Discover the Beauty of Floating The Grand

Thanks for visiting my website. Having lived in Fergus for over ten years, my family and I have floated just about every section of the Grand River from Belwood Lake to Wilson's Flats and beyond. It truly is a beautiful, serene, and sometimes exhilarating experience (depending on which float you do). Below I've decided to share a detailed explanation of the best spots to go river tubing and paddling along the Grand River in and around Fergus, Elora and the Grand River Valley. I've done the planning so you don't have to and tried to be as detailed as possible. Sorry for the lack of pictures of the scenery on the floats. I don't bring my smartphone with me because I don't want to lose it in the water. It's beautiful - you'll just have to take my word for it. Whenever we have a hot sunny day to spare, we love going for a float on the Grand River.

Before I get started, I'd like to emphasize that everyone should be able to enjoy the beauty that is the Grand River. Please be respectful of others recreating along the river and those that live along its banks. Be smart, be safe, be respectful, and most of all, enjoy!

FLOATING ESSENTIALS

Wear old shoes or water shoes that you don't mind getting wet. DON'T GO BAREFOOT. Every once in a while you may need to stand up and move to deeper water. Shoes come in handy on the rocky river bottom.
Wear a hat, sunscreen, swimsuit and sunglasses.
Bring a water bottle and clip it to your tube. You'll get thirsty during your float.
Lock your bike or bring a second car to park at the end of your float to shuttle yourself back to the start. Or, if you've got a designated driver that doesn't want to float, this makes everything much easier. They can picnic in the park while reading a book as you paddle and float the Grand.
If parking a car at the finish, don't forget to bring your keys (or keys for your bike lock) on the float with you.
Bring your park receipt for any park you may have paid to enter to prove that you've already paid when you re-enter.

SAFETY TIPS

Before recreating on the river be sure to tell someone where you'll be going and when you'll be getting back.
Make sure everyone in your group knows how to swim and is wearing appropriate clothing, footwear, and a PFD (lifejacket). If tubing in the rapids within the Elora Gorge Park, a helmet is mandatory as well.
There are numerous dams, waterfalls and rapids along different sections of the Grand River. Be sure to know where these are located so you can plan accordingly. The trips below describe these sections in detail.
River conditions can change suddenly. Check weather reports and river conditions before leaving. Knowing the Shand Dam river flows and wind conditions is ESSENTIAL and can be the difference between a wonderful float and an exhausting one. Wind conditions are available on any weather app. Shand Dam river flows should be checked on the days leading up to your journey on the GRCA website:

https://apps.grandriver.ca/waterdata/kiwischarts/rf_uppergrand.aspx#gsc.tab=0

NOTE: Float #1 and #2 can be combined but you MUST walk from the end of Float #1 to the start of Float #2 - this is because of the dam at Confederation Park as well as the waterfall in downtown Fergus. An alternative entry point in between Float #1 and Float #2 if combining floats is the staircase leading to the Grand River at Templin Gardens in downtown Fergus.

FLOAT #1 - BELWOOD LAKE CONSERVATION AREA TO CONFEDERATION PARK, FERGUS

Distance: 4km

Time On River: 1 - 2.5 hours (depending upon how lazy you want to be and if you go for a bit of a swim in the deeper sections at the end of the float).

Kayak or Tube: This float is best done with a kayak as their are some slower sections in the beginning and end of the float where a paddle comes in handy. Only river tube this section with flows of over 8 cubic meters / second AND no headwinds.

Float Difficulty: Gentle flows / lazy with small ripples

Ease of Access: Easy

Ideal Shand Dam Flow Rates: 4 - 12 cubic meters / second. Check river flows from the link in the 'Safety Tips' section above.

Ideal Wind Direction: Avoid this float if there are strong winds (30+ kph) out of the south or west. But, flows over 8 cubic meters / second should be sufficient regardless of wind speeds. That's where the paddle comes in handy.

Dangers: Dam at Confederation Park! Exit the river on the grass on the left after passing under Gartshore / Scotland Street bridge. You will have ample time to exit as the river here flows very very slowly and you'll see the bridge approaching from over 600 meters away.

Fees: Belwood Lake Conservation Area entry fee of $8.50 / adult and $3.75 / child (ages 12 and under).

Amenities: Picnic tables, restrooms, beach, playground, grills, lake and views at Belwood Lake. Confederation Park only has a few trails through the woods.

Start River Access: Belwood Lake Conservation Area at 8282 Wellington County Rd 18, Centre Wellington, ON.

After paying your fees at the gatehouse (GREEN icon on the map below [save your receipt!]) turn left as you follow the signs to the swimming beach. Continue to follow the park road to the swimming beach (BLUE icon on the map below) at the end of the road where you will park your vehicle for the day. Alternatively you can park at the lot on the left just before reaching the swim area at the end of the road. Check out the playground and swim area at the beach if you have little ones. Access to the Grand River is marked with the YELLOW icons on the map below. The one is opposite the alternative parking lot and the other is slightly farther backtracking up the road on the left. Before starting your tubing journey consider taking a small path (Purple icon on the map below) to the top of Shand Dam and take in the views (RED icon on the map below).

Description: This is a beautiful and peaceful float which can be enjoyed by all. The river here is quite shallow and slow moving. There are numerous sections where you will want to choose the best path through some rocky sections. Stay away from ripples on the surface of the water as these are caused by the rocks hiding just beneath the water line. Look for quick moving water with little to no ripples. Keep children and those who cannot maneuver well close in case they get stuck on a rock and need assistance. This stretch of the river is quiet as you'll only pass by an occasional fly fisherman along the way. Do attempt to steer clear of their fishing lines. It is essential to have good river flows for this float as water levels can otherwise be too shallow to be able to enjoy the float. Also avoid when strong winds are blowing out of the south. Look for a beautiful day with light winds (or preferably strong winds out of the north) with water flows over 4 cubic meters / second from Shand Dam. Otherwise, sit back and enjoy.

End River Exit: Confederation Park at 295 Queen Street East, Fergus, ON.

Exit the river on the grass (YELLOW icon on the map below) on the left in Confederation Park after going under the 2nd bridge of your float (Gartshore Road / Scotland Street in Fergus). Failure to exit the river will have your tumble over the dam pictured below (RED icon on the map below). Do not reenter the river after the dam as you will tumble over the waterfall in downtown Fergus. Park your car or lock your bike at either of the parking lots along Confederation Park (BLUE icons on the map below) or park legally along the south side of Queen St. E. Take a look at the river and the dam after parking your shuttle vehicle at the end of the float. This will help you know when to get off the river. You will have lots of time to exit the river before going over the falls! Remember, you need to have your car / bike lock keys with you when you get to the end of the float. I usually put them in a ziplock bag and carry them in a pocket of my swimsuit.

FLOAT #2 - BLAIR PARK, FERGUS TO TRESTLE BRIDGE OR BISSELL PARK, ELORA

Distance: 2 - 4km (depending upon where you exit the river)

Time On River: 1 - 3 hours (depending upon how lazy you want to be, where you exit the river, and if you go for a bit of a swim in the deeper sections at the end of the float).

Kayak or Tube: If floating all of the way to Bissell Park you should really use a kayak as the river slows tremendously the final 1 km of the journey. If you wish to use a river tube it is highly recommended that you get out at the Trestle Bridge. River tubing to Bissell Park is possible buy should only be done with a strong tailwind (winds out of the NE) and with river flows over 5 cubic meters / second.

Difficulty: Gentle flows / lazy with some small ripples.

Access: Moderate because of the walking on some steep sections of trail

Ideal Shand Dam Flow Rates: 5 - 12 cubic meters / second. Check river flows from the link in the 'Safety Tips' section at the top of the page.

Dangers: Dam at Bissell Park! Note the warning signs and get out accordingly. You will have ample time to get out of the river as the river is moving very very slowly in this section. There are also a few small ripples along the route, but no real rapids.

Fees: None.

Amenities: Blair Park and Gow Park in Fergus have no amenities other than the trail to get to the river. The trestle bridge parking has a small information kiosk but that is about it. Bissell Park has picnic tables, trails, a scenic bridge overlooking the river (that local kids sometimes jump from against the rules), restrooms, a pavilion, and hosts the Elora Farmers Market on Saturdays during the summer.

Start River Access: Blair Park (GREEN icon on the map below) in Fergus is located at the intersection of Blair Street and Johnston Street S in Fergus. On the other side of the Grand River is Gow Park (YELLOW icon on the map below). Its parking area is located on Union Street W just north of the Union Street W and Craighead Drive intersection.

Drive to either Blair Park or Gow Park and park your car within the small lots at either location. These parks are not well marked and are located within residential neighbourhoods. Please be respectful of the residents. Gow Park has a small parking lot. If going here, park your car in the small lot and look for the trail at the end of the parking lot leading into the woods away from the street. Follow it to the river as the map shows below. If going to Blair Park you'll need to take the trail at the south end of the clearing. Careful making your way down the hill. Once at the bottom of the hill you will turn left at the intersection (as shown on the map below). The river will be on your right. Follow this trail for 1-2 minutes then look for a sharp right. Careful going down this short steep hill to get to the river.

Description: This float is nice but can get a little busier with fly fisherman and other floaters at times. It is certainly not as busy as the rapids in the Gorge (Float #3) but busier than Float #1. If you want a quick float, you can do this one and get out at the Trestle Bridge. If conditions are right you'll be done in 45 - 90 minutes. It's a good spot for small children if you don't think they'll be able to handle a longer float. The river here is quite shallow and slow moving for the most part. There are numerous sections where you will want to choose the best path through some rocky sections. Stay away from ripples on the surface of the water as these are caused by the rocks hiding just beneath the water line. Look for quick moving water with little to no ripples. Keep children and those who cannot maneuver well close in case they get stuck on a rock and need assistance. If you want a longer ride on this portion of the river you can continue past the Trestle Bridge until you get to Bissell Park in Elora. But, beware. Once you reach the Elora Quarry the river slows down to a crawl. And, if the wind is blowing out of the south you'll be using your arms to paddle the final 1km, which isn't great. Only attempt to go to Bissell Park if the winds are blowing nicely out of the north or the winds are calm and the river flows are 5 cubic meters / second or greater. Do not attempt to get out of the river at the Elora Quarry. This is for paying customers only on private land and you will get in trouble if you attempt to go onto their sandy beach.

End River Exit 1: Trestle Bridge at Aboyne Trails Parking at 968 Wellington Road 18 in Fergus.

After 2km of floating you'll come to the first exit point known as the Trestle Bridge (YELLOW icon on the map below). If you've had enough, exit just before the bridge on the right side of the river. Look away from the river and you'll see a steel staircase leading out of the valley (RED icon on the map below). Climb to the top of this staircase and follow the trail leading AWAY from the river to the Aboyne Trails Parking lot (GREEN icon on the map below). Do not walk on the trail that runs alongside the river. After about 3 minutes you'll reach the parking lot. Before getting in your vehicle to leave you may wish to take the staircase in the corner of the parking lot (BLUE icon on the map below) leading to the Trestle Bridge Trail. Turn left onto this trail and walk for a couple of minutes to have fantastic views of the Grand River from atop the Trestle Bridge. Remember, you need to have your car / bike lock keys with you when you get to the end of the float. I usually put them in a ziplock bag and carry them in a pocket of my swimsuit.

Because getting out at the Trestle Bridge (RED icon on the map below) makes for a short float it is quite possible to have one member of your group walk back to your vehicle at Blair Park, a 2km walk. This is a great option if you don't have a second vehicle. And, fortunately, about half of the walk can be done on trails. Once you reach the Aboyne Trails Parking Lot (GREEN icon on the map below) you will continue on the trail as it makes its way to the right rather than entering the parking lot. Follow this trail to Omar Street which then becomes Bon Accord Street through a residential neighbourhood. You'll then enter the Grand River Arboretum. Turn right onto a trail that will take you to the river. Go left on this riverside trail so that the river remains on your right. Follow this trail and before you know it you'll be back at the trails at Blair Park (YELLOW icon on the map below). See the map below for details. If you parked at Gow Park you'll need to cross the Trestle Bridge on the Trestle Bridge Trail and turn left on South River Road / Union Street W which will lead you to your car 2km down the road.

End River Exit 2: Bissell Park's east parking lot (BLUE icon on the map below) whose entrance road is at the intersection of Mary Street and Wellington Road 18 / Mill Street in Elora.

For those who wish to continue on the journey under and past the Trestle Bridge you'll float for another 2km to Bissell Park. Only attempt in ideal conditions noted in the description above. The Trestle Bridge is the first bridge on your float. The second bridge is the pedestrian bridge in Bissell Park (GREEN icon on the map below and pictured below). Once you see this bridge look for the warning sign (pictured below) on the right side of the river (RED icon on the map below). Get out at this signage as there is a dam ahead also pictured below (YELLOW icon on the map below) that you'll want to avoid. The river here is flowing very very slowly so you'll have ample time to get out before the falls. Follow the short trail to get to your vehicle in the parking lot. Remember, you need to have your car / bike lock keys with you when you get to the end of the float. I usually put them in a ziplock bag and carry them in a pocket of my swimsuit.

FLOAT #3 - ELORA GORGE CONSERVATION AREA RAPIDS

Distance: 2km

Time On River: 1 - 1.5 hours (But you can walk to the top and do it again and again)

Kayak or Tube: This float should only be done with a tube unless you are an experienced paddler or are properly guided through the rapids.

Difficulty: Rapids mixed with gentle flows

Access: Easy (But lots of walking)

Ideal Shand Dam Flow Rates: 4.5 - 6.5 cubic meters / second

Ideal Wind Direction: It doesn't matter.

Dangers: Rapids throughout the Elora Gorge which can flip you over! Once you start your journey there is no turning back. Be sure you know how to swim and are confident in turbulent waters. Injuries are rare but can occur. Helmets and PFDs are absolutely mandatory and park staff will not let you on the water without these items.

Fees: Elora Gorge Park entry fee of $8.50 / adult and $3.75 / child (ages 12 and under) and a tubing registration fee of $20 / person.

Amenities: The Elora Gorge Park has picnic tables, restrooms, splash pad, playground, grills, trails, views into the Gorge, and the campground.

Start River Access: Tubing launch within the Elora Gorge Conservation Area Park at 7400 Wellington County Road 21 in Elora.

Drive to the Elora Gorge Conservation Area Park and pay your entry fee at the gatehouse (noted on the park map above). Park your car at the tubing concession (noted on the park map above) located within the park. The Park ranger at the gatehouse can help guide you here. Basically, you drive straight until you come to the T junction just up the road. Turn left and then the tubing concession parking lot is on your right. Park your car here. As you can tell from the map this is approximately the midway point of the float between the tubing launch and the tubing exit. Before making your way to the tubing launch you will need to walk up to the tubing concession and purchase a tubing registration. You will then receive a tubing registration wristband and sign a waiver. Registration wristbands often sell out on weekends. Be sure to purchase these in advance online. You can do this on the Elora Gorge Park's website. Or, if you rented equipment specifically for Tubing The Gorge - The Rapids from a local outfitter called Elora Rapids you are guaranteed the ability to purchase a wristband as part of your tubing equipment rental even if they have sold out for the day. Once registered you can now make your way to the tubing launch. PARK STAFF WILL NOT LET YOU ON THE RIVER UNLESS YOU ARE WEARING YOUR TUBING REGISTRATION WRISTBAND WHICH YOU RECEIVE UPON REGISTERING FOR TUBING AT THE TUBING CONCESSION! To get to the tubing launch simply follow the yellow feet painted on the campground roadway over the bridge between camping sections A and H and then past camping section G. Follow the signage down the stairs into the Gorge to the tubing launch.

Description: This float is a very different experience from the lazy river floats listed on this page. Sure, there are plenty of lazy river sections but the crowds (and there are many crowds on weekends) come for the rapids. The first rapid is the largest, known as the chute. It is located right at the start of the float. Some participants go through it, but most seem to start their float just downstream of it as it is a bit intimidating and can definitely flip you over. USE CAUTION! If you hurt yourself on the first rapid it makes for a lousy journey for the rest of the day. Plus, there are plenty of other fun rapids to come. IF YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO SWIM, AVOID THIS FLOAT. IF YOU ARE NOT COMFORTABLE IN TURBULENT WATER, AVOID THIS FLOAT. If you are under 48" tall you will not be allowed to do this float (nor should you). Once you start your float, you must finish it. Hold on tight and enjoy the ride which is both exhilarating, scenic and relaxing at different times along your journey. Once you get to the end you'll simply exit the river and then must decide whether to head back to the start or to head back to your vehicle. I usually like to get in a couple of runs since your entry and registration are good for the entire day. It really is a beautiful journey, but you must come prepared and know what to expect. I don't bring anything with me on this trip since the risk is too great that I'll lose it if I capsize, which definitely can happen. Leave the expensive sunglasses and smartphones locked in your car and just enjoy being in the moment.

End River Exit: Low Level Bridge (Tubing Exit on the park map above) within the Elora Gorge Conservation Area located at 7400 Wellington County Road 21 in Elora.

Once you exit the float make your way back to the tubing concession making sure that the river is on your left as you walk back. You will pass by campground sections C and B before finally reaching the tubing concession. Once you get here decide if you'd like to float again or call it a day.

WHERE TO GET EQUIPMENT

Our family owns all of our own equipment but sometimes we have numerous friends come along. In this case, rather than purchase a bunch of tubes or kayaks we sometimes rent them. Below are your local options for buying and renting tubes, kayaks, helmets and lifejackets.

Purchase:

Walmart and Canadian Tire typically have numerous helmets, lifejackets, tubes and air pumps on offer. If you are looking to purchase, these stores would probably be your best bet and both are located locally in Fergus. However, this purchase can easily run well over $120 / person. So, only do this if you believe that you'll be using the equipment more than once. Furthermore, many of the tubes for sale at these locations are more meant for lazy floats like Float #1 and #2 and may not be able to handle the rapids that Float #3 has on offer.

Rent:

There are two operators that rent out equipment in Elora as of this writing.

The Elora Gorge Park rents out commercial grade river tubes (no kayaks) along with helmets and lifejackets. Their equipment must be reserved online on their website. Reservations for their equipment open up 3 days in advance and weekends sell out fast. This equipment rental can only be used for Float #3 in the Elora Gorge Conservation Area Rapids.

Elora Rapids also rents out commercial grade river tubes and kayaks with paddles along with helmets and lifejackets. The main difference between the two is that the equipment rental from Elora Rapids can be used anywhere, not just on Float #3 in the park, and they rent out kayaks as well as tubes. Elora Rapids includes a portable pump to inflate and deflate your tubes to fit in your vehicles for ease of transport. Elora Rapids also opens up their bookings for the entire season so if you have a particular day in mind you can reserve the equipment on their website far in advance so that you don't have to worry about it selling out. Elora Rapids also sells out of equipment on weekends so be sure to reserve in advance on their website.