Self-Guided Rafting on the Grand River Cayuga Route
Self-guided rafting trips near Toronto offer a unique way for families to experience a river paddle at reasonable costs. On the Grand River there is a section called the Cayuga Rafting Route where families can raft by themselves. By choosing to raft without a guide and using a map instead, groups can save over $100 per raft.
The self-guided trips include the raft, paddles, life-jackets and map. Families meet at the starting point where the raft/equipment is delivered and steering lessons are taught. From there the family paddles 10 kilometers (6miles) to an exit point where the equipment is picked up and the group heads for home.
Cell phones are required to be brought by the customer. Because at an assigned marker, the self-guided group calls for a raft pickup, normally 15 minutes before arriving at the exit point. Water-proof bags that float are supplied for phones, cameras, wallets and keys.
Upon getting off the river, customers can set up their own arrangement by having a vehicle there or have the local rafting companies shuttle everyone back to their upstream vehicles. Customers arriving in two vehicles can take advantage of a cost savings in shuttling by having one vehicle at each end of the trip.
The self-guided rafts hold 8 adults comfortably, plus 3 small children can be added in the middle. These rafts don't tip over, great for non-swimmers. People can also stand up and move around in them. The rafting trips lasts 3-5 hours depending on how the group paddles, swims and picnics.
A favorite self-guided trip on the Grand River is the Cayuga Rafting Route. It offers a beautiful wilderness setting, has a gentle current and only one splashing shelf to shoot over. On the river the day is spent drifting by islands and forests, through pools and gentle swifts. People can pull over to swim in the 2 meter deep pools or float beside the raft. Unlike a city which leaves one exhausted... this wilderness setting breathes life back into the spirit.
People are advised not to wear "blue-jeans"
For those unfamiliar with the Grand River, it is located half ways between Toronto and London. The self-guided rafting section is just off the 403 Highway near Paris-Brantford.
The costs for a days rafting is around $125 per raft plus tax. Reservations with most companies are required. For more information on self guided trips visit http://www.grandriverrafting.ca/
For those wishing a guide to travel with them to explore & raft the valley, this too is available. Large groups of 2-3 rafts often hire just one guide to show all the experiences that would be missed if rafting alone. For guided trips on the Grand River visit: http://www.grandriverrafting.ca/
Self-guided or guided, the rafting experience is great for all ages from infants to grand parents... swimmers to -non-swimmers. A great day trip for families wishing to "Experience Everything Together".
