Triple the Fun at Dokis Summerfest

Dokis Summerfest Logo 2013

Imagine hitting a single while a live band plays a cover of the latest hit single in the background. That’s the atmosphere the participants of Dokis Summerfest get to enjoy every year. Since 2011, this annual community event has been rocking a July weekend with family-friendly activities that have been attracting more and more people. The grounds of […]

Weekend Hike to Five Finger Rapids on the French River

Fantastic scenery while on a weekend hike to Five Finger Rapids, French River.

French River is known for its paddling routes, not hiking trails. But few know that hikers can go backpacking Papase Trail at Dokis First Nation, a 21– to 28 kmkilometre return weekend hike to Five Finger Rapids on the French River. Nearly three years ago, we went hiking along the French River on Dokis First Nation’s Papase Trail […]

Hiking and Paddling Bucket List 2014

Bad River, French River Waterway Provincial Park

We put a lot of thought into our hiking and paddling bucket list this year. It’s been tough making decisions because we’ve been torn between seeing new trails and returning to parks we really love. So we decided to compromise. The 2014 hiking and paddling bucket list includes a lot of places we’ve been to before, though we’re […]

50+ Things To Do in French River and Lake Nipissing Areas

A small gushing waterfall with historical significance in French River Provincial Park

Whether you’ve been coming here for years or whether you’re visiting for the first time, chances are there’s something you didn’t know about. In no particular order, and by no means an exhaustive list, here are some ideas for your next French River and Lake Nipissing vacation. Take your pick from these 50+ ideas for things to do […]

Paddling Dreams: A Beginner’s Bucket List

View of the French River Gorge from the bridge at the Visitors Centre

It’s not like we haven’t paddled before, but we certainly aren’t paddlers. Still, we’d like to incorporate more paddling into our hiking routes. Some trips just can’t be done on foot alone, and others would be more enjoyable with a little less foot mileage. Here are some of the paddling dreams — er, potential trips — which are […]

Berrylicious Reds and Blues Picked Just For You!

Eighteen baskets of strawberries lined up one behind the other in an aisle between two rows of strawberries at Leisure Farms.

Berry season’s back and it looks like it’s going to be a good one! Strawberries are in full swing, blueberries are making their first appearances, and raspberries should be ready within a week. We’ve already been out a couple of times and have been hard at work freezing and dehydrating our year’s supply of strawberries. I can’t believe […]

Hiking Along the French River on Dokis First Nation’s Papase Trail

A silvery piece of deadwood juts out towards a small lake along Dokis First Nation's Papase Trail.

We did things a bit differently this past Canada Day long weekend. We usually take advantage of the extended break to hike a longer trail or go somewhere further away, but we always miss a lot of stuff going on around French River while we’re gone. So this year, with a couple of family gatherings going on that […]

French River Area Outdoor Summer Events

French River area outdoor summer events include the Dokis First Nation Powwow, where this wood-carved eagle was seen.

With all the tempting French River area outdoor summer events going on all the time, it can be tough deciding what to do on a summer weekend, especially if you’re like me and want to do it all. How to choose between the plethora of activities and events happening in the area and our usual backcountry trip? Well, […]

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