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Highway 6: Espanola to South Baymouth, Manitoulin Island, Ontario
Photo: Xander Ashburn from Phoenix · CC BY 2.0

Drives Ontario Muskoka, Algonquin and Northern Ontario

Highway 6: Espanola to South Baymouth

Highway 6 · Espanola → South Baymouth

Leisurely68 mi1 hr 20 min2,700 ft climbHigh point ≈ 900 ftOne way
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The drive

Highway 6 runs from Espanola over the La Cloche hills to the Little Current swing bridge, then down Manitoulin Island past Manitowaning to South Baymouth. It's 67.5 miles and about 1 hr 20 min.

The bridge at Little Current was built in 1913 and is the island's only year-round road link. It carries Highway 6 on a single lane. The drive ends on Highway 6 before the South Baymouth ferry dock.

Along the way

  1. Espanola
  2. Little Current
  3. South Baymouth
Elevation
2,700 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 900 ft
EspanolaSouth Baymouth
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
EspanolaSouth Baymouth
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The swing bridge is one lane and opens for boats, so expect waits.
  • The province has chosen a builder for a two-lane replacement just west of the current bridge, with no construction start announced.
  • Check Ontario 511 for closures.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Ontario 511.

Questions about this drive

Is the Little Current swing bridge one lane?

Yes. It's a single-lane bridge built in 1913 and the only year-round road link to Manitoulin Island. A two-lane replacement is planned.

How long does Highway 6 from Espanola to South Baymouth take?

It's 67.5 miles and takes about 1 hr 20 min.

Does this drive include the ferry?

No. It ends on Highway 6 before the South Baymouth ferry dock.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
Preview it in 3DFly the whole drive over satellite and terrain before you go.
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Live Group TrackingAPEXEveryone on the route, on the map, by name.
Road conditionsAPEXWet or dry, ice, fog and wind along the road before you go.
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More drives near here

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Highway 6: Espanola to South Baymouth, from Espanola to South Baymouth