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History French River, French River, Area Information, Canada Cottages and Meals, Fishing Canada, Ontario Provincial Park, Sudbury, Georgian Bay, Historic Canoe Route, Canadian Destination, Rainbow Country Travel, Fish Ontario's First Canadian Heritage River |
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![]() History French River, Canadian Heritage French River Park view. French River area great for boating, swimming, canoeing, river fishing, wildlife viewing, star gazing, birding and you can get lost from the city - your escape to the French River. Canada fishing. Bear's Den Lodge. Number one destination in Canada. |
![]() Fish Canada. French River history, beaver ponds, birds, wildlife, walleye, bass, pike, muskie, remote. Ontario fishing, a Canadian destination, vacation Canada on the Northeast Georgian Bay. Sand beach, berry picking, mushrooms, blueberries, or find accessible nature at its finest, where space to yourself exists! Housekeeping cottages French River, American Plan meal packages, boat and canoe rentals, guides for river fishing and hunting. Black bears, moose, and deer are sighted on the French River, while the Elk herd is increasing in size too. Wildlife photos from wildlife viewing tours. Fishing Canada. French River. |
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| French River: History reported on
two plaques along Highway 400, north of Toronto, Parry Sound and
south of Sudbury.
"Canoe Route to the West" - French River "French River formed a vital link in the historic canoe route via the Ottawa and Mattawa Rivers and Lake Nippissing, which connected the settlements on the St. Lawrence with the upper Great Lakes and the far West. Most of the famous Canadian explorers, missionaries and fur traders of the 17th, 18th and early 19th centuries followed this waterway. Here passed: Brule, discoverer of Lake Huron; Champlain, "Father of New France"; the Jesuit martyrs, Brebeuf and Lalmant; the colourful courerurs de bois, Radisson and Groseilliers; La Verendrye, pioneer explorer of the prairies; Mackenzie, first European to reach the Pacific by land north of Mexico; Thompson, the great explorer and cartographer." The plaque by The Canadian Heritage Rivers System reads: "French River" "A travel route of the Ojibwa Indians and a key link in the fur trade for two centuries, the French River’s historical importance is unmatched in this part of Canada. Its ice-molded landscape, gorges, relict flora, and extensive bedrock delta tell a unique story in the glacial history of the Canadian Shield. The river’s valley is the habitat for several rare plants, as well as the Massassauga Rattlesnake. These features, and its great beauty, are the reasons for the French River’s outstanding significance as a recreational and heritage waterway." French River History: reveals early explorers were looking for a shorter route to the West. Hence, the French River was the main "Water Highway to the West in Canada, from 1600 to the mid 1800’s." French River has been a producer of furs and trading over the years. Logging was a major industry along with fishing in the area. Steam boats navigated the Dallas Falls carrying supplies past the French River Village which developed in the late 1880’s from the logging industry. "Alligator" tugs were used and can be still seen abandoned along the shorelines at the Dallas Falls and the French River. Timber cutting, logging and lumber mills sprang up in the area in 1873 and boomed till the 1930’s. A major boom of logging occurred after the Chicago, Illinois fire and the logs were floated down the French River and the Wahnipitae River to be taken to rebuild the city. Today, many of the sunken logs still dot the rivers and remind of us days gone by. We refer to these sunken logs as "dead heads". Caution is advised when boating in these known areas of our preserved surfacing history. In the 40’s the French River area was closed to further commercial and private development, preserving this wilderness area much as it was during the days of Champlain and fur trading. In the early 1960’s, the Ontario Government closed the area for further development making it part of the North Georgian Bay Recreation Reserve. Then in 1985, French River became part of the French River Heritage Park System – Ontario’s First Canadian Heritage River, a historical area. 2007 new report finds announced. Swimming, boating, canoeing, wildlife viewing, photography, landscape artists’ paradise, hunting, hiking, or just relaxing on the French, along with the lunkers for the fishermen to chase and release has been a world class paradise for the outdoor enthusiast and fun. Adventure tours in Canada and fishing trips await you.
History of the Geological Changes and Formation of Present Day French River Flowage The French River area was reported to have originally flowed eastward from the present day Georgian Bay to the Ottawa River Valley drainage system southeast to the ocean from 12,000 – 9500 years ago as per S.B. Lumbers, curator-in-charge, Department of Geology, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto. The bedrock is part of the Precambrian Canadian Shield forming the mineral wealth produced in Canada. Areas of moss and sediment with sparse vegetation dot the shorelines. This sediment was deposited during the last glacial and melting glacier cycle in the past one million years. Any rock formed or deposited on the present bedrock was eroded or removed by the last glacier as seen along the border of the Precambrian Shield. "The overlaying rocks are 480 million year old limestone deposited in a shallow sea after the Precambrian bedrock was eroded to its present level. The French and Pickerel Rivers were initially formed upon this ancient erosion surface sometime between 480 million years ago and the glaciations that ended about 10,000 years ago." French River flows to the west currently the from Lake Nipissing to the Georgian Bay. With the melting of the last glacier and the weight of it, the earth surface rose and "tilted to the west and east along a hinge line just east of Lake Nipissing." Westward tilt of the land surface west of the hinge line reversed the flow of the river westward to Georgian Bay. The eastward tilted land surface east of the hinge line allowed drainage to continue eastward to Mattawa River which gives the French River two mouths – one at each end flowing in two directions. The earth is still tilting further and in years to come, it may change again. Rock formation is distorted and contorted from the energy from within the earth. Gneiss, or the rock caused by heating and compressing shows rippling layers of secondary layers. Original layers of sedimentary rock were white, brown, and grey. They are now mixed with igneous rocks formed in the Earth’s interior. These rocks are pinkish to reddish, very course, slightly layered and rare in Precambrian Shield finds. Nepheline syenite is found cutting across areas of the French River with a noted white to grayish color. It is breath taking and a real marvel to see. Along your adventure travel you will see boulders sitting high on the bedrock and dotted areas of sand deposits, an amazement to see! It is a haven for geologists to see P-forms, Striations, Chattermarks, Whalebacks and Roche Moutonnee all within reach from Bear's Den Lodge. Several years ago, I had the privilege to spend time talking with a local Native that currently resides where the voyageurs did fur trading on the French River Delta. He related a legend of that is noted to have occurred 6000-7000 years ago on the tribe belt. The story he related was that the Great Lakes were low enough for the Indians to walk from the Bruce Peninsula in the Georgian Bay to Manutolin Island on land. It is said that "the ones walking from the North met the ones walking from the South and they met the other group with different clothes and were of the same culture of people". This legend has been passed on to the research scientists from the Natural Resources Canada and may serve to assist in the project they are currently studying about the French River flowage. Also, Art completed drawings for the Scientists at Natural Resources Canada in hopes to assist them in locating the "forest of stumps" we discovered submerged in the rock cracks while fishing in Georgian Bay over 29 years ago. Scientists and researchers traveled with sonar equipment to the Georgian Bay to look for indication that the French River was dry at one time in history. Stumps have not been located in this area, but a "white cedar stump" was recovered from the Georgian Bay, "tested 8,522 years old," and indicated that the climate was "more arid then" as reported by geological expert Steve Blasko on the Discovery Science recently. Blasko also located underwater a waterfall described as, "Larger than the Horseshoe Falls located near Lake Huron and the Georgian Bay." Dr. Greg Brooks, P.Geo and Barbara E. Medioli final report of March 31, 2007 radiocarbon ages seeds and twig fragments approx. 9000 years ago! Art and Brenda Barefoot are listed as providing insights into the river system and history of the area.Indigenous rock samples are being studied by Professor Henry Halls of University of Toronto and his colleges. We await his report and findings for French River Delta. The indigenous rock was reported to be "young" at 513,000 years old by Professor Halls. Bear's Den is currently seeking additional history, photos, and information on the Heritage of the French River to develop a documentary. Let's turn a dream and vision into reality - the foot prints are calling! Please contact us with any information about the French River. We would love to hear, record, and share the information and photos. A preliminary Heritage Film meeting was held at Bear's Den Lodge November 3, 2008. On May 20, 2009, a meeting showed much interest from the First Nations and French River Heritage Aboriginal Advisory Committee to consider recording aboriginal history of the French River. Funding and history are being sought for the French River Heritage Film. Please contact Brenda Barefoot at Bear's Den Lodge for more information. Human Changes to the flowage in the French River Delta In the early 1970's the Dallas Falls were blasted with the "hopes" to open a travel way to the Georgian Bay. The blasting resulted in the rock tumbling into the Dallas Rapids causing what used to be a major travel way for alligator logging equipment in the 1920's to an area almost impossible to navigate by small water craft. Not only did this change navigation, but it also lowered the water level in the French River System. Steamships previously navigated these waterways of the French River. Art and I saw rare photos of the steamships during the early logging years.
Flora, Fauna, and Wildlife of the French River Provincial Park, Canadian Heritage French River Park Wind blown trees dot the rugged shorelines in the region and fall foliage is spectacular reflecting off the pool of water it lines. Conifers of white pine, jack pine, white spruce, and hemlock along with hardwoods of maple, birch, aspen, beech, basswood, and red oak line the shores, growing out of cracks in the rocks. Virgin timber remains on Boom Island to this day. Ferns – including Virginian chain fern , variety of mosses, mushrooms, lemna which is a green surface aquatic plant bright in color, wildflowers, cardinal flower - those "little red flowers that grow down by the shoreline," wild rice, lily pads with turtles dotting the tops of rocks sunning themselves slither into the water as you pass by. You will see great blue herons feeding along the shorelines, hear the bugle of the elk, moose standing knee deep feeding, and cubs and mom climbing trees or throwing a fish on the bank to eat. Luscious wild blue berries, strawberries, raspberries, and cranberries top the favorite of dishes. Otters, muskrats, lynx, the prized fisher can be a vicious critter if cornered, beavers are busy building huts and dams, minks, wolves, martens, red foxes and the occasional porcupine can be seen. White tail deer are sparse in the area, but can be seen too. Birds and waterfowl includes: Canada geese, loons, bald eagles, woodies, mallards, black ducks, mergansers, teal ducks, sea gulls, hummingbirds, whiskey jacks, blue jays, cardinals, partridge, cedar waxwings, woodpeckers - pileated, latter backs, and red heads, hawks, turkey vultures, sand pipers, cormorant, just to name a few of the species that can be seen. Many more birds pass through during their migrations. Hummingbird bees and hummingbird moths visit the flower gardens at Bear's Den Lodge too - a must see.
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| Canada fishing with World Class expert outfitters - a history museum and a French River lodge specializing in the adventure outdoors including, trophy fishing for northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, muskie, catfish, sturgeon, black crappies, perch and other pan fish. Boating, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and trophy black bear hunting, water fowl, game birds found only in the remote, natural surroundings of the Cambrian Shield. Excellent for the avid fisherman, canoeists, photographers, persons seeking adventure, ecotourism, or a relaxed get away and corporate retreats. A remote, wilderness Canadian resort and lodge with modern facilities and cottages. Bear's Den Lodge offers excellent home cooked meals and American Plan Packages. Currently we are working with research scientists from the Natural Resources Canada. The #1 Destination in Canada. | ||||||||||||||||
Bear's Den Lodge Hartley Bay, R.R. 2, Site 3, Box 10 Alban, Ont. P0M 1A0 Tel/Fax: (705) 857-2757 |
Winter Address: 124 Shagbark Rd. Alum Bank, PA 15521 Tel/Fax: (814) 839-2443 |
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….A SPECIAL PLACE Deep within the Canadian woodlands lies a special place. A place
in which the mood and surroundings are as cool and calm as the river
that is lies on…. Bear’s Den Lodge. Nestled tightly between a world of rock and pine, this place sets the
tone for a time of peace and tranquility. Without the distractions of
the outside world, the mind can have endless thought sessions. The hospitality expressed here is that of any four-star hotel. Tables
filled with food as far as the eye can see, as well as the new
friendships that are established around these tables, make for memories
never to be forgotten. This is a place where you can go all day and
search for "The Big One", and share your own version of fish tales at
the end of the day. The mood set at Bear’s Den Lodge along the French River is that of
love and happiness……… some call it home. By: Travis Crilly Life on the French River Where is the French River? The French River is located in Ontario,
Canada which is part of North America. My home, Bear’s Den Lodge,
coordinates are North 46 02’ 30 latitude and West 80 47’ 0 longitudes. The French River
follows from Lake Nippissing to the Georgian Bay which then flows into Lake
Huron, one of the Great Lakes. Years ago before the last ice age, the
French River flowed north but with the weight of the ice it pushed the
land down causing it to flow to the south. What does the French River look like and what type of weather occurs
there? The French River has rocky canyons, sandy beaches, bays, rivers,
lakes, grassy land, boggy soil, and tall forests. It looks like a giant
sponge from the sky. The different weather patterns are warm sunny
summers, fall rainy days, winter is cold with snowy and windy days. The
different weathers patterns and seasons affect fishing, hunting, the
River system, and its wildlife. What physical systems does the French River have? Oak, maple, various
pine trees, cedar, white birch dot the rugged shoreline. There are
waterfalls, rapids, 5 different rivers flowing all into the French River
System. Sandy beaches, granite rock with pink and white quartz accent
steep ledges and bluffs. Large boulders remain from the glaciers.
Islands create a maze of channels with rocks, shoals, and dead heads –
logs stuck in the mud from the logging years ago to navigate and fish.
We are 530 feet above sea level. The French River has human systems. Canadians celebrate different
holidays then Americans, including Thanksgiving in October, Canada Day
on July 1st. The French River had a history about lumber jacks and fur
traders. The French River is known as the "Canoe Route to the West".
Today we offer tourism, fishing, hunting, adventure and scenic tours.
The people on the French River speak different languages; they are
mostly English, French, and Spanish. The religions on the French River are mainly Catholic and Protestant.
A Protestant Church is only open during the summer season and located at
the French River Station. The Catholic Church is located in the town of
Alban which is 20 miles away. The French River Village had both a
Presbyterian and Roman Catholic Church in the early 1900's. French River allows opportunities for you to hunt black bear,
ducks, small game, moose, and deer. However, the River is best known for
providing world class fishing opportunities for a large variety of fresh
water fish from muskie, bass, pike, walleye, sturgeon, catfish,
crappies, perch and other pan fish. The French River area has humus soil
because the river system floods and deposits new soils each year. Also,
plants grow well in the humus soil including wild blueberries,
cranberries in the boggy areas, wild rice and a variety of ferns, just
to mention a few. The French River’s geography includes locals and people from
different parts of the world! Immigrants and visitors are from United
States, Germany, Australia, China, Switzerland, England, Ireland, and
many more countries reside here or visit annually. The French River is a
community of neighbors living together. We are very conscious about protecting the environment from pollution
and extinction. Protection of our resources currently include: selective
cutting of trees, slot limits on the fish and numbers of fish caught,
other protected species including Massassauga Rattlesnakes and local elk
to name a few. Each person is responsible for their own garbage. Garbage
is removed from the French River Park to local landfills to protect our
environment. Hence, French River is a tranquil, peaceful, quiet place in
Northern Ontario where you can get a way from the city and still have
electricity. The natural beauty lies in the landscape, wildlife, and
serenity of the life among friends and family. Lastly, the French River
is the history, geography, and the future for wildlife with us living
together. ©Joey Barefoot, Age 11 ©All rights reserved by Bear's Den Lodge 2001-2013 |
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