- Discover Waterloo Region’s most historic transportation route: the Grand River.
- Choose your adventure with canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and paddleboarding.
- Enjoy a relaxing day immersed in nature, wildlife, and scenic river landscapes.
The Grand River: Waterloo Region’s Historic Waterway
Before Waterloo Region was connected by roads, rail lines, and rapid transit, the Grand River served as one of the area’s original travel corridors. Today, this Canadian Heritage River continues to connect communities while offering visitors a unique way to experience the region’s natural beauty.
For more than 30 years, Canoeing the Grand has helped first-time and experienced paddlers explore the river by canoe, kayak, tube, and paddleboard. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful afternoon on the water or an active outdoor adventure, the Grand River offers a side of Waterloo Region that can only be discovered from the shoreline and beyond.
According to Shelly Jo Holmes of Canoeing the Grand, the best way to really take in the beauty of Waterloo Region is from the water.
“Our river connects 38 municipalities, crosses four climate zones and is home to over 50 species of fish,” says Shelly Jo. “Despite these facts much of it is left unspoiled. It’s easy to see what inspired (artist) Homer Watson to immortalize this area with brush and canvas.”
See Waterloo Region From a Different Perspective
At Canoeing the Grand they are happy to connect people to the beauty and history of the region while paddling along the river, and do so in a number of ways.
“We use the Grand River as the backdrop for family outings, derbies, team building events and even romantic proposals!” says Shelly Jo. And while canoeing is what the company is known for, Canoeing the Grand also rents out kayaks and tubes.
“Kayaking is an easy sport that can be mastered by any age,” says Shelly Jo. “And tubes are ideal for those who like to take their time, and enjoy getting wet while relaxing in the sun.” Whatever vessel you choose, at Canoeing the Grand they consider it their job to get you to the river’s edge with the equipment required for your day on the water.
Canoeing the Grand can also help customize adventures. “We offer onsite catering, a free picnic area for self-catering, paddle lessons and guides to accompany you on your adventure,” says Shelly Jo. “We also collaborate with other local businesses like Chicopee Tube Park to create “active packages”, or park spaces like Bingemans to incorporate camping into trips. We enjoy making each group’s experience unique.”
Get ready to define your own adventure and take in the region via its original ‘alternate route’, the Grand River. Because in Waterloo Region, “A River Runs Through It” – literally!
