The Towns and Cities
of Northern Ontario
Manitouwadge - North of Superior
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.
