Flowing across the Canadian Shield from Lake Nipissing to Georgian Bay, the French River was part of the main water highway during Canada’s fur trading days. Designated a Canadian Heritage River in 1986, this region - which is considered a border between northern and southern Ontario - encompasses the French River and Mashkinonje Provincial Parks and offers cottage rentals along its historical shores.
Because of the ruggedness of the terrain surrounding the region, large parts of this river remain relatively untouched. Clear water, rocky shores and pine forests provide a plethora of outdoor recreation opportunities including canoeing, kayaking, and fishing in the summer and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing come winter.
The region is dotted with restaurants and pubs, as well as charming boutiques and art galleries that display and sell local artisans’ work, such as the Backstreet Gallery. The area also plays host to an array of annual events and festivals, including the Rubber Boots Festival.
Only a three-and-a-half hour drive north of Toronto, French River is a popular place to rent a cottage in Ontario.