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As you wander through the wild spaces and wilderness trails of the Upper French River, consider the words of John Muir, "In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks."
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The best way to spotting even the most elusive of wildlife is to know when and where to look – and how to see. As you wander through the wilderness be on the lookout for clues like tracks, scat, markings on trees, nests or tree cavities. Observe changes in the landscape and be mindful of different habitats and sounds all around. Keep a distance from wild animals and always respect their space.
Engineers of the Forest
The beaver is firmly positioned in Canadian history and an icon of the Northern Ontario wilderness. Long before European fur traders set foot on these lands, the beaver was of great importance for food, clothing and trade to the Indigenous people living on the shores of Lake Nipissing. Beavers are considered the “engineers of the forest” for tirelessly building dams and altering the water’s flow. See active beaver colonies on the Loudon Peatland Trail at Mashkinonje Provincial Park.
Be Bear-Wise
Black bears are most active at dawn and dusk in spring and summer, so keep your campsites clean! It is important to be keep your distance and take the advice from the bear experts at Ontario Parks with their bear-wise program. Black bears mark their territory by standing on their hind legs and clawing scratches into trees. Keep your eyes open for these markings while hiking.
Common Loon
The haunting, soulful cry of the loon is common on the French River. It is truly magical when heard in chorus on still nights. The loon is a sacred bird in ancient lore across North America and many First Nations revere the loon as a spirit animal with an important role in their origin stories.
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Dokis First Nation
Dokis Village is the main community on Okikendawt Island meaning land of pots named for unique formations in the rock due to centuries of water flow. Dokis First Nation is named after Chief Michel “Eagle” Dokis who signed the 1850 Robinson Huron Treaty setting aside the lands that once hosted a successful fur trading enterprise. Following the merger of the Hudson’s Bay and North West companies in 1821 trading slowed at Dokis.
Starry Nights
Since the beginning of time, stargazers have imagined captivating stories and sought knowledge and spiritual guidance from the night sky. Indigenous peoples’ knowledge of the skies has been shared orally through the generations through a set of stories deeply interwoven into cultural beliefs, traditions and ceremonies. For the Anishinaabe, the sun is the very source of life on the planet and the moon is a way to measure time, when to travel, and when to harvest. The dark skies over the French River allow one to experience this sense of mystery and wonder.
A Bee in the Bush
Keeping bees since 1974 with 300 active colonies, Board’s Honey Farm in Restoule welcomes visitors to buzz around the farm on the Bee in the Bush trail, participate in an educational program or simply pick up a tasty souvenir at their shop. The Board family shares the ancient knowledge of apitherapy, or using honey and other products from the hive to heal the body.
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Restoule Provincial Park
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Camping
Remote and rugged backcountry campsites are scattered along the shore within French River Provincial Park. A backcountry camp permit is required if staying within French River Provincial Park and can be purchased from Ontario Parks online.
Camping is also available at Dokis Park on Dokis First Nation. A permit is required and can be obtained by calling (705) 763 2575 or by email to trails@dokis.ca.
Tourisme du Nord-Est de l'Ontario
Vivre le tourisme dans le Nord-Est de l’Ontario, c’est profiter d’hébergement propre au Nord : des terrains de camping paisibles, des chalets, de simples gîtes ou encore, des hôtels de marque.
“The sunsets are spectacular over the French River. And, we love how there are so many quiet bays explore.”