South River Visitor Information Centre

Welcome to the South River Visitor Information Centre, operated by Swift Canoe & Kayak. Where we welcome you to the heart of the north! We are here to assist you with directions, inform you on events/festivals in the area and to give you information on where to eat, sleep and play! For further information, answers to any questions or to inform us on an event that you are having please feel free to contact us by phone at (705) 386-0005 or by email at southrivervic@hotmail.com South River is a village located on Highway 11 near Algonquin Park in the Parry Sound District of Ontario, Canada. It is about a half hour drive south of North Bay or a three hour drive north of Toronto. South River claims to be the second busiest entrance to the Algonquin Park. South River is also the home of Mikisew Provincial Park on nearby Eagle Lake. The South River railway station is served by the Northlander six days per week. History Logging in the area began in the 1860s, but it was not until 1881 when the first settlers, Robert Carter and his wife, arrived following the completion of the Grand Trunk Railroad. Within a few years, they opened a general store and the new community, located on the eponymous South River, had hotels, a bank, a butcher shop, and jeweller. The river itself provided the power for a sawmill and grist mill, while also being used for log driving. In 1907, the village separated from Machar Township and was incorporated, with W.J. Ard as first reeve.