If the banks of the Grand River could talk, they would have centuries of tales to tell. The Grand, located just about an hour west of Toronto, is so steeped in history that it is designated a Canadian Heritage River. The Six Nations of the Grand River, which is Canada’s largest First Nations community, plays a vital role in ensuring that the history of this storied river that winds through their homeland lives on.
As you would expect of any group that has spent generations living in such close proximity to a major waterway, the canoe has always been a key mode of transportation for the Mohawk, Onondaga, Oneida, Cayuga, Seneca and Tuscarora Nations that call the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory home. Area outfitters work closely with Six Nations partners to offer a wide range of paddling experiences that educate visitors to the area about First Nations history while they enjoy a day out on the water. Here are just a few of the experiences available.
Six Nations Tourism offers a three-hour On The Water guided experience for groups that includes a canoe or kayak trip down the Grand River and sharing of Haudenosaunee history and culture and stories of adaptation, survival and family life.
Grand Experiences’ Voyage of the Iroquois trip is a five-hour journey that celebrates the Grand River’s rich First Nations history. The “ride” for the day is a stable 12-passenger Voyageur canoe piloted by an expert guide. Halfway through the float, the group sets out on a guided hike to explore the Trail of the White Cedars. The trip culminates with a stop at Turtle Island, a small, isolated island with an ancient hardwood amphitheatre. After a traditional Indigenous greeting, a Native storyteller brings history to life by sharing First Nations music, myths and legends.
Timing a canoe trip on the Grand River that coincides with July’s Grand River Champion of Champions Pow Wow is another excellent way to enjoy an immersive First Nations experience. In addition to watching over 400 dancers from across North America compete in the colourful Pow Wow dancing and singing contests, guests can enjoy First Nations food from over 30 vendors and shop for crafts. The event is at Ohsweken Speedway. Read this blog post for five tips that will help you have an even more amazing Grand River Champion of Champions Pow Wow experience.
When visiting the Six Nations of the Grand River, fuel up for your paddle in Ohsweken at Burger Barn, featured on the television show You Gotta Eat Here. The Krib on 54, Hill’s Snack Bar, Village Café and Village Pizza and Wings are also great choices. Just a short drive away, other tasty dining options include Camp 31 Bar-B-Que and Sociable Kitchen + Tavern. Stop by Iroqrafts to find some beautifully made crafts to take home as a memento of your trip.
The Woodland Cultural Centre’s Museum and Gallery are also excellent options for learning more about the Grand River’s rich First Nations history. The Museum’s archaeological and ethnographic collections are presented in a dramatic storyline beginning with the Iroquoian and Algonkian prehistoric past and spanning through to the 21st century. The Gallery’s three exhibition spaces rotate temporary contemporary art and historical exhibitions on a three-month cycle.
If learning about Six Nations history leaves you curious to discover more about the First Nations experience in the region, other fascinating places and events to incorporate into your trip include:
- Crawford Lake Conservation Area’s reconstructed 15th-century longhouse village, where you can learn what daily life for the Iroquoian people was like over 600 years ago.
- The Fire Over Water Exhibit at Crawford Lake Conservation Area, which focuses on Wendat/Wyandot women, including their connection to their Ancestors, the lands and waters.
- Nish Dish Pop-Up Restaurant at Crawford Lake, which serves traditional, local Indigenous cuisine that honours the land and supports local Indigenous businesses.
