Pack & Paddle

Grand Experiences’ Weekend in Paris Adventure is a guided two-day, one-night excursion in and around one of Canada’s prettiest towns. Guests can choose between guided paddling, hiking and/or biking experiences to explore the area’s nature, wildlife and history. Delicious lunches on the banks of the Grand River are included, as are breakfast and dinner at a choice of four Paris restaurants. Paddlers who prefer a little pampering will adore the overnight accommodations at Paris’ historic The Arlington Hotel.

Seasonal rains in the spring and fall turn the Nith River, which empties into the Grand River in Paris, into a white-water playground! Grand Experiences’ Mysterious Nith River Expedition is a two-day trip with an expert guide that will offer customized instruction to match your skill level, all your gear, overnight accommodation and a warm campfire lunch.

The Grand Overnight Adventure is a one-day, one-night experience that showcases one of the best routes on the Grand River, the Cayuga. An expert guide will be with you every step and stroke of the way from Paris to Brantford offering unique insights into the Grand River’s First Nations history, wildlife and rare Carolinian forest. This section of the Grand River is mostly calm, with a few small swifts to keep things interesting. Following an après paddle dinner in Paris you’re sure to sleep soundly in the comfortable hotel room in Brantford that’s included.

For those that prefer a self-guided overnight trip, the Grand River Two-Day Canoe Camping Trip is a great option. Setting out from Paris with a detailed map and directions you’ll encounter miles of stunning scenery and great paddling. You’ll dock for the night at Brant Conservation Area and launch out the following morning on the Mohawk Run, which will take you past the historic Her Majesty’s Royal Chapel of the Mohawks and Chiefswood Estate National Historic Site. At the end of day two a shuttle will meet you to take you back to your vehicle. A guided version of this trip is also available.

If creating a customized trip is your preference, simply pair any of the Grand Experiences or Grand River Rafting paddling trip options with a hotel stay. The Arlington Hotel in Paris, Home2 Suites Brantford, TownePlace By Marriott Brantford or for up to 8 person stay, plan your overnight accommodations at the new cabins at Chiefswood Park in Ohsweken are all excellent choices. All that paddling is sure to help you work up a healthy appetite, so keep a list of tasty dining diversions at the ready. Some favourites in Paris include The Arlington Hotel, The Paris Wincey Mills Co., Cobblestone Public House and 2 Rivers Restaurant. Devlin’s Country Bistro in Mount Pleasant is another great choice. In Brantford, The Olde School Restaurant and The Exchange Café at the Bell Homestead National Historic Site are all perfect places for peckish paddlers. Burger Barn in Ohsweken makes a burger so buzzed about that it’s been featured on the television show You Gotta Eat Here, and The Village Café, also in Ohsweken, also serves up tasty fare. Beer fans will love sipping the creative brews on tap at Brantford’s two craft breweries: Bell City Brewing Co., Sassy Britches Brewing Co. and Steel Wheel Brewery.