The Grand River widens out in Dunnville, with some islands and wetlands in the middle. With a dam just downstream from the launch, the water was calm and slow moving, allowing us to paddle up and back, more like a lake. Read on to find out where we launched and the highlights of this trip.
Our Recommended Trip
Put In / Take Out: Wingfield Park, 300 Main St. W, Dunnville, ON. There is a large parking lot with a dock and a boat ramp. There is lots of room for trailers. The lot can get quite busy, with people backing boat trailers down the ramp, so care is advised when loading and unloading. We staged our kayaks on a grassy spot near the boat launch, and then quickly got into the water to leave the ramp clear for others.
Trip Length: 7.5 km, 2-3 hours. Unlike most river routes, this stretch of the Grand River does not require a shuttle. We paddled upstream (there wasn't much for current, so it was more like paddling a big lake) and then returned downstream to the launch.
Cost: There were no admission or launch fees.
Degree of Difficulty: Beginner - you can choose to do as much or as little of this spot as you wish. Please note that there are 3 wiers (marked with yellow below on the map) and a dam (marked in brown below on the map) that you should stay clear of. The dam is immediately after the bridge, and you should avoid this area - the undertow on the dam is dangerous and has killed people. There is a marked portage through Byng Island Conservation Area - we didn't paddle in this route, but would like to go back and explore the marshes downstream of the main dam, which could be accessed via the portage over this wier. The water was slow moving/still when we visited in August and there weren't any currents to contend with, making this paddle more lake-like than river-like.
Degree of Difficulty: Beginner - you can choose to do as much or as little of this spot as you wish. Please note that there are 3 wiers (marked with yellow below on the map) and a dam (marked in brown below on the map) that you should stay clear of. The dam is immediately after the bridge, and you should avoid this area - the undertow on the dam is dangerous and has killed people. There is a marked portage through Byng Island Conservation Area - we didn't paddle in this route, but would like to go back and explore the marshes downstream of the main dam, which could be accessed via the portage over this wier. The water was slow moving/still when we visited in August and there weren't any currents to contend with, making this paddle more lake-like than river-like.
Gear Recommendations
Life jackets and all Transport Canada required safety gear is always a must. Sunscreen and sun hats are definitely recommended when you're out on the water.
