Manitouwadge,
like so many of
Northern Ontario
’s communities, is laden
with Ojibway folklore. Meaning
“Cave/Lodge of the Great Spirit”, visitors are taken in by this
scenic little community of about 4,000 souls.
Located halfway between
Thunder Bay
and Sault Ste Marie, Manitouwadge
lies 54 km north of Hwy 17 on Hwy 614. Manitouwadge contains the
largest gold find in
Canada
and the logging industry is still very strong.
One
legend has it that Manitou, on a canoe trip,
saw a Canada Goose flying overhead.
Being hungry, he shot it with his bow and arrow.
After being well fed, Manitou decided to build his lodge here
and to recreate the land.
Another
legend has a young brave after a year of drought where lake levels
had dramatically been lowered. Exploring
the area, this young brave came upon a strange entrance.
Shouting, he was frightened by hearing the echo of his voice
and returned to his tribe declaring that he had discovered
Manitou’s wadge.
This legend explains the discovery of many of the mines in
the area.
Three
prospectors were instrumental in the development of the area.
Their partnership was established by a handshake and today,
residents still believe in the binds of the handshake.
Manitouwadge
experienced the ups and downs of the mining and forestry industries
and with the discovery of the Hemlo Gold fields,
it once again is experiencing steady growth.
Manitouwadge
– the handshake community.
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