OntarioDreaming of the open road? Introducing Pitch a Trip, a program designed by Turo to help everyday Canadians and aspiring content creators turn their road trip dreams into reality. Today, we’re excited to share Paula’s unforgettable 4-day summer escape to Manitoulin Island, where she and her boyfriend explored beaches, hiked stunning lookouts, and cruised the island in a Jeep Wrangler with the top open and lake views all around.
The pitch
Paula had her sights set on Manitoulin Island — the world’s largest freshwater island — for a road trip that blended adventure, natural beauty, and small-town charm. She wanted the freedom to explore at her own pace, so she booked a Jeep Wrangler through Turo. With its open-air roof, lake views around every turn, and the perfect mix of comfort and capability, it became an essential part of the trip’s magic.
The destination
Manitoulin Island is a summertime dream for outdoor lovers. From provincial parks and sandy beaches to heritage landmarks and scenic ferries, it offers endless opportunities to connect with nature. Paula’s itinerary included the island’s must-see sights like Bridal Veil Falls, Providence Bay Beach, and Misery Bay Provincial Park, as well as off-island gems like the Lion’s Head Lookout in Bruce Peninsula National Park.
The journey
The adventure began on July 5, leaving Toronto for the 6-7 hour drive to Manitoulin. Taking the Sudbury route, Paula and her boyfriend made a few memorable stops along the way — hiking at Grundy Lake Provincial Park and visiting a stunning waterfall lookout near Sudbury — before crossing the historic Little Current Swing Bridge onto the island.
Arriving just in time for golden hour, their first stop was the iconic Bridal Veil Falls, where cascading water and lush greenery set the tone for the days ahead.
Over the next two days, they explored Manitoulin’s best: hiking scenic trails, spotting deer multiple times, wandering through the charming town of Little Current, and catching one of the most spectacular sunsets Paula has ever seen at Providence Bay. Even a full day of rain didn’t slow them down — they simply adjusted their plans and made the most of the island’s beauty.
The final stretch of the trip included a bucket-list moment: boarding the Chi-Cheemaun ferry from Manitoulin to Tobermory. The 2-hour journey treated them to turquoise waters, scattered islands, and open skies. From there, they headed to Lion’s Head for a long-awaited hike to the top of the cliffs. “The views were incredible — one of my favorite hikes in Ontario,” Paula shared.
Pro tips:
Start early: It’s a long drive, so plan to leave in the morning and make quick scenic stops along the way.
Book the ferry in advance: The Chi-Cheemaun fills up quickly in summer, so reserve your spot online.
Plan for weather: Many activities on Manitoulin are outdoors, so have a rainy-day backup plan.
Pack snacks and water: Grocery stores on the island are limited and spread out.
Reserve Lion’s Head ahead of time: The trail requires a booking to manage visitor numbers.
The Turo experience
Here’s what Paula had to say about his experience with Turo:
“Everything was smooth, pick up and drop off was on time and our host was very communicative and responsive at any time. The car couldn’t be more perfect for this trip, it made it even more memorable and it was more fuel efficient than we thought it would be, very comfortable and with nice features like Sky One-Touch Power Roof. I’ve been a loyal costumer of Turo for 4 years now, and that’s because I found it very easy and reliable. Finding cars near me, and prices that adjust to my budget are some of my favorite perks. I’m a new host on Turo as well, and the experience so far has been amazing, I recommend Turo to everyone I know”
Turo offers a wide selection of vehicles to fit any budget, style, and occasion. Whether you’re looking for a compact car for a quick getaway, an SUV for a family road trip, or an EV for an eco-friendly adventure, Turo has you covered.
Feeling inspired by Paula’s adventure? Then why not create your own?
