{"id":1618,"date":"2020-02-06T13:54:44","date_gmt":"2020-02-06T18:54:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oldsaltsclub.com\/wp\/?page_id=1618"},"modified":"2025-03-30T09:39:34","modified_gmt":"2025-03-30T13:39:34","slug":"grand-river-watershed-routes-access-points","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/oldsaltsclub.com\/wp\/trip-organizer-resources-2\/grand-river-watershed-routes-access-points\/","title":{"rendered":"Routes, Access Points and Maps"},"content":{"rendered":"

Grand River\u00a0 Access Points
\n<\/b><\/span>Courtesy of the Grand River Conservation Authority<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This is a list of major access and pull-out points on the Grand. In addition, many bridge crossings on the Grand have road allowances on either side, which permit public access to the river. These access points can be used to plan our river trips.<\/span><\/p>\n

Please respect private property while accessing the river. Be careful on steep or slippery banks. River conditions vary and may change, sometimes suddenly. Man-made obstacles, obstructions, alterations, or new construction on or near the river may also change or affect river conditions. <\/span>Remember that SAFETY is a personal responsibility.<\/span><\/span>
\nMore information on these access points is available in the book\u00a0Paddling the Grand River<\/a>\u00a0which includes map locations for each one.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1) Belwood Village<\/strong><\/span>
\nFollow Wellington County Road 26 to Wellington County Road 19 in Belwood. Turn west on County Road 19 and access the lake from a Conservation Authority property downstream of the bridge on the right-hand bank (entry fee).<\/span>
\n2) Belwood Lake Conservation Area<\/strong><\/span>
\nYou can enter through the main gate of the Belwood Lake Conservation Area (entry fee), just off the Fergus-Orangeville Road (Wellington County Rd. 18). Access to the reservoir is upstream of the Shand Dam. You can also access the river from below the dam, off the park service road leading to the swimming area.<\/span>
\n3) Elora Gorge Conservation Area (camping)<\/strong><\/span>
\nYou enter the Elora Gorge Conservation Area from Wellington County Road 21 and access the river from the low-level bridge at the downstream end of the park (entry and camping fee).\u00a0<\/span>
\n4) Downstream of Inverhaugh at Wilson\u2019s Flats<\/strong><\/span>
\nYou can enter and pull out at Pilkington Eighth Line Rd. EW, approximately 2 kilometres downriver of Inverhaugh off Wellington Country Road 21. If you are canoeing or kayaking, this is the first bridge downstream of the Elora Gorge Conservation Area. Stick to the main channel.<\/span>
\n5) West Montrose<\/strong><\/span>
\nImmediately downstream of the covered bridge on the left bank, off Rivers Edge Drive. Nearby Letson Park provides parking (day use only).<\/span>
\n6) Winterbourne<\/strong><\/span>
\nTurn west off Regional Road 23, onto Woolwich Township Road 48 (Peel St.) near the Winterbourne Christian School. You can access the river from the left bank on the downstream side of the old iron bridge.<\/span>
\n7) Conestogo Village<\/strong><\/span>
\nBelow the junction of the Conestogo River and the Grand River at a low bank area on the left off Waterloo Regional Road 17. This is about 1.0 kilometre west of the junction with Regional Road 23. The access point is directly under the hydro tower corridor over the river, on the left bank 0.8 kilometre downstream of the bridge over the Grand in Conestogo.<\/span>
\n8) Waterloo \u2013 Kaufman\u2019s Flats<\/strong><\/span>
\nThe entrance to the Flats is east off University Avenue East, just north of Lexington Road in Waterloo. It is about 200 metres down the hill from University Avenue East. Park beside the river at the Claude Dubrick Trailway \u2013 Walter Bean Trail parking lot.<\/span>
\n9) Kitchener \u2013 Bridgeport<\/strong><\/span>
\nTurn in to the first parking lot entrance to the Joe Thompson Sportsfield at the east end (left bank) of the Bridge St. bridge across the Grand in Kitchener (Bridgeport). Walk up the ramp at the west end of the lot onto the flood protection dike. Walk a few metres upstream on the dike and take the left fork down to the river, and put in to the river at the footing of the bridge.<\/span>
\n10) Kitchener \u2013 Bingemans (camping)<\/strong><\/span>
\nBingemans is on the eastern edge of Kitchener at 425 Bingemans Centre Drive, just off Victoria Street (Hwy. 7). River access is on the right bank behind the Embassy Room building. Pull out from the river 30 minutes downstream of the Bridgeport bridge on the right bank immediately downriver of the trailers along the river (camping fee and no launch fee). If you see the Victoria St. (Hwy. 7) bridge, you have paddled too far.<\/span>
\n11) Kitchener \u2013 Stanley Park<\/strong><\/span>
\nThe entrance to the parking lot is on Shirley Drive, just north of Highway 7\/Victoria Street, on the right bank, immediately before Highway 7 crosses the Grand River in Breslau. It is necessary to portage around two small ponds to reach the river.<\/span>
\n12) Kitchener \u2013 Freeport<\/strong><\/span>
\nSchneider Park is on the west side of King St. E. across from Freeport Hospital downstream of the old Hwy. 8 or King St. E. bow string bridge.<\/span>
\n13) Cambridge (Blair) \u2013 Moyer\u2019s Blair Landing<\/strong><\/span>
\nOff Fountain Street just downstream of Highway 401 at Moyer\u2019s Blair Landing. The landing is 200 metres downstream of the Fountain St. bridge on the left side.<\/span>
\n14) Cambridge (Galt) \u2013 Riverbluffs Park<\/strong><\/span>
\nFrom George Sreet on the right bank approximately 100 metres upstream of the railway bridge, there is a boat ramp at the Cambridge Rowing Club \/ Ancient Mariners Canoe Club landing for easy pull-out to end a canoe or kayak trip. If your trip extends beyond Cambridge, you must portage across Park Hill Road and put in downstream of the Parkhill Dam. Trips beginning in Cambridge should not start here, but rather at the GTO\/Rail-Trail access.<\/span>
\n15) Cambridge (Galt) \u2013 Cambridge to Paris Rail-Trail<\/strong><\/span>
\nMany canoeists and kayakers use the access downstream of the Petro Canada gas station on the left or east bank off Highway 24 (Water St.) north of Myers Road at the south end of Cambridge. This is also the northern trail head of the Cambridge to Paris Rail-Trail.<\/span>
\n16) Glen Morris \u2013 Eric Thomlinson Access Ramp<\/strong><\/span>
\nThere is a Rail-Trail parking lot at the end of Forbes Street, two blocks south of the Glen View General Store. Access is gained by crossing the Rail-Trail and taking the new path to the river. For pull-out at this location, after paddling under the Glen Morris bridge, take the right channel past the island and immediately cut across the river to the left bank. The left channel has been impassable at times in the past.\u00a0<\/span>
\n17) Paris \u2013 Penman\u2019s Dam<\/strong><\/span>
\nPull out immediately underneath the railway bridge on the east or left bank, but be careful climbing the steep stairs up to Willow Street. Immediately downstream is a dangerous low head dam and cement walls. Access is regained by means of the canoe ramp extending down the dike below the dam on the left side of the river. Stay clear of the \u201cboil\u201d or dangerous undertow below the dam.<\/span>
\n18) Paris \u2013 Bean Park<\/strong><\/span>
\nFor trips starting in Paris, there is more parking and less crowding if you launch at Bean Park, located on the right bank off Race Street in the area of town downstream of the Dundas St. high-level bridge.<\/span>
\n19) Brantford \u2013 Brant Conservation Area (camping)<\/strong><\/span>
\nBrant Conservation Area is on Jennings Road off Highway 53 on the west side of Brantford. It is the first overnight stop on trips starting from Cambridge. Pull out on the right side above the Wilkes Dam and contact the Area Superintendent for a camping site (entry and camping fee). For trips starting here, there is a new launching area built in 2003 within the park that will eliminate portaging Wilkes Dam.<\/span>
\n20) Brantford \u2013 Ballantyne Drive<\/strong><\/span>
\nTurn right just after the intersection of Ballantyne Drive and Spalding Drive to the flats along the river. To pull out here, look for a clearing on the right bank and a gravel parking area and road leading up to Ballantyne Drive.<\/span>
\n21) Brantford \u2013 Gilkison\u2019s Flats<\/strong><\/span>
\nOn the west or right bank off Gilkison Street, downstream of the BSAR bridge.<\/span>
\n22) Brantford \u2013 Cockshutt Bridge<\/strong><\/span>
\nOff Cockshutt Road (Erie Ave.) downstream of the Cockshutt bridge, on the left or north bank of the river.<\/span>
\n23) Ohsweken \u2013 Chiefswood Tent and Trailer Park (camping)<\/strong><\/span>
\nBetween Onondaga and Middleport, turn from Highway 54 onto Chiefswood Road toward Ohsweken. Access to the river is on the left or east bank on the upstream side of the bridge, or downstream at Chiefswood Tent and Trailer Park (admission fee).<\/span>
\n24) North of Caledonia \u2013 Harrison\u2019s Landing or LaFortune Park<\/strong><\/span>
\nOn the left or east bank, just off Highway 54, approximately 2 kilometres downstream of Big Creek. (Launching and\/or parking fees may apply and parking is day use only.)<\/span>
\n25) Caledonia \u2013\u00a0Kinsmen Park<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
\nPull out on the left bank above the low head dam or weir, immediately upstream of the railway bridge. From Highway 54 re-enter just below the dam at Kinsmen Park. Stay clear of the \u201cboil\u201d or dangerous undertow below the dam.<\/span>
\n26) York \u2013\u00a0York Park in the village of York<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
\nOff Highway 54, just downstream of the York bridge on the left or east bank. The channel running through the park is of historical interest. At one time the channel led to a lift lock, and a dam of the Grand River Navigation Company was situated where the present bridge crossing now stands. Store nearby.<\/span>
\n27) Cayuga \u2013\u00a0Bob Baigent Park<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
\nGain access in Cayuga downstream of the Hwy. 3 bridge on the east or left bank, at the Bob Baigent Memorial Park public boat ramp off Ouse Street. \u201cOuse\u201d was an early English name for the Grand River. Stores nearby.<\/span>
\n28) Dunnville \u2013\u00a0Byng Island Conservation Area<\/a>\u00a0(camping)<\/strong><\/span>
\nLook for the campground on the right side of the river across from Dunnville. Take the first of three channels into the Conservation Area (admission and camping fee, no launch fee). There is a low head dam or weir on each of these channels. To continue downriver from the park, follow the main channel of Sulphur Creek in the Conservation Area back to the Grand to avoid the Dunnville Dam. For road access to Byng, take Rainham Road in Dunnville to Haldimand County Road 20.<\/span>
\n29) Dunnville \u2013\u00a0Wingfield Park<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
\nThere is a boat launch at Wingfield Park on Main Street, upriver of the Dunnville Dam on the left (town side) of the river.<\/span>
\n30) Dunnville \u2013\u00a0Grand Island Bar-B-Q<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
\nThe Grand Island Bar-B-Q and boat launch is on the south side of Dover Road at the west end of the bridge across the Grand. \u00a0*NOTE \u2013 THIS LAUNCH IS NOW CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC<\/span>
\n31) Dunnville \u2013\u00a0Dunnville Boat Club<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
\nThe Dunnville Boat Club and boat launch is on Hydro Street, on the left side of the river immediately downstream of the Dunnville Dam (launch fee).<\/span>
\n32)\u00a0Port Maitland at Lake Erie<\/a>
\n<\/strong>At the end of your trip, there is an easy pull-out, on the right bank off The Esplanade Road, at the boat ramp just before the concrete break walls, where the Grand River enters Lake Erie. You can also paddle around the light station and put ashore to the west of the light station.<\/span><\/p>\n

Grand River Trips<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

West Montrose to Kaufman Flats<\/p>\n

Inverhaugh to West Montrose<\/strong>
\n*map to Wilson’s Flat (Inverhaugh)<\/a> or to Conestoga<\/a><\/span>
\n* Directions\/Shuttle – Inverhaugh to West Montrose<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Kaufman Flats to Victoria St<\/p>\n

Riverbend to Otterbein<\/p>\n

Freeport to Blair (Moyers Landing)<\/p>\n

Blair (Moyers Landing) to Riverbluffs Park<\/strong>
\n*Directions\/Shuttle – Moyer’s Landing-Riverbluffs<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Petro Canada on Highway 24 at south end of Galt (Cambridge) to Glen Morris<\/strong>
\n*Map\/directions-Wing 404 to Petrocan<\/a><\/span>
\n*Shuttle from Petrocan to Glenn Morris<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Glen Morris to Birley Gates<\/strong>
\n*Map\/directions-Wing 404 to Glen Morris<\/a><\/span>
\n*Shuttle from Glen Morris to Birley Gates<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Penman\u2019s Dam in Paris to Gilkison Road in Brantford\u00a0<\/p>\n

Oxbow section south of Brantford.<\/p>\n

Newport Bridge, Brantford to Caledonia,\u00a0 or on to York<\/p>\n

\n
\n

Speed River Trips<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Royal City Park in Guelph. (You can paddle to Victoria Road, depending on water levels, and return, with no shuttle required<\/span>.)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Silvercreek Park in Guelph. You can paddle to Niska Road, or further.<\/p>\n

Niska Road in Guelph, to Black Bridge Road in Cambridge<\/a><\/p>\n

Eramosa River Trips<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Everton to Rockwood<\/p>\n

Eden Mills to Stone Road<\/span><\/strong>
\n*Map<\/a><\/span>
\n*Driving directions<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Rockwood Conservation Area – how to get to put-in<\/a>
\nMap of Park<\/span><\/a>
\nMap (Wing 404 to park)<\/span>
\nMap (Wing 404 to park – alternate route through Guelph<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Nith River Trips<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

William Scott Park in New Hamburg, you can paddle upstream, and return, with no shuttle required.<\/p>\n

New Hamburg to Haysville<\/p>\n

Ayr -Silver Bridge<\/strong>
\nDirections<\/span><\/a>
\nMap<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>Beaver River Trips<\/b><\/span>
\nSideroad 19, Epping Access Point #2, to Access Point #4, near Slabtown.<\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/u><\/a>Saugeen River\u00a0 Trips\/ Bruce County Access Points {link}<\/span><\/span><\/a>
\n<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Saugeen #1 -Walkerton (Lobie’s Park) to Access#10\u00a0<\/strong>
\nDirections<\/span><\/a>
\nMap<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Saugeen #2<\/p>\n

Saugeen #3<\/p>\n

Big Creek River Trips<\/span><\/strong>
\n*Directions – Access #3 – Access #4<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Bondi
\n<\/strong><\/span>Map #1 with instructions<\/a>
\nMap #2 with instructions<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Grand River\u00a0 Access Points Courtesy of the Grand River Conservation Authority. This is a list of major access and pull-out points on the Grand. In addition, many bridge crossings on the Grand have road allowances on either side, which permit public access to the river. These access points can be used to plan our river … Continue reading “Routes, Access Points and Maps”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":1547,"menu_order":7,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1618","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/oldsaltsclub.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1618","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/oldsaltsclub.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/oldsaltsclub.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oldsaltsclub.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oldsaltsclub.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1618"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/oldsaltsclub.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1618\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5986,"href":"https:\/\/oldsaltsclub.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1618\/revisions\/5986"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oldsaltsclub.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1547"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/oldsaltsclub.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1618"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}