Dear Adventurers, As the waters quiet down and we embrace the holiday season, I wanted to take a moment to look back on what has been an incredible 2025. This was our first season under new ownership, and I am filled with gratitude for how it unfolded. While the transitions of business can be challenging, […]
Field Notes on the Grand River
Your insider guide to the Grand River. From seasonal wildlife sightings to trip planning tips, get the expert advice you need to plan a safe, memorable escape from the city.
Completing the Unknown Loop | Solo Canoe Trip on the French River (Part 4)
After waking to a still and quiet morning deep in the French River backcountry, I set out determined to find a new way out of the lake—anything but returning through the brutal creek I’d fought my way up. After some searching, I discovered an unmarked portage that led me back toward the French River itself. […]
Finally Reaching the Lakes | Solo Canoe Trip on the French River (Part 3)
After the brutal beaver-creek grind of Part 2, Part 3 finally delivers the moment I’d been pushing toward: reaching the first lake in the chain that inspired this entire trip. The shift from tight, tangled creek to open water feels like stepping into another world. I take time to explore a small, secluded beaver pond—likely […]
Solo Canoe Trip on the French River – Part 2: Beaver Creek Beat Me Up
Part 2 of my solo French River journey turned out to be the most physically and mentally demanding stretch of the entire loop. I entered a narrow beaver creek believing there was just a single pullover between me and the next lake, but what followed was hours of dragging, lifting, climbing over dams, bushwhacking through […]
Solo Canoe Trip on the French River — Part 1: I Thought This Would Be Easy
In early October, I headed out on what I believed would be a quick overnight solo canoe trip on the French River. I had looked at the map, planned my route, and convinced myself this would be straightforward: paddle 6.7 km, one portage, one pullover, find the lake I’d been wanting to explore for a […]
🧡 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 […]
From My Canoe to Yours – Late Summer Thoughts
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.
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–OctoberWe’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 […]
🎣 New at Grand Experiences: Learn to Fish – Guided River Adventure
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 […]
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 […]
