2015 Algoma Travel Guide January | Page 55

St. Joseph Island M any colourful stories – some legend, some historical fact – are told about St. Joseph Island, the second largest freshwater island in the world, situated in the channel between Lakes Huron and Superior. About 45 km (28 mi) long and 24 km (15 mi) wide, the 140,000-acre island is 56 km (28 mi) east of Sault Ste. Marie via Highways 17 and 548. Originally named Anipich, the Ojibway word for “place of the hardwood trees”, the Island was given its present name by Jesuit missionaries to honour the patron saint of a new Indian church they were building. Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site of Canada is a must-see stop. The British chose St. Joseph Island as the ideal location for a fort because of its proximity to Fort Mackinac, to the navigation routes controlling the fur trade and access to the Great Lakes. It was from Fort St. Joseph that a surprise invasion took place in 1812, leading to the capture of the American Fort on Mackinac Island. The Island is linked to the mainland by a toll free bridge, opened in 1972. With full service marinas, championship 9-hole golf course, libraries, public beaches and trails within easy walking distance of the business centre, St. Joseph Island has something for everyone. The two villages, Hilto n Beach and Richards Landing, have a variety of businesses to serve the traveler, as well as hosting many special community events. Hilton Beach H ilton Beach offers many services such as restaurants (two licenced under the LLBO), a general store, gift shops, post office, motel, tourist park with cabins, hookups for trailers and a convenience store, public computer site with high-speed and WiFi, full service marina known as one of the largest in the North Channel and one of the most scenic on the Great Lakes, public library and a hairdresser. Many events take place through the summer months. Arts at the Dock is one of the largest shows in Algoma. The Hilton Beach Car Show features about 100 original, restored cars. Old Town Hall concerts brings some of the best Canadian musicians. For more information write Village of Hilton Beach, Box 25, Hilton Beach ON P0R 1G0, email [email protected] or visit us online at www.hiltonbeach.com AlgomaThatReal.com 54