Misery Bay Provincial Park is located on an ancient flat rock sea bottom and features areas of flat limestone plains known as alvars - unique habitats that host highly specialized vegetation adapted to the harsh conditions of this environment. The Manitoulin cluster of alvars are the most significant alvars found anywhere in the world, and the only alvars in North America!
During the late spring and late summer, the alvars are ablaze with wildflowers. It is this feature that makes Misery Bay a world class park.
In addition to its alvars, Misery Bay Provincial Park contains the most significant wetland on Manitoulin, a beautiful scrub woodland and mixed forest, and a stunning 15km of Lake Huron shoreline.
The park supports a rich and varied population of wildlife, noted for its many migrant and resident birds. Lucky visitors might even catch a glimpse of a butterfly, otter, turtle, fisher, fox, coyote, or bear!
Misery Bay is a day-use only park created for the protection of these rare habitats. A network of carefully selected hiking trails wind through the less fragile areas of the park, providing excellent viewing opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Misery Bay Provincial Park is located 35 kilometers west of the town of Gore Bay, on the south shore of Manitoulin Island.
Alvar Shoreline