail is mainly dependant on your stops at the machines, as it can otherwise be done in 30 minutes.

My friend and I hiked half of the Bebamikawe Trail, as it was getting late in the day and we didn’t want to risk the evening mosquitos. Hiking the Warriors Trail took us about 1.5-2 hours. If we were to complete the whole thing, I’m sure it would have taken 3.5-4.5 hours with all of the photo stops I make us take.

When to Hike the Trail

The best time to visit the Bebamikawe Trail is during fall. In spring and summer, there are a ton of mosquitoes.

We heard tell of these mosquitoes, but when we visited the first week of September, only three were buzzing around, which allowed us to hike in peace.

Bebamikawe interpretive hiking experience sign on the Warrior Trail name

History of the Bebamikawe Memorial Trail Through the Interpretive Trail

The Bebamikawe Memorial Trail isn’t just a fun hiking trail on Manitoulin Island. It has a rich cultural history relating to the Anishnaabek of Wikwemikong.

When you hike the trail, you’ll get to experience the history of the Ashinaabek peoples through signage explaining the previous use of the land, the traditional uses of flora, and what the trail meant to their survival.

These easy to read signs give you a moment to take a water break and connect with the traditional peoples whose land you are exploring.

Dodems at the start of the Bebamikawe trail

Start your hike from the seven clan dodems (the wooden statues at the trailhead). Follow the Warriors Trail to visit some of the most diverse plant life in North America, complete with the interpretive signage that will add a rich history to your hike.

Bebamikawe interpretive hiking experience sign on the use of plants

Bebamikawe interpretive hiking experience sign on the canoe passages

Bebamikawe interpretive hiking experience sign on the mountain trading post

Hiking the Bebamikawe Memorial Trail

Trail Options

The Bebamikawe Memorial Trail is made up of five options for hikers:

Fitness Trail (1.5km)
Connector Link (800m that leads to the Warriors Trail and Three Fire Trail)
Warriors Trail Loop (4.4km)
Three Fires Trail Loop (4.3km)

You can combine the Connector, Warriors, and Three Fires trails to do the “Entire Trail Loop” track, which is 9.2km total.

Connectors Link

If you are hiking any of the loop tracks, you will need to start at the Connectors Link.

This trail is located to the left from the seven dodem statues.

This is the easiest part of the Bebamikawe Memorial Trail hike. You’ll stroll through softly trampled grass between skinny saplings and bush. In some places, the grass gives way to well trodden dirt that you can follow easily.

The Connectors Link is wide enough for three people to walk side-by-side easily.

Anyone can hike this easy Manitoulin hiking trail. You’ll have no problem with the terrain even if you’re not wearing proper hiking boots.

Warriors Trail Loop

The Warriors Trail Loop is the easternmost loop from the Connectors Link.

The trail is traditionally known as “Ogitchidaa’ aa Miikaanhs” and is named for the warriors who have passed into the spirit world. It honours the warriors who passed pre-contact and post-contact who lost their lives for the good of others.

This trail involves some ascents and unclear ground where novice hikers will need to go slowly. Unlike the earlier Connectors Link, this is a proper forest hiking trail. You’ll need to wear hiking boots to avoid sticks, roots, rocks, and potential snakes.

My friend and I chose to hike this trail for the scenic viewpoints over the waterways.

The trail evens out once you’ve ascended, allowing you to hike peacefully, although you’ll need to keep your eyes on the ground for safe stepping. Every now and then you’ll get a beautiful glimpse of crystal blue waters through the birch forest.

The Warriors Trail Loop includes two lookouts: North Channel Lookout and Nahdweh Lookout. The first has views of the channel that the Anishnaabek people would use to canoe along with sacred mountains visited on vision quests. The second allows you to see ancient fishing islands and an abandoned trading post.

Along the route, you’ll pass through a historic preserved area that was once a farm that the Anishnaabek people used to tend.

The route is well marked, so you’ll have no risk of getting lost. Follow the signs for the Warriors Trail to ensure you’re going in the right direction.

At the end of the trail, you’ll reach the start of the Connectors Link. You can either return or continue along the Three Fires Trail Loop.

Three Fires Trail Loop

Three Fires Trail Loop takes hikers along the Western side of the Bebamikawe Memorial Trail. You’ll travel 4.3km to see two lookouts, one of which looks out over the rich Manitoulin Forests. It’d be perfect to visit during autumn, when you’ll get to enjoy the fall foliage in Northern Ontario.

This trail is much like the Warriors Trail, with some elevation for hikers to get above the main treeline. You’ll then need to watch your step to avoid turning an ankle on the rocks.

This trail is supposed to be gorgeous to hike through, with the birch forest parting to give you vantage points over the surrounding area throughout the hike.

We were worried about daylight hours so we skipped this portion, but I can’t wait to return to hike it in the future!

Fitness Trail

The Fitness Trail is for those missing the gym. You can use this outdoor trail down to the water to work out with five fitness stations.

It’s a short trail, so you can hike it easily even if you aren’t looking to work out.

The trail is a granular surface trail, so you’ll need shoes with good traction, like running shoes. Avoid sandals in this area.

Tips for Hiking the Bebamikawe Memorial Trail

Pack LOTS of water. The trees don’t protect you overhead, so it can get quite hot. The steep inclines at various points along the trail are also thirst-inducing.
Hiking Manitoulin Island has a risk of snakes. Wear proper hiking boots to ensure your feet are protected.
There are bears in the area. Be sure you know what to do if you see a bear. I recommend carrying bear repellant that you know how to use.
Talk along the trail – bears don’t like the noise. They’ll likely leave you alone.
You’ll need bug spray – even in the less buggy times of year.
Watch out for poison ivy. Stay on the trail to avoid exposure.
As always when hiking in Ontario, leave nothing but footprints.

Trail Amenities

Ample car parking
Public toilets
Easy to read signage
Interactive experience signs throughout
Firepits and cooking stations for rent at the trailhead
Trail dogs to help prevent bears

Where to Park

When you drive in to the Bebamikawe Trail Head, you’ll enter the gravel parking lot. There are ample spaces for parking. On the day we arrived, there were two RVs and they both fit easily (ours included).

You’ll need to ensure you pay for a parking pass before heading to the trail.

What to Pack for the Bebamikawe Memorial Trail

Be sure to wear proper hiking boots.
Pack a reusable water bottle that has at least 1L of fresh water.
I always recommend hiking with a snack. My favourite are pepperoni sticks, chocolate with almonds, and apples. The vistas are a great place to stop for a healthy hiking snack.
Bring a camera or phone.
If you are hiking alone, be sure to have a portable GPS or satellite phone so you can contact others in case of an emergency.
A hiking backpack to hold your gear and have somewhere to store the layers you may need to remove along the way.

What to Wear Hiking

It is important to wear the right clothing when hiking in order to enjoy your time outdoors. While you can hike in a variety of shoes and clothes, there are certain items that will make hiking more enjoyable.

Gear has improved over the years so it’s no longer necessary for hikes to be uncomfortable or frustrating!

Here are some general guidelines on what to wear hiking:

Hiking boots are a necessity. These trails have rocks, roots, and the occasional garter snake (which thankfully I never saw). Sturdy boots with good tread are a must.
If you are hiking in the winter, be sure to have proper snow boots/shoes.
It is best to avoid cotton clothing because it absorbs sweat and can leave you feeling cold when wet. Instead choose synthetic materials that wick away moisture making them more insulating than cotton as well as dry faster after getting wet.
Wear layers on this hike, especially if you go in the morning. You’ll want to be able to strip down as you get hot during the walk. When we walked around mid-day, I only needed a tank top and my shorts.
This is an easy hike, so you can wear leggings. However, I recommend a pair of proper hiking pants.
This is an easy hike, so shorts or capris will be fine. However, if hiking in the winter I would recommend pants over leggings because of wind resistance.
You should wear sunscreen on this hike even if it’s cloudy.
Always put on bug spray. These trails are very forested, and mozzies can ruin a good walk.

For more hiking tips and specific recommendations on my favourite hiking gear, check out my hiking guide.

Where to Stay

Looking for somewhere to stay nearby?

My favourite option is Batmans Campgrounds.

We stayed at Batmans with our rental RV. You can also camp in a tent or car camp in their spacious lots.

With free WIFI, live music on weekends until 11pm, and $8 canoe rentals, this is an epic campground to enjoy your time in Manitoulin Island.

While there are hotels and Airbnbs to stay at, I recommend trying out a campground. It’s the best way to enjoy the early morning sunsets, the serenity of the forest, and to get back to nature.

If you don’t want to camp, Batmans also offers cottage rentals.

Rent a Car

To hike on Manitoulin Island, you’ll need to rent a car. Many locations aren’t accessible by public transport or trains.

You’ll have more freedom by renting a car to explore more hiking trails and attractions in Northern Ontario.

I recommend using Discover Cars to quickly compare rental options.

Their comparison tool does the homework for you, so there’s no need to have up 10+ tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. Actually, you can save up to 70% using their tool!

Rent an RV

If, like me, you’d rather experience a Northern Ontario road trip in the comforts of home, you should rent an RV.

I rented a 25 foot RV from Montreal. It came with all of the features I needed, like a back up camera, room for two beds, a generator, and easy to use appliances. It even included a 1 hour lesson on how to use the RV before my friend and I hit the road.

With RVs available across North America, you’re sure to find one in your hometown so you can experience more amazing road trips.

Rent your RV today with RVShare.

Closing Thoughts on Hiking Manitoulin Island’s Bebamikawe Memorial Trail

Although this hiking trail isn’t a part of the cultural tour that the Cup and Saucer Trail is, you’ll definitely get a cultural experience when you explore Bebamikawe. Not only will you be directly supporting the Indigenous peoples who reside in the area through your parking fee, but you’ll also be learning about their history.

Even if you aren’t into history, you’ll love this fun hiking trail. It’s perfect for beginner hikers and seasoned adventurers alike.

I loved visiting with my friend for a fun hike that we could chat through. Unlike some of the strenuous hikes I’ve done, this one was all about enjoyment the whole way through.

What are you waiting for? Book to visit Manitoulin Island and hike the Bebamikawe Memorial Trail today!

Pin this for later!

Canada Travel Planning Guide

🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?

100% YES! — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!

💧Can you drink the water in Canada?

Yes — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.

🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?

Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)

📲 Will my phone work in Canada?

Maybe — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.

🏩 What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?

My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).

Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!

✈️ What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?

For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.

🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?

Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.