Indulge in a “Taste Adventure”. Join Tasty Road Trips to discover where the locals eat, sip and know it’s worth the wait in line! Reservations are a must for the “All Inclusive Tours“. But you can also do a non-reservation tour called “Grab and Go Adventures”. Many of these trips are based out of Paris, Ontario. For more information, please knock on the door of Tasty Road Trips.
Other Things to Do
Wondering What The Locals Do Around Here ?
Tasty Road Trips!
Edible Plant & Tea Hikes
Want to learn about plants, trees, and teas of the wild? Then do a session with Tara and her teas! This is an interactive 1km hike showing you how to identify through touch, smell and sight…. learn unique ID features that are easy to remember. This 2-2.5hr hiking classroom experience is available on demand year round, for all ages. The cost is $30 per person plus HST (minimum cost of $200 plus HST). Hikes are done in the Paris, Ontario area. Link to GROWE Hikes.
Grand River Dinner Cruises
Looking for something different? Then lay down the paddle and experience a Grand River Dinner Cruise! These 2.5 hour dining cruises have a window at every private table as you travel up and down the Grand River. There are also lunch cruises, blazing fiddler cruises, sampling of local brewery cruises… even a river talk series with speakers from the Indigenous Haudenosaunee nation. Located at 36 Brant County Road 22, Caledonia, Ontario, N3W 2G9, which is about 25 minutes from our Cayuga location and about 45 minutes from our Brant Park and Birley-Gates locations.
Grand River Fly Fishing Trips
Enjoy a guided fly fishing trip on the Grand River for Steelhead or Smallmouth Bass. As a fishery, the Middle Grand excels in trout and bass. The trips are 5-6 hours. Choose from floating down the river in a drift boat… or doing a walk & wade fly fishing trip. Both trips are all inclusive, showcasing some of the best fly fishing sections on the Middle Grand. Pricing is based on 1-2 anglers… trips can also be customized. For more information… contact Fly Water Guiding Services.
Kayak the Canadian Amazon
Experience a “one-of-a-kind” kayak adventure on the “Canadian Amazon”... with Big Creek Paddle Adventure near Long Point. This is a 3-3.5 hr guided experience… paddling under the canopy of the Carolinian Forest. Let the guides make the river come alive as they share about the plants and wildlife of Big Creek. The trip is a paddle in single or tandem kayaks… if bringing children, the tandems are great! For more information & prices on paddling through the trees! … Visit kayaking trips on the Canadian Amazon.
Visit Six Nations of the Grand River
Travel 30 minutes south of Brantford to visit the Haudenosaunee of the Six Nations from the Grand River Territories. This is the only place in North America where all Six Nations live together… The Seneca, The Cayuga, The Onondaga, The Oneida, The Mohawk and The Tuscarora. There is a traditional longhouse here, a Carolinian Tree Nursery, the renovated Chiefswood mansion of the famous poetess Pauline Johnson. Visit art studios, craft shops, food… and stay overnight in their beautiful on-suite log cabins!
Tour a Canadian Submarine!
Ever been in a 100 meter submarine? Step back into the 1960’s during the Cold War and tour through one of Canada’s stealth submarines called the HMCS Ojibwa. The HMCS Ojibwa Museum is a one hour guided tour through the submarine. This museum is located on the shores of Lake Erie at Port Burwell, about 1 hour from Grand River Rafting. Since the tours are done in small groups, we highly recommend advance reservations before arriving.
Indoor Golf Simulator Experience
This is where you can golf rain or shine! The Golf Barn is an indoor golf facility featuring 3 simulators. Learn, Practice and Play. Located about 15-20mins from Grand River Rafting at 194 Bethel Rd, Paris, On. Advance reservations are required. For more information and prices, please visit the Golf Barn Website.
Experience a Walking Tour!
Learn while you walk! Learn while you walk! Stroll Walking Tours is a great way to get a taste of Southern Ontario history, specifically Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and St. Jacobs. They host small group curated walks, 1-2 km in length taking about 90 minutes. Each walk has its own specialty topic… history, murals, churches, architecture and food tours. Reservations are required. For more information on exploring Ontario’s local backyards, villages and cities… visit Stroll Walking Tours.
Climb Ontario's Sand Hills
Visit Ontario’s biggest “sand pile”. These sand dunes tower over 100 meters above Lake Erie. There is family camping here, picnic areas as well as swimming in the lake. The Sand Hills are located about 1 hour from Grand River Rafting. For more information on this huge sand dune, visit Sand Hill Park.
Ziplines, Bike, Winery, Glamping
This place as got everything! Visit Long Point Eco-Adventures for a “all-in-one staycation”. You can try glamping, ziplines, night observatory star experiences, mountain bike tours & rentals, guided kayak trips, axe throwing, cold plunge saunas, dining and of course the famous Burning Kiln Winery. Located about 1 hour from Grand River Rafting. For more information visit Long Point Fun.
Learn to Fly Fish!
If wishing to learn how to fly fish… then knock on the door of Fly Water for casting and instruction. Tyler Dunsmore is an excellent instructor. His fly casting programs cover equipment, casting techniques, fly patterns to imitate river insects, insect cycles, presenting flies to fish, river safety and etiquette. This 5 hour course is all inclusive. Tyler teaches along the Grand River near Paris, Ontario. His courses are designed to accommodate 1-4 people… larger groups can be accommodated. For more information visit Fly Water Casting Lessons.
Two Row on the Grand
A one of a kind Canadian Experience! Paddle for 5 days or10 days from Cambridge to Lake Erie with the Haudenosaunee of the Six Nations from the Grand River Territories. This is an opportunity to re-polish the chain of friendship as you camp, eat and participate in cultural experiences. This yearly paddle is from July 16 to July 25, 2025. There are only 75 spots available. Learn more about Two Row on the Grand.
Family Zoo Experience
Learn closeup and personal! Teach your family at the Brantford Twin Valley Zoo, which specializes in child educational experiences about wildlife. Come visit the animals, bring along your lunch and enjoy our picnic area, and take a stroll on a short nature trail (less than 1km long) in our 5 acres of woodland. The zoo is located about 30 minutes from Grand River Rafting. For more information visit Brantford Twin Valley Zoo.
SNIPE Paranormal Night
A Paranormal – Indigenous – Full Moon Paddle… Three in One! Meet SNIPE (Six Nations Investigating Paranormal Encounters). This tour is available on six full-moons from May til October. This adventure starts at the old Chiefswood Mansion at 7pm and ends at midnight. There are also beautiful log cabins for those wishing an overnight stay, as well as glamping and camping. For more information visit Whisper To The Moon
Local Hiking Trails
Here Are the Favourite Local Trails
FWR Dickson Wilderness Area (Free) 699, N Dumfries Twp Rd 5, Ayr, ON N0B 1E0
Pinehurst Conservation Area (Entrance Fee) 468 Pinehurst Rd, Ayr, ON N0B 1E0
Sudden Regional Forest (Free) 1822 Spragues Rd, Cambridge, ON N1R 5S5
Dryden Tract (Free) 1785 Alps Rd, Cambridge, ON N1R 5S5
Drynan Tract (Free) 1192 Dumfries Rd, Ayr, ON N0B 1E0
Apps Mill (Free) 335 Robinson Rd, Brantford, ON N3T 0L7
Burford Lions Art Cadman Park (Free) 78 Maple Ave N, Brant, ON N3T 5L7
SC Johnson Trail (Free) 801 Powerline Rd, Brantford, ON N3L 4A2
Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail (Free) Willow St, Paris, ON N3L 2M2
Swim & Picnic Areas
Here Are Some Swim & Picnic & Playground Areas
Pinehurst Conservation Area (Entrance Fee) 468 Pinehurst Rd, Ayr, ON N0B 1E0
Brant Conservation Area (Entrance & Pool Fee) 119 Jennings Rd, Brantford, ON N3T 5L7
Lions Park (Pool & Splash Pad Fee, Park & Playground free) 36-96 Laurel St, Paris, ON N3L 3L8
Burford Community Center (Free splash pad, playground) 14 Potter Dr, Burford, ON N0E 1A0
Mt Pleasant Nature Park (Free fishing and picnic area) 755 Mt Pleasant Rd, Mount Pleasant, ON N0E 1K0
Mohawk Park and Pavilion Picnic Area (Free & Frisbee Golf) 51 Lynnwood Dr, Brantford, ON N3S 6S3
Earl Haig Family Fun Park ( Fee for swim park & mini golf) 101 Market St S, Brantford, ON N3S 2E4
Bike Trails & Rentals
Bike Rentals, Repairs and Bike Trails
Heron Head Bikes (Bike Repairs & Rentals) 120 Morrell St, Brantford, ON N3T 4J7
Lost Bandit Bike Co (Repairs) 40 Dundas St W, Paris, ON N3L 1G2
Rotary Bike Park (Free) 400 Grand River Ave, Brantford, ON N3T 5A3
SC Johnson Trail (Free) 801 Powerline Rd, Brantford, ON N3L 4A2
Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail (Free) Willow St, Paris, ON N3L 2M2
Barkers Bush & Penman’s Pass (Free) 113 Broadway St W, Paris, ON N3L 0B1
Hamilton Brantford Rail Trail (Free) Beach Rd, Brantford, ON N3T 5L9
Farm Gate Experiences
Brantwood Farms… 251 Powerline Rd, Brantford, ON N3P 1Z4
Devon Acres Organic Farm at 101 Robinson Rd, Brantford, ON N3T 5L7
Little Brown Cow at 234 Cockshutt Rd, Brantford, ON N3R 0C1
Van Laeken Family Farm at 234 Cockshutt Rd, Brantford, ON N3R 0C1
Alberta Farms Country Market at 353 Governors Rd E, Paris, ON N3L 3E1
Kind Organics at 181 Jerseyville Rd, Brantford, ON N3T 5M1
The Stand Burford at 127 King St, Burford, ON N0E 1A0
Pleasant Berry Blueberry Farm at445 Ellis Ave, Brantford, ON N3R 0B8
Orchard Home Farms at 235 Howell Rd, Brant, ON N0E 1N0
CloverCroft Organic Farm at 285 Ayr Rd, Paris, ON N3L 3E2
Moores Berries and Farm Fresh Produce at 497 Pinehurst Rd, Ayr, ON N0B 1E0
Brantview Apples and Cider at 225 Howell Rd, St George, ON N0E 1N0
The Lavender Farm at 769 Drumbo Rd, Ayr, ON N0B 1E0
Brantford Farmers Market at 79 Icomm Dr, Brantford, ON N3S 7N9
The Paris Wincey Mill Company at 31 Mechanic St, Paris, ON N3L 1K1
Brant County Garlic Company at 298 Thirteenth Concession Rd, Scotland, ON N0E 1R0
Sam’s Place Farm Market at 4665 ON-24, Scotland, ON N0E 1R0
Walters Greenhouse and Garden Center at 363 Governors Rd E, Brant, ON N3L 3E1
The Windmill Country Market at 701 Mt Pleasant Rd, Mount Pleasant, ON N0E 1K0
History Learning Experiences
Mohawk Chapel at 301 Mohawk St, Brantford, ON N3T5LN
Woodland Cultural Centre & Mohawk Residential School at 184 Mohawk St, Brantford, ON N3S 2X2
Chiefswood National Historic Site at 1037 Brant County Hwy 54, Ohsweken, ON N3W 2G9
Bell Homestead National Historic at 94 Tutela Heights Rd, Brantford, ON N3T 1A1
Canadian Military Museum at 347 Greenwich St, Brantford, ON N3S 7X4
Paris Museum Historical Society at 51 William St, Paris, ON N3L 1L2
Myrtleville House Museum at 34 Myrtleville Dr, Brantford, ON N3V 1C2
Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant at 20 Ava Rd, Brantford, ON N3T 5G9
Brant County Museums and Archives at 57 Charlotte St, Brantford, ON N3T 2W7
Other Attractions in Ontario
What Else to do in Ontario? Attractions Ontario is your all-in-0ne Ontario Tourism site. This association represents over 500 tourism attractions and accommodations across Ontario. They offer coupon discounts for many of the attractions. The above photo is of Safari Niagara with the behind the scenes “pet & feed” a rhino, located in Stevensville, Ontario. Whether it is trampolines, climbing walls, segways, zip lines or indoor sky diving… Attractions Ontario has a huge list of partners to discover.
For insight on particular attractions… contact Attractions Ontario @ 416-868-4386
Breweries & Wineries
Paris Beer Company at 31 Mechanic St, Paris, ON N3L 1K1
Steel Wheel Brewery at 105 Powerline Rd, Brantford, ON L0R 1T0
Sassy Britches Brewery at 111 Sherwood Dr #4, Brantford, ON N3T 6J9
Flux Brewing Company at 185 Oakland Rd, Scotland, ON N0E 1R0
Brantview Apples and Cider at 225 Howell Rd, St George, ON N0E 1N0
Bonnieheath Estate Lavender & Winery at 410 Concession 12 Townsend, Waterford, ON N3Y 4K3
Frisky Beaver Wines at 455 Radical Rd, Simcoe, ON N3Y 4K2
Burning Kiln Winery at 1709 Front Rd, St Williams, ON N0E 1P0
Mann’s Distillery at 581 West St, Brantford, ON N3R 7C5
Willibald Farm Distillery & Brewery at 1271 Reidsville Rd, Ayr, ON N0B 1E0
Blue Canoe Merchant Discounts
The Blue Canoe Discount Specials
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!
How The Blue Canoe Works In 4 Easy Steps
Visit the merchants displaying the Blue Canoe logo.
Show the merchant your paddling reservation on paper or phone.
Fill out the 3 Visitor questions
Receive your Blue Canoe discount off purchased items.
Accommodation
Accommodations
Stay in beautiful Paris Ontario to enjoy the food and atmosphere.
Restaurants
Restaurants
Restaurants displaying the Blue Canoe
Shops
Shops
Who doesn’t love making great deals even better.
Attractions
Attractions
Stay and play in Paris as there is lots to do off water too.
12 Man Raft Trips
GOOD NEWS... Our Rafts Can't Tip Over!
12 Man Raft Details
Our 12 man raft trips offer the largest raft on the Grand River… if you want space… you want this raft!
This raft is good for up to 10 adults and 2 small children. Great for all generations regardless of size, age or experience… they cannot tip over!
Minimum number of people would be 4 adults. For all ages newborn to 93 years and up. Weight capacity of 2,000 lbs.
These are self-guided trips that you can safely do on your own.
We do have rafting guides available, cost is $225 plus HST… please call our office to inquire about availability… 519-442-2519.
NO ALCOHOL ALLOWED… Please remember that no alcoholic beverages are allowed on the river… it is Federal Law and can result in OPP charges.
Grand River Rafting reserves the rights to inspect all bags and coolers being brought on trips. If alcoholic beverages are found, you will be asked to kindly return the beverages to your vehicle. If someone refuses inspection or refuses to leave alcoholic beverages behind, they will not be allowed to go on the river… and there will be no refund.
Please Check Our Weather Alert On the Day of Your Trip Before Coming.
A video of a Day at Grand River Rafting
Trip Pricing
Price of Boat and Persons (HST tax not included):
- Glen Morris to Paris 11.5 km: $45 per person (min 8 people)
- Paris to Brant Park 13 km: $45 per person (min 8 people)
- Five Oaks to Paris 5km: $40 per person (min 8 people)
- Sycamore to Paris 5km: $40 per person (min 8 people)
Prices Include
- boat, paddle, life-jacket, safety kit
- river map & orientation talk
- shuttle ride to start point
- free park entry
- free parking & picnic area
- water refill for bring your own bottle
- flush toilets and change rooms at your start point
- to personally guide you as you paddle your route, we have a river app click here to download you free Grand River Rafting river app
- trip codes are glen for Glen Morris. paris for Paris and five for Five Oaks.
Other Notes
- Campsites available at end point, if paddling the Paris, Five Oaks or Glen Morris trips.
- For nearby Restaurants visit… Paris Eateries
- For “Other Things To Do” visit… Attractions
- For Accommodations visit… Hotels & Campsites
- Please note… HST is not included in prices.
- We have different meet up places for each trip… so please read your confirmation for which location to drive to!
Trips
Paris to Brant Park Trip - 13 km ($45)
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! For more details of the route and to view a map, please visit this link.
Glen Morris to Paris Trip - 11 km ($45)
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. For more details of the route and to view a map, please visit this link.
Five Oaks to Brant Park Trip - 5 km ($40)
The Five Oaks to Brant Park is our shortest trip. If you are a beginner and want to try paddling a river… then this 5km paddle is the best choice. There is a shore picnic and washroom area about 1km into the trip, some easy splash and lots of spots to swim. This is a great family and senior route. At the end, the river becomes like a lake because of a dam further downstream. So the last last kilometer of paddling has very little current. For more details of the route and to view a map, please visit this link.
Sycamore to Paris Trip - 5 km ($40)
The Sycamore to Paris has some faster moving water… but you still have slow spots to paddle. There are fresh water springs, an island to stop at and spots to swim. Because the Grand River averages less then a meter deep in most spots… enjoyable for non-swimmers. Averages about 1-1.5 hours to paddle when flowing at summer rates.
For more details of the route and to view a map, please visit this link.
Important Info
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 hot.
- 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
How Your Trip Works:
- You can book online “Book Now” or please contact us directly by phone 519-442-2519 or email. We host over 50,000 people yearly… we have 3 people answering phones… so be patient if calling.
- Once booked… we will send you a confirmation with what to bring and where to meet
- Upon arrival, there are portable washrooms & change rooms, register at our desk, then get equipped, do an orientation talk about your trip and map.
- 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.
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 minus a 5% processing fee.
If cancellation is given under 48 hours, there is a 75% refund.
If cancellation is after midnight on the day of the trip, there is no refund.
Inclement Weather Policy
We want you to enjoy your trip, not endure it!
Weather can vary within 30 miles, so please check our “Grand River Weather Update Page” before leaving home to see if your trip is a go.
If the webpage states poor weather on the Grand River, your group has 3 choices:
- You can come at your assigned time or email us to request moving your time around.
- Or you can email us and request another date.
- Or you can email us and request a full refund
Please ignore the weather app forecasts that are more than 12 hours out from your start time.
Weather forecasting more then12 hours out is total guesswork… extremely inaccurate… please do not base your trip planning on these long range forecast charts.
GROWE Programs
GROWE offers 4-season outdoor education programs… where you learn while you play.
Hosting wild edible teas, survival skills, summer camps, PD days and a forest school.
Read More
Cook the Trout Survival Program
Trip Description
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.
- Each team is given a selection of wild edible plants, cooking utensils, a bag of rice and a trout.
- On the word “go”each team has to build a fire, prepare the edibles, and cook the rice.
- Then they have to “gut” the trout and stuff it with the rice and wild edibles to do a “Master Chef” cook-off.
- After a set time, the judging guides evaluate each team based on food presentation, taste and efficiency of teamwork.
- Winner is announced and then the teams devour their efforts!
Hiking Trip Distance
2 km
Duration
2-3 hours
Price
- $25 per person plus HST (minimum price $250)
- Site washroom user fee $50 per group plus HST
Over View
- Each team is given a selection of wild edible plants, cooking utensils, a bag of rice and a trout.
- On the word “go each team has to build a fire, prepare the edibles, and cook the rice.
- Then they have to “gut” the trout and stuff it with the rice and wild edibles to do a “Master Chef” cook-off.
- After a set time, the judging guides evaluate each team based on food presentation, taste and efficiency of teamwork.
- Winner is announce, and then the teams devour their efforts!
- $25 per person plus HST
- $50 per group for site washroom user fee
Note: minimum price $250 per group
April-October. You can choose your own start time!
Our trips on this route meets or exceeds all the required guidelines hiking.
How Your Trip Works in 4 Easy Steps
- To reserve please contact us directly by phone 519-442-2519 or email.
- You cannot book school programs online.
- We will send you a confirmation with what to bring and where to meet
- Upon arrival there will be a washroom break, followed by dividing into groups, getting equipped and a safety orientation talk.
- Once everyone is ready, we hit the trail.
Prices Include
- Interpretive Hiking Guide
- Safety Orientation Talk
- All cooking utensils
- Rice, spices, edibles, drinking water and trout
- Flush toilet washrooms
- guides to OPHEA standards
Availble Upgrades
- Picnic site rental
- Gas BBQ rentals
- Meal Catering
- Guest Speakers
- Accommodations
Please note that the 13% HST tax is not included in any prices
Weather and 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:
- Move start time around
- Choose another date
- Get a full refund
Indigenous Hiking Classroom Program
Trip Description
Because of time windows, we offer two hiking classrooms:
1) 2.5 hour learning experience. This is perfect for groups that want a hike combined with a indigenous experience or have to leave early.
2) 5-4 hour experience. We add a longer distance which gives the students a chance to have more interaction with the natural environment.
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 the village is located here, plus 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.
Hiking Trip Distance
2 or 4 km
Duration
1-2 hours or 2.5-4 hours
Over View
- Touch & smell trees and plants used for edible-medicinal and toolage by the Forst Nations.
- 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 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.
- Circle talk. Where each team shares with their guide something new they learned, but they cannot repeat what some one else said.
- Fire building competitions.
- 2.5 hour learning experience.. where groups want a hike combined with a indigenous experience or have to leave early (hiking classroom $20 per person).
- 2.5-4 hour experience… a longer distance with more interaction. ($25 per person)
- Group Site User & Washroom Fee $50 plus HST per group.
Note: minimum price $250.00 per group
April-October. You can choose your own start time!
Our trips on this route meets or exceeds all the required guidelines hiking.
How Your Trip Booking Works
- To reserve please contact us directly by phone 519-442-2519 or email. You cannot book school programs online.
- We will send you a confirmation with what to bring and where to meet
- Upon arrival there will be a washroom break, followed by dividing into groups, getting equipped and a safety orientation talk.
- Once everyone is ready, we hit the trail.
Prices Include
- interpretive guides
- orientation and safety talk
- all material for interactive team challenges
- washroom & site fee
Availble Upgrades
- Picnic site rental
- Gas BBQ rentals
- Meal Catering
- Guest Speakers
- Accommodations
Please note that the 13% HST tax is not included in any prices
Weather and 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:
- Move start time around
- Choose another date
- Get a full refund
Paddling Experiences
Enjoy a day on the Grand River... Do a "Boat & BBQ" with our local caters.
Beginner Group Choices
Turbo Tubing (link)… is something everyone can do.
Like sitting in a bean-bag chair… floating down the river.
We supply paddle, tube, life-jacket, dry bag & shuttle ride
Group Cost: $35 per person plus HST
Two Person Yak (link) are excellent for beginners
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
8 or 12 Person Rafts (link)
Great for non-swimmers… cannot tip over.
We supply paddles, raft, life-jacket, dry bag & shuttle ride
Cost: $160 for 8 person raft or $220 for 12 person raft… plus $10 per person plus HST
The Beast Super SUP (link) for up to eight people
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
Experienced Group Choices
Stand Up Paddleboard SUP (link) are inflatable ones
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
Tandem Kayak (link) are the fastest boats in our fleet
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
Canoes (link) are the hardest boats to learn how to steer
Our 16 ft canoes will hold 3 adults
We supply paddles, canoe, life-jacket, dry bag & shuttle ride
Cost: $75 per canoe plus $10 per person plus HST
Kayaks (link) are a great way to explore the river
A very stable boat… with good maneuverability
We supply paddle, kayak, life-jacket, dry bag & shuttle ride
Cost: $55 per person plus HST
Because our corporate trips are customized, please call our office at 519-442-2519 or email us to get quotes and itineraries.
Shoreline Barbeques
Meeting Rooms & Hotels
Nearby Restaurants
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:
1 Move start time around
2 Choose another date
3 Get a full refund
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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Corporate Family Day
Corporate Family Day Adventures
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.
Two Person Yaks
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: $65 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.
Family Rafting
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: $160 per 8 person raft or $220 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.
Group Turbo Tubing
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.
Because our corporate trips are customized please call our office at 519-442-2519 or email us to get quotes and itineraries.
Shoreline Barbeques
Meeting Rooms & Hotels
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:
- Move start time around
- Choose another date
- Get a full refund
.
What to Bring if Rafting:
- 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.
What to Bring If Hiking:
- Good sunscreen and hat.
- Bring footwear for walking on uneven terrain.
- If you burn easy or attract insects… long sleeves and pants.
- If cooler weather… dress in layers so you can strip down as you get warm
.
Educational Guest Speakers
Educational Guest Speakers for Schools & Interest Groups
Some speakers are available to do classroom presentations… pending distance.
You can enhance your floating or hiking classroom experience with an educational speaker.
For schools doing overnight adventures… many of our speakers can do evening presentations.
School Field Trip Speakers on Indigenous
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.
School Field Trip Speakers on Wildlife & Fishing Conservation
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 [email protected]
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.
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 [email protected]
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.
School Field Trip Speakers on History
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. Participants sing, dance and try their strength and agility in voyageur games as well as talk about daily and seasonal patterns of voyageur life. 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 engages the participants in song, dance, games of strength and agility, furs, trade goods, size of canoes and the nature and stature of voyageurs!
School Field Trip Speakers on Edible Medicinal Plants
Topic: Edible-Medicinal Plants & Trees of Ontario
Description: This is a hands-on “come to your class” experience of “touch-taste-smell” plants and trees with edible-medicinal properties. Talk covers about 30 different native species in Ontario. About 60 minutes in length.
Price: $150.00 per group plus mileage @ $.40/km
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: 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.
School Field Trip Speakers on Canoe Safety & Trip Planning
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 [email protected]
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
Private Boat Shuttle Suggestion
As of 2023, Grand River Rafting will no longer offer private boat shuttle services… so we would like to offer an alternative.
If bringing your own boats, we suggest parking your vehicle at your start point and paddling to your exit.
At the exit point call a local taxi company to shuttle the driver back upstream to the vehicle, while one person stays with the boat.
If one paddler cannot stay with the boats at the exit… please remember to take a chain and padlock to secure your boat to a tree or permanent fixture at the end point.
If you exit in Paris or Brant Park… there is “Grand River Cab” or “Paris Taxi”.
There are also numerous cab companies available in Brantford for Brant Park shuttles.
Please note… the Grand River is a rocky, shallow river and can severely damage cedar strip, fiberglass and Kevlar boats!!!
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, because the river bottom is rocky.
- If you burn easy, please wear long sleeves and pants, otherwise swim suits or clothes that dry quickly.
- Denim jeans are not a good idea, because they stay wet forever!
- If cooler weather dress in layers so you can strip down as you get hot.
Public Boat Launches & Parking
Glen Morris to Paris Trip (~12km)
There is a public boat launch with free 20-car parking lot at the end of Forbes Street in Glen Morris.
The public exit for this launch is at the Paris Dam with free 20-car parking lot off of Elm St in Paris.
Paris to Brant Park Trip (~14 km)
The public boat launch below the Paris Dam with free 20-car parking lot off of Elm St in Paris.
The public exit for this launch is inside Brant Park at the public boat launch… but there is a user fee to get in… lots of parking.
Or you can paddle another 2kms, portage around the dam… then paddle another 500m to the Exceptional Waters Launch.
This entrance to the Exceptional Waters is just before the Brant Park Gatehouse… and can park 15 vehicles.
Cambridge Trip to Paris Trip (~20km)
There is a public boat launch with free 20-car parking lot at 200 Water Street in Cambridge.
The public exit for this launch is at the Paris Dam with free 20-car parking lot off of Elm St in Paris.