Tel: 705-857-2757

 Email: bearsdenfishing@gmail.com

  • Sculpted by Ice – French River

    img "What's So Great About The Great Lakes?": Picture the world as it was 12,000 years ago where the land was covered by melting mile-thick glaciers. This amazing sculpture of ice, carved the land and created the Great Lakes. Forming approximately 15,000 kilometres (9,500 miles) of inland freshwater "ocean-like shores". The lakes also contain an estimated 35,000 islands of which 30,000 of those islands dot the Georgian Bay alone. Do you know which Great Lake, the French River borders?   [embed]https://youtu.be/gBRcOLcEwF0[/embed]   Taking a Closer Look at How the French River was Sculpted: The Precambrian Shield was created from massive pressure and volcanic heat that twisted and upheaved the land into gneiss, quartzite, and granite in a pallet of pink, white, brown & grey. Example of Gneiss Erosion over time formed the basins of the Great Lakes and the re

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  • 52.5″ Musky for 51st Year Group

    img "It hit in three to four feet away from the boat. It was raining. The muskie gave me a real fight, it ran three times taking my black and chartreuse eagle tail under the boat. What a fight!" With a quick measure and photo of the French River musky, Bob Griffith of State College, PA, released his largest muskie to date during the group's 51st stay at Bear's Den Lodge. Since 1989, Bob reports that he has caught other muskies in past, but was concerned about releasing them quickly so "Not all fish were photographed". [caption id="attachment_1538" align="alignleft" width="625"] Larry William's Muskie from released 2 years ago (at the time of writing this).[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1539" align="alignleft" width="625"] Bob Griffith with a previous French River Muskie.[/caption] The 51st Year Johnson Adventure Tour Group from PA have enjoyed many other musky catches and

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  • French River Produces a Musky a Day

    img Returning to the French River Bill and Nancy Hamblin talk to the lodge owners, Art & Brenda Barefoot, before the hunt for the elusive French River Muskie. The weather conditions for the day were spotty with high winds and choppy waters but no musky can be caught without putting effort into it. In their search for the massive monster, Bill trolls his chartreuse bladed black bucktail and bam, the fight begins! Within the first two hours after to their arrival to the Bear's Den Lodge Bill hooked into an impressive 45.5 inch Musky, creating the first of another successful muskie hunt. [caption id="attachment_1465" align="aligncenter" width="578"] Bill's first day French River Fishing , an impressive 45.5 inch Musky[/caption] On day two, just after breakfast at the Lodge, Bill and Nancy went searching for another French River Musky. Once again after several hours of dedication in flaili

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  • Natural French River Architecture – University of Waterloo

    img TECHNOLOGY IS NOT THE MASTERY OF NATURE BUT OF THE RELATION BETWEEN NATURE AND [HUMANITY]—Walter Benjamin NATURAL RELATIONS TECHNOLOGICALLY TRANSFORMED University of Waterloo - Architecture students venture to the great Canadian wilderness of the French River to explore the classroom for inspiration.  During their stay, their project was to document two feet cubed of nature then build a model that would fit snugly inside a two foot cubed container. The model material should be sourced from the Cambridge Rona or Home Depot. As suggested by their professors, it is worth considering that all matter is of the earth. It is also easy to conceive of the two feet cubed that you have documented as nature. While it is more difficult to conceive of the materials of the model as also natural, they are merely natural relations technologically transformed. The natural relations of t

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  • Nature from A Bird’s Eye

    img Have you ever wondered what birds see? Imagining yourself flying over any obstacle and taking in the vastness that is the open skies? We always look for ways to immerse ourselves, to reconnect with that of our roots and get connected with nature. However, sometimes the absolute beauty of the French River Provincial Park is not only where you stand but what's surrounds you. To traverse the rugged terrain and watch out over the sparkling water is an aspect many can enjoy, but what so few before could witness is seeing the French River wilderness with a bird's eye view. We decided at Bear's Den Lodge was to help provide a richer experience to an area many have returned to. By reaching out to our friends at Snow Drift Media, Sean DeCory Photography and Monkey & Machine. They collaborated with us to provide an experience all can enjoy, who are planning their vacation for the French

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  • Spring Peaks & Zika Seeks

    img Are you planning for a camping trip this year? Already shopping at your favourite retailers and outdoor suppliers? Are you prepared? Something that I’m sure has been bothering many, or at least gaining interest, is the rising concern for the Zika Virus. We have been hearing about it on TV, in newspapers, and even the various social networks. Various media outlets are bringing to light different advisory warnings for those traveling to countries with the outbreaks. While various regions all over the world are still in their winter seasons the virus will have a harder time spreading until spring peaks with the mosquito population. Do not fret! This short article will detail import things you should know about the virus and ways you can stay healthy in the great outdoors! The most common way to contract the virus is from mosquito bites. According to the Centers for Disease Co

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  • Fishing – The Job that Hooked My Heart

    img "Ever since I was a young boy I always had fond memories heading north and fishing with my brother in Ontario," says Art Barefoot (Co-Owner of Bear's Den Lodge). "From the people, the sights, and even the thrill hearing the reel squeal from another fight with a fish. It was paradise and I wanted to be part of it." "Life wasn't always easy growing up in a humble Pennsylvanian farmstead, but I knew after my first voyage north that I wanted to be an outfitter." [caption id="attachment_1093" align="aligncenter" width="625"] Owner & Chef Art Barefoot providing laugher and warm meals[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1094" align="aligncenter" width="625"] Line Class World Record Muskie Holder Art Barefoot explains the Muskie fishery and structure of how to fish the French River to Bill Hamblin (center) and long time guests Chris and Harry.[/caption] "Through high school I w

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  • Would You Like to Visit the French River?

    img Imagine waking to the sounds of song birds chirping happily in the first rays of your summer morning. Splashes rippling through the crisp mirror reflection, while the busy beavers and otters continue their work and play. Can you feel the soft pine tingling your senses as the gentle breeze brushes pass? Bear's Den Lodge shares a collection of beautiful photos from a long time guest as he was immersed and enraptured by the French River, during his vacation. French River Photography at Bear's Den Lodge, Ontario, Canada

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  • Bear’s Den Lodge Inspired by Nature for 90 Years – A Diamond in the Wilderness

    img French River Delta landscape of granite rock, pine trees and more to appreciate. Does nature inspire you? If yes, Bear's Den Lodge would like to share an inspiring "place" some call a "special place", a "simple life" and to others, it is a "bit of heaven on earth" for the past 90 years. This diamond, or jewel in the North provides you the opportunity to become a part of a significant part of Canadian history some 400 years ago during Champlain's journey through the French River. Imagine journeying these corridors 400 years ago in a canoe with Champlain. New and adventurous waters lay ahead; not knowing what nature had in store. Between these magnificent granite rocks with white quartz blazes were sparkling diamonds in the blue water reflecting the magnificent sky and landscape it enjoyed. Today, being a protected and the first Canadian Heritage Provincial Park it remains much unc

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  • Gone Were the Days of Wooden Boats, a Labor of Love , But Not Forgotten

    img Looking at some old photographs, I remember the pride in purchasing the very first wooden boat for Bear's Den Lodge some thirty years ago, it was the brightest pride and smoothest, fastest ride in the French River Delta. Wooden boats were a labor of love. Pictured here are the memories of those who passed through the history before us.  As the memory projects, the previous owners tired of the hours of labor and love to maintain these wooden boats. The old fleet currently rests not on the bank where we sadly found them beyond restoration, but in the cove to be a reminder of the days gone by,  but not forgotten. Gone, But Not Forgotten Check out our current Bear's Den Lodge fleet.

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  • Holiday Gift Ideas for the Outdoor Lover

    img Do you have that special outdoor lover and need a special gift for the holidays? Have you bought every lure possible for the tackle box? Christmas is closing in quickly and still don't know what to do? Now is the time to plan that special event for that special person or difficult gift idea. Bear's Den Lodge is a unique place to share a special gift idea from. For the holidays, Bear's Den Lodge is offering a totally, "Make your Own Fishing Package Idea". You can create that one of a kind gift for that special person. The options are endless and the imagination is the lead. You can create a Personalized Self-guided Fishing American Plan Meal Package to a "Fully-Pampered" Guided American Plan Meal Package or mix it up and do your own meals in a French River Housekeeping Cottage. The lodge outfitters offer 30 years of experience to create daily adventures and give advice on where and

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  • Welcome to the Bear’s Den Lodge Blog

    img Welcome to the Bear's Den Lodge Blog. Bear's Den Lodge posts will take you on a journey from the history of the French River, to stories, nature, fishing tips, great food, adventures and just pure beauty of Ontario to discover. Would you like to jump on board with us as we take you on an outdoor adventure into the "simple life" that Bear's Den Lodge has to offer? Bear's Den Lodge leaves the pavement behind, so jump in. Share your experiences and take the adventure challenge! Visit our website too.

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French River History: reveals early explorers were looking for a shorter route to the West. Hence, the French River was the main "Water Highway to the West in Canada, from 1600 to the mid 1800’s."

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It's official, French River makes the record books again! Dick Sprenkle's musky is recognized by Muskies Inc. for the Men's Top 25 for 2016.  Dick's 54 inch French River trophy fish was successful

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"Ever since I was a young boy I always had fond memories heading north and fishing with my brother in Ontario," says Art Barefoot (Co-Owner of Bear's Den Lodge). "From the people, the sights, and even

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First French River Sturgeon for the Thall's group after 27 years of fishing the French River, during their annual trip. The four foot fish was caught on a hook and a worm after on 6lb test and an hour

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Spring walleye fishing in Canada is bountiful and a great start to any angler’s fresh fishing season.   Although there’s much more about walleye fishing than this brief tips and tri

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Bear's Den Lodge

Hartley Bay, R.R. 2, Site 3, Box 10
Alban, Ont. P0M 1A0
Tel: (705) 857-2757

Winter Address

124 Shagbark Rd.
Alum Bank, PA 15521
Tel: (814) 839-2443

Contact Email

bearsdenfishing@gmail.com

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Latest Promotion

YOUR Canadian COTTAGE FOR YOUR NEXT GETAWAY! French River Cottages available May, 2018 - 0ctober 2018. 3 day minimum charge per person applies. Prevailing rates available for shorter stays. Less than 3 days have added charges and are available. Make memories with family and friends on the French River, arrive as guests and leave as family!

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Your hosts, Art & Brenda Barefoot

Bear's Den Lodge

2870J Hartley Bay Rd.
Alban, Ont. P0M 1A0
Tel: (705) 857-2757

Winter Address:

124 Shagbark Rd.
Alum Bank, PA 15521
Tel: (814) 839-2443

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