Welcome to The Ottawa Valley

Circuit Champlain - Samuel de Champlain Route

Thanks to Samuel de Champlain, the founding father of New France, the French settled in America over 400 years ago. We invite you to follow the path of this skilled explorer, expert strategist and tireless colonizer through this vibrant and gorgeous country! Champlain navigated the Ottawa River, Lake Nipissing and the French River to eventually discover Georgian Bay and Huronia. This unique and surprisingly diverse driving route combines an adventurous nature and a magnificent history, offering a quaint blend of yesterday’s charms and today’s contemporary attractions.

In 1613, Champlain made his first excursion through the “upper country” up the Ottawa River to Ile aux Allumettes. He hoped to find the passageway to the northern sea that would lead to the riches of Asia. In 1867, his lost astrolabe was found near Cobden. Over the next three hundred years, many Quebecois followed Champlain’s footsteps and settled in Eastern Ontario.

A promotional event, “Following Champlain’s Footsteps” Race has been planned by Direction Ontario (www.directionontario.ca). Through a Canada-wide contest, 10 francophones will be invited to take part in an adventure that will take them back through 1615-1616 on an expedition tracing the footsteps of Samuel de Champlain in Huronia. The Ottawa Valley will be highlighted with a rafting excursion on June 14th.

Media Inquiries:

Judy Hugli, Ottawa Valley Tourist Association
800-757-6580
jhugli@countyofrenfrew.on.ca

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