Ontario's Route Champlain

A short history of Route Champlain

Samuel de Champlain was a French cartographer, explorer, naturalist and ethnographer. He was one of the first Europeans to explore Ontario with a vision to establish a New France in America. He founded the city of Quebec in 1608. He was nicknamed the Father of New France because of his key role in the colonization of the continent.

He could not have carried out his explorations without the help of many Indigenous nations along his journey. Samuel de Champlain fostered relationships (albeit misguidely) with these First Nations peoples. He relied heavily on their skill, knowledge and hospitality. This contact is also the central focus of Route Champlain.

He carried out many expeditions between 1604 and 1635. In 1615, he set out west. He and his crew navigated the Ottawa River, the Mattawa River, Lake Nipissing, the French River and the waters of Georgian Bay in search of a suitable site to establish a settlement and a route to the “northern sea.” This trip had a direct impact on Ontario’s history. It was also the inspiration for Ontario’s Route Champlain.

Things to do along the route

Today, Route Champlain’s often unchanged landscapes allow you to travel back in time. Explore the many areas in your own way. You can follow an already mapped-out regional or thematic itinerary and travel by car, RV or even bicycle.

Downloadable PDF guides are provided for each itinerary, with an overview of suggested attractions, trip details and additional maps.

Regional routes

Route Champlain offers a long trip that follows Champlain’s voyage by canoe. It is easily divided into five regional routes.

In its entirety, Route Champlain covers much of Ontario—from the Ottawa River in the east, to North Bay and Lake Nipissing in the north, to Georgian Bay in the west, and to the Rideau Canal and Lake Ontario in the south.

Each route differs in length and offers an array of experiences. They reflect the explorer’s legacy, honour the Indigenous nations of the territory and celebrate Franco-Ontarian culture.

Ottawa and Countryside

Embark on a fascinating historical tour in and around the nation’s capital and discover unique natural and cultural heritage, as well as delicious food and drink. And don’t miss the statue of Champlain holding his astrolabe (an ancient astronomical instrument that was also used by seafaring explorers) at Nepean Point behind the National Gallery of Canada. 

Highlights:

• explore the beautiful Voyageur Provincial Park on the Ontario-Quebec border
• savour the delicious cheeses in the Francophone community of St-Albert
• make your own jam at Les Fruits du Poirier
• take a guided tour of historic ByTown or downtown Ottawa
• relax and take in the city sights on a scenic Rideau Canal boat cruise

Duration: 4 days

Ottawa Valley and the Gateway to the North

Guided by First Nations, Champlain navigated portions of the Ottawa River up to the Mattawa River. Tackle the same rapids on a white-water rafting adventure and take in the scenic beauty of the Ottawa Valley.

Highlights:

• take in the scenery in Fitzroy Provincial Park
• tackle the Ottawa River rapids on a canoe or rafting excursion with OWL Rafting
• taste the delicious craft beers at Whitewater Brewing Company
• learn how to bake bannock bread at the Canadian Ecology Centre

Duration: 2 days

Georgian Bay (Explorer’s Edge and Georgian Bay Shore)

Explore Georgian Bay in a kayak and its shorelines by bike—one of the main routes traveled by the first French coureurs de bois. To the west are the 30,000 islands where Champlain meandered, and to the east, the chains of lakes attract outdoor adventurers and nature lovers.

Highlights:

• taste local produce at Francophone family-owned Leisure Farms
• hike the easy trail to the French River Gorge to view an ancient fault in the Earth’s crust
• take a cruise on the Island Queen and follow the route of the earliest explorers
• experience early French and Indigenous history brought to life at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons

Duration: 3 days

Simcoe, Trent-Severn Waterway and Northumberland

Over 120 years ago, engineers traversed 386 kilometres of waterways to create the navigable Trent-Severn, an integral part of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System, with its high locks and marine railways—something Champlain would have appreciated.

Discover the impressive history of the canoe in Canada, learn about the area’s culture at local museums, and enjoy the region’s famous apple pies, local beers and wines.

Highlights:

• trace the steps of the famous coureur de bois Étienne Brûlé, the first true Franco-Ontarian, in Awenda Provincial Park
• marvel at the deep caverns and boulders at Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
• visit the canoes at the Canadian Canoe Museum; admire the engineering feat of the Peterborough Lift Lock

Duration: 3 days

Prince Edward County and Rideau Canal

Champlain was captivated by the beauty of the shores of the St. Lawrence during his military expedition. Now it’s your turn to revel in what he described as “a most beautiful and pleasing land.”

Highlights:

• enjoy outdoor adventure on the wooded trails and suspension bridge over the Trent River Gorge and Ranney Falls in Ferris Provincial Park
• savour the gastronomic delights of Prince Edward County, including the Huff Estates Inn and Winery
• swim in some of Canada’s warmest waters at Sandbanks Provincial Park
• take a historic trolley tour of Kingston; experience an authentic voyageur canoe journey on the Rideau Canal

Duration: 4 days

Cycling routes

Cyclists are welcome on Route Champlain! Five cycling routes of different intensities (described in English) cover different regions:

• Ottawa Valley Rail Trail Tour
• Ride Among the Hurons
• Trent River Ride
• Prince Edward County Trail and Vineyard Tour
• Rideau Canal Cruiser

Travel tips and resources

Trip planning maps and guides

The interactive map on the Route Champlain website provides useful information about attractions, businesses and accommodations along the route. Downloadable PDF guides are provided for each itinerary, along with suggested tours, trip details and additional maps.

Please note that many tourist sites are open seasonally. Check with each attraction, business or establishment for more details.

Route Champlain blog

Switch to virtual discovery mode on the Route Champlain blog.

Learn about Champlain’s astrolabe and the incredible maps he created with this fascinating object, discover a long-forgotten New France settlement, or learn about French-speaking communities on the route.

For more information on Francophone experiences in Ontario, visit Salut Canada This site offers a wealth of helpful tips on things to do, places to explore and trips to take (articles available in French only).

French language services

French-language services are available all along the route. The level of services in French offered by each business or attraction is indicated by a logo on the Route Champlain map.

 =  services in French at all times

= services in French upon request

= promotional items and/or documentation in French

For more information on French-language experiences in Ontario, visit Salut Canada. This site offers a wealth of helpful tips on things to do, places to explore and trips to take (articles available in French only).