Restoule Upper French Route

French River, Restoule

Stormy Lake photo: April McClellan

Description

The Restoule / Upper French Route is a backcountry route that takes paddlers to the seldom travelled backwaters of Restoule Provincial Park and the Upper French River. The trip generally takes between 4 and 6 days to complete and requires intermediate canoe tripping skills to navigate fluctuating water levels, big water at the mouth of the French and Lake Nipissing and low maintenance along some sections.

Beginning on Stormy Lake at Restoule Provincial Park, the route follows the Restoule River westerly to where it spills into the Upper French River. As you reach the Upper French fantastic campsites and fishing spots begin to appear leading you French River Provincial Park and Dokis First Nation. The paddling route passes the incredible Chaudière Dam built to control water levels on Lake Nipissing and downstream on the French. Private cottages and lodges dot the shoreline of the Upper French attract outdoor enthusiasts. The route back to Stormy Lake from Lake Nipissing along Shoal Creek is an upstream paddle and can become unnavigable at certain times of the season when Mother Nature has other plans.

The backcountry trip highlights the nature and wildlife of the area

Route Type: Backcountry
Route Length: 72km
No. of Portages: 10
Access: Restoule Provincial Park; Dokis First Nation

Directions

From ON-HWY 11 take exit 329 for Lake Nosbonsing Road/HWY 654. Continue on HWY 654 for 23 km (14.3 mi), then turn right onto HWY 534. 21.4 km (13.3 mi) further, stay right to remain on HWY 534 for an extra 9 km (5.6 mi). Follow signs to Restoule Provincial Park.

For More Information

Restoule Provincial Park
8818 Highway 534
Restoule, ON P0H 2R0
Phone: 705-729-2010

Restoule Provincial Park produces a downloadable Restoule Backcountry Paddling Route Map

The vast network of trails we celebrate exist on the traditional lands and waterways of the Anishinaabe people within the territory protected by the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850 and Williams Treaties of 1923.