French Portage
Trail

The French Portage Trail in Quetico Provincial Park is a 5 km (3.1 mi) trail that follows a route once established by First Nations peoples and later utilized by European explorers and fur traders. For a brief period, it served as a primary pathway for settlement in Manitoba’s Red River area and further westward exploration.

As you hike the trail, you’ll encounter dense forests and occasional vistas of the French River, providing a glimpse into the landscape that shaped the lives of those who once relied on this route. The terrain can be challenging, with low-lying areas that may be difficult to navigate. The trail is part of a canoe route that links Windigoostigwan and French Lake, underscoring its historical significance in the fur trade era.