Kayak Trips... Glide Like a Swan

When I tried a kayak for the first time... I became a swan. It was the most amazing feeling to glide across the water with so little effort.

Out of all the paddling sports, kayaking is the easiest to do. The basic strokes can be quickly learned with minimal practise. People always learn kayaking faster then canoeing.

A kayak is less tippy, because your center of gravity is lower. In a kayak you sit right on top of the water, while in a canoe you are sitting about 45 cm above the water.

You do not need to "Eskimo Roll" to enjoy kayaking. In fact doing an "Eskimo Roll" on the Grand River would knock your block off, the river is shallow! If you tip over, simply grab the sides of the kayak and slide out... no fuss!

Where most people tip... is when getting in or out of the kayak. But a 45-60 minute lesson for a first timer can quickly give the skills and confidence to enjoy the paddle.



Kayak lessons cover entry/exit in a kayak, all the basic strokes to steer, the simple wet exit if tipping over and how to read the water. After an introductory land-lesson, our staff takes you out on the water to practise. When you instructor likes how you are doing... you are ready to shuttle upstream to start your trip.

How the kayak trip works… you park at the end point, hop on a bus/van that shuttles to the start. At the start point, our staff equips you with paddle, life jacket, dry bag and board. Then the staff gives you a Grand River map and goes over the route with you. Then off you go, with no time limit, paddling back to your vehicle.

Here is the link about costs/times on our Grand River Rafting kayak trips. You need to make reservations because what we do is stage the boats in advance of your arrival... so everything is ready to go.



There are four types of kayaking offered by Grand River Rafting:


1) Regular one person kayak... link

2) Regular two person tandem kayak... link

3) Non-tip yaks for two people... link

4) Turbo Tubes for individuals and families... link

The experience of paddling the Grand River is good for beginners and the experienced. There is the opportunity to paddle still water and moving water in a wilderness setting that is stunning.

Upon finishing the trip, many people comment about the unexpected beauty of the Grand River Valley... they can't believe such a place exists sixty miles from Toronto.

Below are the two most favorite kayak routes. For people wanting more distance they can join the two trips together.



The above Glen Morris to Paris is our intermediate route.




The above Paris to Brant Park route is the preferred beginner trip.

What makes the Grand a good starting place for beginners, is how shallow and warm the river is. Most people paddle from mid-May until October. The water temperatures are normally between 20-23 Celsius. The river speed is about 2-3 km/hour. If you tip over, just stand up... because the river averages 1 meter in depth. About the Grand River.



There are a number of different sections to paddle. Most paddling sections are 10-12 kms long taking about 3 hours or more to enjoy. If wishing a longer trip, we simply join river sections together.

A warning... So often people show up with the idea of maximum distance for maximum dollar! Not a good idea… because at the end… you are exhausted, sunburnt and "pissed" at choosing to go too far.

Recommended attire is bathing suits, shorts and t-shirts, shoes that can get wet, sunglasses with strings, baseball caps or wide brimmed hats and good sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. For those that are fair-skinned, long sleeves and pants are a good idea. If you need eye glasses... please bring strings so not to lose in the river.

If looking for a great meal or ice cream after… visit the riverside town of Paris… walk this small town... experience the shops and restaurants... bring back good memories.



View of the Town of Paris on the Grand River.