This adventure is 60 minutes west of Toronto and 90 minutes southwest of Niagara Falls. The rafting trips are on Southern Ontario's largest river, the Grand. This tucked away gem offers a solitude wilderness setting... the perfect getaway from the packed tourism crowds. A true Canadian paddling experience that visitors seek with a short traveling distance.
Paris is within easy access of the 403 Highway and is called the “Prettiest Town” in Ontario. It is nestled in a scenic valley of two rivers. The town is not only the river-rafting capital of Southern Ontario, but has numerous restaurants, boutique shops and overnight accommodations.
Just outside of Paris is where the Grand River Rafting Company offers spring whitewater rafting or family summer rafting. They are open 7 days a week from April until November. Trips can be scheduled during the day, evening or starlight. The company will even customize trip lengths to fit busy traveling schedules.
On the Grand River, visitors can paddle splash with a taste of adventure. The 3-4 hour rafting trips teach the history of the Iroquois aboriginals. They include guided hikes to taste wild edible plants, see large trees, and spot local fish & wildlife. There is also the opportunity to drink from cold water springs and body surf a river swift.
What makes the Grand River Rafting Company unique is their guided outdoor learning adventures on the Canadian wilderness. They have deliberately shortened the paddling part of the trip to allow the chance to hike, fish, swim and picnic. Their guides are instructed to show the valley the way they would with friends. A rafting trip, with a taste of everything.
In April, Grand River Rafting offers “Hard Core Whitewater Rafting” on the Nith River. The heavy runoff of melted snow in the spring turns the river into a paddle of splash and fun… a whitewater rafting adventure that is excellent for beginners. For more information on spring rafting visit http://www.grandriverrafting.ca/
During the summer the Nith is too low to paddle. But family rafting trips are available on the nearby Grand River. There is a kilometer of easy splash to paddle on this river. The Grand River averages 1-2 meters in depth. It is a good family summer trip where visitors can raft and swim. Along the way are spots to picnic. The setting is total wilderness.
There are many different kinds of wildlife on the river, with over 80 species of fish. The valley is part of the Carolinian Forest which has the largest number of plants and animals in Canada. In spite of all the insects in the forest there are no biting mosquitoes out on the river.
In 2000 the Grand River was recognized nationally in Australia as one of the best managed rivers. The river has bragging rights with the return of the Bald eagle, osprey, wild turkey, otter, beaver, badger, brush wolf and rainbow trout. With the return of the river to its natural status, small mouth bass populations have flourished along with pike and pickerel. Thus the strengthening of the food chain above.
Wildlife can be abundant on some paddles, and rare on others. Wildlife sighting vary with the boat traffic on the river, the time of day and weather. But wildlife or not… the river’s beauty is magnificent. It is hard to believe that Toronto and Niagara Falls are on the horizon.
When planning a rafting adventure, visitors can choose their own starting time. On the day of the trip, rafting customer’s are met at the start and equipped. When the trip is over, everyone is shuttled back upstream to their vehicles. There is no set time limit for the paddle on the river… the idea is to enjoy a timeless day away from everything.
Trips are sold by the raft, not by the individual. Rafting costs for a day can be found by visiting the Grand River Rafting website at http://www.grandriverrafting.ca/
The boats used hold up to eight people and are a multi-chambered, heavy-duty white water rafts with self bailing floors. These rafts are very comfortable to sit in, plus super stable for all ages, sizes and skill levels. This is a safe trip for non-swimmers.
All trips, whether rafting, canoe or kayak, require reservations. They can be arranged by email at http://www.grandriverrafting.ca/
For those wishing overnight accommodations, river lunches, barbeques and restaurants, reservations can be arranged to assist in trip planning.
So, if looking to do a tour of Toronto and Niagara Falls… with a wilderness “time out” in between… then knock on the door of the Grand River Valley. This nearby river offers an experience no one will forget.
