Paddling and Fishing

County of Brant River Access Points are now open

2021 Update
Please read our latest update - County of Brant introduces Seasonal Residential Parking Permit System for River Access Zones

This includes:

• The Eric Thomlinson River Access on Forbes Drive, Glen Morris
• Penmans Dam (north of the dam), 116 Willow St. Paris
• The Bean Park River Access

For information on the Grand River Conservation Authority Park River Access Points please visit their website.

Additional information:

• No commercial river access permits are being issued at this time.
• Use may occur between 9:00 am - 6:00 pm, 7 days per week, launches must occur by 2:00 pm daily
• Groups (of five people or less) must practice physical distancing from other groups
• Practice physical distancing when using the boardwalk and stairs

Canoeing, Rafting, Kayaking & fishing and home to the only tract Carolinian Forest in Canada, where the vegetation & bird life of the deep south flourishes north of the border, the County of Brant is quickly becoming known as a premier destination for water-sport enthusiasts from around the world.

Paddling

Because the Grand River has stretches of both fast and slow current, you can enjoy a slow sightseeing canoe or kayak ride or an exciting whitewater rafting adventure on the Grand and Nith Rivers.  Local outfitters operating on the Grand River offer trips and services:

• Grand Experiences Canoe and Kayak Outfitters - Paris
• Grand River Rafting Company - Paris

Paddling trips take you to the Three Sisters stone bridge columns from the 1850s, downtown Paris and the "Forks of the Grand" where the Nith and Grand River meet, to bald eagles nesting along the shores, and Chiefswood National Historic Site, the only remaining pre-Confederation Indian mansion in Ontario.

View our Outdoor Adventure Map for full details on these paddling adventures and more.

Where to Paddle in Brant:

Glen Morris to Paris - 13 km - Paddle time: 2.5-3.5 hrs
Experience: Class 1 rapids, body surfing, drink from a natural spring
Map this Route

Penmans Dam (Paris) to Brant Park - 14 km - Paddle Time: 3-4 hrs
Experience: Gentle rapids great for body surfing.  Exceptional water section of the Grand are excellent for fishing.
Map this Route

Fishing

Did you know that Canadian Fly Fishing magazine rates the Grand River and Whiteman's Creek as the top 1 & 2 do it yourself Fly-Fishing destinations in Ontario.

The Grand River is home to a strong habitat of fish. When you are fishing here you will have access to miles of shoreline on the Grand River as well as an abundance of small creeks and ponds. The local fish population includes:

Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Northern Pike, Catfish, Carp

Several fish species at risk including black redhorse and river redhorse also live in the Grand River.

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) has more information about fishing here.

The Mt. Pleasant Nature Park located at 755 Mt. Pleasant Rd it the former site of the first provincial fish hatchery is a 25 acres park with 3 stocked ponds as well as trails and a picnic area.

It is important to know about the fishing regulations and seasons before you fish. They are available on the Fish Ontario section of the Ministry of Natural Resources website.

Exceptional Waters

Grand River in between Penmans Dam in Paris and Cockshutt Bridge in Brantford is an Exceptional Water area. This means this section of the river has an outstanding quality. Learn more about our area's exceptional waters, trails, parking and river access points in the Exceptional Waters Map.

Local Fishing Guides

Grand River Outfitting & Fly Shop offers fishing gear, accessories as well as guided float trips, classes and group events.

Fly Water Guiding and Instruction offers fly fishing guiding and instruction on the Grand and Saugeen Rivers.

Boating

BOATsmart!

A Pleasure Craft Operator Card is required to operate power-driven boats and watercraft in Canada - It's The Law. Every person who operates a motorized boat in Canada must obtain proof of competency.
You can obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, commonly known as a boat license by passing a Transport Canada Accredited boating safety test - View the BOATsmart! website for more information.
Getting your Operator Card proves that you are a competent boater and ensures that you understand Canada's navigation rules and how to boat safely.

Hunting in Brant

View the County of Brant Firearms By-Law page.

Brant Rod & Gun Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to promote the welfare of all, through conservation, education and renewable natural resources.