Easy River Tripping
The French River will delight canoeists of all ages.
By Colin Field
A Perfect Park to Develop Your Backcountry Camping Skills
Local outfitters offer exceptional services for guided or self-guided adventures. #PaddleON
Charleston Lake Provincial Park is an easy drive from Ottawa (1 ½ hours) and Kingston (50 minutes). It is a favourite family camping destination offering car camping, backcountry camping and roofed accommodation. It has excellent swimming, fishing and wildlife viewing. Located in the Frontenac Arch UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
- Charleston Lake Provincial Park Store (canoe rentals)
- Sand Lake Campground & Cottages (canoe rentals)
- Kingston Cottage Shop & Outfitters
- Ahoy Rentals (Kingston)
- Charleston Lake Provincial Park
- Frontenac Arch UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve
- The Great Waterway – Regional Tourism Information
Discover more backcountry paddling experiences. For information on park fees and reservations, click here.
Recommended Articles
Easy River Tripping
The French River will delight canoeists of all ages.
Paddling Laws
This is what you need to know about safety on the water in Ontario.
It's Time for a Paddle
Canoe and kayak rentals that are perfect for your next paddling adventure.
SUPreme Adventure
Best paddleboarding destinations for beginners.
Ontario’s Blue-Water Lakes
So blue you won’t believe your eyes.
Best River Canoe Trips
Add these to your canoeing bucket list.
Philip Edward Island Camping Guide
The inside scoop on this Georgian Bay gem.
Temagami Canoe Trip Routes
6 top trip options.
Sun and Sand
Soak it up at the best Lake Huron beaches
Killarney’s Most Beautiful Lakes
10 lakes you need to book a campsite on.
Canoe Trips in Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater
Expert advice for paddling in this wilderness park.
Must-Visit Lakes in Quetico
8 awe-inspiring lakes to plan a canoe trip to.
Line and Paddle
Best paddle-in fishing destinations in Ontario.
Best Canoe Maps in Ontario
Find out where to get the best digital and hard-copy versions.
Temagami Canoe Trip Guide
Expert advice for paddling in paradise.
Paddling with ghosts
My french river canoe trip experience.
Ultimate Paddling Day Trips
11 can’t-miss provincial parks for paddlers.
Best Kayaking on Georgian Bay
Plan your next kayak trip.
Best Sites on the French River
Where to stay on your canoe trip.
Paddle The Lakehead
Discover the best places to canoe and kayak near Thunder Bay.