There is no such thing as seeing all of Drummond Island in three days—and that’s part of its charm.
This isn’t a place to hurry through with a checklist. It’s a place to follow a dirt road, linger beside the water, and discover that the ferry ride did more than carry you across the St. Marys River. It changed your pace.
Still, three days is plenty of time to get a wonderful taste of island life. Here is how we would spend a long weekend on Drummond.
Before You Arrive: Choose Your Island Home Base
The right vacation home can become one of the best parts of your trip. Some visitors want a waterfront cottage with a dock, while others prioritize direct ORV access, room for the family, or a place where the dog is welcome.
Northern Properties manages a wide variety of locally cared-for vacation homes, including waterfront, dog-friendly, and ORV-friendly options. Use the filters on the View & Search Homes page or contact our local team for help finding the right fit.
Once you reserve your home, read the directions and information we email to you carefully before you get to the island. Cell service can be spotty in remote areas, and your phone might not always know exactly where you are—or where you’re going—so it’s important that you do!
Day One: Cross the Water and Settle into Island Time
Your Drummond Island experience begins aboard the ferry from DeTour Village. The crossing is short, but it offers just enough time to step outside your vehicle, feel the breeze, and watch the island come into view.
The ferry schedule can change because of weather, maintenance, and seasonal operations, so check the EUPTA website for the most up-to-date ferry information before leaving home.
After arriving, resist the urge to pack too much into your first afternoon. Stop for groceries and anything you forgot, then make your way to your vacation home and get settled.
Spend the rest of the day close to home. Explore the shoreline, launch a kayak if conditions are calm, take a walk, or simply sit outside and watch the light change over the water or treeline.
For dinner, try one of the island’s locally owned restaurants or prepare something easy at your vacation home. Each of our rental properties has a fully furnished kitchen, including cookware, utensils, and servingware, plus either a charcoal or gas BBQ grill.
End the evening with a campfire, a sky full of stars, and the satisfying realization that you do not have to get back on the ferry for two more days.
Day Two: Pick Your Drummond Island Adventure
Day two is your opportunity to experience Drummond’s wilder side.
If You Came to Ride
Drummond Island is known for rocky terrain, mud, forest roads, and a trail system that ranges from relaxed riding to serious technical challenges. Choose routes that match your vehicle and experience, carry recovery equipment, and never assume that a route will look exactly as it did during your last visit.
Pack water, snacks, tools, a first-aid kit, and offline maps. Stay on designated routes and avoid creating or using unauthorized bypasses. Trail conditions can change quickly following rain, storms, or maintenance work.
Don’t have your own machine? Beavers Side-by-Side Rentals can get you trail-ready with a rental and practical guidance from people who know Drummond’s terrain. Reserve well in advance during the busy season, and be honest about your experience level so they can help you plan an adventure that fits your group.
If You Prefer Water and Shorelines
With nearly 140 miles of shoreline, Drummond offers countless opportunities to paddle, fish, watch wildlife, and search for quiet stretches of Lake Huron. The island’s Heritage Water Trail connects geological, historical, and scenic destinations, although longer and more exposed sections are best suited to experienced paddlers with proper equipment.
If the wind is strong, choose a protected bay or save paddling for another day. Lake Huron makes the final decision.
If You Want a Slower Day
Visit one of the island’s scenic natural areas, hike a trail, look for fossils or puddingstones, take photographs, or enjoy a leisurely drive. You do not need an extreme itinerary to experience Drummond. Sometimes the best island day consists of a picnic, a good book, and nowhere else you need to be.
Return to your vacation home before sunset, clean up, and settle in for another peaceful evening. If your home has a waterfront view, you already have the best seat in town.
Day Three: Enjoy One Last Island Morning
On your final morning, make coffee and go outside before packing. Listen to the birds, watch the water, and take the photograph you kept meaning to take.
After following your home’s checkout instructions, leave time for one final stop. Pick up a souvenir, enjoy breakfast or lunch locally, or take a short scenic drive before joining the ferry line.
Three days will give you an introduction to Drummond Island—but probably not closure. Most visitors leave with a list of places they didn’t reach, trails they want to ride, and vacation homes they would love to try next time.
That is how the island gets you.
Common Questions About a Drummond Island Weekend
Where should I stay on Drummond Island if I’m bringing my side-by-side?
Choose a vacation home that specifically allows trailers and offers legal access from the property to the designated ORV system. Not every home has adequate parking or the same access, so check the individual listing or ask Northern Properties before booking.
Can I drive my ATV directly from my vacation home to the trails?
It depends on the vacation home’s location and the roads connecting it to the trail system. Northern Properties identifies homes that are especially convenient for ORV riders, but guests should confirm access and current riding regulations before arriving.
What are the best dog-friendly vacation homes on Drummond Island?
The best choice depends on your dog and your plans. Look for a pet-friendly home with enough indoor space, a safe outdoor area, and nearby places to walk. Northern Properties’ website allows guests to search specifically for dog-friendly homes.
Where can I stay on Drummond Island with a private dock?
Several waterfront vacation homes offer docks, but dock conditions and water depth vary throughout the season. If you are bringing a boat, ask about its size, draft, and the type of docking you need before selecting a property.
Where should a family stay on Drummond Island?
Families often appreciate homes with multiple bedrooms, a full kitchen, laundry facilities, and outdoor gathering space. A waterfront home can be wonderful, while a centrally located property may make it easier to explore different parts of the island.
What should I know before taking the ferry to Drummond Island?
The ferry transports vehicles between DeTour Village and Drummond Island. Arrive with enough fuel, check the current schedule and service notices, and expect possible waits during busy weekends. Credit and debit cards are accepted, with cashless payment preferred.
Ready to Plan Your Three-Day Escape?
Whether your ideal weekend includes ORV trails, morning coffee beside the lake, family adventures, or absolutely nothing on the schedule, there is a Drummond Island vacation home waiting to become part of the story.
Explore Northern Properties Vacation Homes or contact our local team for help choosing the right island home base.