Paddle the Grand River from Cockshutt Bridge to Caledonia

7-9 hours paddling

The Oxbow is a long bend in the Grand River, just after Brantford. You can park at the Cockshutt Bridge river access point. The river flows very slowly around the Oxbow, which takes 3-4½ hours to paddle. It is possible to pull out your canoe on Newport Rd, on the R bank, just before the Hwy 18 bridge. There is limited parking along Newport Rd. It is only a short 1.3 km walk back to your car at the Cockshutt Bridge access point. Take care walking along the side of Cockshutt Rd. There is a sidewalk on the long bridge over the Grand River, which offers great views of the river.

Alternatively you can continue to Ohsweken. There is parking and a canoe access point (day use fee) at Chiefswood Park, operated by Six Nations of the Grand River. The park also offers camping and cabins and Indigenous-focused interpretive activities.

After another couple of hours of easy paddling you will reach Caledonia. Free parking and river access is available at Lafortune Park, just before Caledonia. You can also park at Harrison’s Landing, a private day use park (fees to park and launch).

Alternatively you can continue into the small town of Caledonia and pull out on the L bank at Kinsmen Park in Caledonia, just before the railway bridge and the Caledonia Dam, which must be portaged. Stop to have a well-earned meal and explore the town.