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Grand River

Information for planning canoe or kayak day paddles down the Grand River. 

While the Grand River might be the farthest thing from a whitewater expedition, it's still where we cut our paddling teeth and is full with sentimental value and memories. 

The Grand is an ancient glacier melt path so much of it has its own valley carved into an otherwise flat part of southern Ontario. The incline on the banks kept the farms and uncivilization back from much of the river. The run from Glen Morris to Paris Ontario has surprisingly few buildings, bridges or farms that can be seen from the water. It creates the feeling of being away in the wilderness, while still a few minutes from impatient drivers at a Tim Hortons drive-through. 

The Grand River is one of Canada's Heritage designated Rivers. In the past it had a bad reputation as a dirty river due to industry in Waterloo and Brantford. Since so many communities rely on the Grand for water, so much work has been done over the last several decades to clean up and properly manage this critical resource. This work has made the Grand once again worthy of its namesake.

Planning information

Key features: A nice beginner to intermediate paddle. There are some swifts to navigate but nothing too intense (except in the spring flood). The section between Glen Morris and Paris feels remarkably remote with very few signs of human development.

Nights: There aren't any official sites on the Grand, but you can often find a few stealth camping locations (at your own risk!)

Put in / Take out: Our recommended day paddle is from Glen Morris to Paris. Here are the exact put-in and take-out locations. They both have parking. Take out under the large train bridge in Paris. Can't miss it. There are many other options too—see the map below for ideas.

Shuttle distance:  The shuttle from Glen Morris to Paris is 10.5 km, but there are many other options and you can grab the shuttle distance on Google Maps. Since this is a southern, populated area, it's not difficult to grab an Uber as your shuttle back to pick up your car—we do this all the time. Don't try to put the canoe on the Uber though. :)

Outfitters: Canoeing the Grand, Grand River Rafting and Grand Experiences. 

River data: GRCA flow data. You can paddle the Grand at any water level, but it can get pretty low and scrapey in some parts in August. Be ready to get out and drag the canoe occasionally—it's just part of the experience!