Beautiful Black Island

Where the rolling prairies of Manitoba give way to the Precambrian Shield is where you'll find exotic, uninhabited Black Island. Listen closely and you may hear the haunting rhythms wafting from Drumming Point. It's here that the traditional ceremonies of the Ojibwe took place in the early summer to ordain the new medicine men.

Get to the Gull Harbour Marina on Hecla Island and make arrangements for your day at Black Island. Marina staff will drop you off at one of the secluded bays where you can wade in the warm, shallow water or hunt for gigantic freshwater clam shells on the fine sand beach. When was the last time you had a beach to yourself?

If you'd like to do a little more exploring in the area, the marina will arrange that too. Go to Punk and Little Punk Islands, just to say you've been there. The blueberry fields of Deer Island are arguably the best in Manitoba. If fishing is your forte, head to the Rice or Manigotagan rivers. Along the way, you're likely to see local commercial fishers lifting their nets.

Once you're back on Hecla Island, be sure to stop in Hecla Village and tour the restored buildings of an Icelandic community including the school, church, community hall and fish station. If you're lucky, it will be commercial fishing season and you can pick up the catch of the day at the general store. Or, overnight at Solmundson Gesta Hus Bed & Breakfast, whose owner is commercial fisherman.