French River Country

Beautiful, unspoiled, accessible wilderness in Northern Ontario, Canada.

One of Canada's finest outdoor vacation areas offering today's fisherman and his family a variety of accommodation facilities in a truly historical setting.

The French River is located approximately 320 km (200 miles) north of Toronto. It leaves Lake Nipissing on a westerly route reaching Georgian Bay - Lake Huron. The French River is best described as a 125 km (80 mile) long series of island dotted lakes connected by rapids and falls that gently lower the river a total of 20 metres (60 ft.). A boating and canoeing paradise that provides a variety of opportunities to suit every taste.

Canada's early history was synonymous with the fur trade. Most of the original development westward evolved as the traders and explorers looked for new sources of raw fur. All travel ventured by water, utilizing the large primitive canoes made famous by the French-Canadian Voyageur. Though these crafts could be portaged, they were capable of carrying large loads through big open waters.

The French River was a link in the first water highway to the west. This canoe route began in Quebec City or Montreal and followed the Ottawa and Mattawa rivers to the portages east of Lake Nipissing. After crossing Lake Nipissing the paddlers traveled down the French River to the Great Lakes. There are many chronicles on traversing this early highway and latter-day scuba divers, have recovered from the depths numerous artifacts that attest to the freight that was lost along the way.

There are many points of interest on the river itself which are accessible to boaters, canoeists and hikers alike. In the upper river, Cross Island and Recolet Falls, the latter being accessible via a mile walking trail from a roadside park, at the Highway 69 bridge. Both sites have plaques commemorating their historical importance.

Three hours driving north from Toronto over first class highways is the modern route to the French River. Though most of the river is still not road acces sible, there are enough drive-to locations to permit the optimum use of the French River for its number one attraction - angling!

For over 50 years the French River has enjoyed a deserved reputation for its fishing quality. Ontario's most sought after game fish are here. Walleye, muskie, northern pike, large and small mouth bass. Even a couple of lakes with trout. Of course there are pan fish such as perch, sunfish and rock bass. If you prefer the challenge of sturgeon, large channel cats or whitefish, we have them too.

What is your preference in accommodation facilities? Housekeeping cottages? Full-service, all meals included American Plan Lodge? Well organized trailer parks or campgrounds? Highway motels? French River Country has them all! There are those that are small and simple offering only the essentials for a fishing holiday or full service fishing resorts with extensive recreational facil-ities, superb accommodations, professional guide services and other amenities that you would never expect to find in a wilderness area.

Discover and explore the timeless beauty of the French River
water system.