Grand River Canoe & Kayak Routes: Kitchener, Cambridge, Glen Morris, Paris & Brant Park
We bring the boats, the shuttle, and the peace of mind. You bring the sense of adventure.
A Canadian Heritage River in Your Backyard
You don’t need to drive to Algonquin Park to find wilderness. The Grand River offers rare Carolinian forests, bald eagle sightings, and freshwater springs just minutes from the city. Discover the perfect day trip for your skill level.
Navigate the Grand with Confidence
As Paris, Ontario’s longest-running outfitter, we know every bend, swift, and landing point on the river. You don’t need to be a logistics expert or own a roof rack to experience it.
We provide the boats, the safety gear, and the upstream shuttle, ensuring you have the expert support to launch with absolute confidence. Simply park at the finish line and enjoy pure river time knowing you are in good hands.
How the “Park & Paddle” Shuttle Works
Park at the Finish Line
Check in at our pickup locations across Kitchener, Paris or Brant Park. Leave your car at the take-out point so it is waiting for you the moment you land.
We Shuttle You Upstream
Hop on our shuttle or in our taxi for a quick ride to your launch site (Glen Morris, Cambridge, or Bridgeport). We transport the boats and gear—no roof racks required.
Paddle Back to Your Car
Push off and enjoy the current. There is no waiting for a pickup at the end of the day—just land at our dock, hand over your paddle, and you are done.
Choose the Grand River Route for You
We offer distinct ways to experience Grand River canoeing across Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Paris/Brant and Brantford, designed for every comfort level. Here are just a few.
1. The Scenic Guided Trip: Paris to Brant
Perfect for families & first-timers. Launch from the heart of historic Paris, Ontario, and float past 19th-century cobblestone architecture into protected wilderness. Our certified guides are on the water with you, teaching you the strokes and pointing out bald eagles and freshwater springs. You just paddle and enjoy the view.
Guided
2. The Active Route: Glen Morris to Paris
Perfect for independent adventurers. Experience the most dynamic stretch of the Grand River. Launch in Glen Morris for an 11km paddle back to Paris, navigating splashy Class 1 swifts and drifting through lush Carolinian forest. We provide the boat and the upstream shuttle—you provide the paddle power.
Guided
3. The Grand Expedition: Cambridge to Paris
Perfect for experienced trippers. Looking for a full-day challenge? Embark on an 18km journey starting in Cambridge and winding through isolated sections of the river valley before landing in Paris. This 5-6 hour paddle offers a true immersion in nature for those with the stamina to go the distance.
Self-Guided
4. The Heritage Run: Waterloo to Bingemans
Perfect for a local city escape. It’s hard to believe you are in the middle of Kitchener-Waterloo. On this 10km journey, the urban noise fades away, replaced by a hidden green corridor of lush forest. Your adventure concludes at our exclusive private landing at Bingemans, offering the perfect mix of wilderness and convenience right in the Tri-Cities.
Self-Guided
Not sure which route is right for you?
Visualize the distances, launch points, and landmarks to pick the perfect trip.
The Season is Short. Make it Grand.
Don’t let the best days of summer slip by. Dates for our most popular Grand River canoeing and kayaking routes fill up fast. Secure your boat today and guarantee your spot on the water.
The 5-Minute Shortcut to River Confidence
Everything You Need to Know About the Grand River
Is the Grand River safe for beginners?
Yes. The sections we paddle from Kitchener to Brantford are primarily Class 1 (Gentle Moving Water). The Paris to Brant Park route is our calmest stretch, making it the top choice for families and first-time paddlers. For those seeking a bit more excitement, the Glen Morris section offers Class 1-2 swifts that are splashy but manageable for novice adventurers.
When is the best time to paddle?
Our season runs from May through October. Spring offers higher water levels and faster flow rates, perfect for the Cambridge to Paris expedition. Summer (July-August) provides warmer water and a lazy current, ideal for swimming and family floats. Fall brings spectacular colors to the river valley, particularly along the Heritage Run near Bingemans.
What wildlife will I see?
The Grand River flows through one of Canada’s rare Carolinian Forest zones. It is common to spot Great Blue Herons, Ospreys, Turtles, and Beavers. Keep your eyes on the treetops—the river valley is also home to a thriving population of Bald Eagles, often seen soaring near the Glen Morris and Paris stretches.
Do you provide all the gear?
Absolutely. Whether you book a guided trip or a self-guided rental, we provide high-quality canoes or kayaks, paddles, and Canadian Coast Guard-approved life jackets (PFDs). We also handle the shuttle logistics, transporting you upstream so you can paddle back to your vehicle at our bases in Paris or Bingemans.