Cambridge to Paris

The Cambridge to Paris trip is our longest paddle at 17.5 km or 11 miles.

This route takes most people 5-6 hours depending on the speed you paddle. When river is flowing fast after a rain… 3 hours.

We do not advise this section for beginners because of the length and skill level.

The paddle starts through open farmland into a forested wilderness setting. There is spring-water and swimming spots along the way. The Grand River has a stone-gravel bottom… so having shoes to protect your feet from the rocks, is a very good idea.

The river averages 1 meter deep with 2 meter deep pools. This section of river has moving water with over 10 easy rapids. It is an upstream extension of the Glen Morris to Paris Route.

At the Cambridge start point, there is a washroom and variety store. The Cambridge to Paris route has lunch-picnic stops at Glen Morris, an island and the exit point.

This run is only available in May, June and September. The start times are 9am and 11am for Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Not available for July and August

It is critical that you arrive 20 minutes before your departure time, because if you are late, you will be redirected to the shorter 11.5km Glen Morris to Paris route with no refund.

We normally suggest 4 years of age and up.

For weight, if over 270lbs, please call or email our office to see what boat is best.

We are certified By Ontario Tourism Safe Traveler Stamp… visit our COVID Health Protocols.

With us, no waiting for a return pickup! Simply park at Birley Gates, get shuttled upstream… then you paddle back to your vehicle. So always good to go, when done.

We do offer three shorter routes on the Grand River trips… the Glen Morris to Paris route (11.5 kms), the Paris to Brant Park route (13km) and the easy Five Oaks to Brant Park route (5km).

Further away, near Long Point on Lake Erie… we offer a very unique Canadian Amazon paddling  trip for 9.0 kms through an overhead canopy of trees. Big Creek Paddling Link

After your trip, you can visit the town of Paris for food, beverages, gas and shopping. It is only 3 kms away.

1. You can book online or if needing help… call our office at 519-442-2519. If calling, please be patient, because even with 3 people on phones… we are busy. Email is always best!
2. Once booked… we will send you a confirmation with what to bring and where to meet. For the Cambridge to Paris Trip, please drive to 142 West River Road, Brant, Ont.
3. Upon arrival, park your vehicle, register at our desk, get equipped and do an orientation map-talk. There are portable washrooms & change rooms here too.
4. Once everyone is ready… we shuttle you upstream… you get your boat… then paddle down the river to the exit point where your vehicle is parked.
5. Basically we look after everything… you just bring your lunch, personals and yourselves!

1. Good sunscreen, hat, sun glasses, retainer string for eye glasses, water & snacks, gloves if hands blister easily, lip balm.
2. Bring footwear you don’t mind getting wet… the river bottom is rocky.
3. 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!
4. If cooler weather… dress in layers so you can strip down as you get hot.
5. Due to health protocols we are not supplying dry bags… so please bring ziplock bags or bags capable of keeping car keys, cell phones and personals dry