Brantford Source Articles -> Southern Ontario's Near Wilderness
Southern Ontario's Near Wilderness
One such near wilderness is the Grand River Watershed. About 100 km west of Toronto, the Grand River meanders some 300km from Dundalk to the north and Port Maitland on Lake Erie to the south. As the Grand winds its way south, it passes through the largest and one of the last remaining Carolinian Forest zones in Canada. The Grand River has been described by many travel writers as being a "hidden jewel".
Though the Grand River Watershed sustains a large human population, it has been able to keep it's natural beauty mainly because of the conservation efforts and watershed management skills of the Grand River Conservation Authority. In 1994, the Grand was named as the 13th Canadian Heritage River and in 2000, the Grand River Conservation Authority won the International River Prize for Excellence in Watershed Management.
By far one on the best ways to enjoy the Grand is from the river itself by means of canoe, kayak or raft. Paddling the Grand is possible from the downstream end of Elora Gorge Conservation Area right through to Lake Erie, though the most popular stretch is between Cambridge and Brantford, where the river travels through a steep valley blanketed with Carolinian Forest. The trip has some wonderful swift sections, as the river's elevation changes about 170'.
Resource material, including maps and river access points with GPS co-ordinates can be found in the book "Paddling the Grand River" (published by the Grand River Conservation Authority). This book is a must for anyone wanting to explore the watershed. There are several outfitters, such as Heritage River Canoe & Kayak Company, who can supply you with equipment and information on where to start your adventure.
If you are looking for fun things to do in the great outdoors come and give the near wilderness of the Grand River Watershed a try and see why it is one the best paddling destinations in Ontario.
About the Author
Since 1999, Adam Fernley and his family have owned and operated the Heritage River Canoe & Kayak Company on the beautiful and historic Grand River in Southern Ontario, just one hour west of Toronto. Since opening, Heritage River has been able to provide thousands of people with safe, fun and educational canoe, kayak and raft trips on the near wilderness of the Grand River Watershed. They have always provided their customers with the best outdoor experiences possible. Heritage River Canoe & Kayak Company offers a full outfitting and shuttle service.
We're not the largest outfitter on the Grand... Just the best!
www.heritageriver.com