Category: News

Keep up to date with Grand Experiences

Posted on by

🧡 Truth & Reconciliation | 🍂 Autumn Adventures | 🛶 Northern Possibilities

Honouring Truth and Reconciliation on the Grand River

As we reflect on Truth and Reconciliation, we acknowledge that the Grand River has always been more than a waterway. It is a lifeline, a gathering place, and a source of identity for the Haudenosaunee of the Six Nations of the Grand River, who continue to call these lands and waters home.

The Grand River flows through a deep history—one that predates the arrival of settlers and the creation of Canada. For the Six Nations, the river has been central to transportation, trade, food, ceremony, and storytelling for countless generations. The Haldimand Proclamation of 1784 promised the Haudenosaunee a tract of land six miles deep on either side of the Grand River from its source to its mouth, in recognition of their alliance and sacrifices. Though much of that land was taken or sold under great pressure, the river remains a symbol of resilience, connection, and responsibility.

On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we pause to recognize the painful legacy of colonialism—residential schools, broken treaties, and displacement—that continues to affect Indigenous communities today. But we also honour the enduring presence, knowledge, and stewardship of the Six Nations and other Indigenous peoples who have cared for these waters and lands since time immemorial.

At Grand Experiences, we are grateful to paddle, walk, and share stories along this river. Each journey we take is an opportunity to learn, to listen, and to walk the path of reconciliation with respect and humility.

How we can all contribute:

  • Learn the history of the Grand River and the Six Nations
  • Support Indigenous-led businesses and initiatives
  • Reflect on and engage with the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action
  • Spend time on the land and water with gratitude and respect

The Grand River is not just a backdrop for adventure—it is a living connection to the truths of our shared history and the possibilities of reconciliation.

Every paddle stroke forward can be a step toward understanding.

Fall Paddling Is at Its Peak

October is one of the most breathtaking months to be on the river. The crisp mornings, golden canopies, and peaceful waters of fall offer some of the finest paddling conditions of the year.

🍂 Whether you’re spotting herons along the banks or gliding beneath a curtain of colour, fall is when the Grand truly shines.

🛶 New Route Coming Soon
We’re thrilled to preview a new paddling route from Kaufman’s Flats to Bingemans Park in Kitchener—a stunning journey through Carolinian Forest, past old railway ruins and beneath the historic Bridgeport Bridge.

Are You Craving More Rustic, Northerly Adventures?

Would you be interested in something a little wilder, a little farther from home?
We’re exploring the idea of offering limited northern excursions for those looking to paddle, portage, and camp in more remote settings—perhaps even the legendary French River.

Let us know—are you up for the next level of adventure?
(Stay tuned… this could be your chance.)

🚨 End-of-Season Boat Sale

We’re making room for winter and offering a limited number of canoes and kayaks for sale. These boats have been part of some incredible journeys and are ready to keep exploring with new owners.

If you’ve dreamed of owning your own canoe or kayak, this is your moment.

Thank You

Thank you for being part of the Grand Experiences community. Whether it was your first paddle or your fiftieth, we’re honoured to share this river—and these stories—with you.

Posted on by

From My Canoe to Yours – Late Summer Thoughts

Bingemans Corporate Experience

A Personal Thank You from Adam Merrifield

As summer winds down and kids head back to school, I’ve found myself reflecting on my first season at the helm of Grand Experiences Outdoor Adventure Outfitters. It has been a whirlwind—full of learning, growth, and countless moments that remind me why I chose to follow my passion for canoeing and the river.

In just one season, we’ve put over 1,500 guests on the water across our routes in Kitchener, Cambridge, Glen Morris, Paris, Brantford, Port Royal, Port Rowan, and Long Point. We’ve hosted school groups, Scouts and Guides, canoe camps, corporate teams, and church outings. Along the way, I’ve met incredible people, had meaningful conversations, and received more hugs than I can count.

When I started this journey, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. What I did know was that I needed a change—something that combined my love of canoeing with my desire to build a meaningful, people-centered business. I knew there would be rebuilding, investment, and some tough decisions ahead. Now, with one season behind me, I can see the opportunities to simplify our offerings, modernize the experience, and make it easier and faster for you to book the adventures you love.

Canoe Camp – Carrying on the Tradition

Kids in a yellow canoe

One of the highlights of my summer was teaching. For 25 years, Grand Experiences has run its Grand Canoe Camp, and this year I had the chance to experience it firsthand. Week after week, kids aged 10–14 transformed from hesitant beginners into confident paddlers. By Friday, they weren’t just racing upriver—they were learning about ecology, river safety, and the importance of our environment.

Seeing their growth reminded me of why this work matters. These are lessons and memories they’ll carry for life. If you have kids in this age group, I can’t recommend Grand Canoe Camp enough—it’s where paddling skills, friendships, and lifelong confidence are built.

Listening, Improving, Growing

This season, you’ve told us what you value—and what we can do better. We’re listening.

  • New equipment: We’ve added new boats and lifejackets.
  • Better service: Our staff are trained to be on time, courteous, and professional.
  • Clean & comfortable shuttles: They may be a little older, but we’re keeping them spotless and reliable.
  • Flexible policies: Refunds and rescheduling are always available—no questions asked.
  • Weather-first thinking: If conditions look tough, I’ll personally call to help you move your trip to a better day.

A happy customer is a returning customer, and your Google Reviews are shaping how we improve each step of the journey.

This Season’s Highlights

Here are a few of my favorites—and yours:

Looking Ahead

This first season has only been the beginning. For 2026, we’re planning:

  • More staff, more shuttles, more availability to meet demand.
  • New trips and fresh locations to expand your options.
  • Simplified packages so you can find and book the right trip with ease.
  • Different watercraft and more casual experiences to fit every comfort level.

Thank You

I can’t say it enough—thank you. Every smile, every conversation, every group that trusted us with their adventure has made this season meaningful. You’ve made my first year possible, and I can’t wait to welcome you back on the water next season.

See you on the river,
Adam Merrifield
Owner, Grand Experiences

Posted on by

Fall on the Grand: Paddles, Colours… and a New Adventure

Soak in the fall colours on the Grand — and discover our newest adventure, guided river fishing.

✨Feature Story – New Adventure! Guided River Fishing

🎣 Now Available June–October
We’re excited to announce Guided River Fishing — an immersive half-day adventure where you’ll wade or paddle into the river with an experienced guide and learn the fundamentals of freshwater river angling.

stripes of a predator

You’ll cover:

  • Reading the river and understanding fish behavior
  • Seasonal patterns and habitat
  • Hands-on instruction with rod, reel, and lures
  • Safe and responsible river access

Depending on the season and water levels, you may encounter smallmouth bass, northern pike, carp, sucker, and trout. Locations range from Waterloo to Brantford along the Grand, Speed, Conestoga, and Nith Rivers.

👉 Perfect for individuals or pairs — no experience required!

Fall Foliage Paddles

🍁 Scenic Routes Worth Exploring
The fall season shows off the Grand River and its tributaries in a transformation of red, gold, and orange. Popular fall paddles include:

Guide’s Corner

🛶 “Why I Love Fall Paddling” – A note from Adam.
“Fewer bugs, cooler weather, and the sound of migrating geese overhead — it’s my favorite guiding season. Every trip feels different, but the golden glow of the riverbanks always sticks with me. As the temperature gets colder, the water gets clearer, unlocking the mysteries below the surface. It truly feels like flying across a foreign landscape. Combine the views below with the fall foliage above and you’ve got a truly magical experience.”

Wildlife Spotlight

This past weekend we had the privilege of guiding a corporate group down the Grand River in our big Voyageur Canoes, launching from River Bluffs Park in Cambridge, Ontario. One of the things I love most about the Grand is its ability to surprise people — even though you’re in the heart of a small city, the river quickly wraps you in a world of nature. The chatter of traffic fades, replaced by the rustle of leaves, the splash of paddles, and the calls of birds along the shore.

Our guests experienced that magic first-hand. Midway through the trip, we watched in awe as a great blue heron struck the water and came up with a wriggling fish, its patience rewarded right before our eyes. A little further downstream, we were treated to another rare sight: a mature bald eagle, perched high in the treetops, quietly surveying the river below. Moments like these remind us just how alive and wild the Grand River truly is — a natural sanctuary hiding in plain sight.

The Great Fall Migration
Keep your eyes (and ears!) open for:

  • Osprey & Herons preparing for migration.
  • Salmon & Trout making their seasonal runs.
  • Beavers & Muskrats busy stockpiling for winter.

Upcoming Events & Offers

We’d Love Your Feedback

Have you paddled, fished, or adventured with us in 2025? We want to hear from you!

👉 [Click here to leave your feedback & review on Google]

Your input not only helps us improve, it helps other adventurers discover the beauty of the Grand. Thank you for supporting local outdoor adventures!

We’ll see you on the water!
— The Grand Experiences Team

Posted on by

🎣 New at Grand Experiences: Learn to Fish – Guided River Adventure

Smallmouth in hand

We’re thrilled to introduce a brand-new guided experience: Learn to Fish!

Fishing is more than casting a line—it’s about understanding the rhythm of the river, the habits of the fish, and the thrill of the moment when it all comes together. That’s exactly what this guided trip is designed to deliver.

What You’ll Learn

Over the course of your adventure, our expert guide will walk (and wade!) you through:

  • How to read the river and spot the best fishing waters
  • Seasonal fish behaviour and patterns
  • Safe, responsible river wading and access
  • Choosing the right rod, reel, and lure for the conditions

This is hands-on learning at its finest—you’ll be in the river, rod in hand, discovering the skills to fish with confidence.

What You’ll Catch

Depending on the season and conditions, you may have the chance to catch:
Smallmouth bass, northern pike, carp, sucker, or trout.
Every trip is different, and that’s part of the excitement!

Where We Go

Our fishing trips run from St. Jacobs to Brantford, exploring the Grand, Speed, Conestoga, and Nith rivers. The exact location depends on river levels and conditions, so you’ll always get the best possible experience for the day.

Trip Details

  • Season: June – October
  • Group Size: 1–2 guests
  • Price: $500 per trip
  • Access: River wading

Whether you’re brand new to fishing or looking to sharpen your skills, this trip is the perfect way to step into the water, learn from an expert, and experience the thrill of river fishing in one of Ontario’s most beautiful regions.

👉 Ready to learn to fish? Book your trip today!

Posted on by

A New Era for Grand Experiences

Adam Merrifield Takes the Helm of Southern Ontario’s Premier Outdoor Adventure Outfitter

Paris, ON – June 30, 2025 — Grand Experiences, the award-winning outdoor adventure outfitter founded in 1997 by Jamie Kent, is proud to announce a new chapter in its storied legacy as Adam Merrifield assumes leadership of the company.

Operating across three UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves and three Regional Tourism Organizations (RTOs), Grand Experiences offers guided, self-guided, and rental adventures in canoeing, kayaking, rafting, and tubing. As the only outfitter in the region with Paddle Canada Certified guides, the company continues to set the standard for excellence, safety, and environmental stewardship.

With two locations—its historic 150-year-old headquarters in Paris, Ontario, and a second base at Bingemans Park in Kitchener—Grand Experiences serves adventurers from across Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Paris, Brantford, and Long Point.

The company’s experiences have gained provincial and national recognition, including a feature in Destination Ontario’s We Stand campaign and a spotlight on Ontario Southwest’s curated list of summer adventures for its Big Creek Eco-Adventure.

A New Leader With Deep Roots in the Outdoors

The new owner, Adam Merrifield, brings a unique combination of entrepreneurial vision and deep personal connection to the rivers Grand Experiences calls home.

Merrifield is the founder of Seydoggy, launched in 2005 as a software consultancy and transformed in 2023 into an outdoor sporting goods brand. He’s also the author of Mighty Smallmouth: Catching Big Bass on Small Water, a popular book celebrating the Nith and Grand Rivers. His Instagram account, @seydoggy.fishing, has become a go-to for fellow anglers and conservation-minded outdoor lovers.

But his journey to Grand Experiences began with something far more personal.

“After stepping back from work to deal with some deeply personal matters, I realized I needed to reconnect with what truly brought me peace. I knew I needed to make a profound change,” Merrifield shares. “I turned to the outdoors and began volunteering with Jamie Kent, helping guide school groups on hikes and paddling trips,” he continues.

Merrifield found the time in nature was profoundly healing, “I could feel years of strain lifting, as if life was slowly returning to me. For the first time in a long while, I felt truly alive,” he says.

Following a few months of discussion, Merrifield agreed to assume operations from Jamie Kent, who was ready to take a step back and embrace a slower pace in retirement. Kent will remain actively involved as head guide for the next few years, mentoring Merrifield and sharing his decades of experience.

Now at the helm, Merrifield plans to grow the company’s footprint with an eye on expanding farther north and adding guided fishing experiences to the lineup—drawing from his own angling expertise and passion for the sport.

As Grand Experiences enters this exciting new era, its mission remains unchanged: to connect people with nature through meaningful, memorable outdoor adventures.

Posted on by

Can We Talk About Water Safety for a Minute?

a dock untethered and covered in debris

Today, we made the difficult—but absolutely necessary—decision to shut down operations at Grand Experiences. Overnight rains had pushed water levels on the Grand River well beyond safe limits, and we weren’t about to take any chances.

On my way into the shop this morning, I noticed the surrounding farm fields were flooded. That was my first clue something wasn’t right. I immediately pulled up the GRCA flow gauges on my phone—an essential part of our daily safety check—and found most readings were well over 100 cubic meters per second. That’s far beyond what we consider safe for our guests.

We take safety seriously—seriously enough to notify the local fire department when we’re not operating. Why? Because unfortunately, some operators will run trips regardless of the conditions. By letting first responders know we’re off the river, it gives them one less group to worry about.

Later in the day, we got a call from the fire department, letting us know they retrieved a number of tubes from a river rescue. I assured them that Grand Experiences does not allow clients to go out in high water conditions and shut down operations for the day. “Wise choice,” he said—and we couldn’t agree more. The firefighter confirmed they had rescued six people from the river sent out by another operator and thanked us for making the right call.

Each year, countless lives are lost in water-related accidents across North America. At Grand Experiences, we take our 28-year safety record to heart. We will never risk that record—or more importantly, our guests’ lives—for the sake of a day’s revenue.

Instead, we turned this high-water day into a valuable opportunity. Our team headed to the whitewater on the Nith River for advanced staff training and rescue preparedness. Because we believe the best guides are the ones who are always learning, always training, and always ready.

Water safety isn’t just a checkbox. It’s a commitment. And it’s one we take seriously—every single day.

Stay safe. Stay smart. Paddle with people who put your safety first.

Posted on by

Paddle into Adventure 🌊: Grand Canoe Camp at Bingemans – Registration Still Open!

grand canoe camp at Bingemans

Summer is just around the corner, and there’s still time to register your young adventurers for an unforgettable week at Bingemans Grand Canoe Camp! In partnership with Grand Experiences Outdoor Adventure, this full-day camp blends canoe skills, certified instruction, and splashy summer fun.

Book at Bingemans

Why Grand Canoe Camp Stands Out

  • Expert-led canoe training: Campers spend half their day paddling on a calm stretch of the Grand River, under the guidance of certified Paddle Canada instructors. They’ll learn core skills, build confidence, and even earn a Paddle Canada Canoe Skills Certification by week’s end.
  • Classic camp fun: The second half of each day is reserved for mini‑golf, games, and a splash at Bingemans Big Splash waterpark—perfect for cooling off after paddling.
  • Proven safety record: Since 1999, the camp has maintained a flawless safety history thanks to small groups (1:6 staff-to-camper ratio plus a canoe instructor), certified oversight, and strong supervision.
  • Snack smart: Daily pre-packaged healthy lunches and snacks are provided—no need to pack extra.

Don’t Miss Out!

With some weeks already filling fast—and the clear message that “there’s still time to register your kids for Bingemans Summer Canoe Camp”—now’s the moment to secure a spot.

  • 🌐 Register online at Bingemans Big Splash Day Camps page.
  • ✅ Act by 5 PM Wednesday before your chosen camp week to ensure your child’s spot.
  • 📧 Tax receipts will be emailed automatically in January—perfect for year-end budgeting.

Why You’ll Love It

  • A blend of skill-building and fun: Kids paddle, play, splash, and socialize—all in one day.
  • Safe and structured: Certified instructors, high staff ratios, and zero late registrations guarantee a smooth, secure experience.
  • Relaxed parents: No need to pack lunch every morning, worry about pick-up times, or track multiple activities—the whole day is planned out!

Ready to Make a Splash?

Secure your child’s canoe camp experience today! Visit the Grand Canoe Camp page on Bingemans, choose a week that works, and register before the Wednesday deadline. Spots are limited, and this is one summer memory they won’t want to miss.

Paddle, play, and plunge into summer fun—Grand Canoe Camp awaits! 🚣‍♂️💦

Posted on by

Give the Gift of Adventure

Grand Experiences Gift Cards Now Available!

Buy Your Gift Card Now

Looking for the perfect gift for the outdoor lover in your life? We’ve got you covered.

Grand Experiences is excited to announce that gift cards are now available—making it easier than ever to give the gift of fresh air, wild water, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned paddler, a weekend wanderer, or someone who just needs a nudge to get outdoors, our new gift cards are a flexible, thoughtful way to share the experience.

Choose the Right Fit
Our gift cards are available in the following denominations:
💳 $10
💳 $25
💳 $50
💳 $100
💳 $200

So whether you’re topping up a booking or treating someone to a full adventure, there’s an option for every budget.

How They Work
Gift cards can be redeemed online or in person for any of our outdoor experiences—whether it’s a peaceful paddle down the Grand River, a guided eco-adventure through Big Creek, or a hiking experience through Ontario’s scenic trails. They’re perfect for birthdays, holidays, thank-yous, or just because.

Why It Matters
This isn’t just another gift card—it’s an open door to explore. When you give someone a Grand Experiences gift card, you’re giving them a reason to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with nature.

Buy a Gift Card Today
Ready to surprise someone with an unforgettable experience? Click here to shop gift cards.

Let’s make memories—one paddle, hike, or campfire at a time.

Posted on by

Big News for Big Creek! Our Eco-Adventure Makes the List

big creek paddlers through the trees

Why Ontario Southwest Thinks Big Creek Is a Must-Paddle Experience

We’re absolutely thrilled to share that Big Creek Eco‑Adventure has been featured on Ontario Southwest’s curated list of top experiences and adventures 🌟! Nestled along the lush, “Canadian Amazon” banks of Big Creek, this guided eco‑adventure lets you paddle through rare Carolinian forest, rich wetlands, and the Big Creek National Wildlife Area—all led by our knowledgeable Paddle Canada–certified guides.

Imagine drifting under towering sycamores and black willows, spotting eagles, owls, and marsh wildlife, and immersing yourself in an environment that feels like an entirely different world. Our day trips and overnight getaways combine gentle paddling thrills with unforgettable nature interpretation and lodging options like camping, B&Bs, or lodges .

This recognition from Ontario Southwest is such a rewarding acknowledgment of our team’s passion and commitment to sustainable, eco-conscious adventure. A heartfelt thank you to everyone—our guides, local partners, and guests—who has made Big Creek a place of discovery and joy.

Join us for a paddle down Canada’s Amazon—you might just see why Ontario Southwest thinks it belongs among the best. See you on the creek!