Grand Experiences or Grand River Rafting… What to Expect?

Grand Experiences and Grand River Rafting paddle the same river with the goal to offer the "grand experience" to every customer that comes.

The Grand River itself is excellent for the novice and skilled. One can canoe, kayak or raft this wilderness setting. This mini "Algonquin Experience" is actually in the backyard of southern Ontario. The river is located one hour west of Toronto, half ways between Toronto and London. The Grand is the perfect nearby escape… "to get away from it all".

Two companies in Paris, Ontario provide all the equipment and services needed for visitors to explore Southern Ontario’s largest river.

First there is the Grand Experiences Canoe and Kayak Outfitter (GECKO), which is known for its self-guided paddling trips. Prices are kept down using a wholesale approach. By launching large volumes of boats at set times… they can offer service & savings with the paddling experience.

Grand River Rafting (GRR) is known for their guided river adventures. Each trip is individually customized. The amount of time paddling is deliberately shortened to offer maximum swimming, fishing and exploring. These trips are rich in experiences. Along with guided canoe and kayak trips, rafting where people can "experience everything together" is their drawing card.

Both companies offer the opportunity to explore the river for 3 hours or several days. Customers choosing to travel on their own… simply park at a river exit point and then shuttle upstream. At the start point they are fully equipped to paddle back to their vehicles by canoe, kayak or raft. This is called a self guided trip and is the least expensive way to paddle the river.

For those wishing to explore and learn while paddling… a guided adventure offers a smorgasbord of experiences. People can swim, body surf, taste edible plants… drink from cold springs… hear the aboriginal history… paddle splash in safety… visit outlooks… and learn about the fish and wildlife of the valley… travel timeless.

There are also 3-4 hour lessons where one can learn to canoe kayak the river while doing a guided trip. Cyclists can do excursions which pedal one way and paddle back. For those who love the night, there are guided moon & starlight paddles.

The Grand River is fisherman city. There is drift boat fishing for smallmouth bass and the fall/spring steelhead. The drift speed of the platform rafts with swivel-mounted bass chairs… offers 5 hour of fishing action. Most guided fishing trips are designed for two… but excursions for families of four can be arranged.

Customer safety is utmost with Grand Experiences and Grand River Rafting. The rafting company encourages "first-timers" to take a guided trip to see the river and learn about safety concerns. Their goal is to enable customers to paddle alone with confidence and safety.

For those traveling from afar, Grand Experiences & Grand River Rafting offer Bed & Breakfasts, hotel accommodations and conservation-park camping. Grand River Rafting also owns wilderness campsites right on the river for those wishing a very secluded experience.

Both Grand River Rafting and Grand Experiences offer a river experience at different levels of service. Costs vary with the service offered. But the finale is always the same… discovering that the river is truly ‘Grand"!

Paddling Trips on the Grand River
More information on rafting, canoeing and kayak adventures