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Discover the French River

History of the French River

Five Finger Rapids, French River, OntarioThe French river was formed circa 800 BC, when it emerged from the depths of Georgian Bay (Lake Huron) as the land tilted in a southwesterly direction in response to the release of pressures exerted by the ice sheet during the last ice age. The total drop of the river is 19 metres and its total length is 105 kilometres. In the summer the water is warm and in the winter thick ice covers the river.

The fascinating history of this waterway from geological times, as an aboriginal trade route, the French and British fur trade eras, to the modern day, can be fully appreciated by reading author Toni Harting's book, The French River: Canoeing the River of the Stick-Wavers.

The French River is an intimate collection of channels and lakes, bays and marshes, rapids and falls, strategically located between the Ottawa River watershed to the east and the Great Lakes to the west. The French River shows so much physical diversity and has such a rich history that it is among the most exceptional and fascinating rivers in the province, if not Canada.
The French river was formed circa 800 BC, when it emerged from the depths of Georgian Bay (Lake Huron) as the land tilted in a southwesterly direction in response to the release of pressures exerted by the ice sheet during the last ice age.
Birds, mammals, fish and flora abound here, and the river's unique role in world history is a fascinating story. During the more than 250 years that the western fur trade lasted, the French River formed a small but vital link in the lifeline between east and west.

Activities

The French River with its lakes, bays, islands, rapids, delta, cliffs and beaches, is surrounded by forests that seem to go on forever. The river is a vast watershed and is almost endlessly variable from 5 sets of completely independent rapid systems 20 - 40 minutes from the lodge providing unique places to visit for the purposes of hiking, art, whitewater canoeing, picnicking, photography or just relaxing in some of natures more beautiful places.

We have canoes designed for both smooth and white water canoeing. You can rent a fishing boat with outboard motor to explore and fish from.  Enjoy our hiking trails and camp riverside for a night by the rapids. Whatever, you decide to do, start and finish your day from the Lodge at Pine Cove.

Canoeing/Kayaking

Leave from our beach or let us drop you off at your put-in spot and paddle the Canadian Shield, were you will find a world of wilderness, magnificence and endless lakes and rivers. Leave from our beach or let us drop you off at your put-in spot and paddle the Canadian Shield, were you will find a world of wilderness, magnificence and endless lakes and rivers. Some of the finest canoeing and sea kayaking waters in the world are in our backyard. Explore, swim, fish, camp on an island, run a rapid and return to a luxurious meal and cottage at the end of the day. We will supply equipment, instruction, route planning and guides in any combination you wish.

Guided Multi-day Canoe Trips

We have operated guided trips from overnighters to two-week trips on the French River for over 10 years, and have a wealth of knowledge and fun to share with you. Novice or expert will have the chance to enjoy a memorable get-away on a vast and unconventional waterway system that is truly magnificent.

Canoe Day-Tripping from The Lodge

We provide daily, one-day canoe excursions to areas of great beauty on the river. Some trips will leave directly by canoe from The Lodge, while others will begin and end with Water-Taxi Shuttles. This enables canoeists to reach parts of the river that would normally require an overnight camp.

Voyageur Canoe

We own a 34-foot Montreal canoe that will take groups of 6 - 12 guests plus guides. This canoe can be rented by guests or by canoeists travelling in Northern Ontario. You can also join us in a historical experience designed by the Canadian Canoe Museum.

Canoe Instruction - Flat water

Ruth White, one of Ontario's top canoe instructors, will teach you the basics of canoeing from simple paddle strokes to advanced techniques that will help prepare you for independent canoe tripping or just brush up those rusty skills.

Customized Trips

We will be happy to plan with you customized paddling trips to suit any occasion or level of ability. Some of the special trips we have planned are: vacations with different activities each day (e.g. canoeing, fly-fishing, hiking, a night out on the river and many other variations); to locate spots for wedding invitation photos; guide artists to special painting/sketching locations; wedding anniversary trips on the river with picnics; special fishing or hiking trips or whatever else you would like us to arrange. We have assisted a family in order to distribute the ashes of a relative who was a keen paddler, and have responded to many other personal requests.

Fly Fishing

Experts will revel in a world-class waterway were river, rapid, lake or drift are all possible. Experts will revel in a world-class waterway were river, rapid, lake or drift are all possible. Beginners will be encouraged to try a variety of wonderful experiences that will take them to where art and sport are one.

Fly Fishing Programs

Full details will be posted mid March.

TLC Fly
Introduction for beginners 2 days/2 nights.

French River Fly
Guided packages for the fly fisher.

Tie Fly
Learn to tie your own flies and cast them for bass, pike, muskie and walleye.

Fishing

Hire a boat or use our launching ramp and discover the French River. Pike, Walleye, Bass and Muskie make this a great fishing river. Hire one of our experienced guides and find the special spots on this magnificent water.

If you would like to employ the services of one of our guides, please ask us at the time of booking your fishing trip.

Cruises

Cruise the French River with Rene Lahaie, raconteur and avid historian, as he takes you on the route of the Voyageurs, Canada's intrepid fur traders and explorers. Cruise the French River with Rene Lahaie, raconteur and avid historian, as he takes you on the route of the Voyageurs, Canada's intrepid fur traders and explorers.

French River Cruises - May 7th through October 11th


The Lodge at Pine Cove Dinner Cruise
Experience a French River sunset cruise and dinner from our wonderful kitchen.

Paths of the Voyageur
Cruise the route of the Voyageurs whilst your guide explains the history of this romantic period in Canada's past.

Five Finger Cruise
Travel to one of Ontario's most beautiful natural settings and gently hike to rapids and waterfalls.

Please visit www.frenchrivercruise.com for a cruise schedule.

Hiking

A variety of hikes can be made from The Lodge. A variety of hikes can be made from The Lodge. Hike a woodland trail and visit a heronry, hike up the side of a beautiful rapid system to a small lake were you can refresh yourself in the water and float downstream, visit beaver dams, hike up a small stream to an interior lake, water-taxi to a trail along an enchanting gorge or simply take a walk from The Lodge on a woodland trail to a secluded lake. Watch a beaver; look at and listen to woodpeckers drumming in the forest. We can also arrange day trips to Killarney Provincial Park and hikes to the top of beautiful white quartz mountains.

Hiking Programs


French River Hiking
Canoe or motorboat to remote trails that wind through forests, by lakes and rapids. Cross beaver dams and visit lily ponds were wildlife abounds. Bird watch and eat a picnic from our superb kitchen. Guided or unguided trips.

Restoule Gorge and Waterfalls
A motorboat trip to the Restoule Gorge, short hike, swimming, picnic lunch and exploration of this wonderfully secluded geological jewel. Dates - July 30th to September 25th.

Spirits of the Forest Hike
Guided hike exploring the forest and its native medicinal plants. July 25th to October 11th.

Native Adventures

Pa-Pa-Se or Spirits of the Forest will take you on a hike to explore native culture as it relates to the landscape about you, experience a sweat lodge or paddle a 36-foot canoe to the Dokis First Nation's Canada Day Pow-Wow. Your guides will be Ojibwe natives who live on the French river.

Ojibwe Native Adventure Programs


Spirits of the Forest Hike
Guided hike exploring the forest and its native medicinal plants. July 25th to October 11th.

Pa-Pa-Se Fish and Sweat Lodge
Hike and learn about traditional fishing methods and experience a native sweat lodge. May 7th to July 25th.

Paddle to the Pow-Wow
Paddle to an Ojibwe Pow-Wow in a replica fur-trade canoe. June 27th to June 30th.

Voyageur Canoeing

Paddle a 36-foot Montreal Canoe with a guide or charter this magnificent vessel for a unique vacation on some of the finest paddling water in the world.

Paddle a 36-foot Montreal Canoe with a guide or charter this magnificent vessel for a unique vacation on some of the finest paddling water in the world.

Voyageur Canoe Trips


Fur-trade Canoe
Our modern-day Voyageurs leave the lodge and make their way to one of the many beauty spots on the French River for a delicious picnic lunch were swimming, sunbathing, photographic opportunities and exploring are part of the adventure. Dates - this program will run all season.

Paddle to the Pow-Wow
Paddle to an Ojibwe Pow-Wow in a replica fur-trade canoe. June 27th to June 30th.

Montreal Canoe Charter
Set out on your own adventure of discovery, exactly as the explorers and fur traders did. Planned routes, guides and full outfitting are all available.

Other Activities

Please check back in a few weeks as we are currently finalizing details for many of these programs.

Ballroom Dancing and Instruction
This is a dance you won't forget, in a beautiful lodge with huge maple floors, a romantic setting and fun instruction. Enjoy the dancing, the food, the scenery and a river adventure to one of Ontario's most beautiful natural settings. September 2004.

Bridge at The Lodge at Pine Cove
We are arranging a bridge program at The Lodge for those experts or beginners who would like to get together and play a few hands of that wonderful game and combine it with a soft adventure on the river.

Sightseeing Flights
Enjoy a short sightseeing flight in a classic De Havilland Beaver float plane. Your take-off and landing is in front of the lodge (dependant on weather and aircraft availability). A half-hour flight will give you a tremendous appreciation for this magnificent waterway with its rapids, lakes, rivers and huge surrounding forests that seem to go on forever.

Float Plane Fly-In
The first annual Lodge at Pine Cove float plane fly-in. Come and stay at one of Ontario's finest small resorts. Enjoy fabulous food and great accommodation in a very private setting. Good water landing in front of The Lodge. September 2004.

A wonderful slide show of the French River and its history
Toni Harting - author of French River, Canoeing the River of the Stick-Wavers - will take you on a visual and musical journey down the French River. You will see the entire waterway and learn of the Voyageurs, explorers and other fascinating history of the French. On request.

Weddings, private retreats & events, executive business getaways
The Lodge at Pine Cove is a very private and beautiful setting, ideal for special gatherings. If you want the intimacy of having a resort to yourself with amenities that will impress your guests, e-mail or call us and we will be happy to help you plan your event.

Want to run a program at The Lodge at Pine Cove
If you think you might like to use the resort to run a program that would benefit from a setting like ours, please contact us and we would be happy to discuss your ideas with you.
Visitors to the Lodge and the Cottages at Pine Cove will find useful information on how to find us, driving distances and comparisons to other vacation destinations, along with some very helpful hints to make your journey extra special. For those guests arriving by air, we have also included information for pilots. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

Driving Distance Comparison

People driving to the French River area for the first time often ask us to compare the distance to the Lodge at Pine Cove to the distances to other parts of Ontario's near-north vacation country. We have compiled a list that will help you plan your trip to the the French River and the Lodge at Pine Cove. Please let us know if you have further questions or require more details.

  KM/Miles
 Hours (approx.)
Toronto International Airport (Pearson)
to the Lodge at Pine Cove:
 349 km (216 miles)
 4 hrs
Toronto to Algonquin Park:
Compare to Arowhon Pines, Killarney Lodge,
Couples Only Resort (Whitney)
 300 km (186 miles) 3.5-4 hrs
Toronto to Bay of Islands (Georgian Bay):
Compare to The Island Lodge
 475 km (100 miles) 5.5-6 hrs
Toronto to Collingwood:
Compare to The Blue Mountain Resort
 150 km (93 miles) 1.5-2 hrs
Toronto to Haliburton:
Compare to Sir Sam's Inn & Water Spa,
Domain of Killien
 250 km (155 miles) 2.5-3 hrs
Toronto to Huntsville:
Compare to Bartlett Lodge, Deerhurst Resort
 215 km (135 miles) 2.5-3 hrs
Toronto to Killarney:
Compare to Killarney Mountain Lodge
 415 km (257 miles) 5-5.5 hrs
Toronto to Muskoka (Gravenhurst):
Compare to Taboo
 169 km (105 miles) 1.5-2 hrs
Toronto to Muskoka (Lake Rosseau):
Compare to JW Marriott
 211 km (131 miles) 2.5-3 hrs
Toronto to Peterborough/Kawartha Lakes:
Compare to Westwind Inn on the Lake
 150 km (93 miles) 1.5-2 hrs
Toronto to Port Severn:
Compare to Rawley Resort, Inn at Christie's Mill
 160 km (100 miles) 1.5-2 hrs

  KM/Miles
 Hours (approx.)
Toronto to Bancroft:
 240 km (150 miles)
 2.5-3 hrs
Toronto to Goderich:
 225 km (140 miles) 2.5-3 hrs
Toronto to Kingston:
 260 km (163 miles) 2.5-3 hrs
Toronto to North Bay:
 345 km (215 miles) 3.5-4 hrs
Toronto to Owen Sound:
 190 km (119 miles) 2-2.5 hrs
Toronto to Parry Sound:
 225 km (140 miles) 3-3.5 hrs
Toronto to Sudbury:
 390 km (244 miles) 4-4.5 hrs
Toronto to Tobermory:
 300 km (188 miles) 3.5-4 hrs
Ottawa to the Lodge
 475 km (295 miles) 5-5.5 hrs

Directions from Toronto

pdf Map to The Lodge
pdf Directions from Toronto

North on Hwy. 400 to Barrie (approx. 100 km)
North on Hwy. 400 and 69 to Hwy. 64 (approx. 235 km)
East on Hwy. 64 to 528 (approx. 18 km)
East on 528 to 528A (approx. 12 km)
South and then east on 528A to end (approx. 5 km)
Toronto to The Lodge: approx. 370 km

Helpful Hints

Visit Ste. Marie Among the Hurons, a wonderfully reconstructed Jesuit missionary from the 1630s. It is located near Midland, Ontario, a short drive west off Hwy. 400.

Also pay a visit to The French River Trading Post on Hwy. 69 just north of the French River highway bridge. This is a lovely, rustic shop with high-quality items.

Note: When going through Nobel on Hwy. 69, just north of Parry Sound, do not speed! It is a 70 km/hr area and many speed tickets are given out there. Also, you may stop at the Tim Horton's for a rest, coffee or a light snack.

Information for Pilots

Any aviator arriving at The Lodge via float plane would be advised to land anywhere in the Wolsely Bay with a landing run parallel to and around 100yds from either shoreline, wind, wave, under-surface rocks, and the presence of surface craft being taken into careful account. It is unwise to land too close to a lee shore because the precipitous topography induces a pronounced down flow in the wind-pattern if the wind direction is more than about 30 degrees off the east/west orientation of the main bay. If a cross-wind is judged to be too hazardous to land or take-off, a 'cross-bay' approximately a half-mile east of The Lodge is roomy enough to permit landing in any wind condition. Upon taxiing to The Lodge, any size aircraft can be safely beached on either side of the dock complex although, for convenience, beaching to the east side of the dock is preferred. The coordinates for The Lodge are 46o 05.625 minutes North, 80o 13.833 minutes West.

Wheel equipped aircraft are welcome to use the turf runways at North Monetville Skypark (PX4 in the Canadian Flight Supplement) at 46 12N, 80 19W...about 22km by road due north of the Lodge. Of course, both Sudbury (CYSB) and North Bay (CYYB) airports are full-service aerodromes capable of handling the world's largest aircraft. These airports are around 100km by road northwest and northeast of The Lodge at Pine Cove respectively.