The village is the paddling entrance to Algonquin Park and can lay claim to being the second busiest Park access after Hwy 60. South River is a comparatively small, but vibrant community encompassing two provincial parks – Algonquin, 20 kilometres to the east, and Mikisew, 12 kilometres to the west.

The village offers a wide variety of facilities for the whole family, such as the arena with year-round ice, curling clubs, tennis courts, baseball fields, library, daycare, Royal Canadian Legion, Women’s Own Resource Centre and a seniors drop-in centre. South River is also home to Ontario’s premier sports camp, The Hockey Opportunity Camp, the famous Bear Chair Co., Swift Canoes and Kayaks and The South River Brewing Company.