French Portage Trail

This hike into the past traces a portage first established by natives and later used by European explorers and fur traders. It was, for a short time, the main route for settlement in the Red River area of Manitoba and for further exploration west. French Portage is still part of a canoe route that connects Windigoostigwan and French Lake.

The low-lying terrain is sometimes difficult. Quetico is a protected, pristine wilderness retreat of international acclaim west of Lake Superior on the Canada-U.S. border. The park’s tangled network of lakes once formed water routes travelled by Ojibway and fur traders.

Now it is primarily the destination of experienced canoeists seeking solitude and rare glimpses of wildlife by cascading waterfalls, glassy lakes and endless forests. The park is accessible at four points by canoe and two by car (Dawson Trail Campground and Lac la Croix Ranger Station).


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At the Ontario Trails Council, we do our best to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the information we provide on the site. Please remember however, that some of the information you'll find here has been provided by third parties; we can't take responsibility for that information or make any guarantees as to its quality or accuracy. It's also important to remember that while something you read here may have been correct at the time it was posted, Seasons change and the trails change with them! Contact the trail manager or local weather office when planning a trip to avoid surprises, like poor conditions or trail closures.

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This site is supported by a grant from the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion Active 2010 Recreation Program, The Ministry of Natural Resources, The Ontario Trillium Foundation and trail users like you!

TRAIL STATS
LENGTH:
5 km 
DIFFICULTY: •• 
ACTIVITIES:
Hiking & Walking, Cycling - Roads & Paths, Camping & Backpacking, Canoeing & Kayaking 
CHARACTER:
Natural, Scenic 
SURFACE:
Rock, Soil - Compacted 
AMENITIES:
Admission Fee, Parking, Picnic Areas, Washrooms, Designated Rest Areas, Camping 
OTHER:
 
LOCATION
REGION:
Northwestern Ontario 
SUB-REGION:
Sunset Country 
CLOSEST TOWN(S):
Atikokan 
TRAILHEAD: GPS 
SEASONS / HOURS
Year-round 
CONTACT INFO
NAME:
Ministry of Natural Resources , General Inquiry 
PHONE:
1-800-667-1940 
EMAIL: Email Us Now  
WEB SITE
For more information, including maps, please visit our Web site at www.ontarioparks.com
 
 
 
With the support of: