Raft the Wilderness of the Grand River Valley
African Lion Safari and the Grand River Rafting Safari are 30 minutes apart. Their proximity to each other allows families to spend a day rafting in the wilderness, with a second day viewing exotic wildlife in a drive-through concept.
The rafting safari is on the Grand River near Paris Ontario. The 4-5 hour trip is a leisure river paddle through some of the most beautiful wilderness sections of the valley. It is also the home of the largest selection of fish, wildlife, birds and plants in all of Canada.
Many rare animals have returned… the otter, beaver, bobcat, badger and the newest member… the possum. Among the returning birds are, the big fishing hawks called osprey, bald eagles, snowy egrets and wild turkeys. There are over 80 species of fish with an abundance of bass, pickerel and trout… good indicators of the river’s health.
But wildlife sightings are just part of the adventure. The guided experience of drinking from cold springs, paddling some splash, trying wild edible plants and learning First Nation’s history makes the valley come alive. Then there are stops for an island picnic or body surfing floats in the river.
The rafts are perfect for families. They don’t tip. They are user-friendly for all sizes, weights and ages. And for the non-swimmer the raft’s stability means safety on the water. The river averages 1 meter in depth with two meter deep swimming spots. It is a wide river surrounded by a greenery of forests. A day adventure on this river makes time fly.
For the second day, the adventure is at the African Lion Safari near Rockton. This adventure allows families to drive their own vehicles through a pasture setting where exotic animals are loose. The individual fields are securely fenced off, separating aggressive species. Driving through these paddock areas offer excellent viewing of the animals on display.
There is walk-through “Birds of Prey” section where the birds are housed in large pens. They also offer a circus style environment for children with talking parrot shows, bird of prey flying demonstrations and elephant acts throughout the day.
African Safari has food and drink concessions, children play areas, rail-car rides and an African Queen boat ride… even two memorabilia shops. It has a setting of lakes ponds with picnic tables and washrooms. There is no set schedule, families can explore the day within their own time window.
For overnight accommodations, there are numerous choices. There is family camping, trailer parks, Bed & Breakfasts and numerous hotels. There are also many places for family dining. African Lion Safari and Grand River Rafting are both located between Highway 401 and 403, half ways between Toronto and London.
The opportunity to do a land and sea safari is like a kid’s dream. Both safaris are user friendly to all ages… from parents with children… to grandparents with grandchildren. This combined safari trek is another unique outdoor experience in Southern Ontario.
For further information and prices for family rafting safaris, visit: http://www.grandriverrafting.ca/
