Experience more then the Grand River.
Look for the Blue Canoe!
Our local merchants want to enhance your visit in Brant County
Simply show your reservation where there’s a Blue Canoe logo
And get discounts at the restaurants, shops & attractions.
Discover Good Times in Brant!
Stay in beautiful Paris Ontario to enjoy the food and atmosphere.
Restaurants displaying the Blue Canoe
Who doesn’t love making great deals even better.
Stay and play in Paris as there is lots to do off water too.
Number of People per Boat: 12 per boat max (8 person min)
Suggested Paddling Skills for this Boat: Novice or Experienced
Suggested Ages: 3 years and up
Suggested Weight: 300 lbs
This Boat Can Be Used On These Trips: Paris to Brant Park
Price of Boat and Persons (HST tax not included):
Note: all upgrades and add ons can be added at end of the check out process online
Paris to Brant Park Trip. With all our trips, you park where your trip ends… and we shuttle you upstream. This trip shuttles you into the picturesque town of Paris. The Paris to Brant Park trip is considered our most gentle paddle. There is a section of fast moving water at the start, followed by more placid waters. It has a picnic site with washrooms along the way, fresh water springs, an old 1830’s mine shaft and spots to swim. Great route for non-swimmers to try!
What to Bring:
How Your Trip Works:
Weather & Cancellation Policies:
Final price is based on headcount given 48 hours out from date of event.
If cancellation is given 48 hours in advance, there is a full deposit refund.
If bad weather, we will contact you by 7am that morning or decide the night before.
Your group has 3 choices if bad weather:
This adventure starts with a 1 km guided walk learning wild edible plants and trees along the way. We arrive at the challenge area… try the fresh water springs… and then the contest begins.
2 km
2-3 hours
Note: minimum price $240 per group
April-October. You can choose your own start time!
Our trips on this route meets or exceeds all the required guidelines for canoe, kayak and paddle-rafting trips.
Please note that the 13% HST tax is not included in any prices
Final price is based on headcount given 48 hours out from date of event.
If cancellation is given 48 hours in advance, there is a full deposit refund.
If bad weather, we will contact you by 7am that morning or decide the night before.
Your group has 3 choices if bad weather:
Because of time windows, we offer two hiking classrooms:
On the hiking classroom we introduce plants and trees used by the First Nations, discuss the edible-medicinal purposes and toolage. We also cover fish & wildlife of the valley used by Indigenous people, as well as native history.
Time permitting, along the way we incorporate challenges like, moose calling, fire by friction and a “cook the egg competition. The challenges are designed, so that regardless of how one is doing in school. Everyone gets to participate.
The trip ends at an Attawandaron village site of the 1400’s. We discuss why this village location and the students can get fresh water from the village springs.
At the end we do a circle talk. Where each team shares with their guide something new they learned, but they cannot repeat what some one else said.
During the fire competitions, many schools bring their own hotdogs or marshmallows.
2 or 4 km
1-2 hours or 2.5-4 hours
Note: minimum price $240.00 per group
April-October. You can choose your own start time!
Our trips on this route meets or exceeds all the required guidelines hiking.
Please note that the 13% HST tax is not included in any prices
Final price is based on headcount given 48 hours out from date of event.
If cancellation is given 48 hours in advance, there is a full deposit refund.
If bad weather, we will contact you by 7am that morning or decide the night before.
Your group has 3 choices if bad weather:
Enjoy a corporate day away from everything… and just be together.
Grand River Rafting offers 9 types of boats to explore the Grand River.
We have canoes, kayaks, yaks, rafts, stand up paddle boards and Turbo Tubes
Grand River Rafting can host large corporate groups of over 500 people per day.
The Grand River is beginner friendly… slow moving with a few easy rapids… averages 1 m in depth.
At the end points there are picnic areas with washrooms… where our local caters can host shore barbeques.
Like sitting in a bean-bag chair… floating down the river.
We supply paddle, tube, life-jacket, dry bag & shuttle ride
Group Cost: $32 per person plus HST (min. of six people)
A very stable boat… hard to tip over.
We supply paddle, yak, life-jacket, dry bag & shuttle ride
Cost: $85 for 2 people plus HST
Great for non-swimmers… cannot tip over.
We supply paddles, raft, life-jacket, dry bag & shuttle ride
Cost: $150 for 8 person raft or $200 for 12 person raft… plus $10 per person plus HST
A very stable boat… hard to tip over… group fun
We supply board, paddles, life-jacket, dry bag & shuttle ride
Cost: $150 per board plus $10 per person plus HST
A very stable boat… with good maneuverability
We supply paddle, kayak, life-jacket, dry bag & shuttle ride
Cost: $55 per person plus HST
Our 16 ft canoes will hold 3 adults
We supply paddles, canoe, life-jacket, dry bag & shuttle ride
Cost: $65 per canoe plus $10 per person plus HST
The tandems are very stable and maneuver well.
We supply paddle, tandem kayak, life-jacket, dry bag & shuttle ride
Cost: $85 for 2 people plus HST
Our SUP boards are wider then normal for river stability.
We supply paddle, SUP, life-jacket, dry bag & shuttle ride
Cost: $55 per person plus HST
Answers to Forgotten Questions
How To Book: Because this is a customized program you cannot book online. Please email us or call our office to arrange your corporate adventure.
Trip Length: 3-4 hours in length… we do have a 2 hour route.
Options: Tripper Lunches can be ordered or catered barbeques arranged at the end of the trip.
How Your Trip Works: Once booked… we will send you a confirmation with what to bring and where to meet. Upon arrival, there are washrooms, then meet your guides and do an orientation talk, pack up the gear and the adventure begins.
Weather & Cancellation Policies: Final price is based on headcount given 48 hours out from date of event.If cancellation is given 48 hours in advance, there is a full deposit refund.
If bad weather… we will contact you by 7am that morning or decide the night before. Your group has 3 choices if bad weather:
What to Bring: Good sunscreen, hat, sun glasses, retainer string for eye glasses, water & snacks, gloves if hands blister easily, lip balm. Bring footwear you don’t mind getting wet… the river bottom is rocky. If you burn easy… long sleeves and pants… otherwise swim suits or clothes that dry quickly. Denim jeans are not a good idea… they stay wet forever! If cooler weather… dress in layers so you can strip down as you get warm.
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Nearby Restaurants
Grand River Rafting can host large corporate groups of over 500 people per day.
For corporate family events… we have 8 person or 12 person rafts… good for newborns to 90 year olds, regardless of age or skill.
The Grand River is family friendly… slow moving with a few easy rapids… averages 1 m in depth, with some 2 m deep swimming spots.
At the end points there are picnic areas with washrooms… where our local caters can host shore barbeques.
We also have canoes, kayaks, non-tip 2 person yaks, stand up paddle boards and Turbo Tubes to explore the Grand River with.
These two-person yaks are super stable… great for beginners or an adult with children.
Choose your own start time as a corporate group.
Suggested for 2 years and up.
The two preferred corporate routes are Paris to Brant Park ( with 3 distances… 5 km, 8 km or 13 km) or Glen Morris to Paris (11.5 km)
Cost: $70 for the yak and $10 per person… includes boat, paddles, life jacket, dry bag, safety kit, shuttle ride and all user fees. HST not included.
Group guides are available for $150 per guide per day. HST not included
How To Book: Because this is a customized program, you cannot book online. Please email us or call our office to arrange your corporate adventure.
Our 8 and 12 person rafts are the most stable boat in our fleet… great for kids because they can move with no fear of tipping. Adults can stand and move too!
Suggested for newborns and up.
We can host 240 people in our raft fleet.
Choose your own start time as a corporate group.
The two preferred corporate routes are Paris to Brant Park ( with 3 distances… 5 km, 8 km or 13 km) or Glen Morris to Paris (11.5 km)
Cost: $150 per 8 person raft or $200 per 12 person raft… plus $10 per person… includes raft, paddles, life jacket, dry bag, shuttle ride and all user fees. HST not included.
Group guides are available for $150 per guide per day. HST not included
How To Book: Because this is a customized program, you cannot book online. Please email us or call our office to arrange your corporate adventure.
The red Turbo Tubes are the most relaxing boats we have… very stable… one person per tube.
Choose your own start time as a corporate group.
Suggested for 3 years and up… we have tethers to hook child boat to adult.
We can host over 600 people in Turbo Tubes.
The two preferred corporate routes are Paris to Brant Park ( with 3 distances… 5 km, 8 km or 13 km) or Glen Morris to Paris (11.5 km)
Cost: $32 per person… includes tube, paddles, life jacket, zip lock dry bag, shuttle ride and all user fees. HST not included.
Group guides are available for $150 per guide per day. HST not included
How To Book: Because this is a customized program, you cannot book online. Please email us or call our office to arrange your corporate adventure.
Nearby Restaurants
Answers to Forgotten Questions
Options: Tripper Lunches can be ordered or catered barbeques arranged at the end of the trip.
How Your Trip Works: Once booked… we will send you a confirmation with what to bring and where to meet. Upon arrival, there are washrooms, then meet your guides and do an orientation talk, pack up the gear and the adventure begins.
Weather & Cancellation Policies: Final price is based on headcount given 48 hours out from date of event.If cancellation is given 48 hours in advance, there is a full deposit refund.
If bad weather… we will contact you by 7am that morning or decide the night before. Your group has 3 choices if bad weather:
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What to Bring if Rafting:
What to Bring If Hiking:
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With Grand River Rafting… school field trips can enhance their floating or hiking classroom experience with an educational speaker.
Topics range from wildlife, fishing, indigenous, history, canoe certification and canoe trip planning.
For schools doing overnight or multi-day adventures many of our speakers can do presentations in the evening before campfire time.
Some of our school field trip speakers are available to do classroom presentations as well depending on the distance.
The goal of our presenters is to engage the students to make everything come alive!
TOPICS: drum making & ceremonial smudging, powwow singing, social dancing, flint knapping-cordage-fire, paranormal
DESCRIPTION: for our indigenous educational experiences for schools please visit this page.
PRICES: Range from $225 per group and up.
TOPIC: Learn to Fish
DESCRIPTION: This presentation covers knots, choice of lures and bait, types of rods and reels, how to cast, where to fish and types of fish. Excellent for beginners. He supplies all the equipment for instruction. About 1.5 hours.
PRICE: $250.00 per group of up to 25-30 people
CONTACT: Barna Robinson
SPEAKER BIO: Barna Robinson owns BAER Fishing Adventures. He offers shore-wade, drift boat and kayak fishing expeditions in Southern Ontario. He is a very good instructor… both engaging and knowledgeable. Barna has been working with us since 2014.
TOPIC: Aquatic Renewal/Improving Stream Habitat, Improving Water Quality and Quantity
DESCRIPTION: Conduct in-stream workdays and classroom instruction. Identify aquatic insects to determine the health of the water course. Discuss biodiversity and environmental issues. Collect other data from the watercourse such as temperature and chemistry.
PRICE: For pricing contact Larry either by phone, text or email. Rates start as low as $10 per student. Corporate or group rates available.
CONTACT: Larry Mellors at 519-758-7052 (text or call) OR email at lmello1647@rogers.com
SPEAKER BIO: Owner/Guide/Instructor of Friends on the Fly. I have been involved in outdoor school education for 40 years. Currently teach in 3 universities, 5 high schools and 5 elementary schools conducting in-stream activities and classroom instruction. Have an active JK/SK class conducting in-stream monitoring and fish and aquatic insect identification in a warm water school neighbouring their school.
TOPIC: Wildlife Rehabilitation
DESCRIPTION: Learn about unique characteristics of different species, how to peacefully coexists with wildlife or how to help wildlife in need of help.
Presentations for all ages. Compare the structure of your own hand to the wing of a bat, or see the difference between the teeth of an omnivore and a herbivore and much more. Lots of hands on using bones, skulls and specimens. Learn how to peacefully live alongside animals such as coyotes or deer or what to do when you come across a wild animal you think needs help.
PRICE: $200/hour maximum group size 30
CONTACT: Chantal Theijn or visit her website
SPEAKER BIO: Chantal is the founder and current Wildlife Custodian at Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge. At Hobbitstee she cares approximately 2500 sick, injured or orphaned wildlife of all species annually with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into the wild. Chantal has over 10 years of experience as a Wildlife Custodian and provides wildlife related education and training for SPCA, Law Enforcement, Veterinarians and other agencies.
Topic: Fur Management and Conservation.
Description: Introduction to sustainable Fur management and Conservation, an overview of Trapping and its rules and regulations in Ontario today.
Price: Varies depending on events, length of demonstrations required, contact to discuss event and pricing.
Contact: Robert Gurney 519-770-6866
Speaker Bio: Robert sits on the board of directors for the Ontario Fur Managers Federation, is a licensed Trapper and a certified instructor for the Fur Management and Conservation course with over 30 years experience. Robert is also an agent for the MNRF. ( Ministry of Natural Resources and Fisheries)
TOPIC: The Bee+ Program: Students Helping Honey Bees
DESCRIPTION: A presentation about the life of honey bees and their importance to ecosystems and the growth of our food. Learn how we can all pitch in to help them thrive! Play interactive games to learn about how the honey bees live in a colony, observe real bees in an enclosed observation hive, and eat some honey! 1.5 hours
Come visit us at Whistling Gardens in Wilsonville, or have us come to your class or desired location.
PRICE: $250.00 per class goes towards sponsoring the care of a new honey bee colony
CONTACT: Vanessa Stewart connect@vanessasbees.com
SPEAKER BIO: After mentoring from other beekeepers, courses, and countless books, blogs, and video archives, Vanessa found opportunity and a true sense of community in Norfolk County. It is now her goal to work along side honey bees and benefit all pollinators where she can, by sharing with the public the importance of these tiny creatures and all that they do for us.
TOPIC: Voyageurs: Supermen of the Fur Trade
DESCRIPTION: brings the life of the voyageur alive for you, with voyageur belongings (bedroll, personal bag and paddle), some furs and trade goods. In mild weather it can include a birch bark canoe. A full show features the importance of the fur trade and the support of the First Nations in the founding and protection of Canada. Participants sing, dance and try their strength and agility in voyageur games as well as talk about daily and seasonal patterns of voyageur life and why we have a Canada from coast to coast. The presentation can be from 60 to 150 minutes, in French and/or English, ending with wooden dancers and a lesson in playing the spoons.
PRICE:$300 for up to 60 GRR paddlers
CONTACT: Jay Bailey or visit the Voyageur Website
SPEAKER BIO: Having survived and thrived in over thirty years of teaching French, Jay Bailey has become an authentic voyageur, paddling over 4000 km on the fur trade routes of North America, mostly in birch bark canoes, bedroll on the ground at night, cold pea soup and bannock to eat, fires started with flint and steel. He has animated about 500 voyageur events from Windsor to Vankleek Hill, Elliott Lake to Sault Ste. Marie and Winnipeg, bringing to life Canadian heritage and la joie de vivre canadienne. He engages the participants in song, dance, games of strength and agility, furs, trade goods, size of canoes and the nature and stature of voyageurs!
TOPIC: Muskets and Flint of the 1800’s
DESCRIPTION:
PRICE:
CONTACT:
SPEAKER BIO:
Topic: Wild Teas of the Forest… and Experiential Learning with Wild Edibles
Description: Students will obtain ancient knowledge of identification and
medicinal application of wild edible plants within our local forests. With this
presentation students will experience plant sampling through the means of
drinking wild edible plant teas. All equipment is supplied. About 1.5 hours.
Price: $275.00 per group of up to 25-30 participants
Contact: Tara Carpenter
Speaker Bio: Tara Carpenter is an Outdoor Educator and Interpretive
Naturalist Guide with extensive knowledge on wild edibles, survival
techniques and wildlife biology. Founder of Grand River Outdoor Wilderness
Education (GROWE) she deliveries a variety of outdoor programs. Tara has
been working with us since 2016.
Topic: Edible-Medicinal Plants & Trees of Ontario
Description: This is a hands-on “touch-taste-smell” of plants and trees with edible-medicinal properties. Talk covers about 30 different native species in Ontario. About 60 minutes in length.
Price: $140.00 per group of 25-30 participants
Contact: Garth Pottruff
Speaker Bio: Garth Pottruff is a Forester and outdoor educator. Introducing people to the outdoors is his passion. He is also one of the founders of the Grand River Rafting Company. Garth has been working with us since 2006.
TOPIC: Canoe Certifcation & Safety
DESCRIPTION: ORCKA-certified courses for Basic Canoeing levels 1-3 (tandem) and level 4 (solo); Canoe Tripping 1; Safe Canoeing; Introduction to Canoe Tripping
PRICE: For prices visit “It All Comes Naturally” (Group discounts available)
CONTACT: Greg Derbyshire at info@iacn.ca
SPEAKER BIO: Greg has been involved in outdoor experiential education for over 40 years both for the school system and outdoor education centres. He has been certifying paddlers for schools, camps, government departments, conservation areas, Scouts/Guides and the general public for almost a decade with a focus on safe and knowledgeable recreational paddling.
Bring Your Own Boat Shuttle Service for the Grand River
(Please NOTE the River Features on the Grand River damage cedar strip, fiberglass and kevlar boats)
Shuttle Service On These Trips: We offer shuttle service once a day on all three routes.
Paris to Brant:
10 am on days we are at Brant Park… you can book online to find out
Glen Morris to Paris:
8:55 am Saturday, Sunday, Holiday Monday
9:55 am Mon to Friday
Cambridge to Glen Morris:
8:55 am Saturday, Sunday, Holiday Monday
9:55 am Mon to Friday
Price of Boat and Persons (HST tax not included):
Glen Morris to Paris 11.5 km:
$25 per single kayak or stand up paddle board
$25 per tandem kayak or canoe plus $10 per person$25 for single kayak
Paris to Brant Park 13 km:
$25 per single kayak
$25 per tandem kayak or canoe plus $10 per person$25 for single kayak
Cambridge to Paris 17.5 km:
$35 per single kayak
$35 per tandem kayak or canoe plus $10 per person$25 for single kayak
Note: all upgrades and add ons can be added at end of the check out process online
Paris to Brant Park Trip. With all our trips, you park where your trip ends… and we shuttle you upstream. This trip shuttles you into the picturesque town of Paris. The Paris to Brant Park trip is considered our most gentle paddle. There is a section of fast moving water at the start, followed by more placid waters. It has a picnic site with washrooms along the way, fresh water springs, an old 1830’s mine shaft and spots to swim. Great route for non-swimmers to try!
Glen Morris to Paris Area Trip. This Grand River route starts above Glen Morris at the ruins of an 1867 woolen mill and ends below the stone towers of the Three Sisters (about 3 km above Paris). It has about 1 km of easy splash to paddle, fresh water springs, an island to stop at and spots to swim,. The picnic area is at the end point where your vehicle is parked. Because the Grand River averages less then a meter deep in most spots… enjoyable for non-swimmers.
The Cambridge to Paris trip. This is our longest route, most people take between 4-5 hours, depending on how much you paddle and river flow rates. The trip starts at the south end of Cambridge, ending below the stone towers called the Three Sisters (about 3 km above Paris). Along the way are experience a series of easy splash sections, fresh water springs, spots to swim and a washroom stop at the Glen Morris Village launch. Because of the length… we don’t suggest this route for Beginners.
What to Bring:
How Your Trip Works:
Weather & Cancellation Policies:
Final price is based on headcount given 48 hours out from date of event.
If cancellation is given 48 hours in advance, there is a full deposit refund.
If bad weather, we will contact you by 7am that morning or decide the night before.
Your group has 3 choices if bad weather:
Number of People per Boat: 2 per boat
Suggested Paddling Skills for this Boat: Novice with canoe lesson or Experienced
Suggested Ages: 3 years and up
Suggested Weight: up to a 300 lb person
This Boat Can Be Used On These Trips: Cambridge, Glen Morris and Paris routes
Price of Boat and Persons (HST tax not included):
Note: all upgrades and add ons can be added at end of the check out process online
Paris to Brant Park Trip. With all our trips, you park where your trip ends… and we shuttle you upstream. This trip shuttles you into the picturesque town of Paris. The Paris to Brant Park trip is considered our most gentle paddle. There is a section of fast moving water at the start, followed by more placid waters. It has a picnic site with washrooms along the way, fresh water springs, an old 1830’s mine shaft and spots to swim. Great route for non-swimmers to try!
Glen Morris to Paris Area Trip. This Grand River route starts above Glen Morris at the ruins of an 1867 woolen mill and ends below the stone towers of the Three Sisters (about 3 km above Paris). It has about 1 km of easy splash to paddle, fresh water springs, an island to stop at and spots to swim,. The picnic area is at the end point where your vehicle is parked. Because the Grand River averages less then a meter deep in most spots… enjoyable for non-swimmers.
What to Bring:
How Your Trip Works:
Weather & Cancellation Policies:
Final price is based on headcount given 48 hours out from date of event.
If cancellation is given 48 hours in advance, there is a full deposit refund.
If bad weather, we will contact you by 7am that morning or decide the night before.
Your group has 3 choices if bad weather:
Number of People per Boat: 8 per boat max.
Suggested Paddling Skills for this Boat: Beginners with lesson, Novice and Experienced
Suggested Ages: 3 years and up
Suggested Weight: up to 275 lbs
This Boat Can Be Used On These Trips: Glen Morris and Paris routes
Price of Boat and Persons (HST tax not included):
Note: all upgrades and add ons can be added at end of the check out process online
Paris to Brant Park Trip. With all our trips, you park where your trip ends… and we shuttle you upstream. This trip shuttles you into the picturesque town of Paris. The Paris to Brant Park trip is considered our most gentle paddle. There is a section of fast moving water at the start, followed by more placid waters. It has a picnic site with washrooms along the way, fresh water springs, an old 1830’s mine shaft and spots to swim. Great route for non-swimmers to try!
Glen Morris to Paris Area Trip. This Grand River route starts above Glen Morris at the ruins of an 1867 woolen mill and ends below the stone towers of the Three Sisters (about 3 km above Paris). It has about 1 km of easy splash to paddle, fresh water springs, an island to stop at and spots to swim,. The picnic area is at the end point where your vehicle is parked. Because the Grand River averages less then a meter deep in most spots… enjoyable for non-swimmers.
What to Bring:
How Your Trip Works:
Weather & Cancellation Policies:
Final price is based on headcount given 48 hours out from date of event.
If cancellation is given 48 hours in advance, there is a full deposit refund.
If bad weather, we will contact you by 7am that morning or decide the night before.
Your group has 3 choices if bad weather:
