Explore the Historic French River with your Camera

June 21st to June 24th, 2026 season

The Lodge at Pine Cove, French River, Ontario

June 21-24, 2026

Explore the Historic French River with your Camera.

This retreat is about creating a narrative of the historic French River with your camera. Story telling whether it is verbal or visual can tell so much more about a place. Our days will be spent exploring the water trails, like 5 Finger Rapids, Little Pine Rapids and the rock scoured shorelines. This will give you a sense of the river’s personality. Bill Mason, the famed paddler, film maker and the painter explored this river extensively. Now this is your chance to walk in his footsteps and create your own narrative. Depending on weather, we can set up our cameras to photograph the night sky. Lots of time to relax and walk the trails around the Lodge, socialize and having me critique your work.

Your instructor

Rob Stimpson

Rob is originally from the town of Hudson, Quebec. He is a professional photographer and artist. Rob has achieved international publication, award-winning photographs and a penchant for wilderness. Rob started out as a photographer’s assistance in Basel, Switzerland. He has photographed for Ontario Tourism, Parks Canada, Ontario Parks and many organizations supporting tourism. Over the last 15 years Rob explored and photographed many remote and wilderness areas including Antarctica, the Arctic, Northwest Territories as well as Greenland. In October 2012 Rob was elected into the Royal Canadian Geographical Society’s College of Fellows & in 2016 The Globe and Mail and Lexus profiled him along with 9 other artists. He co-authored ‘An Artists and Photographers Guide to Wild Ontario’ and has been a contributor for a number of published books. An avid teacher, Rob taught photography part time at Fleming College for 15 years and has moved over to Loyalist College. He writes for northern tourism organizations and maintains his photographic gallery in Lake of Bays. In 2023, he was selected by Destination Canada to be profiled with 13 Canadians; he is on Fanshawe College’s Advisory board for their Outdoor Program. Most recent, his work was exhibited at TIFF Lightbox in Toronto.

Rob Stimpson Photography

Cell / Txt 705.787.8339

Instagram rob.stimpson.photography

www.facebook.com/rob.stimpson.9

2026 Package Options and Fees

1) Private bedroom in a shared cottage package:

$1520 + service charge (15%) + HST (13%)

Based on having a private bedroom in a two- or three-bedroom (first-come, first served) shared cottage with a shared 3-piece bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, private bedroom , screened in porch overlooking the water.

2) Private cottage package:

$1994 + service charge (15%) + HST (13%)

Based on having a private cottage (first-come, first served), private 3-piece bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, screened in porch.

All cottages include:

• Complimentary fine teas and Ashanti coffee
• Natural soap, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion

Cancelation policy

Full payment is required upon registration. If an applicant is unable to attend the retreat due to illness or other health problems, he or she will receive a refund for the amount paid, minus a $245 application fee, ONLY if we can fill their spot at the retreat. We will endeavour to fill a spot left vacant due to illness or other health problems, but we are not able to guarantee it. You may consider purchasing trip insurance with a service such as: Trip insurance store.

Registration Form

Useful information

Fishing

The French River, was a larder for millennia, for the First Nations peoples that fished its rich waters. Today, sport fishing is one of the French River’s main activities and attracts fishers for; muskellunge, northern pike, walleye (or pickerel as it is known in Canada), large and small mouth bass and other varieties of fresh water fish. Ask us about hiring a guide, bring your own boat or rent one from us.

Bird Watching

French River is home to many species of birds including; various warbler migrations, sandhill cranes, many species of duck, bald eagles, ospreys, merlins, coopers hawk, merlins, pileated woodpeckers, blue herons and many other varieties. Birding on the French River is a joy.

Hiking

Hike at Lodge at Pine Cove, on our well marked trails. From a 20 minute stroll to a 3 hour hike across the rugged Canadian Shield, you will find plenty of trails to interest you. Beaver ponds, large channels, cranberry bog, huge pine trees and plenty of flora and fauna. Hike Pine Cove and discover the French River.

Kayaking

The French River is an incredible kayaking destination. Huge expanses of flat water that you can paddle for hours, whilst exploring wild shorelines, islands, bays and channels. Bring your own kayak or we can outfit you with one. Discover the French River and it will keep you coming back for more.

Upcoming Events

May 18th to May 22nd, 2026 season

Body & Soul Retreat

Relax, re-boot and restructure your body and your mind at this 5-day and 4-night yoga and nature retreat.

May 26th, May 31st 2024 season

Write on the French

A Creative Writing Retreat at the Lodge at Pine Cove

September 24th - 27th, 2026 Season

River Within

Where seasonal rhythm, Nordic ritual, and inner wisdom meet.

June 21st - June 24th, 2026