Advance

Tucked along the tranquil north shore of Manitoulin Island, Advance unfolds as a lakeside locality where rural charm meets timeless natural beauty. Overlooking the sapphire-blue expanse of Lake Huron, this community is wrapped by rolling forests and rocky outcrops, offering a glimpse of wild Ontario at its most serene. The town’s connection to both Indigenous heritage and settler history is evident through lovingly preserved sites and welcoming locals keen to share stories over a coffee at the village café.

Advance is perhaps best defined by its easy pace and close relationship with the outdoors. Just steps from the centre, quiet bays and pebbled beaches invite sunseekers and paddlers to spend lazy afternoons immersed in the soothing sounds of nature. The renowned M’Chigeeng Trail, nearby, winds through hardwood forest and leads to scenic lookouts that offer panoramic views over Lake Huron’s glittering water and the varied shades of Manitoulin’s landscape. Fishing enthusiasts can cast out from the characterful dock, hoping for a fresh catch, while cyclists and hikers explore quiet routes alive with the calling of songbirds.

The community’s passion for culture and gatherings comes alive each August during the Advance Summer Fair, where local musicians, artists and artisans transform the main street with vibrant displays, open-air music and traditional food stalls celebrating the bounty of the land. Guests often linger around the Advance Heritage Hall, a focal point for storytelling nights and theatre performances that reflect the island way of life. Meandering between farm stands, rustic bakeries and the welcoming Advance Diner, visitors discover flavours rooted in local produce and age-old recipes. Surrounded by natural wonders and woven together by a strong sense of community, Advance extends a warm invitation to linger, explore and savour the simple joys of island living.