This northeastern Ontario fishing spot made Top 10 in Canada
Out of all the amazing spots across Canada, two from Ontario made the 2024 Top 10 list for fishing destinations in Canada – including one right here in the northeast.
The French River, along with Lake Ontario, has been selected by FishingBooker -- a website that helps anglers plan their next fishing trip -- as one of the best in the country.
The French River is one of Canada's Top 10 fishing destinations in 2024 (FishingBooker)
"Recognized as the first Canadian Heritage River, this locale blends historical, cultural, natural and recreational treasures in northeastern Ontario," FishingBooker said in a news release.
"Ideal for history and outdoor enthusiasts, the French River boasts lodges, creating a perfect base for angler families. French River Provincial Park offers many outdoor activities, including boating, canoeing, kayaking, whitewater paddling, sightseeing, hiking, hunting and fishing."
The French River is 110 kilometres (68 miles) long and connects Lake Nipissing to Georgian Bay in Lake Huron.
"With many bays, shoals and rich bio-diverse vegetation, they have made the river system a fisherman’s paradise. Having such a large body of water, many fish species have come to inhabit the French River," Bear's Den Lodge said on its website.
Pike, musky, walleye, and bass are just a few of the species found in the French River.
Two anglers show off their ice fishing prowess on the French River (Great Escape Cabins)
"The French River is famous as a trophy walleye river — and rated as one of the country’s top walleye streams," the Angler's Atlas said on its website.
"The French River is a fishing enclave, with more than 50 lodges and marinas along its length."
- Download the CTV News app now
- Get local breaking news alerts
- Daily newsletter with the top local stories emailed to your inbox
The waterway has a rich history dating back hundreds of years.
"The best way to describe the French River is an 80-mile long series of island dotted lakes connected by rapids and falls that gently lower the river a total of 60 feet from Lake Nipissing to Georgian Bay," French River Resorts Association said on its website.
"Other than fast-moving water, there are fishing areas that include weedy bays, coves, flats, rocky pings, and mid-river shoals. A fisherman’s dream and photographer’s paradise."
Man holds fish he caught on the French River in front of an ice hut. (Great Escape Cabins)
The small community of just more than 2,600 people is located about 3.5 hours north of Toronto and just less than an hour south of Sudbury.
The other destinations that made the Top 10 for 2024 include:
- The Cowichan River, B.C.
- Bow River, Alta.
- Last Mountain Lake, Sask.
- Lake Dauphin, Man.
- Saguenay, Que.
- North Lake, P.E.I.
- Bras d'Or Lake, N.S.
- The Gander River, Nfld.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
opinion
opinion Tom Mulcair: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's train wreck of a final act
In his latest column for CTVNews.ca, former NDP leader and political analyst Tom Mulcair puts a spotlight on the 'spectacular failure' of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's final act on the political stage.
B.C. mayor gets calls from across Canada about 'crazy' plan to recruit doctors
A British Columbia community's "out-of-the-box" plan to ease its family doctor shortage by hiring physicians as city employees is sparking interest from across Canada, says Colwood Mayor Doug Kobayashi.
'There’s no support': Domestic abuse survivor shares difficulties leaving her relationship
An Edmonton woman who tried to flee an abusive relationship ended up back where she started in part due to a lack of shelter space.
Baseball Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson dead at 65, reports say
Rickey Henderson, a Baseball Hall of Famer and Major League Baseball’s all-time stolen bases leader, is dead at 65, according to multiple reports.
Arizona third-grader saves choking friend
An Arizona third-grader is being recognized by his local fire department after saving a friend from choking.
Germans mourn the 5 killed and 200 injured in the apparent attack on a Christmas market
Germans on Saturday mourned the victims of an apparent attack in which authorities say a doctor drove into a busy outdoor Christmas market, killing five people, injuring 200 others and shaking the public’s sense of security at what would otherwise be a time of joy.
Blake Lively accuses 'It Ends With Us' director Justin Baldoni of harassment and smear campaign
Blake Lively has accused her 'It Ends With Us' director and co-star Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment on the set of the movie and a subsequent effort to “destroy' her reputation in a legal complaint.
Oysters distributed in B.C., Alberta, Ontario recalled for norovirus contamination
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall due to possible norovirus contamination of certain oysters distributed in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario.
New rules clarify when travellers are compensated for flight disruptions
The federal government is proposing new rules surrounding airlines' obligations to travellers whose flights are disrupted, even when delays or cancellations are caused by an "exceptional circumstance" outside of carriers' control.
Barrie
-
One driver faces several charges following Highway 400 crash in Oro-Medonte
Traffic came to a standstill Friday afternoon following a single-vehicle collision on Highway 400 in Oro-Medonte.
-
High school teacher charged with sexual assault amid allegations involving a student
A 51-year-old teacher from Georgina has been charged with sexual assault following allegations involving a student.
-
Hospice Simcoe mourns loss of COPE service pup, after 7.5 years of service
The Hospice Simcoe community is mourning the loss of their Canine Opportunity, People Empowerment (COPE) service dog, Daisy.
Toronto
-
Man arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor in Mississauga
Peel police have arrested a suspect who allegedly sexually assaulted a female minor in Mississauga's Square One area on Dec. 9.
-
Toronto opens 2 more warming centres as temps dip below -15 C
Toronto is opening two additional warming centres at 5 p.m. on Saturday to support people experiencing homelessness as the temperature is expected to dip to a chilly -15 C.
-
Leafs captain Auston Matthews misses game against Islanders with undisclosed injury
Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews sat out Saturday night’s game against the New York Islanders with an undisclosed injury.
Ottawa
-
Ottawa Senators fans, organization embracing 'mullet man' mascot
Gatineau-based Ottawa Senators Jay Trepanier has been dubbed the "mullet man" after his flowing haircut caught the attention of the television cameras during a game in October.
-
What's open and closed in Ottawa over the holidays
CTVNewsOttawa.ca takes a look at what's open and closed over the Christmas and New Year's holidays this year.
-
Ottawa MP Mona Fortier appointed chief government whip
Ottawa-Vanier MP Mona Fortier has been appointed as chief government whip, the latest addition in a major reshuffle of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet.
Kitchener
-
'I'm still thinking pinch me': lost puppy reunited with family after five years
After almost five years of searching and never giving up hope, the Tuffin family received the best Christmas gift they could have hoped for: being reunited with their long-lost puppy.
-
Impaired driver causes significant delays on Waterloo highway
A 24-year-old man is facing charges after driving while drunk across two Waterloo Regional highways on Friday.
-
Fire destroys home in Haldimand County
A home in Haldimand County has been destroyed after a Saturday afternoon fire.
London
-
New Canadians displaced after fire destroys east London townhome
A family of new Canadians from Nigeria are looking for a new home just before Christmas. Fire destroyed their townhome on Bentley Drive in northeast London, Ont. Friday night.
-
Feeling Festive? Check out this display of over 300 lit Christmas trees
“We have over 300 Christmas trees on display, the majority of them are sponsored and decorated by all of our amazing local businesses,” says Ashley Mason, event and hospitality manager at CASO Station and ECRM in St. Thomas, Ont.
-
Sarnia Police Auxiliary Unit works to return stolen shopping carts to businesses
The high cost of crime is often passed on to consumers – whether it’s shoplifting, vandalism or property damage.
Windsor
-
Former workers of 'one-of-a-kind' entertainment hub reunite
Former employees of the Elmwood Casino gathered outside their old stomping grounds Saturday, exactly 50 years after the prominent Windsor joint shut its doors.
-
'Heartwarming': Windsor-Essex families receive help filling underneath the tree
Space under the Christmas tree became far more limited for several Windsor-Essex families who received a visit from volunteers at Project Christmas.
-
'It's got to stop, it's that simple': Windsor cab drivers warn of unregulated operators
Drivers now compete with individuals using social media to advertise rides at cut-rate prices. One person offers $10 rides within the city, while another promotes daily trips from Windsor to Toronto for $45 per person.
Montreal
-
Major factory fire in the Maskinonge, Que.
A major fire devastated an industrial building in the municipality Maskinongé, Que on Saturday.
-
West Island clinic set to close at the end of December
Statcare Emergency Clinic in Pointe-Claire will shut its doors on Dec. 31.
-
Here's how you can watch CTV News Montreal at Six on Saturday during the NFL season
With CTV broadcasting NFL football games on Saturdays this season, CTV News Montreal at Six will be broadcasting live on our website and the CTV News App.
Winnipeg
-
Residential parking ban lifted in Winnipeg
The City of Winnipeg has lifted its parking ban on residential streets, which means its winter route ban is back in effect.
-
Bail denied for Winnipeg woman accused of killing animals in online videos
Warning: This story contains disturbing details. Discretion is advised. A Winnipeg woman accused of making videos of animals being tortured and killed that were sold on the dark web was denied bail.
-
Ace Burpee's Top 100 Most Fascinating Manitobans of 2024
It’s been another year of Manitobans doing interesting, incredible and cool things. The hardest part of compiling this list is cutting it off at 100.
Atlantic
-
Cancellations, closures accompany Maritime storm
There are a number of closures in the Maritimes Saturday after a nor'easter brought heavy snow to parts of the region.
-
Calling all bloodhounds: These P.E.I. blood donors have four legs and a tail
Dogs are donating blood and saving the lives of canines at the University of Prince Edward Island's Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown.
-
Youth dies following accident in Moncton, N.B.
RCMP in Moncton, N.B., said one of two passengers, a youth, involved in an accident on Monday, has died in hospital as a result of his injuries.
N.L.
-
Newfoundland woman washed sick patients' hair every Saturday for more than 20 years
A retired nurse and teacher in Newfoundland was honoured this week for her volunteer work, which included more than two decades washing the hair of bedridden hospital patients.
-
Newfoundland man facing more charges related to youth sex crimes
A 64-year-old Newfoundland man charged with dozens of sex crimes involving young people is facing several new charges.
-
After fanfare of Churchill Falls deal, Newfoundland urged to learn its dam lessons
Energy observers in Newfoundland and Labrador are urging the provincial government to take a sober second look at a massive tentative deal announced last week with Quebec that promises to deliver hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue to the Atlantic province.
Calgary
-
'This shouldn't happen': Calgary family seeks changes after WestJet accessibility incident
A Calgary woman wants WestJet to apologize to her daughter and to improve staff training on accessibility after an incident during their latest trip.
-
Promise of high-level hockey comes at a cost for prep school players at Circle K Classic
Calgary is set to host the Circle K Classic, welcoming some high-end talent and pricey prep schools for the annual U18 AAA hockey tournament.
-
Calgarian Matt Rempe offered in-person hearing, NHL could suspend him 6-plus games from Rangers lineup
Calgarian Matt Rempe of the New York Rangers on Saturday was offered an in-person hearing with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety to discuss his boarding and elbowing of Dallas Stars defenceman Miro Heiskanen the previous night.
Edmonton
-
'There’s no support': Domestic abuse survivor shares difficulties leaving her relationship
An Edmonton woman who tried to flee an abusive relationship ended up back where she started in part due to a lack of shelter space.
-
Oilers engineer late rally to tip Sharks 3-2 in OT
Leon Draisaitl scored 18 seconds into overtime to extend his point streak to eight games as the Edmonton Oilers overcame a slow start to win their second straight game in extra time, defeating the San Jose Sharks 3-2 on Saturday.
-
Icy conditions: Alberta RCMP warn of poor driving conditions on QEII between Leduc and Red Deer
Alberta RCMP issued a warning to drivers Saturday morning about slick conditions on the QEII between Leduc and Red Deer.
Regina
-
Canada's first sustainable Tim Hortons location to open in Regina this weekend
Canada’s first sustainable Tim Hortons opens in Regina this weekend. The restaurant, located in the city’s east end, features design and operating features that minimize environmental impact.
-
Gravelbourg's transportation program celebrates addition of new vehicle and garage
The town of Gravelbourg is celebrating the addition of a new vehicle and garage which will be used in their local transportation program.
-
Canora celebrates new school cooking program
Students in Canora are getting a tasteful educational experience through their newly commercial cooking program.
Saskatoon
-
Sask. police investigating mischief incident after bomb report in school
Prince Albert police are investigating a mischief incident after a bomb report in a school Friday afternoon.
-
Prince Albert woman collects donations to make Christmas hampers for community
A Prince Albert woman is spreading holiday cheer by organizing Christmas hampers for those in need.
-
Sask. lawyers defend judge for staying fatal THC-impaired driving charge
The Saskatchewan Trial Lawyers Association is defending a provincial court judge, who’s facing backlash for staying a charge in a high-profile case involving the death of a child.
Vancouver
-
Man wounded in Mission, B.C., shooting
One man was injured in a shooting in the Lower Mainland city of Mission Saturday morning, Mounties confirmed.
-
Environment Canada issues warnings as more high winds expected along B.C. coast
Residents of parts of the British Columbia coast are again bracing for high winds, with gusts forecasted to reach 110 km/h in some areas.
-
2 dead after car crash in Burnaby
Two people were killed in a car crash in Burnaby early Saturday morning, police confirmed.
Vancouver Island
-
B.C. mayor gets calls from across Canada about 'crazy' plan to recruit doctors
A British Columbia community's "out-of-the-box" plan to ease its family doctor shortage by hiring physicians as city employees is sparking interest from across Canada, says Colwood Mayor Doug Kobayashi.
-
B.C. woman with photographic memory strives to make unforgettable Christmas displays
Although Alisha Pauling is looking through old pictures, she doesn’t need them to remember her Christmases past. She has a photographic memory.
-
Internet stranger's kind gesture restores Canucks fan's faith in humanity
A Nanaimo, B.C., couple is in awe at the kindness of an internet stranger who helped them track down a coveted Christmas gift.
