Toronto 
One of the top things about a summer vacation on St. Joseph Island is the area’s ease of access. No boats are required to get to St. Joseph Island; however, this is still an option!
Credit: Parks Canada/Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site
St. Joseph Island is connected to the mainland in Northern Ontario with direct bridge access. Once here, it is easy to see all the dozens of other reasons it is such a wonderful summer destination.
St. Joseph Island is easy to explore on bikes or in a car and within a day. However, the area is also home to many wonderful cottages, cabins, and inns for an extended stay. During that stay, make time for local events and festivals, historical touring, hiking or bike touring, and finding the best shoreline locations.
Access and how to get there
St. Joseph Island is connected to mainland Ontario with a bridge from the north: ON-548.
Boaters may access St. Joseph with the Hilton Beach Marina or Richards Landing Marina, both of which offer services and amenities for boaters.
St. Joseph Island Historical Attractions
There is much history to uncover and explore while you’re here! And these historical attractions will bring your adventures or sightseeing to all parts of St. Joseph Island.
- Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site (also the site of the St. Joseph Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary) contains the ruins of the original Fort which can be viewed on heritage demonstrations or a short hike through the park. The walk through the site will also bring you to the shores of Lake Huron where you may spot one of the area’s 200 species of birds.
- St. Joseph Island Museum is in the centre of the Island and gives you a chance to take a scenic country drive or bike ride. The museum contains a few preserved buildings to explore, all of which contain artifacts relating to the Island’s rich heritage and history. The Museum also host summer events like a Heritage Day festival, a Teddy Bear Picnic, and day camps.
- The villages of Hilton and Richard’s Landing both contain a handful of historical buildings including Richards Landing Jail, and you can create a self-guided historical walk around town.
The Best Trails on St. Joseph Island
Part of what makes the hiking on St. Joseph Island great are the varying shoreline views. There are chances to take in views of Lake Huron, St. Mary’s River, where the two meet, or the St. Joseph Channel. Plus, St. Joseph Island has some densely forested areas that create natural shade and scenery for a summer hike.
- Adcock’s Woodland Gardens offers a peaceful, scenic, and overall beautiful escape with their woodland trail. The manicured gardens are public and free to enter with something to offer in terms of scenery for each season. The summer months provide a lush and green environment for you to walk with flowers in full bloom.
- The St. Joseph Island Centennial Grounds have an adjacent woodland area and mature maple tree forest that is home to gentle trails which create a series of short loops, and one larger loop.
- Stribling Park borders the St. Mary’s River on the west side of St. Joseph Island, with looping trails through the trees. The trails will lead to viewing areas over the St. Mary’s River and shipping channel.
- Explore the trails at Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site, where four nature trails wind through lush forests. Whether you have 20 or 90 minutes, each trail offers unique experiences, from the wheelchair-accessible Rains Point Trail to the historic Cemetery Trail, LaPointe Point Trail, and Voyageur Trail, all leading to the stunning shores of Lake Huron.
- Part of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, the waterfront trail offers a great way to experience the Island on two wheels.
Beach & Water Fun
There are three main beaches on St. Joseph Island with playgrounds and washrooms, picnic areas, and parking areas. Plus, a few smaller beaches dot the island’s shores.
- Forbes Community Park in Hilton is close to the amenities of town as well as the marina. Find yourself a shady picnic spot under the tall trees beside the beach.
- Twin Lakes Park is on Twin Lakes and is central to the island. The Twin Lakes offer warmer and shallower swimming water over Huron.
- A visit to Women’s Institute Park and beach will bring your water adventures to the north part of the island. The beach is on the St. Jospeh Channel facing northwest, making it a wonderful sunset-viewing location.
Where to Eat on the Island
The Hilton Beach Farmers’ Market may provide fresh food options for picnics, or to take back and cook at your cabin or cottage. Plus, there is a handful of local eateries on St. Joseph Island ready to make your breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacking a lot easier.
- There are two places to stop right after crossing the bridge, which are especially convenient if you had a longer trip to St. Joseph Island; try the Black Bear Café & Bakery, or Stub-bees Beestro.
- In Hilton Beach, visit the Tilt’n Hilton Steakhouse (3120 Marks St, Hilton Beach), which has a waterfront patio.
Where to Stay Around the Island
No matter where you lay your head on St. Joseph Island, you’re guaranteed a cozy spot, a relaxing getaway, and opportunities for time around the fire or out on the decks/patios. Take time to explore all the options, as they all have something a little different to offer to enhance your stay.
- The two main inns on the island are the Sunnyside Bed & Breakfast and Maria’s Cabins, both on the north side of St. Joseph Island.
- A quick browse on Airbnb will reveal gorgeous cottages with private docks, RV rentals, single lodge rooms, or full apartment rentals.
- This private Summerhill Farm cabin on the Island includes a private house on 60 acres of land and is only a 5-minute drive from Hilton Beach.
- Stay with this private cottage farmhouse near Richards Landing for its charm and incredible list of amenities.
