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Rating: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ French River Provincial Park
20526 Highway 69, PO Box 9 , Alban, ON, P0M 1A0 (705) 857-1630 summer (705) 287-2900 winter Operating Dates: This park is open from the end of April to October for day-use only. Camping is available in the back country via canoe, but a permit is required |
Blog Entries: Yes, There Are Rattlesnakes On The French River Trail -September 2020
Terrain - The park is made up of massive pine trees, beautiful waterfalls, and a meandering river. You do have to watch out for poison ivy and rattle snakes. It has Canadian Shield scenery that, in many places, exposes rugged glaciated rock but also has heavily forested areas on the upper portion. The French River was designated a Canadian Heritage River in 1986.
Staff - None at the time but possibly some when the Visitor Center is open.
Bathrooms - Flush toilets at the Visitor Center
Beach - No beach
Out Door Water Faucets - none
Hiking Trails - One. Recollet Falls Trail: 4 km, moderate
Pet Amenities - none
Playground - none
Park Store: - A Park Store is located at the Visitor Centre and sells maps, gifts and souvenirs.
Boat/Canoe Rentals: - none on site
Staff - None at the time but possibly some when the Visitor Center is open.
Bathrooms - Flush toilets at the Visitor Center
Beach - No beach
Out Door Water Faucets - none
Hiking Trails - One. Recollet Falls Trail: 4 km, moderate
Pet Amenities - none
Playground - none
Park Store: - A Park Store is located at the Visitor Centre and sells maps, gifts and souvenirs.
Boat/Canoe Rentals: - none on site
Things To Do At French River Provincial Park
- Boating
Rentals, dock space and launch facilities are available at multiple private marinas.
- Birding
A wide variety of bird species can be found along the river and in the pine trees along the trail and by the visitor center. Blackburnian Warblers and Red-eyed Vireos, and Chickadees are just some of the birds that you might see.
- Hiking
Recollet Falls Trail: 4 km, moderate
This trail begins at the Visitor Centre and follows the edge of the French River Gorge, and ends at the historic Recollet Falls. The short portage around the falls has been walked by generations of First Nations, famous explorers, hardy Voyageurs, fur traders and missionaries.
- Fishing
Walleye, Small-mouth Bass, and Northern Pike are are all possible catches in the river.
- Canoeing
French River Canoe Route: multiple days, moderate difficulty
There are multiple routes along the French River from Lake Nipissing to Georgian Bay and interconnecting routes with the Restoule and Little French Rivers. Paddling upstream and downstream is possible in non-flood conditions.
During flooding (usually in early spring), the river at some locations can be 4 m higher than times of low flows. Recollet Falls in the French River Gorge has no passable portage during periods of high flows such as spring runoff.
There are 13 access locations along the river. The majority are private sector tourism operators who will issue permits on behalf of Ontario Parks. Parking and ramp fees are in addition to backcountry camping fees. French River camping permits are also available at Restoule Provincial Park for those entering via the Restoule River.
There are 230 undeveloped back-country campsites available in the park along the river.
- Swimming
Yes, but no designated beaches.
Directions: Located about 70 kilometers south of Sudbury on Ontario Highway 69
Signs For Directions To Park - Easy to see. You can't miss it.
Signs For Directions To Park - Easy to see. You can't miss it.