Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need to book in advance
We highly recommend you email us to book in advance so your date/time/boats are reserved for you.
In the event that we are booked up, we will take those with reservations first. However we do accept walk ups if spots are available.
Our shuttles run on the hour in the mornings at 08:00 AM, 09:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM and on the half hour in the afternoon at 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM. Longer trips will only have morning start times. Please check the Drop-off map for start times or email us at customerservice@canoethegrand.com
What types of boats do you have
We have canoes, an assortment of kayaks, tubes and water rafts at Canoeing The Grand
What trip do you recommend
We recommend the Breslau trip for all first time paddlers, as it is a fairly easy paddle and gives you sufficient time to experience and take in the river. .
When should I arrive
Please arrive 20 minutes prior to your trip booking time to ensure shuttles can leave on time. We do not want you to miss your trip.
If you are taking children and require a car seat in the shuttle van, please allow additional time for yourself to install your child’s car seat in the shuttle. We will arrange to have it back to the office at the end of the trip.
How does it work
You begin at our location at 3734 King Street East, where you park your vehicle and sign in. We shuttle you north up river with our boats, and you paddle/tube down river back to our location where you parked your vehicle.
We also have down river options where you start at our location and follow the Grand River south. Be aware there is a portage around a dam while heading down river.
Where do we start and finish
Everyone starts at our location by the Freeport Bridge, at 3734 King Street East, Kitchener, Ontario
You paddle/tube back downstream to our location by the Freeport Bridge, where you began your trip. If you are starting your canoe / kayak trip from our location and heading south, you will exit the Grand River at designated locations and we will pick you up in our shuttle and return you back to our location.
No matter what time you go out at, you must be back by 6:00 PM. The cost of the trip remains the same. We recommend those going out to fish or those that would like to picnic for a long time, go out on earlier trips to have the entire day on the Grand River.
Where do we park
Parking on site is free but limited. We ask that all passengers carpool as much as possible. On our busier days, we will have passengers arriving as single passengers park in our subsidiary parking at Faith Church 3849 King Street East. If you come as a carpool and the parking lot is full, please use our secondary parking at Faith Church on top of the hill which is only a short walk down to the check-in office.
Do you provide equipment
Yes, we provide paddles, life jackets and a safety kit along with your boat. Dry bags are also available for rent.
Do we need previous paddling experience
You do not need experience; the Grand River is a fairly easy flow rate and we provide instructions on how to paddle it when you arrive at your drop off destination
All trips are self guided. We go rain or shine and once a trip has started, it is up to you to finish. Guides are not required, but guides are available for an additional cost and must be pre-arranged.
How long does tubing take
Tubing is only offered from Otterbein and Woolner locations and takes approximately four hours to complete as you go with the flow of the current.
Can I bring my dog
Dogs are welcome. Given the limited space in a canoe, only dogs of small to medium size and one per canoe are permitted. They must be on leash at all times and well behaved around other guests.