The French River has a colourful past. For thousands of years
before Europeans arrived, Aboriginal people used the river
as a place to meet and exchange trade goods. Early French
explorers and missionaries began travelling through the area
in the early 1600s, leaving behind intriguing journal records
about the river and the people who lived along its shores.
Before Canada became a country, Voyageurs were paddling its
waters – brigades of canoes portaged around rapids and waterfalls
– transporting furs from Canada’s great Northwest to market
in Montreal. Because of its historic significance, “the French”
was designated a Canadian Heritage River in 1986.
Flowing 110 kilometres from Lake Nipissing to Georgian Bay,
this waterway park has more than 230 interior campsites and
offers a variety of water-based recreational activities in
an outstanding natural setting.
Today, over 300 years after fur traders first plied its waters,
motorboats, canoes and kayaks now travel the French River;
lodges and cottages dot the landscape; and it provides a wealth
of activities for anglers and hunters. If you’re planning
an overnight stay, a camping permit is required. Private commercial
marinas offer access to the river, for additional parking
and ramp fees.
A new visitor centre opened at the junction of the French
River and Highway #69 – about 65 km south of Sudbury.
Bringing your
own supply of firewood to the park this summer? Please read
this.
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