French River - Hartley Bay to Georgian Bay

Submitted by admin on Fri, 11/13/2009 - 07:16
Canada›Ontario›French
Submitter & Author Information
Route submitted by: 
Admin
Trip Date : 
Route Author: 
Unknown
Additional Route Information
Distance: 
50 km
Duration: 
3 days
Loop Trip: 
Yes
Portage Information
No. of portages: 
2
Total Portage Distance: 
420 m
Longest Portage: 
240 m
Difficulty Ratings
River Travel: 
Novice
Lake Travel: 
Intermediate
Portaging: 
Easy
Remoteness: 
Novice
Background Trip Info
Water Levels: 
Unknown
Route Description
Technical Guide: 

Start at Hartley Bay Marina - off Hwy 69 at Bigwood
West through Hartley Bay into Wanapitei Bay
South through Wanapitei Bay
East between Canal Island and Merranger`s Island
South on Eastern Outlet of French
West at the Whale`s Mouth past the Elbow
P 180 m L at Dalles Rapids (watch for old boiler tank)
West then south on French River
East through Georgian Bay
North to Bass Creek
P 240 m R on wooden tramway
North through Bass Lake
North on Main Outlet of French
North through Wanapitei Bay
East through Hartley Bay to finish at marina

Maps Required
Topo Maps (1:50,000): 
41 H/15 Key Harbour 41 I/2 Delamere
Other Maps: 
French River Provincial Park Map - shows all campsites, portages, etc
Photo Gallery
»

Comments

Post date: Fri, 01/22/2010 - 10:34

Email: 
eberlymj@yahoo.ca
Comments: 

I completed this loop in June 2009 with a mixed strength group. The portages at Dalles Rapid are a bit tough, otherwise the paddling was not too long or technical. We had everyone try to run the bottom of Dalles Rapid and one canoe capsized. Turning the corner out onto Georgian Bay was an immediate and dramatic contrast, with great tail winds and amazing island scenery.

Post date: Sat, 01/01/2000 - 07:00

Email: 
birkezaoud@hotmail.com
Comments: 

I would not suggest doing this loop in reverse, ie. heading south through Bass Lake, west across the bay, then up the main French and east over Dalles Rapids, as there are two small rapids (easily run)west of the Dalles with extremely rough portages through thick and scratchy undergrowth. OUCH! Go counter-clockwise, as K. Callan suggests in his book. (Navigational goofs forced us into going the wrong way).