Rafting the Grand River of Southern Ontario

 

Rafting the Grand River is Toronto’s nearby family rafting adventure that fits the family budget.

 

 
Experience a summer float down the Grand River. Rent a family raft to do a self-guided float and swim down the Grand River A unique day trip at reasonable costs, one hour west of Toronto.
 
Self-guided Grand River rafting trips are an inexpensive way for families to experience a river paddle with significant cost savings. On the Grand River there is a section called the Cayuga Rafting Route where families can raft by themselves. By choosing to go without a guide and using a map instead, groups can save over $100 per raft.

The self-guided trips include the raft, paddles, life-jackets and map. Families meet at the starting point where the raft/equipment is delivered and steering lessons are taught. From there the family paddles 10 kilometers (6 miles) to an exit point where the equipment is picked up and the group heads for home.

Cell phones are required to be brought by the customer. Because at an assigned marker, the self-guided group calls for a raft pickup, normally 15 minutes before arriving at the exit point. Water-proof bags that float are supplied for phones, cameras, wallets and keys.

 

Upon getting off the river, customers can set up their own arrangement by having a vehicle there or have the local rafting companies shuttle everyone back to their upstream vehicles. Customers arriving in two vehicles can take advantage of a cost savings in shuttling by having one vehicle at each end of the trip.

The self-guided rafts hold 8 adults comfortably, plus 3 small children can be added in the middle. These rafts don’t tip over, great for non-swimmers. People can also stand up and move around in them. The rafting trips lasts 3-5 hours depending on how the group paddles, swims and picnics.

 

Our wildlife page. Chances of seeing wildlife is greater in the evening and weekdays


A favorite self-guided trip on the Grand River is the Cayuga Rafting Route. It offers a beautiful wilderness setting, has a gentle current and only one splashing shelf to shoot over. On the river the day is spent drifting by islands and forests, through pools and gentle swifts. People can pull over to swim in the 2 meter deep pools or float beside the raft. Unlike a city which leaves one exhausted… this wilderness setting breathes life back into the spirit.

People are advised not to wear "blue-jeans" because they don’t dry out. If swimming, people are told to wear shoes in the water because of the sharp rock bottom. Other things to bring are hats, sunscreen (30spa or higher), lip chap, drinking water and swimsuits. Because of the double reflection factor off the water… fair skinned people are advised to wear long sleeves/pants for protection.

For those unfamiliar with the Grand River, it is located half ways between Toronto and London. The self-guided rafting section is just off the 403 Highway near Paris-Brantford.

The costs for a days rafting is around $135 per raft plus tax. Reservations with most companies are required. The trips are good for infants to grand parents. These self-guided rafting trips are a great way for families to "Experience Everything Together" at a reasonable cost.

 

 

Try Our Tripper Paddling Lunch by  Chef Nancy...


Veggie Wrap ~ Roasted Red, Orange, Yellow Peppers, Green Zucchini, Portabella Mushrooms, Cheese, Plum Tomatoes, and Chopped Romaine

Caesar Wrap ~ Grilled Breast of Chicken with Romaine Lettuce Real Bacon, Croutons, and Forks Homemade Caesar Dressing

Cold Meat Wraps … with Chopped Romaine, Plum Tomato, English Cucumber, Garlic Hummus, Shredded Cheese… choice of meat …. Roast Turkey / Cajun Chicken / Black Forest Ham / Roasted Beef / Tuna.

Choice of dessert… brownie, large cookie, butter tart and date square.

Fruit of the Day... pending what is in season

Choice of drink… apple or orange juice, coke/diet coke, ginger ale, sprite and orange pop, ice tea, water. 

$14 per person with wrap, dessert, fruit, cold drink and tax included

                                                

Restaurants

For restaurants  you can choose:

BBQ Ribs

Italian

Thai

Chinese

Steakhouse

Fine Dining

Grand River Dinner Cruise

Other food choice link map

 

We Have Our Own Secluded Wilderness Campsites Right on the Grand River.

 

We have five private secluded wooded camping sites right on the river. There are two 24 hour grocery stores 10 kms away. To view tenting sites, costs and info click here  

 

There are no poisonous snakes or dangerous animals like bears. There are deer, wild turkeys and raccoons. You can swim, paddle and fish from the campsites.

 

Camping equipment, campsite canoes or kayaks with gear can also be rented.

 

You can also rent our Fisherman’s Roost. A 12’ x 14’ portable that sleeps up to 4 adults. It is in a wooded setting just off the river…  For more details on costs and photos click here .            

Other Accommodations

Recommended Bed & Breakfasts:

River Ridge B&B

Behind the Pines B&B

Swan & Peacock B&B

 

Recommended Inns:

Bodega Inn

Hampton Inn

Best Western Inn

 

Recommended Trailer & Tenting Parks.


Pinehurst Conservation

Brant Conservation

 

 Grand River Rafting Camping Equipment Rental with everything setup.

Package includes tents, ground pads, cooking kit, food cooler, drinking water, summer kitchen tent, picnic table, handsaw and firewood. Gas barbeques available for rental upon request. Must reserve in advance. Minimum of two people camping.

Please note that we do not provide food, ice, sleeping bags or pillows. Cost of rental & campsite setup is $30 per person for the first night. Additional rental nights $15 each (tax included).