Vacation rentals in French River

Located along the river of the same name, the Municipality of French River is a rural Ontario community of about 2,600 residents, with Lake Nipissing to the northeast and Georgian Bay to the west. The first designated Canadian Heritage River, French River had long been an Indigenous trade route that was also used by the voyageurs of the fur trade era between the 17th and 19th centuries. Today, it’s a 105-kilometre (65-mile) wilderness paddling route for canoeing and kayaking, as well as a destination for fishing the river’s pickerel, bass, Northern pike, and other varieties. From French River, it’s a 90-minute drive to Killarney Provincial Park, known for its unusual pink granite rocks that you can see as you hike along Georgian Bay. An hour to the north, the industrial city of Sudbury has a fantastic science museum, a multimedia mining museum, and a surprisingly vibrant cultural scene. To the south, the town of Parry Sound is a gateway to the Thirty Thousand Islands, with cruises leaving regularly from the town wharf.

The best time to visit French River is from July through early October. While there can be some rain during these summer and fall months, the temperatures are usually comfortable for outdoor activities, and the autumn foliage is particularly beautiful. As in many parts of Northern Ontario, black flies and mosquitoes can be a problem in the spring, especially in May and June. If you are planning to spend time outdoors during bug season, bring protective clothing as well as repellent. Winters in this Ontario region are cold and snowy, with temperatures regularly dipping below freezing from November into April.

French River Provincial Park

Even if you’re not canoeing through the wilderness in this expansive parkland, it’s worth a stop at the visitor center in French River Provincial Park, just off Highway 69. You can view exhibits that illuminate the history and culture of the First Nations people who’ve lived in the region for centuries, and of the English and French traders and colonists who travelled and settled along the French River. Near the visitor center, a 156-metre (512-foot) suspension bridge over the French River is the world’s largest snowmobile bridge. You don’t have to be travelling by snowmobile to enjoy the river views.

Grundy Lake Provincial Park

To swim, canoe, or kayak on several inland lakes, visit Grundy Lake Provincial Park, 25 minutes south of French River. This family-friendly park has six sandy swimming beaches and several short hiking trails. Although boat rentals aren’t available within the park itself, several nearby outfitters rent canoes and kayaks.

Parry Sound

If you’re a hockey fan, head for the town of Parry Sound. An hour’s drive south of French River, this small community was the hometown of hockey star Bobby Orr. You can learn about his life at the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame, located near the town’s waterfront. Nearby, you can take a cruise around the hundreds of islands just offshore in Georgian Bay.