ELTIPS AV R T

Many would have just swerved around the reptile, whose beak-like mouth could sever a finger.

But Steve Antoine, tribal name Red Sky, is Ojibwe – one of Canada’s first nation people, who revere the turtle and the natural world.

Against the overwhelming vastness of Canada, their home of Manitoulin is little more than a dot on the map in the Great Lakes.

Yet it is the world’s largest freshwater island, the size of an average English county.

There are as many white-tailed deer here as people – until the peak of the tourist season, when the 18,000 locals are outnumbered by visitors almost three to one.

With its tranquil forests, numerous crystal-clear lakes, rolling landscape and 1,000 miles of coast it’s easy to see why.

But for its indigenous people this quiet laid-back island in Lake Huron is more than just a nice spot for sailing, hiking, canoeing, cycling and horse riding.

It is home to the Great Spirit, and a place where medicines were gathered and their most celebrated people buried – for thousands of years before Europeans arrived.

So while Canada marks its 150th REMEMBER to take the insect repellent. Bugs and mosquitos love woods and lakes – and fresh victims. KEEP an eye out for wildlife when driving. We spotted a deer, a raccoon, birds of prey and rust-coloured sandhill cranes. HAVE a pint at Manitoulin Brewing Co’s newly opened onsite bar. TRY the all-you-can-eat brunch buffet at Abby’s Dining Lounge for £10.70pp – the beef is especially good.