If you’re interested in an easier Grand River paddling experience that isn’t short on natural beauty, the Oxbow (a u-shaped bend in the river which puts the take-out site very near the launch point) is a beautiful 15-km trip. Many kayakers and canoeists plan this route to circle back on foot for the less-than-a-mile trek to their launch point and vehicles. We left a truck at the take-out point near the Newport Rd. access and chose to get dropped off for our launch. And it was well worth the planning, time, and effort.
The launch area we selected was a ramp under the Cockshutt Bridge at the Brantford city limits. There was ample parking and good space to do a shallow launch from the bank. We did some research in advance, learning the possible length of time for our trip. Being intermediate kayakers, the Oxbow route along the Grand River would take us approximately 3-4 hours depending on our pace and any rest, water, or snack breaks.
Understanding that the weather could turn from very pleasant to hot and muggy on an early summer day, we chose to launch at 7:00 a.m., planning for take-out at approximately 10:30 a.m. We dressed in layers that could easily be removed, packed fruit, sandwiches, and snacks in our drybags and brought roughly 1 litre of water each. Considering the timing and location for this trip, you’ll want to plan for picnicking while you float nicely downstream. There are no public take-out sites along its course and in some parts the banks are steep with no ability for a shore lunch.
From setting out at the Cockshutt Bridge ramp, there was only one small swift that pushed us along, and then we easily paddled into deeper, more calm waters. The scenery was second-to-none! Our launch was on a partly cloudy morning, so the sun had its shining moments here and there and the temperature stayed moderate.
The banks on either side were lined with farmers’ fields with rows of corn or beans in some spots and towering trees of the Carolinian Forest in others. Oaks and basswood, mixed with willows, sugar maples, and beech provided great shade opportunities when the skies eventually cleared, and we paddled on into full sun. Temperatures rose before the take-out point and being on the water magnified it. But among the shade of these gorgeous trees were blue herons, a red-tailed hawk, and several families of geese, along with turtles on the banks and even some unexpected jumping fish!
With very little current, we paddled along between the shorelines, dotted with bank swallow and muskrat holes, meandering in places where beautiful back-property access points allowed for a view beyond the banks. A couple times I even think turkey vultures spotted me, circling high overhead. But they only followed for a short window before they realized I wasn’t a ready-made meal.
And although there’s very little here in the way of defining what makes this a great paddle trip for any one individual, for me it was a milestone in my learning and enjoyment of kayaking. Prior to this, my only trips on the Grand were coordinated group sunrise and full moon paddles. And although each had their own amazing views and unique nature experiences, developing a community with those who also love the river, this trip was different. It was serene and beautiful, something I could say I did on my own (well, with one paddle partner,) and it was minimally challenging – for which I’m not going to lie, I loved.
I felt happy out there, trying something new, seeing parts of the Grand River I won’t get to see unless I choose to make the trip again. When you drive by it or across it so many times in your life, you tend to almost take it for granted. But if you get the chance to steer your own canoe or kayak, dip your paddle in parts of the river that are seldom seen, tour the back access points and look at what unfolds right in front of you, its almost an indescribable moment of peace and beauty in one. And most definitely something you need to see for yourself. “…5 stars. Would highly recommend!”
Uncommonly Grand 