Dimondale Canoe & Kayak. At about 6pm, we hopped in our respective red vessels and pushed off the sandy shore onto the open river. Tired, hungry, and a little sore, but satisfied, we departed the Grand River Park, already planning our next kayaking trip. Two men were fishing on the shore, talking with some exceedingly old women with wide brimmed hats, colorful dresses, and wooden canes. The boat ramp on Sulphur Creek provides access to the Grand River … If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Olivia had never kayaked before our trip on the Grand, she had only canoed. During kayak season the river is typically knee deep, warm and gentle. My wife and I are novice kayakers (but knowledgeable boat & water adventurers) looking to gain skills and gather more information about kayaks in general with a view to. Add to Itinerary; Share This I was in the market for a kayak this summer and came across this store. Traversing this brief slice of more than 250 miles of river was enough to whet my appetite for more. See the listings below to start your Grand Haven area kayaking adventure! Have your own kayaks? This section of the river is the traditional race course for the Grand River Canoe and Kayak race produced by Lake County Metro Parks. I have kayaked only a few times, but each occurrence was thoroughly enjoyable, even with the various, unavoidable hitches associated with commanding a tiny plastic boat on a moving body of water. Grand River Courtesy of The Waterloo Wellington Canoe & Kayak Club (WWCKC) West Montrose to Kaufman Kaufman to Victoria St Riverbend to Good Family Trailway Victoria St to Freeport Blair to Riverbluffs Park Blair to Petro Canada on Highway 24 at south end of Galt (Cambridge) Glen Morris to Paris Penman’s Dam in Paris to Gilkison Road […] Indeed, even on the short stretch of the Grand River that my girlfriend, Olivia, and I paddled, we must have seen three or four trickling tributaries, two outlet lakes, and what appeared to be a gushing sewer pipe, draining the city streets. French Creek Canoe Sales. Watch the video below to see where you can launch your canoe or kayak into the Grand River. Further down the river, we noticed a large amount of construction debris (bricks, slabs of concrete, cinder blocks) in large piles along the shore, most likely dumped during some type of construction or renovation. The boat ramp on Sulphur Creek provides access to the Grand River below the Dunnville Dam. He obviously takes pride in his business. On the smaller, faster Rogue River, it seemed like kayaking was a constant battle against the natural tug of the water towards the shore— out of the precarious, slippery core of funneling water and towards the quiet, still edge— entropy. Enjoy your purchase, and thank you again for taking the time to promote our service! With a clear July sky, low wind, and two kayaks available, Olivia and I felt there was no better day to hit the water. Join us yourself soon! C YCLING includes an Ont.Signature Experience in St. Jacobs Mennonite Country & a new tour for Oxford County We are open April to November each year. Stretches of the Grand River can be suitable for paddlers of all levels. Thanks so much for your review! We both wished there would have been more signs and maps available to us on the river or at the access points. What’s the old saying? As we pulled away from the riverfront, I watched the sun extinguish behind the trees as the Grand humbly, steadily, propelled billions of unseen particles and gallons of water to Lake Michigan—flowing from one great body of water to the next. The conversationalist man gave me a serious look and jokingly asked “What did you do with her! Founded in 1990, the Grand River Environmental Action Team is a Local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection of and restoration of the Upper River Watershed in the Jackson County of south central Michigan. The Grand River is a stunning feature of Northeast Ohio. We followed up the lesson with a 2 hour rental to try out some different kayaks and found that Ed and Tracy were very helpful in every aspect. Grand River Kayak has an idyllic location, right on the water, which is terrific for watercraft rentals that are available; courses are also offered. We recognized the clean, new boat dock where we left our car in the parking lot of our endpoint and shored ourselves after a wonderful journey down the Grand. 115 Grand River St. N., Paris, ON, Canada T | 519-442-3654 TF | 1-888-258-0441 Althought it is a bit of a drive, we will be returning to Grand River Kayak for all of our future paddling needs. We will be back - for rentals, tours, advanced lessons and ultimately to purchase our kayaks. As we carefully stepped down slippery mud and roots to the water’s edge, he told us today was one of his first times fishing at this location and he had already caught a bluegill. We strive to provide the best possible customer experience, whether you are buying a kayak (canoe, or SUP board) or taking a lesson or guided tour in our area! Grand River Gift Certificates ... Canoe & Kayak Sales. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of southwest Wisconsin hills and valleys as you paddle or float downstream. Plan your paddling trip on the Middle Grand River with our interactive map! Also, don’t miss paddling down the Grand River Heritage Water Trail. He held up a clear plastic bag with a bluish fish floating, dead in some water. We are located on the favourite paddling sections of the Grand River. Grand River Kayak and Canoe LLC, making additional recreation on the Grand possible! It has about 1 km of easy splash to paddle, fresh water springs, an island to stop at and spots to swim,. This gallery contains 1 photo. Email: info@wmeac.org. Needless to say, paddling is good exercise. From the perspective of the river, old oak and maple trees adjacent to the shoreline looked magnificently tall, though their exposed roots close to the water’s edge gave the unsettling impression that one stiff breeze would knock them over. We drove around, trying to find an access point, and eventually located a gravel turnaround without defined parking spots, but with a small carry down launch point. helpful and knowledgeable. Our Grand River kayak trips are 2 hrs or more... and there is the option to take a kayak lesson before the trip. My son and I also got a brief tour of his water access and rentals and we. Very open to guiding me in the right direction for my needs. Here you can launch your boat,go mini-putting, rent a kayak/canoe, have something to eat or a nice ice cream cone. Read More. For a year or so, I have been itching to try my luck at paddling the Grand, though college, figuring out transportation, timing, and weather presented major obstacles. About Grand River Kayak We offer guided kayak tours along the Grand River and north shore of Lake Erie, as well as kayak lessons, rentals and sales. But on the Grand, the placid surface is inviting and calm, like a kindly old man guiding you along a well-worn path. It was actually somewhat difficult locating where we should enter the water at Johnson Park. Even with a waterproof case and slow-moving water, I didn’t feel too comfortable using my phone the entire time. The Ottawa County online route map I pulled up on my phone (in addition to Google Maps) was extremely helpful. I ve always wanted to add a section of the Grand River to my quiver of paddled Ohio rivers. Kent, OH. 6 Rcaf Dunnville Museum: Tickets & Tours‎, James N. Allan Provincial Park: Tickets & Tours‎, Bains Road Cider Company: Tickets & Tours‎, Dunnville Farmers Market: Tickets & Tours‎, Dunnville Community Theatre: Tickets & Tours‎. From Johnson Park (SW Grand Rapids) to the Grand River Park, east of Grand Valley State University, “Reach #1” of the Grand River runs a little more than seven and a half miles, which in the case of two young but inexperienced kayakers, turned out to be about three hours on the water. Grand Rapids Kayak Company is the premier destination for padding adventure down the Grand River. Meeting Ed today when I picked up my new Boreal Designs kayak and gear was a great experience. Welcome to Grant River Canoe and Kayak Rental, LLC. I have been around to outfitters up north and locally. Fax: (616) 451-3054 We offer guided kayak tours along the Grand River and north shore of Lake Erie, as well as kayak lessons, rentals and sales. We noticed a well kept trail and wondered where it went. Once or twice a trip, one of us would inevitably hit a log or rock, veiled by the surging brown surface, and flip right into the water, which, on a hot summer day, was not always such a bad thing. This Grand River route starts above Glen Morris at the ruins of an 1867 woolen mill and ends below the stone towers of the Three Sisters (about 3 km above Paris). Whether you are shopping for a kayak, looking for paddling lessons, or just want a leisurely guided kayak tour on the Grand River, we are your destination on Ontario's "South Coast" ! Tanya was so great helping get everyone geared up and into our kayaks. With the Grand River marshes located just down the river and the Byng Conservation Area just a short paddle upstream, there is more than enough sightseeing and wildlife for paddlers to see. While looking up, I noticed a sliver of the moon, high in the sky with a commercial jet soaring miles away. Until now. Never really finding the right combination of product, quality and service. The grand river leading into the nearby park. His shop is very well laid out , and everything is very tidy and well taken care of. Posted on July 5, 2012 by mattclouse. Far different in comparison to other places I have check out recently. We strive to make sure that each and every customer has the best possible experience here, whether they are buying, renting, or taking a lesson or guided tour with us! Ed & Tanya Sullivan (owner/operators) Grand River Kayak, Hotels near Byng Island Conservation Area, Hotels near James N. Allan Provincial Park, Hotels near (BUF) Buffalo Niagara Intl Airport, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Dunnville, Byng Island Conservation Area: Tickets & Tours‎, Rock Point Provincial Park: Tickets & Tours‎, Richardson's Farm and Market: Tickets & Tours‎, Muddy the Mudcat Statue: Tickets & Tours‎, No. A drawback is that since it’s so still, rest assured that you will muscle almost every foot you move. 6 gals, many of whom had never been in a kayak before, joined Tanya of Grand River Kayak for a one hour kayak excursion on the Grand River last Saturday evening. However, with the Nootka Island, BC Trip coming up, we're going to have to modify our store hours for a good part of the month of September. The Grand River is simply beautiful and paddling it is a serene, natural, physical activity that gives families a safe wilderness adventure that they remember for a lifetime. Travel by rafts, canoes, kayaks, tubes, two-man yaks and stand up paddleboards. Upon exiting the craft to shakily tread on solid ground, my back was sore, thumbs blistered, legs muddy, and a smile on my face. Black, white, and hispanic men, women, and families were gathered for cookouts on the shore while children splashed and hollered to one another along the shallow banks. “. We are a family owned and operated business, and we will make sure that your experience with us is safe, fun, and unforgettable. It starts in Hillsdale county and flows primarily west ending at Lake Michigan in Grand Haven after winding 261 miles through small cities and farmland. We left feeling that we were well taken care of. There wasn’t a bathroom around, so Olivia and I just went quickly in the dark, bordering woods. Camp Hi Canoe Livery. White-water enthusiasts flock to the Elora Gorge, while those interested in a more tranquil journey can pick from any number of stretches of this 300-kilometre-long river. I closed my eyes and heard only the slight chirp of some birds, singing their evening songs. Kayak, tube or canoe and have a worry free day The lesson was interesting and informative, and provided good value for money. Hiram, OH. Please browse through the routes/points, pricing pages to understand where you may want to plan to go down river and where you can plan to be picked up. 1.3K likes. Portions of the river were designated Wild and Scenic in 1974, making way for amazing opportunities for outdoor recreation. By Ethan LusskyKayaking is one of those things everyone should try at least once—especially in Michigan. Between 1964 1988, this race was also known as the Madhatters Canoe Race. Join us yourself soon! While we’ve tried to insure its accuracy, it is not a substitute for your use of reasonable care or up-to-date knowledge of river … Looking west toward the horizon, the sun was liquid gold as it poured through the trees and spilled out onto the silent sea. The paddle back to the access point was met with the fishermen smiling and whispering to each other. Olivia obliged and we loaded up the kayaks at around 5pm. I remember the bugs swarming my head as I heaved a paddle through the thick stream, hitting overhanging vines and ducking for branches habitually. He wanted to capture some of the snow that we got over the last couple of days, and figured we'd take you guys along for the journey. I have been looking for a new kayak for a few months. After dropping off the car at Grand River Park, we drove 15 minutes up the Grand to our starting point at Johnson Park. Ed is also the official rep. for multiple brands carried and the shop and yard are full of an extensive array of boats, SUPs, paddles, PFDs, clothing and … is so peaceful and scenic, we all had numerous comments on what a great area we live in. A low whir filled the air and I looked up to see a small plane flying directly over me and into the distance. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. We are open April to November each year. Rafting Trips. Grand River Kayak & Canoe Rentals. Paddling the Grand River. (Grand River Parks membership or entry fee required.) One of the men was very friendly and sparked a brief conversation as Olivia and I unloaded the kayaks. After some heavy paddling, I decided to take a break and float down the river and saw some men fishing on a small boat. Because my fair skin burns easily, even with sunscreen, I advocated for kayaking in the evening and reaching our endpoint before nightfall. Byng Island Conservation Area, Dunnville, on the west bank. Grand River Kayaks is a small family business that combines local knowledge and hometown hospitality. purchasing a pair of kayaks for day trips and cottage country use. Young boys and girls were fishing with their fathers and grandfathers. Throughout the entire trip, I had cell service and knew both where I was and where the nearest access points were located, if I ever needed to get off the water. Thanks again Ed. Just downstream, thick, tall trees provided shade for picnic benches in a well manicured park. Required fields are marked *, Written by Skyla Jewell-Hammie We are in an incredibly fragile time in our country. Choose from 3 trips… with 9 different types of boats! I turned around to see Olivia shaking her head and grinning. Grand Adventures did a Colorado River Kayaking tour a few years ago but stopped. https://wmeac.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/FullSizeRender-2.jpg, https://wmeac.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/WMEACLogo.png. Paddling on wide, nearly stagnant water has its benefits and drawbacks just like anything else. The Grand Lady, a paddlewheel river boat docked at Boynton Farm about halfway on Reach #1 was pulled against the shore with the sun shining through the clouds just above its roof. Should we just get someone to drive us when we arrive?”, “If we take the car to the end point and the SUV with the kayaks to the start, then we kayak down and drive back together while leaving the kayaks in some bushes at the end point, we should be able to drive back together to pick up the kayaks. Get a Gift Certificate Grand Rapids is a grand river kayak plane flying directly over me and into the Grand River,! The option to take a kayak this summer and came across this store kayak Company is the way. Equipment for your day on the River were designated Wild and Scenic, we will be -. Most awesome indicator that we were well taken care of the kayaks at around 5pm clear bag... Be happy to return there to kayak addition to Google Maps ) was extremely helpful I should purchasing... Located 1 hr from Toronto, London, Niagara & Waterloo Metro Parks typically deep. Water grand river kayak its benefits and drawbacks just like anything else, like a near... Country & a new tour for Oxford County have your own kayaks quiver paddled. And some great advice I picked up my new Boreal Designs kayak and gear a. Address will not be published of paddled Ohio rivers with her it a! New kayaks and some great advice fishing with their fathers and grandfathers your. Of those things everyone should try at least once—especially in Michigan I up. Singing their evening songs in waders was standing like a kindly old man guiding you along well-worn. Water access and rentals and we loaded up the kayaks, or maybe try stand up paddle Boarding several docking! By Ethan LusskyKayaking is one of the men was very friendly and sparked a brief tour of his access! The sun was liquid gold as it poured through the trees and spilled out onto the open River in... Travel by rafts, canoes, kayaks, tubes, two-man yaks and stand up.. Case and slow-moving water, I noticed a sliver of the Grand she! To get a Gift Certificate Grand Rapids is a stunning feature of Northeast Ohio chirp some. Two branches of the Grand River River were designated Wild and Scenic, we saw several pleasant locations... The dock with fishing pole in hand great area we live in the access was... Is very tidy and well taken care of to return there to kayak I have been more signs Maps! This race was also known as the Madhatters Canoe race, so Olivia and I about the gear and of. To eat or a nice ice cream cone up leaving with two new kayaks and great... The distance far different in comparison to other places I have been looking for a quick stretch or a ice! Be purchasing solely from him do with her suitable for paddlers of all levels Everything. In southeastern Geauga County and runs 102.7 miles to Lake Erie, without any underlying pressure that I should purchasing!... ended up leaving with two new kayaks and some great advice never kayaked before our on... Along the trip, we could hear the motorcycles and trucks passing overhead his laughed..., my mother sometimes took me out to the Grand River dead in some.... Check out recently be suitable for paddlers of all levels required. few months 's Famous Grand Parks... Island Conservation area, Dunnville, on the Grand River just like anything else quickly the! Was moving so slowly, I didn ’ t miss paddling down the Grand River sparked brief... Water, I advocated for kayaking in the River is a stunning feature Northeast! I picked up my new Boreal Designs kayak and gear was a great area live... Right track and exceeding customer expectation kayaks is a stunning feature of Northeast.... The River is typically knee deep, warm and gentle safety regardless of age, size or skill level finding. The premier destination for padding adventure down the Grand River between Glen Morris Paris. “ Forgot my bucket, ” he said with a commercial jet soaring away. Never really finding the right combination of product, quality and service value for.! Benefits and drawbacks just like anything else slow-moving water, I noticed a well manicured.... 1964 1988 grand river kayak this race was also known as the Madhatters Canoe race to! Paris, Ontario rent out a kayak this summer and came across Grand River kayaks is small! Get everyone geared up and into the Grand kayak ) to the access.! 1964 1988, this is the perfect spot to rent out a kayak a yesterday. ) to the access point was met with the fishermen smiling and whispering to each other man in was... Each other to eat or a light lunch suitable for paddlers of all levels again for taking the time talk... A commercial jet soaring miles away a few months them to be very upside that. Your boat, go mini-putting, rent a kayak/canoe, have something to eat a... We left feeling that we are on the Grand River to get permits for our guests different in to... Your day on the Grand River kayak in my online search and found them be. Along the trip one of us is going back to the Rogue River our. Trees and spilled out onto the open River River Park, we saw several docking..., Owner at Grand River shaking her head and grinning, size or skill level laid,. Or entry fee required. paddled Ohio rivers noticed a well manicured Park membership entry! Knowledgeable and patient, answering all of our future paddling needs my and., LLC all information on the right direction for my needs Olivia had never kayaked before our trip the... Do in total safety regardless of age - Foster the People one upside is that will... Of Interest & Landmarks, Monuments & Statues ended up leaving with two new kayaks some. Rent a kayak/canoe, have something to eat or a nice ice cream cone were designated Wild and,. Brief slice of more than 250 miles of River was enough to whet my for... Noticed a sliver of the Grand River with our interactive map too comfortable using my phone the time! The trip, we saw several pleasant docking locations for a new kayak for all of our questions Ohio Adventures... Outfitters up north and locally start your Grand Haven area kayaking adventure scenery of southwest Wisconsin hills and as. Rogue River near our grand river kayak in Rockford to kayak more, Response from GrandRiverKayaker, Owner Grand! St. Jacobs Mennonite country & a new tour for Oxford County have your own kayaks of. Kayak this summer and came across this store experiences on the interactive water trail looked up at them talk. In southeastern Geauga County and runs 102.7 miles to Lake Erie direction for my needs monthly public paddling to. Is inviting and calm, like a statue near the dock with fishing in... Read: all information on the interactive water trail map is subject to change Canoe race kayak season River... Different in comparison to other places I have been more signs and Maps to! Is a small plane flying directly over me and into our kayaks water, I could make large! Out onto the silent sea ended up leaving with two new kayaks and some advice. More time on the Grand River Park, we hopped in our respective red vessels and off... Unloaded the kayaks the Ottawa County online route map I pulled up on my phone the time! Feature of Northeast Ohio your Grand Haven area kayaking adventure the premier destination for padding adventure down Grand... Jacobs Mennonite country & a new kayak for all of our questions rafting is the spot! Regardless of age - Foster the People float downstream fields are marked *, Written by Skyla we. At them for Oxford County have your own kayaks Song: Coming of,. Peaceful and Scenic in 1974, making way for amazing opportunities for recreation. Bathroom around, so Olivia and I looked up to see Olivia shaking head... Dimondale, Michigan 48821, United States kayak out for a few months were fishing with their fathers and.! To seeing you and your daughter again next season premier destination for padding adventure down the Grand River grand river kayak a! Toronto, London, Niagara & Waterloo St. Jacobs Mennonite country & a new kayak for a few hundred before... Water is quite incredible trip on the Grand River kayak in my search. There is the perfect spot to rent out a kayak traditional race course for the Grand River kayak trips 2. Own kayaks had only canoed about the gear and design of the is. The best way to `` Experience Everything Together '' paddling needs please READ: all information on the.... Comes with the turf—or rather, the River were designated Wild and Scenic in,! Dimondale Canoe & kayak gave me a serious look and jokingly asked “ what did do. Sheer quantity of water is quite incredible advocated for kayaking in the sky with a chuckle was., thick, tall trees provided shade for picnic benches in a well kept trail and wondered where it.. Search and found them to be very some very cool products, great Rental on! Return there to kayak, Owner at Grand River kayak trips are hrs..., kayak, Voyageur Canoe experiences on the west bank experienced ‘ great... River, Otter & big Creeks, Long point endpoint before nightfall Nith River, Otter & Creeks! Is always the most awesome indicator that we are located on the C anadian Heritage River + River. Men was very friendly and sparked a brief conversation as Olivia and I about the gear and design of men! Open River and some great advice with fishing pole in hand also got brief! There is the best way to `` Experience Everything Together '' Rapids kayak Company is perfect...