Activities
NON GUIDED
Swimming
From about mid-June, depending on the year and sometimes by the end of May, the French River warms up to allow you to swim without feeling cold. By early July the water is usually about 23c – 24c (71F – 72F).
Find out more
NON GUIDED
Kayaking
The French River is an incredible kayaking destination. Huge expanses of flat water that you can paddle for hours whilst exploring wild shorelines, islands, bays and channels. Bring your own kayak or we can outfit you with one. Discover the French River and it will keep you coming back.
Find out more
NON GUIDED
Boat Tours
One of our most popular guided excursions is our “history” tour. If you wish to spend a pleasant morning or afternoon cruising the French River, please ask us and we can arrange this for you. We are allowed a maximum of 12 persons plus crew, on the “Birkin” at one time.
Find out more
NON GUIDED
Gourmet Picnic Lunch
Visit a waterfall, jump from cliffs into deep waters (swim the area first before you jump, to look for rocks), explore a secluded island on the French River, then dry off in the sunshine while getting caught up on your summer reading.
Find out more
GUIDED
Guided fishing
A warm-water fishery, the French River around the Lodge at Pine Cove is rich with pike, walleye, bass and muskie. Pros and amateurs alike have been known to catch some fine specimens. To increase your chances of catching one or more fish, we suggest that you hire a local fishing guide (We have good suggestions for guides).
Find out more
GUIDED
Paddling lessons
Beavers, maple syrup and canoeing are about as Canadian as Canada can get. Kayaks, used by Canada’s Inuit shouldn’t be forgotten either. If you have always wanted to paddle a canoe or kayak, but haven’t had the opportunity, this is your chance. In the protected waters of Pine Cove, we will provide you with the basics of paddling and paddling safety.
Find out more
GUIDED
Your Island in the Sun
Imagine an island to yourselves, peace, beauty and time to explore. With a scrumptious gourmet picnic prepared by the Lodge at Pine Cove’s chef, you will climb aboard our Water Taxi at the Lodge’s main dock. During the trip to a secluded island, we will entertain you with a brief introduction to the French River’s history of voyageurs and fur traders.
Find out more
GUIDED
Explore Doctor’s Island
In July and early August, Doctor’s Island is a favourite blueberry-picking spot, but there is a lot more to do on this large island. Explore the forest, warm yourself on the enormous granite rocks or sit on a cliff and watch the world go by.
Find out more
GUIDED
Playtime at Five Finger Rapids
Five Finger Rapids is the most popular destination from the Lodge at Pine Cove. Located on land owned by the Dokis First Nation, it is a lovely spot where rapids meet pristine ponds and jump-from cliffs complement a walking trail. You can swim, dive, picnic, read a book or simply breathe the fresh air. This magnificent spot will not disappoint. Your adventure begins as you board our Water Taxi at the main dock.
Find out more
GUIDED
North Channel Loop
This trip shows off the truly beautiful North Channel of the French River. We leave the Lodge, paddling down Wolseley Bay to the point where it meets the North Channel. Sticking close to shore, we paddle the inside passage exploring several small bays and inlets. When the wind picks up on this route, you will better understand the conditions experienced by the Voyageurs who travelled the French River in the 17th century.
Find out more
GUIDED
Great Blue Herons
This half-day, guided trip is especially suited for early birds and photographers who know that true peace only comes just after dawn. We will transport you and a kayak or canoe – your choice, to the top of Wolseley Bay – the mouth of the Wolseley River.
Find out more
GUIDED
History Tour – Motor Launch
Our most popular guided excursion is our ‘History’ tour (please go to the explore more button below for further details). If you wish to spend a pleasant afternoon cruising the French River, please ask us and we can arrange this for you. We can take a maximum of 12 persons plus crew, on the “Birkin” at one time.
Find out more
GUIDED
Guided Trips by Canoe/Kayak/Motorboat
The French River offers wonderful paddling opportunities and for those who don’t want to paddle we offer tours on our lodge motor launch. To take advantage of our knowledge of the river or if you are not an experienced canoeist or kayaker, you can hire one of our guides to accompany you for an hour, half-day or full-day outing.
Find out more
NON GUIDED
Water Taxi
Our water taxi service, can take you with canoes/kayaks and personal belongings, to wherever you wish on the river. We can drop you off on an island or at a beautiful rapid. You can paddle home or we will arrange to pick you up.
Find out more
NON GUIDED
Pow Wows
There are many First Nation Pow Wows within 50 minutes to 3 hours drive from the lodge. The Dokis First Nation Pow Wow, can be paddled to from the lodge. That is, if you are up for a wonderful but longish paddle.
Find out more
NON GUIDED
Wild Fruit and Mushroom gathering
The French River is known for its blueberries. From late June to early August – it depends on the season – blueberries grow in profusion. Ask at the front desk for a pot to put them in. Delicious and rich in antioxidants.
Find out more
NON GUIDED
Wildlife Viewing
The French River is alive with mammals, birds and reptiles. The French does have a huge diversity of wildlife; moose, black bear, lynx, timber wolf, fisher, mink, beaver, otters, bald eagles, osprey, several turtle varieties and many other species. The trick however is to know where, when and how to look for them.
Find out more
NON GUIDED
Bird watching
French River is home to many species of birds including; various warbler migrations, sandhill cranes, many species of duck, bald eagles, ospreys, merlins, coopers hawk, merlins, pileated woodpeckers, blue herons and many other varieties. Birding on the French River is a joy.
Find out more
NON GUIDED
Montreal Canoe
Lodge at Pine Cove has a 36-foot-long Montreal Canoe that can be rented by groups. Seating capacity for about 20, 18 of whom can paddle simultaneously, this great boat is rented with paddles. A reproduction of the actual canoes used by Canada’s voyageurs, it has enormous capacity to hold gear, and when paddled by 10 or more, travels at twice the speed of a typical 16-foot canoe.
Find out more
NON GUIDED
Fishing
The French River, was a larder for millennia, for the First Nations peoples that fished its rich waters. Today, sport fishing is one of the French River’s main activities and attracts fishers for; muskellunge, northern pike, walleye (or pickerel as it is known in Canada), large and small mouth bass and other varieties of fresh water fish. Ask us about hiring a guide, bring your own boat or rent one from us.
Find out more
NON GUIDED
Hiking
Hike Lodge at Pine Cove, on our well marked trails. From a twenty minute stroll to a three hour hike across the rugged Canadian Shield, you will find plenty of trails to interest you. Beaver ponds, wonderful rock formations, huge lichen beds, a cranberry bog, immense pine trees and plenty of other flora and fauna. Hike Pine Cove and discover the French River.
Find out more
NON GUIDED
Canoeing
For centuries the French River was one of the worlds great trade routes. Canoes plied its waters in search of beaver pelts, to export to Europe. Today you can canoe those waters from the Lodge at Pine Cove. Explore flat water, rapids, bays and wonderful places to stop and eat a gourmet picnic from the lodge’s kitchen.
Find out more
NON GUIDED
Swimming
From about mid-June, depending on the year and sometimes by the end of May, the French River warms up to allow you to swim without feeling cold. By early July the water is usually about 23c – 24c (71F – 72F).
Find out more
NON GUIDED
Kayaking
The French River is an incredible kayaking destination. Huge expanses of flat water that you can paddle for hours whilst exploring wild shorelines, islands, bays and channels. Bring your own kayak or we can outfit you with one. Discover the French River and it will keep you coming back.
Find out more
NON GUIDED
Boat Tours
One of our most popular guided excursions is our “history” tour. If you wish to spend a pleasant morning or afternoon cruising the French River, please ask us and we can arrange this for you. We are allowed a maximum of 12 persons plus crew, on the “Birkin” at one time.
Find out more
NON GUIDED
Gourmet Picnic Lunch
Visit a waterfall, jump from cliffs into deep waters (swim the area first before you jump, to look for rocks), explore a secluded island on the French River, then dry off in the sunshine while getting caught up on your summer reading.
Find out more
NON GUIDED
Water Taxi
Our water taxi service, can take you with canoes/kayaks and personal belongings, to wherever you wish on the river. We can drop you off on an island or at a beautiful rapid. You can paddle home or we will arrange to pick you up.
Find out more
NON GUIDED
Pow Wows
There are many First Nation Pow Wows within 50 minutes to 3 hours drive from the lodge. The Dokis First Nation Pow Wow, can be paddled to from the lodge. That is, if you are up for a wonderful but longish paddle.
Find out more
NON GUIDED
Wild Fruit and Mushroom gathering
The French River is known for its blueberries. From late June to early August – it depends on the season – blueberries grow in profusion. Ask at the front desk for a pot to put them in. Delicious and rich in antioxidants.
Find out more
NON GUIDED
Wildlife Viewing
The French River is alive with mammals, birds and reptiles. The French does have a huge diversity of wildlife; moose, black bear, lynx, timber wolf, fisher, mink, beaver, otters, bald eagles, osprey, several turtle varieties and many other species. The trick however is to know where, when and how to look for them.
Find out more
NON GUIDED
Bird watching
French River is home to many species of birds including; various warbler migrations, sandhill cranes, many species of duck, bald eagles, ospreys, merlins, coopers hawk, merlins, pileated woodpeckers, blue herons and many other varieties. Birding on the French River is a joy.
Find out more
NON GUIDED
Montreal Canoe
Lodge at Pine Cove has a 36-foot-long Montreal Canoe that can be rented by groups. Seating capacity for about 20, 18 of whom can paddle simultaneously, this great boat is rented with paddles. A reproduction of the actual canoes used by Canada’s voyageurs, it has enormous capacity to hold gear, and when paddled by 10 or more, travels at twice the speed of a typical 16-foot canoe.
Find out more
NON GUIDED
Fishing
The French River, was a larder for millennia, for the First Nations peoples that fished its rich waters. Today, sport fishing is one of the French River’s main activities and attracts fishers for; muskellunge, northern pike, walleye (or pickerel as it is known in Canada), large and small mouth bass and other varieties of fresh water fish. Ask us about hiring a guide, bring your own boat or rent one from us.
Find out more
NON GUIDED
Hiking
Hike Lodge at Pine Cove, on our well marked trails. From a twenty minute stroll to a three hour hike across the rugged Canadian Shield, you will find plenty of trails to interest you. Beaver ponds, wonderful rock formations, huge lichen beds, a cranberry bog, immense pine trees and plenty of other flora and fauna. Hike Pine Cove and discover the French River.
Find out more
NON GUIDED
Canoeing
For centuries the French River was one of the worlds great trade routes. Canoes plied its waters in search of beaver pelts, to export to Europe. Today you can canoe those waters from the Lodge at Pine Cove. Explore flat water, rapids, bays and wonderful places to stop and eat a gourmet picnic from the lodge’s kitchen.
Find out more
GUIDED
Guided fishing
A warm-water fishery, the French River around the Lodge at Pine Cove is rich with pike, walleye, bass and muskie. Pros and amateurs alike have been known to catch some fine specimens. To increase your chances of catching one or more fish, we suggest that you hire a local fishing guide (We have good suggestions for guides).
Find out more
GUIDED
Paddling lessons
Beavers, maple syrup and canoeing are about as Canadian as Canada can get. Kayaks, used by Canada’s Inuit shouldn’t be forgotten either. If you have always wanted to paddle a canoe or kayak, but haven’t had the opportunity, this is your chance. In the protected waters of Pine Cove, we will provide you with the basics of paddling and paddling safety.
Find out more
GUIDED
Your Island in the Sun
Imagine an island to yourselves, peace, beauty and time to explore. With a scrumptious gourmet picnic prepared by the Lodge at Pine Cove’s chef, you will climb aboard our Water Taxi at the Lodge’s main dock. During the trip to a secluded island, we will entertain you with a brief introduction to the French River’s history of voyageurs and fur traders.
Find out more
GUIDED
Explore Doctor’s Island
In July and early August, Doctor’s Island is a favourite blueberry-picking spot, but there is a lot more to do on this large island. Explore the forest, warm yourself on the enormous granite rocks or sit on a cliff and watch the world go by.
Find out more
GUIDED
Playtime at Five Finger Rapids
Five Finger Rapids is the most popular destination from the Lodge at Pine Cove. Located on land owned by the Dokis First Nation, it is a lovely spot where rapids meet pristine ponds and jump-from cliffs complement a walking trail. You can swim, dive, picnic, read a book or simply breathe the fresh air. This magnificent spot will not disappoint. Your adventure begins as you board our Water Taxi at the main dock.
Find out more
GUIDED
North Channel Loop
This trip shows off the truly beautiful North Channel of the French River. We leave the Lodge, paddling down Wolseley Bay to the point where it meets the North Channel. Sticking close to shore, we paddle the inside passage exploring several small bays and inlets. When the wind picks up on this route, you will better understand the conditions experienced by the Voyageurs who travelled the French River in the 17th century.
Find out more
GUIDED
Great Blue Herons
This half-day, guided trip is especially suited for early birds and photographers who know that true peace only comes just after dawn. We will transport you and a kayak or canoe – your choice, to the top of Wolseley Bay – the mouth of the Wolseley River.
Find out more
GUIDED
History Tour – Motor Launch
Our most popular guided excursion is our ‘History’ tour (please go to the explore more button below for further details). If you wish to spend a pleasant afternoon cruising the French River, please ask us and we can arrange this for you. We can take a maximum of 12 persons plus crew, on the “Birkin” at one time.
Find out more
GUIDED
Guided Trips by Canoe/Kayak/Motorboat
The French River offers wonderful paddling opportunities and for those who don’t want to paddle we offer tours on our lodge motor launch. To take advantage of our knowledge of the river or if you are not an experienced canoeist or kayaker, you can hire one of our guides to accompany you for an hour, half-day or full-day outing.