Are you a paddling pro? Have you “been there, done that” when it comes to canoeing, kayaking, rafting and SUP? Head to Hamilton Halton Brant, where your paddling adventures can be truly adventurous. We’ve got world-class rapids and surprising experiences that will excite even the most experienced and well-travelled paddlers.
White Water and Rapids
If you like paddling trips that are more rapid than relaxing, and it’s white water that gets your adrenalin running, experience the best white water canoeing, kayaking or rafting that Southern Ontario has to offer on the Nith River. Outfitter Grand Experiences in Paris offers guided and instructional Nith River trips in the early spring and late fall when the water levels are at their highest, producing Class 1 and 2 rapids. Their Mysterious Nith River Expedition is a two-day trip with an expert guide that offers customized instruction to match your skill level, all your gear, overnight accommodation and a warm campfire lunch. There are also guided 5-hour day trips available.
Rapids and stand up paddle boarding don’t usually go hand in hand, but participants in the Grand River Challenge exchange flat water for white water. This event is the first race in the Ontario SUP Race Series, a competitive and fun event series for the sport of SUP, and takes place in the town of Paris.
Distinctive and Offbeat
Daring and different both apply when you try a paranormal moonlit rafting adventure. Travel with Six Nations guides and a real-life ghost hunting team for a 60-90 minute Whisper to the Moon night paddle on the Grand River. You’ll visit the oldest pre-confederate mansion on the river and watch paranormal footage and listen to voice recordings that were collected inside the house, followed by a tour highlighting where these events took place. The tour can be reserved through the Grand River Rafting Company.
We’ll bet that your past paddling experiences haven’t included learning about First Nations history or travelling in a 12-person voyageur canoe. The Natural Path is a two-day guided trip an educational farm experience, a guided plant walk, great meals and a number of tours including a stop at the last remaining building of an original Mohawk Village, Her Majesty’s Royal Chapel of the Mohawks.
Self-guided Paddles
Seasoned canoeists will likely prefer their paddling without a guide. Rent a canoe on the Grand River with no time limit, April through November, from Heritage River Canoe and Kayak Co., and embark on a self-guided route. The Glen Morris Run is classified as intermediate and is about 11 kilometres long with about seven short sections of fast water. The approximately 3-hour trip goes through and ends at the Three Sisters, an old rail bridge from the 1850’s that has been described as something out of Lord of the Rings. Hike from the river to the lookout on top, and stop along the way at the numerous fresh water springs.
