ALWAYS check Alerts and other information on the official website, as conditions and facility availability are subject to change.
NOTE: Either this is a backcountry camping and hiking park best enjoyed by experienced paddlers and adventurers or it may involve an exceptionally long drive. Accessing the park may be tricky. It is outside the scope of our website, and you should contact the park for information about activities and facilities.
Facebook and Website Links
French River Official website
French River Official Facebook
Official Twitter
Information
Phone #: (705) 857-1630 summer (705)287-2900 winter
Main entrance co-ordinates: 46.018035 -80.583773
Address: 20526 Highway 69, PO Box 9 Alban P0M 1A0
Opening seasons: April 28, 2023 to October 22, 2023
Activities
Camping & Accommodation
french river provincial park is a backcountry camping park click here for more information
Hiking, Biking & Paddling
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.
Biking
there isn’t any dedicated trails for biking
Paddling
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. For information on current water flows contact the park at 705-857-1630 (May to October).
Maps & Resources
Ontario parks have a park overview map click here for more information
Local Facilities
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