Kayak the Grand River: River Bluffs Park, Cambridge, ON
Experience kayaking on the Grand River, right in the middle of Cambridge. Read on to find out more about this kayak launch point.
Read on for more about what to expect when you kayak the Grand River at River Bluffs Park in Cambridge, or visit our Where to Paddle page for links to more great kayaking destinations in Southern Ontario and beyond.
Our Recommended Trip
Put In / Take Out: 251 George Street N., Cambridge, ON N1S 4X5. GPS 43.37068423915419, -80.32282726137177.
Trip Length: about 9 km up and back, about 2 hours. The dam just below the rowing club creates more lake-like paddling conditions. From the launch, you can paddle up the river – it does shallow out in a few sections, but most times of the year you should be able to meet the fork where the Speed River joins the Grand, about 4.5 km further up from the launch – you may have to get out and pull your boat through a couple of the shallow sections on the way up.
Cost: There were no parking or launch fees. Access point is maintained by the Cambridge Rowing Club.
Degree of Difficulty: Beginner – you can choose do do as much or as little of this spot as you wish. Be cautious of the dam, but if you stay to the north of it, the water was slow moving / still when we visited in August, and there weren’t any currents to contend with, making this paddle more lake-like.
Gear Recommendations
Life jackets and all Transport Canada required safety gear is always a must. Sunscreen and sun hats are definitely recommended when you’re out on the water.
Additional Reading
History of the Cambridge Rowing Club
Link to City of Cambridge brochure about the Grand Trunk Hiking Trail, which is part of the Trans Canada Trail, and which runs from Kitchener to Paris and Brantford
Outfitter Options
None at this location.
More Kayaking Destinations
For more trip planning inspiration, don’t miss our Where to Paddle page for links to more great kayaking destinations in Southern Ontario and beyond.
