A beautiful, wild stretch of river close to Cambridge, full of fish and waterfowl, with small rapids and swifts to challenge your skills.
Our Recommended Trip
Put In: Forbes Street, Glen Morris, ON (43.276389, -80.346250). There is a large parking lot, and the launch is a gravel bank on the side of the river with easy access.
Take Out: Willow Street Public Landing Dock on the LEFT bank before the Penman's Dam. There is street parking nearby.
Trip Length: 13 KM, approximately 3-4 hours.
Shuttle Required: Like most river routes, this stretch of the Grand River requires a shuttle, as you are unable to paddle back upstream. You'll need to arrange to leave a car or bike at the put in and at the end. We unloaded the kayaks at Glen Morris and then drove the trailer down to Paris, where a friend brought us back to Glen Morris to the starting point.
Cost: There were no admission or launch fees.
Degree of Difficulty: Intermediate, there are small swifts and rapids. This is a stretch of the river that the outfitters use regularly, so it is free of fallen logs, but there are lots of large rocks that you will need to navigate around. Please read more below in the Gear Recommendations section and use caution if you decide to paddle this section of the Grand. The Grand may not be suitable for beginner and intermediate paddlers in the early spring and after periods of heavy rain.
Cost: There were no admission or launch fees.
Degree of Difficulty: Intermediate, there are small swifts and rapids. This is a stretch of the river that the outfitters use regularly, so it is free of fallen logs, but there are lots of large rocks that you will need to navigate around. Please read more below in the Gear Recommendations section and use caution if you decide to paddle this section of the Grand. The Grand may not be suitable for beginner and intermediate paddlers in the early spring and after periods of heavy rain.
Gear Recommendations
Life jackets and all Transport Canada required safety gear are always a must. Sunscreen and sun hats are definitely recommended when you're on the water.
Be sure to dress for the water temperatures, not the air temperatures, when paddling in the early spring. Immersion, even for short periods, can be dangerous. A change of dry clothes in a dry bag is a good extra to bring along right in your kayak.
A throw rope and and extra paddle are always recommended for paddling on moving rivers.
Be sure to dress for the water temperatures, not the air temperatures, when paddling in the early spring. Immersion, even for short periods, can be dangerous. A change of dry clothes in a dry bag is a good extra to bring along right in your kayak.
A throw rope and and extra paddle are always recommended for paddling on moving rivers.
Kayaking the Grand River from Glen Morris to Paris.
Additional Reading
Outfitter Options
Shuttles, Rentals and Guided Trips are available from Grand River Rafting and Grand River Experiences
