Hike Coastal Alvar Trail, Misery Bay Provincial Park
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About this place
Manitoulin has a lot of great hiking and this trail exemplifies all of the best qualities of the island! The trail is one of several in Misery Bay Provincial Park and follows the shoreline out to Lake Huron and back through the forest.
The Coastal Alvar Trail is an 8km loop that is rated as Moderate, although for those used to hiking in higher elevations or summits it would be considered easy.
The trail is well-marked with hand-written signs. You begin at the Visitor Centre (that has laminated maps you can take with you) and walk through the forest to the beach. From there you follow the shoreline of Misery Bay/Lake Huron for approximately 3.5km over rocky cliff edges and sand.
The second half of the loop leads you through the thick, Northern Ontario forest. I was hiking in March and the trail was still covered in snow and water in sections. My feet and legs were soaked but the sun was shining so I was happy.