Paddle from Cambridge to Paris

4-6 hours paddling

The Cambridge trail-head of the Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail is an excellent spot to start your paddling trip. There is parking and a river access point at the trail-head. From here the Grand River passes through beautiful remnants of Carolinian forest. There is a parking lot and river access point in Glen Morris, which is about half way to Paris, if you want a shorter trip. After Glen Morris there are a few shallow rapids and some small islands. Try to stay in the channels to the L of the islands. In the fall, the ruins of the German Mills can be spotted in the woods on the L. just after the village of Glen Morris.

As you near Paris, you will notice a railway bridge, which is marked with a warning sign. There are also buoys as there are dangerous currents near Penman’s dam and retaining walls that make it impossible to pull boats out of the water. Keep to the L as you approach the railway bridge and pull your craft out at the stairs just before the bridge. Climb the stairs to the portage on the top of the dike. There is a parking lot at Penman’s Dam Park.

Paddle from Paris to Cockshutt Bridge, Brantford

3-4 hours paddling

Park at Penman’s Dam Park and put your craft in the river at the end of the portage, below Penman’s Dam. As you pass through the town of Paris note the historical stone buildings on the R overhanging the river. Just below this point, the Nith River, one of the Grand River’s major tributaries, flows into the Grand River, noticeable increasing river flows. This is a popular spot for canoes, kayaks and paddle boards. The river flows smoothly from here to Brantford.

When you reach Brant Park Conservation Area, you will notice the campground on your L. Pull out on the R bank at the main canoe landing in the park, well before Wilkes Dam. If you want to continue there is a long portage around the dam, so most people end their trip here. Grand River Rafting offers canoe, kayak and SUP rentals at their launch site.

If you continue, you can put your craft back in the water at the “Exceptional Waters Launch” in the park. There are also canoe access points at Ballantyne Park and Gilkison Park. There is parking at both, but at Ballantyne Park, the parking is closer to the river access. As the river flows through Brantford there are rocky areas and multiple bridge supports that should be avoided.

This section of the river ends at the Cockshutt Bridge Access Point. Pull out on the L bank of the river, just after Cockshutt Bridge.