Outdoors
French River Canoe
A 9 km loop with no portages around 4 Mile Island on the French River, the first designated Canadian Heritage River and a route used by Indigenous people, French explorers and voyageurs. The park's full canoe route runs 105 km from Lake Nipissing to Georgian Bay, and its other suggested loops take three to six days.
- Where
- Ontario, Canada
- Distance
- 9 km loop
- Time
- 1 day
The route
4 Mile Island Loop.
Ontario Parks lists the French River Supply Post, a private business, as the access point for this loop. Private access points set their own parking and launch fees and hours; the park's visitor centre is on Settlers Road.
When to go
The park operates from 24 April to 18 October in 2026; in early-spring floods the river can run up to 4 m higher than at low flows.
Permits and fees
Overnight stays need a backcountry campsite reservation, bookable up to five months ahead. Parking and launch fees at the private access point are charged separately.
Before you go
- Contact the access point before you go to confirm its hours, fees and whether it rents boats.
- Ask the park about current water flows before you set out.
- The 3 km return Recollet Falls Trail from the French River Visitor Centre makes a short walk to add to the day.
What to bring
- A buoyancy aid, worn rather than stowed
- A dry bag for your phone and keys
- Water and snacks
- Sun cream, a hat and sunglasses
- A warm layer, even on a hot day
Getting ready for it
Paddling works your back, shoulders and core more than your arms.
A few weeks of rows, pull-ups or pulldowns and some rotational core work will make a full day far more comfortable.
Staying safe
- Spring floods raise the river by up to 4 m and Recollet Falls has no passable portage at high flows, so stay well clear of rapids and falls.
- The river is shared with motorboats, so watch for wakes.
- Check the wind and water forecast before launching.
- Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back.
Route details checked September 30, 2026 against ontarioparks.ca, ontarioparks.ca and ontarioparks.ca. Rules and closures change, so check before you go.
