Sudbury 
Credit: Chief Commanda II
The French River District, which includes the French River, Lake Nipissing, and surrounding area, is an incredible area ripe for discovery. Northern Ontario is known for its rugged wilderness, but all that beautiful scenery is still accessible. You don’t have to be an expert level outdoor enthusiast to be able to take advantage of all that the region has to offer. You can experience the best of summer adventures like hiking, camping, fishing, and canoeing, or come see the museums, galleries, and historic sites.
1. Chief Commanda II.
You can’t visit the French River area without enjoying a cruise on the impressive Chief Commanda II. The cruise ship explores both Lake Nipissing and the French River. You’ll get to take in all the stunning sights and sounds and the remarkable and historic scenery, in comfort, right from the water. There are a ton of different options when it comes to the cruise itself, so you can choose which option is best. The ship is a delight, with different dining options and even live entertainment. You can choose whether you want to see the gorgeous area during the day, or take an delightful evening cruise to watch the sun set over the rugged wilderness and sparkling waters.
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2. Heritage Railway and Carousel Company
Young and old alike will be sure to have a blast taking in The Heritage Railway and Carousel Company. Located in North Bay, right along the North Bay Waterfront area, this is your one stop shop for hours of fun! The carousel is stunning and will delight people of any age. Local artists actually painted all the horses and all the different scenes on the carousel, so it’s a pretty neat work of art, not just a fun ride. The miniature railway is so much more than just a train ride. The railway was actually designed to help preserve the heritage of the rail in North Bay, so you can learn all about the local history of the railway’s construction and so much more when you get on board for a ride.
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3. Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace Defense
If you’re looking for that awesome family destination, look no further than the Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace Defense. The museum can be enjoyed year round and packs an informative, fun filled blast with the many different exciting and interactive exhibits. The whole family can learn all about Canada’s past and present contributions to air defense. The museum has many different exhibits, including exhibits about the World Wars and Cold War.
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4. North Bay Museum
Credit: North Bay Museum
The North bay Museum is dazzling right from the first impression. You don’t even have to go inside to be amazed by the incredible architecture. The museum is actually located in a historic Canadian Pacific Railway train station. Okay, so the inside is pretty stunning too! The museum has an interesting variety of exhibits that really let you have fun exploring and learning all about the history of the area. There’s even a model train that runs on a track high above the exhibits, which is sure to delight.
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5. An exciting getaway
Credit: Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park
It doesn’t get much better than the Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park as far as action-packed adventures go. The park has everything you can imagine. Located on the historic Mattawa River trade route, the park isn’t just scenic, though the landscape and scenery will take your breath away. The rugged landscape, forests, and sparkling waters set the stage for great summer activities like camping, fishing, hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, and so much more! Be sure to check out the Canadian Ecology Centre in the park, which offers different programs and fun things to do throughout the season.
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6. Hit some impressive trails
Credit: Voyageur Multi Use Trail System-VMUTS
Located around Mattawa, the Voyageur Multi-Use Trail System boasts a network of over 300km of trails. These trails also serve as a gateway for trails beyond. It’s easy to see why people come from all over the country to experience the majesty and challenge that these trails offer. Whether you want to strap on the hiking boots and spend a day discovering the wildlife and scenery, or if you want to zoom down the trails on your bike, dirt bike, or ATV, it’s sure to be a blast. The trails, many which venture into the heart of the rugged and unspoiled wilderness, are sure to be an experience you won’t soon forget.
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7. Take in some impressive statues
Don’t visit the French River area and skip over the town of Mattawa. Whether you enjoy taking photos of iconic Canadian statues or are just curious about the area, you’ll be delighted by the wooden statues around town. The statues are of historical figures including Champlain, Groseilliers, Radisson, and of course the famous Big Joe Mufferaw. Mufferaw’s statue is located at the Mattawa District Museum and is a whopping 17 feet tall! The guy was a local folk hero and was immortalized by Stompin’ Tom Connors himself.
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8. Boreal Berry Farm & Winery
Credit: Boreal Berry Farm & Winery
If you thought wineries were just for Southeastern Ontario, think again! Located in Warren about an hour from the French River, the Boreal Berry Farm & Winery is a pretty spectacular and unique gem. The winery is one of the largest ice cider producers in the country and is the largest certified organic boreal and arctic berry orchard in North America. The winery is the country’s coldest climate winery. The winery does have an amazing boutique which you can visit and purchase the winery’s amazing products, like their award-winning wines, but you can also take a tour of the winery, if you have a group of ten or more people.
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9. Adventure in Temagami
If you’re looking to really get back to nature and experience that iconic Canadian style escape into the heart of the wilderness, don’t overlook all that Temagami offers. Temagami has been touted as the gateway to the wilderness, and that’s pretty spot on. You can base days, weeks, or even months of adventures here. Temagami boasts a spectacular network of lakes and rivers, which are just right for canoeing and kayaking. If you’re a hiker, strap on those boots and prepare to be amazed by the incredible forests in the area. You’ll be able to see the phenomenal white pines, which are up to 350 years old. The Caribou Mountain lookout and fire tower is also in the area, so if you want a bird’s eye view or a great picture, be sure to make the climb to the top.
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10. Finlayson Point Provincial Park
The Temagami area isn’t just beautiful. It’s also historical. In the Finlayson Point Provincial Park, you can see the plaque erected to honour Grey Owl, who once called the area home. If you’re looking for a fine summer escape this year, it doesn’t get much better than Finlayson. From sparkling waters to the 350-year-old white pines, the Temagami region is well known for its spectacular natural beauty. You can design your adventure to be as wild and rugged, or as laidback as you want it. The park offers great opportunities for camping, canoeing and kayaking, hiking, or just relaxing at the beach.
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11. Temagami Fire Tower
The Temagami Fire Tower was originally used to spot and report forest fires in the area. It’s now a hotspot tourist attraction for the area. There used to be a host of these tours around the country, but now, with modern technology, more and more have been disbanded, which makes the remaining towers something of a by-gone mystery that people love seeing. The Temagami Fire Tower stands on top of Caribou Mountain. The tower is 100 feet tall and provides an incredible view of the area. If you’re looking for a day-long adventure into the heart of the unspoiled wilderness, this is one for you.
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12. Explore a wetland system at Mashkinonje Provincial Park
Mashkinonje Provincial Park is best known for its diverse wetland system. The area stretches on for nearly five thousand acres on the west arm of Lake Nipissing. There are 30km of hiking trails in the park (10 different loops) that allow visitors to take in all that the wetlands have to offer. The area is so unique and home to many different types of wildlife and birds. Be sure to bring your camera, as you just never know when that perfect photo opportunity will come up. The park also offers canoe access to Lake Nipissing, so if you’re up for an adventure, you might want to consider launching from here and doing some exploring.
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13. French River Provincial Park
Welcome to the French River Provincial Park! The French River is actually the first designated Canadian Heritage River, for its rich historical significance. The canoe routes in the area are unbelievable. The 105km route can take you all the way from Lake Nipissing to Georgian Bay and into many different lakes and bodies of water in between. You can still paddle the same routes that First Nations, explorers, voyagers, and fur traders used for hundreds of years. Make it a real adventure and take advantage of one or more of the 250 backcountry campsites located around the river. The park also boasts excellent fishing in the river. The Recollect Falls Trails are known country-wide, and the French River Visitor Centre is a must-see.
Recollet Falls Trail: The trail is 4km long and is rated as moderate difficulty. The trail starts at the amazing French River Visitor Centre, which you should also take the time to see! The trail follows along the edge of the French River Gorge and takes you right to the breathtaking Recollet Falls. The French River is steeped in history and the portage around the Recollet Falls has been walked for hundreds of years by First Nations, voyagers, explorers, and fur traders. It’s utterly fascinating to realize that you can now walk these same ancient paths. You can see the same falls and take in the rugged Canadian wilderness that generations of people have undoubtedly been mesmerized by.
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14. Five Finger Rapids
The Five Finger Rapids are so beautiful that they’re sure to take your breath away. It does require a little bit of effort, which we prefer to call an adventure, but it’s definitely worth it! Five Finger Rapids might be your destination, but you know what they say about also enjoying the journey. The rapids are created by five rocky branches, or fingers, where the Little French flows into the Lower French River. You can reach the rapids by canoe, kayak, or motorboat, but you can also hike to them along the 9km Papase Trail, which ranges from moderate to extreme in difficulty. If you’re not too sure about venturing there on your own, you can take a guided tour from Dokis First Nation. You’ll learn all about the fascinating history and legends of the area along the way.
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15. Explore Red Cedar Lake and area
Red Cedar Lake is a manmade lake and is approximately 30km long. The Marten River flows into the lake and the Temagami River flows through it. The lake might not be the glaring choice of all the lakes you can visit and see in the area, but we’ll tell you why you really shouldn’t miss out. Red Cedar Lake is home to a whole host of lodges, resorts, and other outfitters. Not only can you fish the lake, the Marten River, and the Temagami River, which is all exciting options, these outfitters offer an insane amount of action-packed adventures in the surrounding area. You can get out on the lake and rivers, explore the area through hiking trails, have a blast on the ATV trails, or just sit back and relax. Whatever level of action you want in a getaway, you can find it right here!
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16. Marten River Provincial Park
The Marten River Provincial Park is the gateway to the Temagami area and it has just about everything you could want to make your getaway the most exciting one ever! If your aim is to escape and relax, the park has three beaches for you to enjoy! Yes, three, and they come complete with fun things to do like beach volleyball, horseshoes, and swimming. The waters in the park are just right if you’re looking to do some exploring on your canoe or kayak, or just want to spend the day boating or fishing. If you’ve brought the hiking or walking shoes, you’re in luck. You can see some pretty spectacular scenery along the park’s trails. Oh, and of course, you have to visit the replica logging camp where you can learn all about 19th-century life. If you happen to visit the park during Lumberjack Days, you can take in live music, chainsaw carving, and eat all the delicious food!
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17. Mattawa Museum
The Mattawa Museum, located in Mattawa at Explorer’s Point, has quite an impressive collection of items and many unique displays and exhibits that you won’t want to miss. The museum is a distinct pine log building, and hosts many different events during the summer, including different live music performances during the Mattawa Voyageur Days celebration (they’re on from July 24-26th this year). Explorer’s Point in itself is a beautiful destination with incredible views. Pack a picnic and stay for lunch or dinner. Of course, no visit to the museum would be complete without getting a photo with the giant Big Joe Mufferaw carved statue!
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18. The Lodge at Pine Cove
Credit: The Lodge at Pine Cove
This summer, take the stress out of your vacation planning. If you’ve never thought about staying at a lodge or resort, you really should. It’s a great way to get to explore and see the best of the French River and area without the pressures of owning your own boat, canoe, or kayak, and you don’t have to do all the legwork of trying to find that perfect private cabin for rent or pack up all the camping gear. The Lodge at Pine Cove boasts a beautiful cottage with spectacular lakefront views. You can rent a canoe or get a paddling lesson. Fish on your own, or take a guided fishing trip. Swim the cool waters of the French River or explore the exciting wilderness area. The opportunities are endless, and most important- stress-free!
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19. Backstreet Gallery
The Backstreet Gallery, located in Noelville, is a must-stop shop. The gallery features work from over 100 different artists and artisans. You can go to browse, take in the arts and culture, or go to purchase a unique, handcrafted piece. The gallery proudly celebrates the art of the Anishnaabe, Metis, Francophone, and Anglophone people living in Northern Ontario. The gallery has a massive selection of works and all different types and styles of art! Open June through September, you have to add this one to your summer bucket list.
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20. French River Trading Post
Open seasonally, the iconic French River Trading Post is the perfect place to get that special souvenir or handcrafted piece, or to fill your empty tummy! Now in business for over fifty years, the store has grown to be a well-known tourist destination. The selection of goods is huge. They serve ice cream and of course, homemade fudge! The Hungry Bear Restaurant is known around the area for the delicious home-cooked fare.
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21. Stay right at Huntley Bay Marina
Credit: Hartley Bay Marina
The Huntley Bay Marina is so much more than just your access to the French River delta. The Marina is a gorgeous place just to come and see, but if you’re more of the adventurous type, you can rent a cabin right at the marina for your stay. They offer canoe and kayak rentals, so if you don’t have your own, but still want to go out and do some exploring in the famed French River, you can still embark on your own journey. The Marian area boasts excellent fishing, so you can enjoy an entire vacation, all without leaving the area.
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22. Angle in a historic river
The French River is one of the most storied rivers in the entire country. The area has played a vital and interesting role through history. You can literally trace the routes of who paddled the river for hundreds of years. This historic river is also known as a world-class sport fishing destination. The river flows from Lake Nipissing to Georgian Bay and boasts incredible largemouth bass, walleye, and muskie fishing, but of course there are other species to be caught as well. There are quite a few Provincial Parks in the area and a whole host of different outfitters call the area home. Many offer modern cabins, boat rentals, and guiding services and are a perfect place for you to stay whether you’re fishing solo or bringing the whole family.
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23. Fish an impressive lake
Lake Nipissing is a fabulous lake to visit whether you’re an avid angler or just want to frame a more relaxing, family-friendly vacation around doing some fishing. The area is home to four different Provincial Pars, numerous outfitters like lodges and resorts, and many different towns, so you can book whatever kind of stay is best for you. The lake itself is large, at just under 900 sqkm. The lake is known for its excellent walleye fishing, but the muskie, pike, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass fishing is nothing to scoff at either. The scenery around the lake is breathtaking and since there are so many wetlands in the area, you can usually spot a ton of different wildlife and birdlife. Of course, the lake is excellent for boating, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking as well.
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Missing here is the not for profit Backstreet Gallery, 11 Notre Dame E, Noelville, Ont. Displaying and selling works by over 157 artists and artisans. Original paintings, Pottery, furniture etc