Hiking the Amazing Cup and Saucer Trail on Manitoulin Island
The Cup and Saucer Trail
One of our favourite things to do on Manitoulin Island is to hike the iconic Cup and Saucer Trail. Listed as one of the top five most beautiful trails in Ontario, thousands of people head to Manitoulin every year to experience this breathtaking hike.
The Cup and Saucer Trail not only boasts some of the most stunning views on the island, but it also has several family-friendly trails ranging in difficulty level, making it one of the best things to do on Manitoulin Island with kids.
And no matter how many times we return to Manitoulin Island to camp, swim, sightsee or hike, the Cup and Saucer Trail’s lush forest and variety of terrain, have us coming back again and again.
What is the Cup and Saucer trail?
The Cup and Saucer Trail is named for its unique rock shape. As the highest point on Manitoulin Island, the trail boasts 70 meters (230 ft) high cliffs stretching over 2 km (1.25 miles).
What a lot of people don’t realize, is that the Cup and Saucer Trail is actually a part of the Niagara Escarpment. As a result, this amazing system of trails actually houses some of the oldest forest ecosystems in eastern North America.
Running north from the Niagara region of Southern Ontario, the Niagara Escarpment is a 450 million-year-old rock formation composed mostly of limestone and shale. The jagged cliffs are actually a result of the limestone’s high resistance to the flow of water and glaciers over the years.
Why is the Cup and Saucer trail so popular?
Not only is the Cup and Saucer Trail extremely family-friendly, but it also boasts some of the most breathtaking views on the island. With four designated lookout points, it’s no wonder that this is the most popular hiking destination on Manitoulin.
The well-known east lookout point – a rock ledge that offers a panoramic view of the millions of trees that cover the island – can only be described as jaw-dropping! If you are looking for that perfect Instagram photo, this is where you will find it!
We would definitely describe this view as being one of the best we have ever seen. But standing on the edge of this cliff is dizzying! With no barriers, it may be a little scary for people who have a fear of heights, or for young kids.
Insider Tip: If you are looking for that perfect photo for Instagram, head to the third lookout (above right). When you are facing the lookout, to the left you will find a small path leading to another smaller lookout (above left). From here, you will have the perfect vantage point for that amazing shot!
Where Is The Cup And Saucer Trail?
The Cup and Saucer Trail can be found in the northern part of Manitoulin Island. Located about 20 km (12.4 miles) west of Little Current, the trailhead is situated just outside of the First Nations community of M’Chigeeng on HWY 540.
If you are planning to enter the location for the Cup and Saucer trail into your GPS, the exact address is:
4097 ON-540, Sheguiandah, ON P0P 1W0
The gravel parking lot for the Cup and Saucer Trail is pretty easy to locate. You will find a couple of large signs on the main highway to help guide you there.
Once you arrive, you will notice that the parking lot actually has two levels. The lower level is closer to the main trailhead. If this lot is full, head up to the overflow parking in the upper lot. Both lots have portable toilets and garbage bins for your convenience.
What is the cultural story behind the Cup and Saucer trail?
At the entrance to the Cup and Saucer trail, you will find a sign erected by the M’Chigeeng band members, which details the story of the area. The signs explain that the Ojibwe name, “Michigiwadinong,” means “bluff in the shape of a spearhead.”
The sign outlines the story of Nanabush (or Nanabozo), who is a known trickster in Indigenous oral traditions. On the one hand, Nanabush creates and protects life, while on the other, he is associated with mischief-making and breaking the rules.
Ojibwe storytelling uses his adventures and misadventures as a way to teach right from wrong. In the story of Michigiwadinong, it is said to be the place where Nanabush lay down his spearpoints while fleeing Iroquois warriors that he had been tormenting for countless generations.
How long does it take to hike the Cup and Saucer Trail?
Depending on which trail you opt for, your hike will typically take between 2 – 4 hours. Of course, you will need to factor in the trail conditions for the day, whether you are hiking with younger children, and how often you are stopping to “sightsee.”
How difficult is the Cup and Saucer Trail?
Both the Main Trail and the South Loop Trails are marked as easy to moderate. Parts of the trails are steep, with roots, boulders, and uneven pathways, so they may be difficult to navigate for people with mobility issues. And strollers would definitely not work.
However, the Escarpment Biosphere Conservatory did add ladders, ropes, and stairs to the trickier parts of the trails, making them a little more accessible and family-friendly.
The Adventure Trail is marked as difficult. You will need a little more physical readiness to complete this short trail. The trail is still family-friendly, as we have seen kids as young as 6 complete the trail.
Three Cup and Saucer Trails to Choose From
In total, there are 12 kilometres of forested hiking trails, as well as 2 kilometres of adventure trails. The trails are broken down into three easy-to-follow routes.
It’s pretty easy to select which Cup and Saucer Trail is best suited to the time you have available, and the degree of difficulty desired.
Red – Main Trail – Easy to Moderate
If you are short on time but want to have the best views, the red Main trail is definitely for you! This path starts at the trailhead and follows a 4 km (2.5 mile) loop. The trail will take you to the major lookout points, including the ever-popular east peak.
But just a heads up, the Main Trail was not an easy hike. Labelled as moderate, there was uneven terrain, stairs, and rocks to climb. However, anyone who is reasonably fit and able-bodied, would not have a problem.
Experienced hikers can complete the Main Trail loop in about 1 to 1.5 hours with stops. We were hiking Cup and Saucer with kids, so it took us approximately three hours to complete the trail. Of course, we were in no hurry and took the time to stop for photos and snacks.
We found the trails to be well-marked, although some of the markers are faded. It truly would be difficult to get lost! And even if you did manage to get turned around, the trail is so popular, that it wouldn’t be long before another group of hikers came along.
Red-Blue – South Loop Trail – Easy to Moderate
The blue South Loop Trail starts off on the red Main trail, taking you past the various lookout points, and then along the length of the escarpment. Once you reach the top of the Main trail, the blue trail brings you through the forest and remains mostly flat throughout its entirety.
The South Loop is the easiest trail to complete, but it is also the longest. This route adds 5 km to the Main trail, for a total hiking distance of 9 km. But if you have the time, it’s definitely a pretty great trail to try out!
Yellow – Adventure Trail – Strenuous
The shortest hike at Cup and Saucer is the yellow Adventure Trail at 500 m (.31 mile). This side trail can be reached by first taking the Main trail to about the halfway point. You will then see a sign pointing down to the base of the cliff!
If you have some experience hiking and are not in any hurry to get to the lookout points, this trail is something you may want to tackle. Rated as difficult, this trail takes a little more physical fitness and a good set of hiking shoes!
If your kids enjoy obstacle courses, then this Adventure Trail is perfect! There are several wooden ladders and stairways to scale, a rockfall to explore inside, and some obstacles to maneuver around.
Just be aware, most of the ladders are older and missing rungs. They were a little on the shaky side as well, so we were careful to test them out before putting our full weight on them.
As you continue along the trail, you will know that you are heading in the right direction, by keeping the cliff walls to your right. The Adventure trail ends with a climb up a relatively new wooden stairway. From this point, you won’t be too far from the East Lookout.
It took our family approximately 45 minutes to complete the adventure trail. I’m not sure how typical this is. We were not rushing, by any means. In fact, the kids probably climbed in and out of the rockfall at least three times!
Our Experience With Hiking The Cup And Saucer Trail
We have hiked the Cup and Saucer Trails a couple of times, and have thoroughly enjoyed it! Both times, we opted for the shorter Main Trail (5km route), ending on a high (literally) at the East Lookout. The 180-degree panoramic views from this lookout are spectacular!
The view down is just staggering! My photos absolutely don’t do it justice. This hike should definitely be on your bucket list of things to do on Manitoulin Island!
We also opted to try the Adventure Trail with our kids. Both Mr. Bump (12) and Miss Somersault (13) had an absolute blast! The trail was challenging, but it was an incredible way to experience Cup and Saucer.
The best part of the Adventure Trail is that some of the more challenging areas, like the rockfalls, can be circumvented if you are not up to it. The kids enjoyed climbing through the narrow crevices, while Hubby and I took photos from above.
I am a little claustrophobic, so the squeeze was a little too tight inside the first rockfall. However, with the second tight area, I had no issues crawling through even with my backpack on.
We found the trail to be safe enough, with pathways that were sufficiently wide. There is a pretty steep drop, so you will need to be extra attentive with younger children.
Hiking Tips For The Cup And Saucer Trail
Just like with any other hike, there are a few things to consider when heading to Cup and Saucer. A little advance planning will help make your trek a positive experience for the whole family.
First and foremost, you should always let someone know that you are heading out for a hike. Let them know where you will be hiking and your expected return time.
Even though the trails are well marked and travelled, you just never know when you may get lost or injured – especially if you are attempting the Adventure Trail. And cell service in the area is not always consistent or reliable.
Make sure that you are wearing comfortable clothing and appropriate shoes. We recommend hiking boots for this trail, as the terrain is uneven. We would also recommend hiking poles for extra stability.
Wear a comfortable backpack! If you plan on hiking for several hours, you will need a well-fitted backpack to carry all your gear. It will need to be big enough to carry all your essentials, while at the same time, not being so heavy that it gets to be too much.
Packing enough water, as well as some food and snacks is also important, especially when hiking with kids. We make sure to pack reusable water bottles, and snacks that the kids enjoy. This is especially important for those times when they begin to get ‘hangry’ or need that extra treat to get them through the hike.
And of course, this should go without saying. Make sure you pack out everything you bring on your hike. There are garbage cans conveniently located near the trailhead.
Lastly, make sure you have sunscreen and bug spray with you, as well as a basic first-aid kit in case of minor mishaps. When we hike with kids, we never leave home without!
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Final Thoughts on Hiking the Amazing Cup and Saucer Trail on Manitoulin Island
Even though we have already hiked this amazing trail a couple of times, we are looking forward to heading back! It’s just one of those hikes that you never get bored of, and you never feel like you have seen it all. The Cup and Saucer Trail should definitely be on your list of things to do on Manitoulin Island!
Have you hiked the Cup and Saucer Trail on Manitoulin Island? We would love to hear about your experience!
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