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Kayak and Canoe down the Grand River (5/7/2011)

PRE-REGISTRATION & ADVANCE PAYMENT REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.

You are STRONGLY encouraged to read this page in its entirety before signing up. If you'd like to attend, we ask that you abide by our rules and procedures as a time/cost saving process (with an end result of keeping membership free and lower cost events).

The Basics:

Event Type:

Water

Event Location:

113 Grand River St N, PARIS, ON

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, May 7 2011 9:30 AM (Carpool Departure: 8:00 AM *log in for location*)

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, Apr 1 2011 11:55:00 AM

Event Duration:

All Day

Difficulty Rating:

D3: Moderate

Event Coordinator(s):

Ghanesh
You must be logged in to get the Event Coordinator contact information.

Member Cost:

Voluntary Donation Only (See Below)

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 18 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

18 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

A guided half day paddle down the scenic and historic Grand River between Cambridge and Paris - suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. Carpool and drive to the outfitter's shop, take a school bus up river and paddle back down with lunch and breaks along the way and finally back to our parked cars as we exit the river and do a short portage!

About The Grand River:

The Grand River flows 300 kilometers through southwestern Ontario from the highlands of Dufferin County to Port Maitland on Lake Erie - meandering by farms, towns and cities, winding through marshes and forests, it is the common thread that links a harmonious blend of natural and cultural landscapes. Few rivers in Canada have seen as much of the flow of history as the Grand. Native cultures flourished in the watershed for more than 10,000 years, but the last three centuries brought an influx of settlers, most seeking agricultural land. Together, they (and we) look to the river, and the mosaic of cultures reshaped the landscape in myriads of ways. The river achieved a Canadian Heritage River Status in 1994.

About this event:

This event is co-hosted and will be guided by GRAND EXPERIENCES.

Grand Experiences is one of the leading canoe & kayak training centers in Southern Ontario.They work with schools, scouts & guides, corporate groups & individuals to provide canoe, river kayak & sea kayak training. They are fully insured on the road and the water. All guide staff is certified in first aid/CPR and The Ontario Recreational Canoeing & Kayaking Association (ORCKA) certifies our wilderness guides and instructors.

This river is very shallow in most parts - however this is the spring run-off and the water will be colder and moving faster. For those with NO EXPERIENCE in paddling, there will be some basic instruction and demonstrations by the guides and Ghanesh prior to you getting on the river. I have paddled on this river more than 20 times and there is good chance it can be a complete day of rain - so be prepared to be very wet!

This event will go ahead rain or shine and will only be canceled by the service provider due to lightening in the vicinity.

This 3 to 4 hour adventure-filled paddle is a popular introductory river-run with some smaller rapids that add fun & excitement, interspersed with leisurely paddling through scenic woodland, making this a great trip for beginners & requires no special skill.

Your trained and experienced guide(s) will lead you through the beautiful Carolinian river ecosystem, showing you hidden wonders you never thought a river could offer. This trip includes a fascinating hike along the hills of the river valley to a scenic lookout revealing the landscape of the Grand River watershed. On our hike you will encounter one very special and very old Sycamore tree, rare to the area. You will hear stories of the original inhabitants of the Grand River Valley and the later European settlement of the area.

Next is a picnic lunch on the riverbank or on one of the many small islands before plunging into the trip's most enjoyable set of rapids. A spring of cold, pure water flows into the Grand near Spring Island: feel free to stop for a taste. Before paddling into picturesque Paris, you'll pass by the majestic 3 Three Sisters's, haunting remnants of the Industrial Era and the railway system that was so crucial to the formation of our nation.

Please note and review:

An option for 2 people to share a canoe is available - some prior canoeing experiences would be very useful should you choose this option.

This event is on a FIRST PAY basis - your spot is ONLY CONFIRMED if your payment is received - people on the waiting list who pay in advance will be given priority and MOVED from the waiting list to a confirmed spot. First-pay, First-serve.

We'll be having a social pub/restaurant gathering in Paris - just across from the outfitter's shop - after the paddle. Optional shopping, cafe visits, scenic walks by the river is available in the picturesque town of Paris as well.

Life jacket is to be worn at all times.

You will NOT be required to tip into the river and get soaked doing the "wet-exit".

No swimming skills are necessary to participate in this event.

Our guides or myself will always remain the lead and sweep paddlers of our group.

Required Items to Bring:

2L of water/sport drink

lunch, snacks

Wear comfortable, layered, outdoor clothing

Water shoes, sturdy sandals or running shoes

Bringing a change of clothes is highly recommended

Rain gear in case of wet weather is highly recommended

Small towel or sponge to wipe off excess water splashes or rain

Waterproof bag(s)/camera case

Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and camera

Money(for carpool, social, coffee/pub stop)

$2 - Voluntary TOC donation

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

View Larger Map

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

208Km

Carpool Departure Time:

8:00 AM

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Approximate vehicle expense for this event is $53.66 (calculated at total Km * $0.258, effective Monday, April 28, 2025). This is based on $0.08/Km for maintenance, plus current gas price divide by 9. Your event coordinator will confirm exactly how much money is required from each person.

Notes:

If this event is canceled by the service provider, it will be rescheduled and/or a refund given if you cannot make the rescheduled date(less TOC transaction cost).
- Registration is NOT COMPLETE until you've signed up and paid by the registration cut off date. The money must be in the TOC's possession by that date. No exceptions.
- When a minimum group size appears, this is to let you know that the event will be cancelled with full refunds to those who have already paid, if the minimum number of registered participants is not met. For any events where TOC needs a minimum number of participants, there will be absolutely no refund of money if you cancel.
- We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines at all times while participating in TOC events.
- Details of this event are subject to undergo a change at any point in time, with or without warning.
- Questions about equipment or rentals? Send them to safety@torontooutdoorclub.com.
- Notice any errors or problems in the information on this page? Please notify our Content Editor(s), Stacy, at content@torontooutdoorclub.com.

Cost & Payment:

Cost Includes:

Total Cost for Kayak option is $65.12 and Canoe is $53.48 and includes:

Kayak - $63.23 - Cost of event($55.96 + 13%HST)
Canoe - $51.93 - Cost of event($45.96 + 13%HST)
$1.89/$1.55 - transaction surcharges (3% of event cost)
Includes school bus transportation up river, boats, paddles, life jacket, instruction and guide(s) for the day.

Payment Cut Off:

Payment must be received by the TOC on Fri, Apr 1 2011.

Voluntary Donation: ( What is this?)
Suggested donation amount for this event is: $2.00/Person.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance:
Please review our Cancellation Policy carefully!
*Note: Carpool cost to be determined based on actual participants on event