North Channel (Ontario) facts for kids

North Channel marked in dark blue.

The North Channel is a beautiful body of water located in Ontario, Canada. It runs along the northern edge of Lake Huron, one of the Great Lakes. This channel is about 160 nautical miles long, which is roughly 296 kilometers.

The North Channel has many interesting borders. To its east is Georgian Bay. To the west, it meets the St. Marys River. The northern side is bordered by parts of the Algoma and Sudbury districts. To the south, you'll find several islands. These include Manitoulin Island, Cockburn Island, Drummond Island, and St. Joseph Island. At its widest point, the channel is more than 30 kilometers (20 miles) across.

The North Channel connects to the main part of Lake Huron through two other waterways. These are the False Detour Channel and the Mississagi Strait. These channels help separate the islands mentioned earlier from the mainland.

Many people consider the North Channel one of the best places in the world for freshwater boating. Along its shores, you can find small towns with marinas. These marinas offer services and supplies for boats and visitors. A large part of the northern shore is next to La Cloche Provincial Park. This park adds to the area's stunning natural beauty.

Crossing the North Channel

Little Current as seen across the North Channel

There are only two places where roads cross the North Channel. One is the Little Current Swing Bridge. This bridge carries Highway 6 between Manitoulin Island and the mainland of Northern Ontario. The other crossing is the Bernt Gilbertson Bridge. This bridge carries Highway 548 from the mainland to St. Joseph Island. Both bridges are built at the narrowest points of the channel.

Protecting the North Channel's Land

The land around the North Channel is looked after by the Georgian Bay Land Trust. This organization works to protect important natural areas. They focus on land that has special ecological, geological, or historical value. Their goal is to keep these places safe for future generations.

Communities Along the North Shore

The towns and communities on the mainland side of the North Channel are often called the North Shore region. This area stretches between the townships of Tarbutt and Nairn and Hyman. This name usually does not include the communities located on St. Joseph or Manitoulin islands.

Waterways Within the North Channel

The North Channel includes several smaller bodies of water. These are:

• Izaak Walton Bay
• Lake Nicolet
• Sturgeon Bay