French language resources

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Ontario is proud to be home to the largest French-speaking population in Canada outside of Quebec, with vibrant Francophone culture and heritage.

Explore the diverse range of Francophone tourism experiences and discover language services and travel resources designed to welcome French-speaking visitors.

Government services and support

The French Language Services Act (FLSA) of 1986 acknowledges the cultural contributions of Ontario’s French-speaking population and the need to preserve this heritage for future generations.

Under this act, services provided by the Government of Ontario ministries and agencies must be available in French in designated areas, including cities, townships, counties and municipalities with a large number of Ontario’s French-speaking residents. These services include access to healthcare, driver’s licensing, legal assistance and provincial documents.

Learn more about the Ontario Government’s French services.

The Ministry of Francophone Affairs supports Ontario’s Francophone communities, while the Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario (AFO) serves as the political voice for Franco-Ontarians.

Ontario’s Francophone communities

A significant part of Ontario’s history includes a 400-year presence of the Francophone community and culture, which remains as dynamic today.

Many Franco-Ontarian communities are located in eastern and northeastern Ontario, including key Francophone cities such as Ottawa, Sudbury, North Bay and Timmins.

East of Ottawa, the United Counties of Prescott and Russell and the counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry (SDG Counties) are rich in Francophone culture.

Further south, Niagara and Toronto are both home to a rapidly growing Francophone population, and Windsor offers several French cultural experiences.

Pockets of French-speaking communities are also nestled near Midland, Lafontaine and Penetanguishene.

Virtual museum and historical resources

Explore a virtual museum of New France, presented by the Canadian Museum of History. From the broad perspective of colonies and empires to everyday life, this online exhibit offers insight into the French colonial experience.

The Ontario Heritage Trust provides fascinating snapshots of individuals and storylines from the rich Franco-Ontarian heritage.

French language media

French media outlets in Ontario include Le Droit in Ottawa-Gatineau, L’Express in Toronto and Le Voyageur in the northeast for news coverage, plus ONFR and TFO for digital content.

Popular French-language radio stations include Radio-Canada ICI Première, Le Loup FM in Northern Ontario and CHOQ 105.1 FM in Toronto.

French-language television is available via TFO, ICI Radio-Canada Télé, and TV5 Monde.

French language travel support

Get travel planning assistance from Destination Ontario in French. Book a virtual appointment or call 1-800-6682746 (1-800-ONTARIO) and request a French-speaking Travel Counsellor.

Find helpful information and travel tips about weather, currency, public holidays and more and learn what you need for crossing the border in Ontario, Canada.

Transportation

International and domestic airlines and airports in Ontario offer services in both French and English.

Most major transportation providers support Francophone passengers, including VIA Rail, GO Transit in and around the Greater Toronto Area, the Toronto Transit  Commission (TTC), OC Transpo in Ottawa and Ontario Northland bus service.

Find more information about travelling around Ontario, including traffic laws and rules of the road.

Accessibility for Francophone visitors

Many transportation providers, attractions and public institutions offer accessible services with French-language support, including signage, audio guides and staff assistance.

Contact the destination or operator in advance to confirm that French language accessibility accommodations are available.

Health and safety

In Ontario, essential health and safety services, such as the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Health 811, provide French language support.

Events, activities and attractions

Several attractions, museums and cultural sites in Ontario offer French-language services. Look for bilingual signage, brochures, digital content and guided tours in both English and French.

Browse the following Francophone-themed experiences and destinations in Ontario to help plan your visit:

• Francophone arts and culture
• Francophone festivals and events
• Francophone outdoor activities
• Francophone food and drink experiences
• Northern Ontario Travel

With French-language services, events and rich cultural connections, Ontario offers a welcoming and enjoyable experience for French-speaking visitors.