Grand River Canoe Livery

Jessica Nicole

Went canoeing here a few months back and had a fabulous time! It was my birthday and we couldn't seem to get in the water anywhere. They put us in, eventhough it was afternoon time, they were just the nicest people you'd ever want to meet, and the river was great! Super easy trail, calming float, we took our dog and had a super fun time, will be heading back soon! 😊 Would recommend!

Carolyn “CAZ” Cronje

We tried to phone ahead to see what options we could do if we came this afternoon. No answer. We rolled the dice and drove there, hoping to get some kind of adventure. They were able to let us rent canoes (or kayaks) for the day, but the trips are now only available on weekends because they only have staff on weekends. We rented 2 canoes (there were 4 of us) and they let us pick paddles and pfds and send us walking down to the river where we select our own canoes and head off to paddle upstream and back down again ($28 per boat for the day), as long as we were out by 7pm. I don't know the usual water levels or water clarity - but getting into the canoes was a bit tricky bc the put-in was sludge mud and mucky water that was deep quickly. But we managed and, as advised, paddled upstream. The river seems pretty full and was muddy - but what was challenging and really hampered our time on the river most were several places where trees had fallen across the river... one spot was difficult to overcome (portaging is not an option bc the banks are sort of steep - there was nowhere to get out and fish or rest or portage) and we barely made it over the tree trunk and through the branches. Not much further up the river, it appeared to be completely blocked by fallen trees. So, our trip was less than 2 hrs on the water. The canoes and equipment were fine. They right sort of skeleton of a process is in place - waivers, etc. But, communication and helpfulness was mediocre at best. I don't know if they realise the labyrinth of trees upstream, and if they do, a little warning ahead of the booking - what to expect etc would have been helpful to shape our expectations. Go there, expect self service style and if you don't do a trip, probably also expect a short journey. (Paddling upstream for a mile or so more than once is kind of over-rated).

Kristy Johnson

Friendly and helpful staff, and the best price in the area. The equipment may be a bit worn, but that did not stop us from having a great experience for the kids' first canoe journey. We will be back! Hopefully it rains a bit, though, and raises the water level on the Grand River, would have made it a lot easier.

Leah

I have rented canoes from this livery for the past 6 years and go at least once or twice per summer. Friendly family and fair prices. Great place to go if you want to get away from the crowds. That being said....it is very deserted and you do have to carry your canoe down to the river yourself. I wouldn’t recommend for someone that doesn’t know what they’re doing.