Part A runs from Highway 35 to Highway 118 for 36 km and should take about two days to cover. There are a total of 5 camp sites along the way, with 6 runnable CI rapids, 4 waterfalls and an overall elevation drop of 12 metres. Access: Highway 35 at signed parking lot at Little Wren Lake.

Part B runs from Highway 118 to Victoria Falls for 40 km and should take about two days to cover. There are a total of 7 camp sites along the way, with 10 runnable CI-CII rapids, 5 waterfalls and an overall elevation drop of 25 metres. Access: Highway 118 (no parking).

Part C runs from Victoria Falls to Cooper's falls for 18 km and should take about one day to cover. There are a total of 3 camp sites along the way, with 2 runnable rapids, 4 waterfalls and an overall elevation drop of 20 metres. Access: Cooper's Falls Road to Victoria Falls (rough dirt-pack, gravel road near end)

For additional information and detailed maps of the area check out the "Canoeing and Hiking Wild Muskoka - an Eco-Adventure Guide" by Hap Wilson or check out the following Federal topographic maps: 31 E/2, 31 E/3. 31 D/14 and 31 D/11

There are 22 campsites available along the Gibson, 18 rapids (17 CI-CI technical), 7 waterfalls for a total of 40 metres of elevation drop. The rapids are normally shallow and may necessitate lining, wading or portaging if the water level drops by early summer. Most navigable whitewater is faily straightforward, with the option to portage. Other hazards include rattlesnakes, poison ivy, and turbulent water.

Features such as clear night skies, a trek along the Gibson Wilderness Trail, running whitewater, bathing under the spray of a 15 metre waterfall and many choices for ways to continue the route make paddling this river special and worth while.

For more detailed information and maps check out "Canoeing and Hiking Wild Muskoka - An Eco-Adventure Guide" by Hap Wilson or refer to the Federal topograph map 31 D/13.

There are two access zones to the park through which visitors may gain entry into the interior or bay side.

Wilderness access is located to the northeast of the park boundary adjacent to the end of the Three Legged Lake Road. With the exception of parking (all vehicles require a permit), facilities for these interior users are all at Oastler Lake Provincial Park including registration, information, garbage disposal, and emergency assistance.

Bayside access (via Pete's Place Access Zone) is located at the southeast boundary of the park off the Healey Lake Road and the Provincial Park Road. Facilities here include registration, boat launching, sanitation, garbage disposal, information, and parking.

Permits must be acquired before camping in the park. Registration is available at the two access points and reservations are strongly recommended for all campsites.

For more detailed information and maps of the area, refer to The Massasauga Camping and Facilities Guide.

There are 16 campsites available along the Moon River, 10 rapids (CI-CIIs), 6 waterfalls and one dam for a total of 48 metres of elevation drop.

Because water levels are regulated by hydroelectric installations upriver, the development of a natural shoreline community has been compromised. Nonetheless, the Moon River environs has maintained much of it's backshore ecological character and supports a rather significant talus-slope habitat. The lower river, on approach to Moon Falls from Curtain Falls, is absolutely stunning. Spectacular cliffs, abrupt slopes and islands maintain a healthy, mature red and white pine forest. Precambrian ridges support a typical weatherworn, scabrous growth of common juniper and staghorn sumac as you approach Georgian Bay. Where the drift-cover of till is deeper, a successional forest of trembling aspen, red maple, white birch, oak and pine dominates the corridor. Massasauga rattlesnakes are frequently seen at Moon Falls, but generally the river is not a particularly productive corridor for wildlife.

For more detailed information and maps check out "Canoeing and Hiking Wild Muskoka - An Eco-Adventure Guide" by Hap Wilson or refer to the Federal topography map 31 E/4

There is one small campsite, several inns, lodges and B & B's along the route, 4 rapids, 3 waterfalls for a total of 60 metres of elevation drop. Aside from a few novelty swifts and gravel shallows there are no navigable rapids, except for those runs designated as CIIIs on the IRGS scale. Balsam and Duck chutes are both runnable (if clear of sweepers) but require scouting, close inspection and on-shore safety spotters. Flow varies considerably throughout the season but shouldn't ever hamper easy navigation. Hazards may include having to deal with strong prevailing headwinds on Mary Lake and strong current near portage landings at falls and rapids during high flow periods.

There are two primary access points from which paddle trips can be started. The most reliable and popular access point is the large parking lot on the south side of Hwy 118 between Bentshoe and Big East Lakes. The other access point is the parking area at the east end of Cinder Lake Road where it meets the west end of Cinder Lake. This access is less reliable because the quality of the dirt road varies greatly with the season and recent weather.

Camping in the area is free and boasts 18 marked campsites which are designed for a maximum of 3 tents or 9 people. Most of these sites have good views and get some wind which keeps summer bugs to a minimum.

For more detailed information and maps on the area, refer to the Chrismar Poker Lake Area adventure map and the Federal topographic map 31 E/2.

The most notable explorer to push his canoe upstream on this river was none other then David Thompson. In 1837, the Canadian Government contracted Thompson, then in his golden years, to search out a canal route between Georgian Bay and the Ottawa River. This was eleven years after Lieutenant Henry Briscoe of the Royal Engineers had already been up the river looking for the same thing. They didn't find one, of course, but they did leave us with some interesting journal notes, sketches and maps.

Although the river can be paddled upstream, the recommended trip is to drift with the gentle current downstream. The river is suprisingly pristine, despite the few riverside cottages, and the South Muskoka seems far more remote than it actually is. South Falls, once known as Grand or Muskoka Falls, is certainly a hallmark wonder of the Muskoka River watershed. This picturesque chute, even though almost strangled by highway overpass, water flumes, road and hydro plant, is actually quite endearing and lovely to explore. It's easy to comprehend why this falls and canyon below have been a favourite motif for paintbrush and pen for over a century. As part of the historic Peterson Road, the Falls became an established community in 1862. With the cutting of the great pine forests came the need to build a 300 m log slide around the falls to facilitate the timber drives. Part of the log works is still visible along the trail skirting the chasm.

There are 9 campsites available along the South branch, 9 rapids and 5 waterfalls for a total of 90 metres of elevation drop. Entry points can be found at Fraserburg village, the picnic area above the falls via South Falls Road and in Bracebridge.

There are several choice rapids to run along this route, some that require advanced technical skills and close scrutiny. This is one of Muskoka's best rivers, in which both the novice and the technical river adventurer can parley with the river gods. Water levels are key to the ease of running rapids, but for the average neophyte, anytime is a good time to paddle the river. Risks in touring the South Muskoka River come from running rapids above a prescribed skill level. During high water, paddlers must also be wary of strong current near the tops of rapids and chutes, close to the portage take-outs.

Part A runs from Highway 35 to Highway 118 for 36 km and should take about two days to cover. There are a total of 5 camp sites along the way, with 6 runnable CI rapids, 4 waterfalls and an overall elevation drop of 12 metres. Access: Highway 35 at signed parking lot at Little Wren Lake.

Part B runs from Highway 118 to Victoria Falls for 40 km and should take about two days to cover. There are a total of 7 camp sites along the way, with 10 runnable CI-CII rapids, 5 waterfalls and an overall elevation drop of 25 metres. Access: Highway 118 (no parking).

Part C runs from Victoria Falls to Cooper's falls for 18 km and should take about one day to cover. There are a total of 3 camp sites along the way, with 2 runnable rapids, 4 waterfalls and an overall elevation drop of 20 metres. Access: Cooper's Falls Road to Victoria Falls (rough dirt-pack, gravel road near end)

For additional information and detailed maps of the area check out the "Canoeing and Hiking Wild Muskoka - an Eco-Adventure Guide" by Hap Wilson or check out the following Federal topographic maps: 31 E/2, 31 E/3. 31 D/14 and 31 D/11

There are 22 campsites available along the Gibson, 18 rapids (17 CI-CI technical), 7 waterfalls for a total of 40 metres of elevation drop. The rapids are normally shallow and may necessitate lining, wading or portaging if the water level drops by early summer. Most navigable whitewater is faily straightforward, with the option to portage. Other hazards include rattlesnakes, poison ivy, and turbulent water.

Features such as clear night skies, a trek along the Gibson Wilderness Trail, running whitewater, bathing under the spray of a 15 metre waterfall and many choices for ways to continue the route make paddling this river special and worth while.

For more detailed information and maps check out "Canoeing and Hiking Wild Muskoka - An Eco-Adventure Guide" by Hap Wilson or refer to the Federal topograph map 31 D/13.

There are two access zones to the park through which visitors may gain entry into the interior or bay side.

Wilderness access is located to the northeast of the park boundary adjacent to the end of the Three Legged Lake Road. With the exception of parking (all vehicles require a permit), facilities for these interior users are all at Oastler Lake Provincial Park including registration, information, garbage disposal, and emergency assistance.

Bayside access (via Pete's Place Access Zone) is located at the southeast boundary of the park off the Healey Lake Road and the Provincial Park Road. Facilities here include registration, boat launching, sanitation, garbage disposal, information, and parking.

Permits must be acquired before camping in the park. Registration is available at the two access points and reservations are strongly recommended for all campsites.

For more detailed information and maps of the area, refer to The Massasauga Camping and Facilities Guide.

There are 16 campsites available along the Moon River, 10 rapids (CI-CIIs), 6 waterfalls and one dam for a total of 48 metres of elevation drop.

Because water levels are regulated by hydroelectric installations upriver, the development of a natural shoreline community has been compromised. Nonetheless, the Moon River environs has maintained much of it's backshore ecological character and supports a rather significant talus-slope habitat. The lower river, on approach to Moon Falls from Curtain Falls, is absolutely stunning. Spectacular cliffs, abrupt slopes and islands maintain a healthy, mature red and white pine forest. Precambrian ridges support a typical weatherworn, scabrous growth of common juniper and staghorn sumac as you approach Georgian Bay. Where the drift-cover of till is deeper, a successional forest of trembling aspen, red maple, white birch, oak and pine dominates the corridor. Massasauga rattlesnakes are frequently seen at Moon Falls, but generally the river is not a particularly productive corridor for wildlife.

For more detailed information and maps check out "Canoeing and Hiking Wild Muskoka - An Eco-Adventure Guide" by Hap Wilson or refer to the Federal topography map 31 E/4

There is one small campsite, several inns, lodges and B & B's along the route, 4 rapids, 3 waterfalls for a total of 60 metres of elevation drop. Aside from a few novelty swifts and gravel shallows there are no navigable rapids, except for those runs designated as CIIIs on the IRGS scale. Balsam and Duck chutes are both runnable (if clear of sweepers) but require scouting, close inspection and on-shore safety spotters. Flow varies considerably throughout the season but shouldn't ever hamper easy navigation. Hazards may include having to deal with strong prevailing headwinds on Mary Lake and strong current near portage landings at falls and rapids during high flow periods.

There are two primary access points from which paddle trips can be started. The most reliable and popular access point is the large parking lot on the south side of Hwy 118 between Bentshoe and Big East Lakes. The other access point is the parking area at the east end of Cinder Lake Road where it meets the west end of Cinder Lake. This access is less reliable because the quality of the dirt road varies greatly with the season and recent weather.

Camping in the area is free and boasts 18 marked campsites which are designed for a maximum of 3 tents or 9 people. Most of these sites have good views and get some wind which keeps summer bugs to a minimum.

For more detailed information and maps on the area, refer to the Chrismar Poker Lake Area adventure map and the Federal topographic map 31 E/2.

The most notable explorer to push his canoe upstream on this river was none other then David Thompson. In 1837, the Canadian Government contracted Thompson, then in his golden years, to search out a canal route between Georgian Bay and the Ottawa River. This was eleven years after Lieutenant Henry Briscoe of the Royal Engineers had already been up the river looking for the same thing. They didn't find one, of course, but they did leave us with some interesting journal notes, sketches and maps.

Although the river can be paddled upstream, the recommended trip is to drift with the gentle current downstream. The river is suprisingly pristine, despite the few riverside cottages, and the South Muskoka seems far more remote than it actually is. South Falls, once known as Grand or Muskoka Falls, is certainly a hallmark wonder of the Muskoka River watershed. This picturesque chute, even though almost strangled by highway overpass, water flumes, road and hydro plant, is actually quite endearing and lovely to explore. It's easy to comprehend why this falls and canyon below have been a favourite motif for paintbrush and pen for over a century. As part of the historic Peterson Road, the Falls became an established community in 1862. With the cutting of the great pine forests came the need to build a 300 m log slide around the falls to facilitate the timber drives. Part of the log works is still visible along the trail skirting the chasm.

There are 9 campsites available along the South branch, 9 rapids and 5 waterfalls for a total of 90 metres of elevation drop. Entry points can be found at Fraserburg village, the picnic area above the falls via South Falls Road and in Bracebridge.

There are several choice rapids to run along this route, some that require advanced technical skills and close scrutiny. This is one of Muskoka's best rivers, in which both the novice and the technical river adventurer can parley with the river gods. Water levels are key to the ease of running rapids, but for the average neophyte, anytime is a good time to paddle the river. Risks in touring the South Muskoka River come from running rapids above a prescribed skill level. During high water, paddlers must also be wary of strong current near the tops of rapids and chutes, close to the portage take-outs.

Four trails follow the Main Branch of the Muskoka River and offer a scenic view of Duck Chutes. The level sandy plains, shallow marshes and rugged terrain are typical of the Muskoka landscape. The forested areas obscure previous uses including cattle grazing, gravel pits and logging roads.

The trail is comprised of a natural ground surface and is used for hiking, snowshoeing, mountain biking and has excellent groomed cross-country ski trails.

Four trails follow the Main Branch of the Muskoka River and offer a scenic view of Duck Chutes. The level sandy plains, shallow marshes and rugged terrain are typical of the Muskoka landscape. The forested areas obscure previous uses including cattle grazing, gravel pits and logging roads.

The trail is comprised of a natural ground surface and is used for hiking, snowshoeing, mountain biking and has excellent groomed cross-country ski trails.

Two access points to this trail can be found on Old Portage Road. The trail is a point of land, jutting into Brydson's Bay. There are occasional glimpses of Lake Muskoka, and the lighthouse across the bay can be seen from the trail. The trail is comprised of a natural surface and wood chips and is used for hiking and snowshoeing.

This is a return trail but you have the option of turning right onto Brydon's Bay Road and following the signs through a residential area before re-entering the forest and returning to the trail head. There is an alternative loop off the main trail which passes through an established hemlock grove but can be very wet.

The trail is comprised of a natural surface and wood chips and is used for hiking and mountain biking.

The trail follows Beaver Creek along a high ridge, behind residential properties crossing Beaver Creek into a beautiful quiet wooded area. The trail continues along the east shore and exits at Mooreland Court, in the Meadow Heights subdivision, or pick up the South Monck Trail on the Trans Canada Pipe Line. Follow the trail signs back to the Covered Bridge.

The trail is comprised of both a natural and paved surface and is used for hiking, and mountain biking.

This trail is located on the orginial colonization road between Gravenhurst and Bala. The trail can be walked as an approximately 6 km return trail. However, a mountain bike route extends a further 16 kms to Torrance. You may also proceed via the Southwood Road to Old Stone Road and back, providing a loop of about 40 kms for experienced mountain bikers.

The trail is comprised of a natural surface and wood chips and is used for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.

This trail is located right in the Town of Gravenhurst and consists of a series of loops. The highlight is a walk along a ridge, overlooking a marsh. It is important to take care along the ridge walk, watch footing and be aware of wet or icy surfacing.

The trail is comprised of a natural surface and wood chips and is used for hiking, snowshoeing and mountain biking.

The trail consists of two loops, the Casey loop and the Kadz loop. The Kadz family were early pioneers in this area and planted a cranberry marsh after logging of the original pines was done. The old Bethel cemetery is located behind the visitor centre.

The trail is comprised of a natural surface and wood chips and is used for hiking, snowshoeing and mountain biking.

The trail starts in Kerr Park, follows the hill to a large bird watching observatory, which overlooks the lagoons. There is an abundance of birds. The trail continues south around the lagoons and back to the starting point. There are also short, cross-country ski or walking trails in the woods adjacent to the lagoons.

The trail is comprised of a natural surface and is used for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and mountain biking.

There are established campsites along the way that are identified as "hike-in" sites. You need to decide how far you want to travel each day in order to reach your next campsite within a reasonable amount of time. Your choice may be limited by the campsites that are actually available at the time of booking.

Wether you plan to hike in Killarney Provincial Park for one day or several, you'll need to register at the park office. There are two ways to do this: Make a reservation by phone or in person or arrive and take your chances.

For more detailed information on the La Cloche Silhouette Trail and shorter trails within the park refer to the La Cloche Silhouette Trail Guide. For a detailed map check out the Killarney Provincial Park Backcountry Hiking and Canoe Route Map.

This historical road was once an alternate route between Bala and Gravenhurst in the spring when the main route at the Devil's Gap Road would flood. Image the wagon traffic of bygone times as you stroll along one of Muskoka's original roads.

The trail is comprised of a natural surface and wood chips and is used for hiking, snowshoeing, mountain biking and connects to the Devil's Gap trail via Southwood Road.

This trail will take you through mixed bush, evergreen groves and along country lanes. The trail turns west down an old colonization road, through beautiful stands of mature pines. Follow the trail and continue into open fields behind the Muskoka Highlands Golf Course back into the Covered Bridge subdivision to Ball's Drive.

The highlight of the West Trail is the beautiful panoramic view of Lake Muskoka. In the fall the colours are magnificient. The trail ends at the water's edge, swimming is allowed or just sit on the rocks beside the water. But remember to save enough energy to climb back up the hill. The trail meanders through a vicinity of spruce, birch, young beech, maple and pine trees. You may catch sight of assorted wildlife such as deer, rabits, squirrels, foxes and chipmunks. There is also an abundance of birds and you may even see a pair of broad winged hawks who nest across the bay. The topography features a geologic dome. This ancient rock has been uplifted to the surface. Watch for rock debris left by glaciers passing over this area.

The trail is comprised of a natural surface with one steep paved hill leading down to the water. It is mostly used for hiking and snowshoeing.

At approximately 8 km in length, this challenging portion of the Gravenhurst Trans Canada Trail makes up almost one third of the entire Trans Canada Trail route through Gravenhurst. Designed for nature lovers, the Cooper's Falls Trail traverses through the rugged rock ridges and vast wetlands that make up the Kahshe Lake Barrens Conservation Reserve.

The trail is comprised of a natural ground surface and is used for hiking and snowshoeing.

Parking is available at Strawberry Bay Road, at Kerr Park, in the town of Bracebridge, at Macaulay Public School and on both sides of High Falls. Side of the road parking is possible at other entry and exit points.

Section 1 begins on District Road 17 at the intersection with the Ennis Bay Road. It follows alongside the Old Stagecoach Road for 2.7 km. The next 0.7 km is on the Stephens Bay Road, which is hard surfaced. A turn to the right opposite the Strawberry Bay Parking area takes you through mixed woods for 2.3 km to Kerr Park. There is a steep hill at the begining of this path and sections by Henry Road can be wet at times. Washrooms are available at Kerr Park. Past Kerr Park, a 0.8 km section travels through fields to Ecclestone Drive. This section is 6.7 km in length, with one big hill, some swampy areas with mostly natural surfaces and a bit of paved road.

Section 2 The trail proceeds 2.92 km, by way of roads and walkways, through the town to the bridge on Taylor Road. 2.2 km on River Road and Wilson's falls Road leads to a power plant on the river. The trail climbs above the dam to a bridge over the falls. Here it parts from the Wilson's Falls Hiking Trail and proceeds through forest and field 0.9 km to Cedar Lane. There are some wet areas along the river and a modest climb up the riverbank to Cedar Lane. This section is 5.9 km in length and is comprised of paved and gravel roads and walkways.

Section 3 is 3.2 km of hard-srufaced road which takes you to High Falls. A new walking bridge gives an excellent view over the falls and the countryside below them. There are picnic areas on both sides of the falls.

Section 4 is 5.8 km long and takes you from High Falls through mixed bush to Lone Pine Drive. This section has a few wet spots and several steep hills.

Section 5 is 1.1 km long and takes you through mixed bush, across the train tracks, makes a sharp turn beyond this and follows an old homesteading road to the Litthe Road. This seasonal road takes you in a northerly direction for 3.1 km to connect with the Huntsville section of the Trans Canada Trail.

A very picturesque trail. The trail leads to a 12.6-metre drop of the main branch of the Muskoka River at Wilson's Falls. A walking bridge across the top of the falls givs a beautiful view of Wilson's Falls. The trail winds its way through hardwood forests and pine stands, where you may discover a wide variety of plant and animal wildlife. A section of the trail follows the Muskoka River. Spectacular in the spring when the water is high and the trilliums are in bloom.

Part A runs from Highway 35 to Highway 118 for 36 km and should take about two days to cover. There are a total of 5 camp sites along the way, with 6 runnable CI rapids, 4 waterfalls and an overall elevation drop of 12 metres. Access: Highway 35 at signed parking lot at Little Wren Lake.

Part B runs from Highway 118 to Victoria Falls for 40 km and should take about two days to cover. There are a total of 7 camp sites along the way, with 10 runnable CI-CII rapids, 5 waterfalls and an overall elevation drop of 25 metres. Access: Highway 118 (no parking).

Part C runs from Victoria Falls to Cooper's falls for 18 km and should take about one day to cover. There are a total of 3 camp sites along the way, with 2 runnable rapids, 4 waterfalls and an overall elevation drop of 20 metres. Access: Cooper's Falls Road to Victoria Falls (rough dirt-pack, gravel road near end)

For additional information and detailed maps of the area check out the "Canoeing and Hiking Wild Muskoka - an Eco-Adventure Guide" by Hap Wilson or check out the following Federal topographic maps: 31 E/2, 31 E/3. 31 D/14 and 31 D/11

There are 22 campsites available along the Gibson, 18 rapids (17 CI-CI technical), 7 waterfalls for a total of 40 metres of elevation drop. The rapids are normally shallow and may necessitate lining, wading or portaging if the water level drops by early summer. Most navigable whitewater is faily straightforward, with the option to portage. Other hazards include rattlesnakes, poison ivy, and turbulent water.

Features such as clear night skies, a trek along the Gibson Wilderness Trail, running whitewater, bathing under the spray of a 15 metre waterfall and many choices for ways to continue the route make paddling this river special and worth while.

For more detailed information and maps check out "Canoeing and Hiking Wild Muskoka - An Eco-Adventure Guide" by Hap Wilson or refer to the Federal topograph map 31 D/13.

There are two access zones to the park through which visitors may gain entry into the interior or bay side.

Wilderness access is located to the northeast of the park boundary adjacent to the end of the Three Legged Lake Road. With the exception of parking (all vehicles require a permit), facilities for these interior users are all at Oastler Lake Provincial Park including registration, information, garbage disposal, and emergency assistance.

Bayside access (via Pete's Place Access Zone) is located at the southeast boundary of the park off the Healey Lake Road and the Provincial Park Road. Facilities here include registration, boat launching, sanitation, garbage disposal, information, and parking.

Permits must be acquired before camping in the park. Registration is available at the two access points and reservations are strongly recommended for all campsites.

For more detailed information and maps of the area, refer to The Massasauga Camping and Facilities Guide.

There are 16 campsites available along the Moon River, 10 rapids (CI-CIIs), 6 waterfalls and one dam for a total of 48 metres of elevation drop.

Because water levels are regulated by hydroelectric installations upriver, the development of a natural shoreline community has been compromised. Nonetheless, the Moon River environs has maintained much of it's backshore ecological character and supports a rather significant talus-slope habitat. The lower river, on approach to Moon Falls from Curtain Falls, is absolutely stunning. Spectacular cliffs, abrupt slopes and islands maintain a healthy, mature red and white pine forest. Precambrian ridges support a typical weatherworn, scabrous growth of common juniper and staghorn sumac as you approach Georgian Bay. Where the drift-cover of till is deeper, a successional forest of trembling aspen, red maple, white birch, oak and pine dominates the corridor. Massasauga rattlesnakes are frequently seen at Moon Falls, but generally the river is not a particularly productive corridor for wildlife.

For more detailed information and maps check out "Canoeing and Hiking Wild Muskoka - An Eco-Adventure Guide" by Hap Wilson or refer to the Federal topography map 31 E/4

There are two primary access points from which paddle trips can be started. The most reliable and popular access point is the large parking lot on the south side of Hwy 118 between Bentshoe and Big East Lakes. The other access point is the parking area at the east end of Cinder Lake Road where it meets the west end of Cinder Lake. This access is less reliable because the quality of the dirt road varies greatly with the season and recent weather.

Camping in the area is free and boasts 18 marked campsites which are designed for a maximum of 3 tents or 9 people. Most of these sites have good views and get some wind which keeps summer bugs to a minimum.

For more detailed information and maps on the area, refer to the Chrismar Poker Lake Area adventure map and the Federal topographic map 31 E/2.

The most notable explorer to push his canoe upstream on this river was none other then David Thompson. In 1837, the Canadian Government contracted Thompson, then in his golden years, to search out a canal route between Georgian Bay and the Ottawa River. This was eleven years after Lieutenant Henry Briscoe of the Royal Engineers had already been up the river looking for the same thing. They didn't find one, of course, but they did leave us with some interesting journal notes, sketches and maps.

Although the river can be paddled upstream, the recommended trip is to drift with the gentle current downstream. The river is suprisingly pristine, despite the few riverside cottages, and the South Muskoka seems far more remote than it actually is. South Falls, once known as Grand or Muskoka Falls, is certainly a hallmark wonder of the Muskoka River watershed. This picturesque chute, even though almost strangled by highway overpass, water flumes, road and hydro plant, is actually quite endearing and lovely to explore. It's easy to comprehend why this falls and canyon below have been a favourite motif for paintbrush and pen for over a century. As part of the historic Peterson Road, the Falls became an established community in 1862. With the cutting of the great pine forests came the need to build a 300 m log slide around the falls to facilitate the timber drives. Part of the log works is still visible along the trail skirting the chasm.

There are 9 campsites available along the South branch, 9 rapids and 5 waterfalls for a total of 90 metres of elevation drop. Entry points can be found at Fraserburg village, the picnic area above the falls via South Falls Road and in Bracebridge.

There are several choice rapids to run along this route, some that require advanced technical skills and close scrutiny. This is one of Muskoka's best rivers, in which both the novice and the technical river adventurer can parley with the river gods. Water levels are key to the ease of running rapids, but for the average neophyte, anytime is a good time to paddle the river. Risks in touring the South Muskoka River come from running rapids above a prescribed skill level. During high water, paddlers must also be wary of strong current near the tops of rapids and chutes, close to the portage take-outs.