This Ontario trail along the first Canadian Heritage River leads to a historic waterfall

Time to go chasing waterfalls! French River Provincial Park is an Ontario park you can’t miss out on located about three hours by car from Toronto. The park offers amazing canoe trails but if you prefer to keep two feet on solid ground then it’s time to start planning your trip to the Recollet Falls Trail.

This trail leads hikers to a historic waterfall as a reward at the end of the journey – talk about a reward!

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The Recollet Falls Trail is great for many reasons, one being that it is not considered a difficult hike and is suited for almost anyone.

The trail is described as a moderate hike, spanning 1.5 km each way or 3 km total. The paths are linear so no uphill battling is required.

According to Ontario Parks, “This trail begins at the Visitor Centre and follows the edge of the French River Gorge, and ends at the historic Recollet Falls.”

The trail has been walked and hiked for longer than you may think. “The short portage around the falls has been walked by generations of First Nations, famous explorers, hardy Voyageurs, fur traders and missionaries,” says the park.

In fact the French River, which winds the park and the trail is a river of national historic significance, known as the first designated Canadian Heritage River.

If you’re feeling extra adventurous and want to check out the canoeing at French River Provincial Park, you won’t be disappointed.

The park is home to a 105 km canoe route of “interconnected lakes, gorges and rapids from Lake Nipissing to Georgian Bay.”

Day passes to the park start at $12.25 and you can grab yours upon entering.

It sounds like a day at French River is around the corner, get those hiking shoes ready, Ontario!

Recollet Falls Trail

Where: French River Provincial Park, 20526 Settlers Rd, Alban, ON