[3] The township is named after Jean-Baptiste Assiginack, an Odawa chief who supported the signing of the Manitoulin Treaty of 1862.

Smaller communities in the township include Bass Creek, Bidwell, Clover Valley, Eagles Nest, Hilly Grove, The Slash, Squirrel Town and Vanzant's Point.

From its early history, Manitowaning was a regular port of call for schooners and steamboats from many points on the Great Lakes.

Manitowaning was the first and last scheduled stop on Manitoulin Island for the ships of the Owen Sound Transportation Company Limited.

Cardwell Street in Manitowaning continues east of the community, becoming the primary access road to the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Reserve.