Learn to Paddle

Novices can safely rent canoes on 2 of the Grand River Conservation Authority’s man-made lakes:

Guelph Lake Conservation Area, 7743 Conservation Rd., RR 4, Guelph, ON N1H 6J1, 519-824-5061    

Camping, trails and a boat launch beside a man-made lake on the Speed River, the Grand River’s largest tributary. Grand River Rafting has a concession at the beach that rents canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.

Rockwood Conservation Area, 161 Fall St S, Eramosa, ON N0B 2K0, 519-856-9543

This park is on the Eramosa River, a tributary of the Grand River. Its limestone cliffs and potholes can be explored via the trails or by boat. There are also caves to explore (wear long sleeves and bring a helmet and flashlight). Canoe and kayak rentals are available at the beach.

Bingemans and Grand Experiences Outdoor Adventure Company offer learn to paddle courses for canoes and kayaks on a quiet stretch of the Grand River.

Equipment Rental and Guided Tours

Bingemans and Grand Experiences Outdoor Adventure Company offer bike rental as well as guided and self-guided canoe, kayak, tubing and rafting on the Grand River at Bingemans Campground. 425 Bingemans Centre Dr, Kitchener, ON N2B 3X7, 519-744-1002

Canoeing the Grand, 3734 King St E, Kitchener, ON N2P 2G5, 519-896-0290

Canoe, kayak, tube and raft rental and shuttle service.

Speed River Paddling, 116 Gordon St, Guelph, ON N1H 4H6, 519-822-5692

Canoe and kayak rental at the Boathouse Restaurant in downtown Guelph. Situated at the confluence of the Eramosa and Speed Rivers. The boathouse also offers “Picnic and Paddle” Tours.  

Horseback Riding

Conestogo River Horseback Adventures, 535 Northfield Dr E, Waterloo, ON N2J 4G8, 519-888-6503

Enjoy riverside access to the Grand and Conestogo Rivers on horseback.  

Ziplining

Chicopee Tube Park, 1600 River Rd E, Kitchener, ON N2A 4K8, 519-895-2322

Winter Sports

Chicopee, 396 Morrison Road, Kitchener, ON N2A 2Z6, 519-894-5610

Downhill ski hill for winter sports.

Chicopee Tube Park

1600 River Rd E, Kitchener, ON N2A 4K8, 519-895-2322

Tubing in winter and zip-lining in summer.

Several of the Grand River Conservation Authority parks offer winter equipment rentals when conditions permit:

Laurel Creek Conservation Area, 625 Westmount Road North, RR 3, Waterloo, ON N2J 2Z4, 519-884-6620

Snowshoe rental only.

Shades Mills Conservation Area, 4450 Avenue Road, Cambridge, ON N1R 5S4, 519-621-3697

Cross country ski and snowshoe rental.

Guelph Lake Conservation Area, 7743 Conservation Rd., RR 4, Guelph, ON N1H 6J1, 519-824-5061

Cross country ski and snowshoe rental.