The sheer beauty of the French River area is enough to make any visitor remember their trip for years to come, but what really stands out the most? We’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 Places to Discover this Summer. Be sure to share your thoughts on this list and let us know if there are any great places, or things, we’ve missed.
1.French River Visitor’s Centre
The French River Visitor’s Centre is an iconic tourist spot as it showcases the history of the cultures – First Nation, French and English, and how they lived, worked and travelled the waterways. The French River was an integral pathway for the fur trade, explorers and voyageurs alike. The Centre is open 7 days a week in the summer, from 9 am to 5 pm.
Distance from Great Escape Cabins: 5.6km (8 min. drive)
2. French River Trading Post and Hungry Bear Restaurant
The French River Trading Post offers everything from clothing and giftware to moccasins, and First Nation artwork. They are also the spot to find the best fudge around! Next-door is the Hungry Bear Restaurant, with meal options for any appetite, as well as ice cream and sundaes. They have indoor and outdoor seating options, plenty of parking for larger vehicles and RV’s, as well as a pet-friendly area.
Distance from Great Escape Cabins: 6km (7 min. drive)
3. The Backstreet Gallery
The Backstreet Gallery is an art-lover’s dream. Local First Nation, Francophone and Anglophone artists and artisans display and sell their work. The Backstreet Gallery is filled with such a variety of artwork, and there’s something for everyone!
Distance from Great Escape Cabins: 22km (21 min. drive)
4. Mashkinonje Provincial Park
Mashkinonje Provincial Park is unlike any other provincial park as it is free to use because it is self-guided. The park offers 10 hiking trails in stacked loops, totaling 30kms. Pack a lunch and take a break in the roofed picnic shelter. Washrooms are also on-site.
Distance from Great Escape Cabins: 43km (34 min. drive)
5. The Maples Golf & Sports Club
This 9-hole golf course, with a Tri-Par layout, is set in the heart of the French River. The Maples Golf & Sports Club includes a restaurant on-site.
Distance from Great Escape Cabins: 19km (17 min. drive)
6. Noelville Driving Range
This self-serve (cash only), 300-yard driving range is perfect for those of all ages. Forgot your clubs at home? No worries, the Noelville Driving Range has clubs available for your convenience. With a bucket of 70 balls for only $6.00, you can get plenty of practice in, while still staying on budget! Be sure to try and hit the 25 target to win a bonus bucket of 25 additional balls!
Distance from Great Escape Cabins: 26km (24 min. drive.
7. Science North
One of Northern Ontario’s most popular tourist attraction, Science North is an interactive science museum situated on the southwestern shore of Ramsey Lake. Two snowflake-shaped buildings, connected by a rock tunnel and billion-year-old geologic fault, features 4 levels of interactive science for visitors of all ages. Science North includes an IMAX theatre, planetarium, featured exhibits, as well as exhibits outside.
Distance from Great Escape Cabins: 65km (44 min. drive)
8. Hike “The Crack” at Killarney Provincial Park
One of the most memorable hikes you will ever go on, The Crack displays the area’s white rock mountains and inland lakes. This hike is not for the faint of heart, as it requires climbing over boulders near the end of the trail. The trail is 6km, taking between 3 and 4 hours return trip. The reward at the end of this trail is the spectacular view, and it’s definitely worth the workout!
Distance from Great Escape Cabins: 85km (58 min. drive)
9. Island Queen Cruise
Explore the famous 30,000 Islands on the Island Queen Cruise. The area represents the world’s largest freshwater archipelago. Be sure to attend the 3-hour afternoon cruise. The cruise takes you past granite shoals, into narrow channels. This area has earned itself the World Biosphere Reserve status from the United Nations. Enjoy other sightseeing spots such as the Hole in the Wall, Killbear Provincial Park and Massassauga Provincial Park, as well as the Rose Point Swing Bridge.
Distance from Great Escape Cabins: 101km (1 h 8 min. drive)
10. Pow Wows and Festivals
There are many festivals and pow wows in the surrounding area during the summer months, including the French River Pow Wow. It is located at the French River Provincial Park’s Visitor Centre, and the French River Pow Wow is welcoming to everyone. It is free to attend and is very family friendly. Vendors are on site with handcrafted items. Enjoy the talented dancers, drummers and singers as they take part in the Grand Entry to the Ceremonial Grounds, July 6, 2019, at 12:30 pm.
Distance from Great Escape Cabins: 5.6km (8 min. drive)
