Manitoulin Island, with an area of approximately 4,000 square kilometers, is separated on the north from the mainland by the North Channel and bounded on the south and east by Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. Transportation to and from Manitoulin is via provincial Highway 6, which extends from Highway 17 in the north near Espanola to South Baymouth on the southeastern tip of the Island. From May to October, a ferry links South Baymouth to Tobermory.The Manitoulin District is rural in nature. Its population of approximately 12,000 people is widely dispersed with approximately 4,440 (37%) of this population residing in First Nations communities. In the summer months, the population increases to approximately 30,000.Manitoulin Island is renowned for its beauty and recreational opportunities, in particular, kayaking, boating, sailing, camping, fishing, cycling, hiking, cross country skiing and snowmobiling. Its natural beauty and numerous small lakes make it a sought-after recreational destination more... See more text