French River, Ontario

The French River is more like a chain of lakes connected by rapids. In these lakes you find many islands, bays and channels. You will find fishing heaven at the Wolseley Bay and French River, more than 95% of the shore line are untouched and protected. The French River is approximately 130 km in length.

Designated a Canadian Heritage River, The French flows from Lake Nipissing to Georgian Bay and features,
rapids, sandy bays, Precambrian Shield rock formations, fur trapper and loggers cottages plus lots of wildlife.

You can fish for Walleye, Muskie, Northern Pike, Small Mouth Bass, Large Mouth Bass and fro sure you will find Perch, Sunfish and Rock Bass. You looking for Sturgeon, Channel Cats or Whitefish you will find them in the French River.
Be always prepared for a big one, Muskie over 50” and Walleye over 30” get caught every year.

Make sure your camera is in the boat. Early morning sightings of deer, herons and otters are not uncommon, in the evening keep an eye out for beavers.

There are also many nature adventures waiting for you at the Wolseley Bay and French river: hiking, swimming and tubing, historic sides etc. or just cruising with our Pontoon and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Golf courses, museums, art, native crafts and animal farms and fish rearing ponds, located within a days drive, make for alternative vacation days:

At the Wolseley Lodge, along with great fishing at the French River there are many other activities to satisfy every desire during the season. Take advantage of our on-site guest facilities including paddle boats, canoes, children’s playground, beach and free fire wood.

Or spend an enjoyable day exploring islands, bird watching, hiking trails, rapids (please bring your own kayak or tube), or a cruise with a rental Pontoon boat on and back in the history of the French River. During the months of September and October you can enjoy the splendour of the fall colours.

Or if you’re an avid golfer enjoy the great scenery and sink a few holes at a nearby golf courses. You’ll be happy to know that our area boasts 5 golf courses. Take a day trip to Sudbury, North Bay or Sturgeon Falls, all feature numerous shopping opportunities as well as museums and other points of interest.

Hiking & Bird Watching

Enjoy the remote trails up and down the rapids of the French River and Restoule River. (boat access only!)
Don’t miss the Five Finger Rapids, it´s beauty and magnificent, unspoiled scenery is only a 20 min boat ride
from the Wolseley Lodge.

Explore the new hiking trails at Mashkinonje Provincial Park. Check their webpage and you will be amazed about the great work of a small group of local people and what they achieved the last 7 years.
The Park is located on HWY 64 between Noelville and Lavinge 25 min north from Wolseley Lodge.

The Killarney Provincial Park is a vast and beautiful tract of wilderness and offers a variety of Hiking Trails
(60 min from Wolseley Lodge when you are going to Sudbury on HWY 69 north, turning west to the park on HWY 637)

Sturgeon Falls and the Sturgeon River House Nature Trails. See link below at the bigger Cities.

Golfing

Golf courses near by:

The Maples Golf and Sports Club 8 min from us The Maples Golf Course

The innovative, Tri-Par design of this course will allow for a par 54 round right up to a long ball hitter’s dream of a Par 90,
making it the “Home of the Par 90”.

Meadow Springs Golf Course is 15 minutes from Wolseley Lodge.

French River Golf & Country Club is only 25 minutes away.

Voyageurs Golf Course is 35 minutes down the road.

The Holiday Golf & Country Club in Alban is 25 minutes away.

Float Planes

We can arrange tours on float planes, a great way to discover the French River System.

And then rent our Pontoon boat for your own discovery tour on the French River.

Or fly in fishing day trips to remote Lakes.

Larger Cities

Sudbury

(60 min from north west following HWY 64 south and than HWY 69 north)
You may visit Sudbury’s Science North
or Dynamic Earth (former Great Nickel Mine) or enjoy the Sudbury shopping centers.

North Bay

(90 min north east following HWY 64 north and than HWY 17 east)
The Dionne Quints Museum shows you the story about the The Dionne Quintuplets.
For more information check also the digitized historical information about the Dionne Quintuplets.
You also can enjoy a trip with the Chief Commanda II Cruise starting at North Bay.

Sturgeon Falls

(55 min north east following HWY 64 north and than HWY 17 east)
Sturgeon River House
“Come on in, walk through our heritage, and you will discover that the Sturgeon River House is more than a museum.”
Take some time so you can enjoy the Nature Trails which guide you from the Sturgeon River to Cache Bay.
The trails are located in a provincially significant wetlands and waterfowl staging area known as the Cache Bay Wetlands.

Local Services

Noelville is only 9 miles (16km) driving distance from our camp.

Located in this small town is a Laundromat, local shopping, churches, beer store and LCBO.