CAMP - Grand River Conservation Authority

Recipes for FUN! 

We’ve Got the Recipe For the Good Life! 

We’ve got all the ingredients tucked away in the 

quaint towns of Elora & Fergus! Stir in fabulous 

festivals, fine cuisine, a sprinkle of amazing 

accomodations set in gorgeous scenery, a dash of 

romance along historic streetscapes, a grand 

museum and art sprinkled everywhere, with the 

flavour of exciting gaming and shopping galore! 

We’re serving it up fresh daily, all year long! 

Conservation Area 

Legend 

Cycling 

Boat Ramp 

Camping 

Boat / Canoe 

Rentals 

Canoeing 

Fishing 

Food / Park Store 

Mini-Golf 

Hiking 

Hunting 

Ice Fishing 

Picnic Sites 

Welcome to 

Grand River 

Country 

Grand River Country, in the heart of southwestern Ontario, combines colourful 

historic communities and dynamic outdoor adventures along the 300 

kilometre Grand River, a Canadian Heritage River, and its tributaries. Twelve Grand 

River Conservation Authority parks and hundreds of kilometres of trails provide a 

place to enjoy the great outdoors. Big cities and picturesque villages are great places 

to soak in the history, enjoy unique museums and find that one-of-a-kind gift. 

Table of Contents 

Experience... 

Canoeing .......................... 4 

Fishing .............................. 5 

Birding Trails .................... 6 

Shopping .......................... 8 

Communities & 

Conservation Areas 

Wellington North 

& Luther Marsh CA ........ 10 

Fergus-Elora ....................... 12 

Conestogo Lake CA ....... 14 

Belwood Lake CA .......... 15 

Elora Gorge CA .............. 16 

Elora Quarry CA ............. 17 

Woolwich & St. Jacobs ...... 18 

Shade’s Mills CA ......... 20 

Laurel Creek CA ............. 21 

Guelph ................................ 22 

Conservation Area info.......24 

Special Foldout Section: 

Watershed Map 

Guelph Lake CA..............26 

Rockwood CA.................27 

County of Brant...................28 

Pinehurst Lake CA ............. 29 

Playground 

Brantford ............................ 31 

Brant CA ......................... 33 

Sights 

Six Nations-New Credit ..... 34 

Sailing 

Haldimand County ............. 36 

Byng Island CA .............. 38 

Swimming 

Festivals and Events .......... 39 

Grand Scenic Drives .......... 40 

Tubing 

Grand River Country 

Elora & Fergus Tourism 

www.elorafergus.travel 

Windsurfing 

Skiing 

www.grandrivercountry.com 

Brochure Updates: Lara Vujanic 

Printing by: Commercial 

Print-Craft Ltd., Woodstock 

3

CANOEING 

journey down the Grand 

A River allows the paddler 

to appreciate the majesty of 

the river, its history and the 

important role it plays in the life 

of Grand River Country. 

Journeys can last from a couple 

of hours to several days. There 

are many access points with 

parking. Dams and portages 

are well marked. Camping is 

available at several locations, 

including Elora Gorge, Brant 

and Byng Island Conservation 

Areas. 

Private outfitters offer canoe 

rentals, shuttle buses and 

guiding services. Contact 

local tourism offices for more 

information. 

Generally, the Grand is 

navigable from Elora to Port 

Maitland. 

The Elora Gorge is a haven for 

white-water enthusiasts who 

like to challenge the river as it 

crashes through the limestone 

cliffs of the gorge. 

Downstream of the gorge, the 

Grand offers a pleasant trip 

for canoeists of all experience 

levels. Two famous landmarks, 

the West Montrose covered 

bridge and the Pioneer Tower 

memorial, are reminders of the 

early days of settlement. 

As the Grand passes through 

Cambridge, the paddler is 

presented with the vista of great 

flood protection walls topped off 

by walkways through the historic 

heart of the city. Church spires and 

limestone buildings tower above 

the river. 

Through the Brantford area, the 

setting becomes more natural. Rare 

Carolinian forests line the river. 

Near Paris, the river flows around 

the massive stone abutments of an 

old railway bridge and then through 

the town’s core, where shops back 

onto the river. 

At Brantford, the river sweeps 

PADDLING INFO. 

More information, including 

maps showing access points, 

rapids and portages can be 

found in “Paddling on the 

Grand River,” available at 

bookstores, outfitters and 

online from the Grand River 

Conservation Authority at 

www.grandriver.ca. 

For information on river levels 

call the GRCA at 

(519) 621-2763, Ext. 519 or 

look at the River Data section 

of the GRCA website at www. 

grandriver.ca 

around Brant Conservation Area 

and then through the heart of 

the city. It passes historic sites 

such as the Bell Homestead and 

Chiefswood. The west bank of 

the river is the boundary of the 

Six Nations Territory. 

As the river enters Haldimand 

County, it broadens and slows, 

and recreational activity 

increases. Dinner cruise boats 

travel this part of the river and 

you might even see a seaplane 

make a landing. 

The Grand passes the old 

Caledonia Mill and under a 

remarkable nine-span bowstring 

bridge. The river flows on 

to Cayuga, where Ruthven 

mansion recalls a time when 

cargo and passenger boats plied 

from river’s mouth to Brantford. 

Near Dunnville, as the river 

flows past the Byng Island 

Conservation Area, it is 

bounded by broad marshes that 

are popular with anglers and 

birders. 

The Grand enters Lake Erie at 

Port Maitland. A newly restored 

pier and lighthouse at the mouth 

of the river provide summer 

strollers with a lovely spot to 

enjoy a view of the place where 

the river ends its journey. 

FISHING 

Every year, the reputation 

of the Grand River 

fishery grows. The Grand and 

its tributaries offer almost 

everything any angler could 

want. Whether you fish from 

shore, from the river, from a 

canoe or from a bassboat, you 

can find exactly what you’re 

looking for in Grand River 

Country. 

Fishing is available at all 12 

GRCA conservation areas and 

throughout the watershed. 

Here’s a rundown of some of 

the prime fishing spots: 

• Belwood Lake 

Conservation Area: The 

758-hectare lake is home to 

trophy-sized pike, walleye 

and smallmouth bass. 

Trout are stocked in a pond 

reserved for children under 

13. Boat ramps, boat rentals. 

Power boating permitted. 

Ice fishing in winter with 

huts for rent. 

• The Belwood tailwater 

– Shand Dam to West 

Montrose: The cold water 

coming from Belwood 

Lake makes this one of the 

top trout streams in North 

America. Catch and release 

regulations in effect. Several 

access points with parking. 

continued... 

4 www.grandrivercountry.com 5

FISHING 

continued 

• Conestogo Lake 

Conservation Area: A 

735-hectare lake on the 

Conestogo River with pike, 

perch and smallmouth bass. 

Boat ramps, boat rentals. 

Power boating permitted. 

• Conestogo River tailwater 

– Glen Allan to St. Jacobs: 

An experimental five-year 

program to stock brown trout 

in the river downstream of 

the Conestogo Dam began in 

the fall of 2003. 

While you may enjoy the 

scenic drives listed in 

this brochure, many people think 

there is no better way to see 

Grand River Country than on the 

rustic hiking trails or miles of 

groomed bikeways that line the 

river and link the Grand's historic 

communities. 

• Guelph Lake Conservation 

Area: The lake has 

largemouth and smallmouth 

bass, pike, yellow perch and 

other species. Boat ramps, 

boat rentals. Non-motorized 

boats only. Ice fishing in 

winter with huts for rent. 

• Exceptional Waters – Paris 

to Brantford: Carolinian 

forests line this stretch of 

the river which features 

smallmouth bass, walleye 

and pike. There is an 

emerging population of 

resident rainbow trout. New 

access points with parking 

in Paris, Brant Conservation 

Area and Brantford. Some 

catch and release regulations 

in effect. 

• Southern Grand – 

Caledonia to Lake Erie: 

Smallmouth bass, pike, 

walleye and channel cats 

are found here. Byng Island 

Conservation Area is a home 

base for fishing the river or 

Lake Erie. Caledonia and 

Dunnville dams are popular 

fishing spots. There is a 

wheelchair-accessible fishing 

platform at the Caledonia 

Dam. 

Bird watching, or "birding" as it is 

increasingly known, is growing in 

popularity everywhere. The Grand 

River watershed has much to offer 

the birder, and the trails of the 

watershed provide wonderful opportunities 

to enjoy this activity in 

all seasons. More than 290 species 

of birds have been reported here 

during spring and fall migration, 

and close to 200 species nest - including 

numerous Species at Risk 

such as Bald Eagles that even 

winter along the Grand. 

To marry the activities of hiking/ 

cycling and birding, the partners 

of Grand River Country have 

teamed up with the Ontario Trails 

FISHING INFO. 

Check the Fishing section of the 

GRCA website at 

www.grandriver.ca. 

The book, Fishing Grand River 

Country, is available from the 

GRCA and from area bookstores 

and outfitters. 

Flow information is available 

in the River Data section of the 

GRCA website or by calling (519) 

621-2763, Ext. 2511. 

Fishing regulations are available 

at the Ministry of Natural 

Resources website at www.mnr. 

gov.on.ca/MNR/fishing/ 

Council and Guelph Field 

Naturalists - and with the help of 

the Ontario Ministry of Health 

Promotion, have produced a 

fantastic new brochure and map 

called "Trails Take Flight". 

On the map are listed 20 of 

the best birding trails in Grand 

River Country. Many birds are 

habitat-specific, and the selected 

20 trails represent a variety of 

habitats, including: rivers and 

lakes, wetlands, coniferous and 

deciduous forests, meadows and 

open fields, and regenerating 

farmland and scrubby edges 

(which are surprisingly rich in 

bird life). 

The trails listed are multi-use, 

primarily for walking, cycling 

(bicycles, not motorbikes), and 

cross-country skiing. The level 

of difficulty of the trails varies 

somewhat, but most are easy 

to moderate in difficulty. Some 

are rail-trails with gentle grades 

that are wheelchair accessible, 

while others may have moderate 

slopes, stairs or boardwalks. 

Some are even part of the Trans 

Canada Trail. 

To compliment the brochure 

and map, there is a special 

Trails Take Flight section of 

the website at 

www.grandrivercountry.com 

that gives expanded information 

on each trail, including 

locator and detailed trail maps, 

descriptive text as well as 

samples of the bird species to 

be seen. 

Contact Grand River Country 

at 866-900-4722 for your map, 

or just log on to the website to 

plan your personal trail birding 

adventure. 


SHOPPING 

The Grand River and its 

tributaries were at the heart 

of the growth and development 

of the communities of Grand 

River Country. Water provided 

transportation and power in 

the early days, and thriving 

commercial districts grew up 

along the rivers. With centuries 

of history behind them, the cities 

and towns of the region are great 

places to browse through unique 

shops and hunt for antiques. 

Yet, these are lively, modern 

communities offering all of the 

latest goods in modern shopping 

environments. Wherever you like 

to shop, and whatever you want 

to buy, Grand River Country has 

it all. 


Whether it is fresh baked bread, 

designer men’s and ladies wear, 

a new truck, model trains or even 

a horse and buggy - all can be 

found in Mount Forest or Arthur. 

Cyclists can rendezvous at a bike 

shop in the hamlet of Farewell 

before heading off on a quest for 

the perfect tart or local treasures 

on the Butter Tart Trail TM tour of 

farms, bakeries, and flea markets. 

Restaurants provide a variety of 

meals from family style to fine 

dining. Maps at 

www.wellington-north.com 

Antiquing in Caledonia 

Fergus & Elora 

Nestled into the banks of the 

Grand, the heritage shopping 

districts and our downtowns 

of Fergus and Elora welcome 

everyone. Explore and discover 

hidden gems in our many shops, 

boutiques, studios and galleries. 

Friendly merchants, shopkeepers 

and artisans are ready to assist 

in finding that unique gift or 

keepsake. Follow your nose and 

the aromas of the many river view 

restaurants; cafés and outdoor 

patios are sure to tempt you. All 

you crave is right here! 

Woolwich & St. Jacobs 

From the bustling stores of Elmira, 

to the fashionable boutiques and 

artist craft studios in the Village 

of St. Jacobs, to the colourful 

vendor booths at the farmers 

markets, you’ll revel in the 

variety of shopping experiences 

waiting for you in Woolwich 

Township. A curve in the road 

may well lead you toward another 

potential purchase: fresh apples 

for pie, antique treasures, freerange 

brown eggs, hand crafted 

furniture, quilts, garden produce. 

Wherever you go in Woolwich, 

you will be amazed at what you 

can find in the country as well as 

in its communities! 

Guelph 

Guelph offers a eclectic range 

of shopping experiences.Visit 

Downtown Guelph for unique 

boutiques that offer amazing 

selections in fashion, home decor, 

antiques, books, and toys that you 

won’t find anywhere else. Enjoy 

lunch or coffee at a sidewalk 

cafe or bistro. Stroll into Old 

Quebec Street Shoppes - a climate 

controlled pedestrian shopping 

street with old world charm.Visit 

the Guelph Farmer’s Market, open 

every Saturday year round, for 

fresh produce, flowers and baked 

goods. For familiar favourites, 

stop into Stone Road Mall, 

Guelph’s largest indoor shopping 

mall. 

Brantford 

Locals know that Brantford has 

some great shopping to offer, 

King Street, St. Jacobs 

where you can find a unique gift, 

a fantastic piece of art, or a piece 

of clothing that’s a perfect fit! 

Stop in at the eclectic Decadent 

Decors shop on bustling Brant 

Avenue, a street that also features 

many other unique shops, and 

restaurants like the Blue Dog 

Café. While you are here visit 

Serenity Country Candles tucked 

away at 44 Holmes Street. This 

hidden gem is where you can 

find specialty giftware, home 

décor accents, and guest artists 

who create beautiful hand-crafted 

wrought iron work and unique 

wood items. At the Brantford 

Farmers’ Market there is an array 

of local produce and goods with 

something for everyone - all in a 

great market atmosphere, all year 

round. 

County of Brant 

Spend the day shopping in the 

County of Brant. You will find 

everything from unique antiques 

to quaint cafes, and even an 

amazing craft superstore. Visit 

our charming downtowns for 

the specialty shopping venues 

brimming with items steeped 

in quality, craftsmanship, and 

distinctive detail. 

Six Nations and New 

Credit 

Six Nations and New Credit 

have more than 300 businesses 

providing a variety of products 

and services to visitors and to 

the community. There are many 

places to find one-of-a-kind 

Native design and craftsmanship. 

Our communities are close to 

major centres such as Toronto 

and London, as well as the border 

cities of Niagara Falls, Fort Erie 

and Windsor. Whether you come 

to shop, enjoy an entertaining 

event, immerse yourself in history, 

or to enjoy the quiet reflection 

that nature brings, you are sure to 

experience something unique. 

Haldimand County 

Worn floors squeak and tiny bells 

tinkle over doorways of heritage 

buildings. Haldimand County’s 

small town atmosphere means 

a shopping experience the way 

it used to be...personal attention 

and many one-of-a-kind products 

produced locally. Find unique 

giftware from nautical to country 

and everything in between, home 

and garden decor, collectibles – 

new and antique, fashions and 

accessories, souvenirs, funky art 

and handcrafted originals. 

Serenity Country Candles 



No matter what time of 

year there is something 

to do in the rural Township of 

Wellington North. Visitors enjoy 

bird watching year round or 

spectacular summer events like the 

Mount Forest Fireworks Festival. 

At Christmas, Wellington North is 

the only Township in Ontario with 

two evening parades that light up 

the night to kick-off the holiday 

season. 

Day trippers and cyclists tour the 

award-winning Butter Tart Trail TM 

that leads travelers along the back 

roads for fresh produce, farm gate 

sales of sheep and goats’ milk 

cheeses, collectibles and of course 

over fourteen types of butter tarts. 

The butter tart, a Canadian icon, 

is celebrated during special July 1 

Holiday Weekend festivities. And 

www.wellington-north.com 

519.848.3620 

866.848.3620 

10 

families can cycle the Trail for fun 

and prizes. More details and maps 

at www.wellington-north.com 

The headwaters of the mighty 

Grand River originate at the Luther 

Marsh Wildlife Management Area, 

located in the eastern portion of 

the township. The 5,200 hectare 

(13,000 acre) park is one of 

Ontario’s premiere waterfowl 

migration and breeding areas. 

There are trails, observation 

towers, parking and picnicking 

areas – although access to some 

areas may be limited during 

breeding season and there is 

hunting in the fall. Contact (519) 

928-2832 or www.grandriver.ca for 

Luther Marsh details. 

2009 Layout Final:Layout 1 10/04/09 11:15 AM Page 1 

only half of a 

bed & breakfast experience 

is the bed 

Experience the outstanding breakfasts and beds 

served up by the members of the Fergus Elora Bed & 

Breakfast Association 

.ca 

Setting the Standard 

visit RecipesToExperience.com 

for complete property information and online availability

Fergus 

& Elora 

© Sylvia Galbraith 

Nestled Nestled on the banks 

of the Grand, Historic Downtown 

Fergus embodies its rich Scottish 

heritage through its natural 

limestone buildings, unique shops, 

and excellent waterfront eateries. 

Hike or cycle along the trails as 

you take in spectacular scenery, or 

try your hand at the world’s finest 

fly-fishing. Tour the Wellington 

County Museum and Archives for 

a taste of the rich history of the 

region. 

No one knows how to party 

like the Scots and the Truckers! 

Experience the internationally 

popular Fergus Truck Show, 

with millions of dollars in trucks, 

equipment and enough “rev” for 

the entire watershed! Or enjoy 

Scotland without the airfare, at 

the Fergus Scottish Festival and 

the Highland Games. Considered 

one of Canada’s premier highland 

events, this year marks the 65th 

annual offering of this famous 

Scottish Canadian heritage 

festival. 

As the tranquil Grand River 

reaches the village of Elora it 

rushes over the falls and through 

the breathtaking Elora Gorge. Lose 

yourself in Elora’s quaint shops 

and boutiques, featuring original 

art, antiques, crafts and dining 

experiences for every taste. 

Wander the peaceful tree-lined 

streets on one of our many walking 

or culinary tours. Discover your 

creative side at the Elora Centre for 

the Arts, which hosts many summer 

events such as Art by the Yard, 

Riverfest, and the annual Elora 

Fergus Studio Tour. 

As fall ushers in an explosion of 

colour, you’ll find many things to 

enjoy in Elora. October 1st-11th 

is Sensational Elora. Spirits and 

ghosts are welcome in Centre 

Wellington during October - 

“Monster Month”. You will find the 

streets filled with locally-crafted 

spooky monsters, lantern tours, 

spirit walks and our annual Monster 

March amidst other scary events! 

In November and December you’ll 

enjoy fabulous holiday shopping, 

and hand crafted one-of-a-kind 

gifts. Winter is a magical time 

when snow and frost paint the trees, 

and icicles as tall as a house form 

throughout the Gorge. Every season 

offers something new and beautiful 

for visitors and locals alike. 

Join us and you’ll see why we feel 

Elora is a world away…a world of 

the extraordinary. 

For more information on the 

communities of Elora and 

Fergus 

1-877-242-6353 

www.elorafergus.travel 


CONESTOGO LAKE 

CONSERVATION AREA 

BELWOOD LAKE 


16 km northwest of Elmira, 

10 km south of Drayton 

3 km east of Fergus on 

Belsyde St. (Wellington Rd. 18) 

Conestogo Lake 

Conservation Area is in 

the heart of Mennonite Country 

south of Drayton, home of the 

Drayton Festival Theatre. The 

Conestogo Dam was built in 

1958 to provide flood control 

and water supply to downstream 

communities. 

Conestogo Lake Conservation 

Area occupies over 2,300 

hectares (5,750 acres) that has 

many uses. Campers have 98 

serviced, 91 unserviced sites and 

four group campsites to choose 

from. Boaters can enjoy great 

fishing, water skiing, sailing 

and windsurfing on the large 

Y-shaped lake that stretches six 

kilometres up each arm. 

A swimming beach, picnic area 

CAMP 

Book your campsite — 

online: www.grcacamping.ca 

toll-free: 1-877-558-GRCA 

i 

and hiking trails are available at 

the park. Snowmobilers enjoy 

riding the OFSC trails that wind 

throughout the Conestogo Lake 

property. 

Conestogo Lake offers 

opportunities to catch trophy 

smallmouth bass, pike and perch. 

Brown trout are stocked in the 

Conestogo River below the 

Conestogo Dam. 

Conestogo Lake offers hunting 

on 930 hectares of its land. About 

1,600 ring-neck pheasants are 

released over a two-month fall 

season. A seasonal hunting permit 

is required. 

(519) 638-2873 · www.grandriver.ca 

Belwood Lake was 

created in 1942 with 

the construction of the Shand 

Dam, the first dam in Canada 

built solely for water control 

purposes. The Conservation 

Area occupies 1,348 hectares 

(3,329 acres) of lake, cottage lots 

and recreation facilities. You can 

fish, hike or picnic above and 

below the dam. Large groups can 

reserve picnic shelters or a large 

enclosed shelter with kitchen 

facilities. 

On a lake that’s 12 kilometres 

(7.5 miles) long there’s lots of 

room to enjoy boating, fishing 

and water-skiing. Those who 

enjoy water recreation on a 

smaller scale can swim in a cool, 

spring-fed quarry with a beach. 

The park offers anglers a chance 

to catch brown and rainbow 

trout, smallmouth bass, yellow 

perch, northern pike, walleye 

and carp. Boat rentals and bait 

sales are available. Downstream 

i 

of the park, in the middle part of 

the Grand River, is an excellent 

brown trout fishery, considered 

one of the best fly-fishing 

locations in North America. 

The Elora-Cataract Trailway 

runs through the park. 

Ice fishing, snowmobiling 

and cross-country skiing are 

available in winter. 


14 15

ELORA GORGE 


ELORA QUARRY 


The Elora Gorge is one of 

the most beautiful scenic 

wonders in southern Ontario. 

On both sides of the gorge, 

limestone cliffs plummet 

22 metres (70 feet) into the 

bubbling Grand River below. 

The rocky outcrop, known as 

the Tooth-of-Time, perches 

precariously in a waterfall 

spanning the river. The Cascade 

waterfall, Hole-in-the-Rock 

and numerous small caves are 

located in the conservation area. 

Tubing down the rapids is a 

popular recreation for visitors. 

West of the village of Elora 

on Wellington Road 21 

Tubes, personal flotation devices 

and helmets are available for 

rental at the concession. 

The 200-hectare (500 acre) 

Conservation Area has 234 

serviced and 312 unserviced 

campsites. There is also a 

spring-fed swimming lake 

as well as picnic facilities 

and shelters for large groups. 

Anglers can catch brown trout 

and northern pike in the area. 

Park visitors are advised to stay 

back from the edges of the gorge 

and to make sure their children 

do so as well. 

In order to ensure the quality of 

the visit for all campers there is 

a ban on alcohol throughout the 

entire season. 

The centre of attraction at 

this Conservation Area is 

the “old swimming hole,” a 

0.8-hectare (2 acre) limestone 

quarry encircled by sheer cliffs 

up to 12 metres (40 feet) high. 

This day-use park is treecovered, 

making it a great spot 

for picnicking and hiking. 

You can canoe on the Grand 

River, or fish for yellow perch, 

northern pike and brown trout 

on the southern side of the 

Conservation Area. 

Wellington Road 18 

between Elora and Fergus 

Due to insurance regulations, 

no jumping or diving is 

permitted at the Elora Quarry 

Conservation Area. 




i 



i 


16 17

Woolwich & 

St. Jacobs 

Whether you are planning 

a family outing or group 

excursion, the natural friendliness 

you’ll find here is as authentic and 

refreshing as the waters of the Grand 

and Conestogo rivers that wind their 

way through Woolwich Township. 

Take a drive down the rural routes of 

Woolwich and you will pass laneway 

signs and roadside stands beckoning 

you to buy fresh eggs, maple syrup, 

garden vegetables, fruits and flowers 

as well as handmade quilts and baking 

– straight from the farm. Ontario’s 

last remaining covered bridge spans 

the Grand River at West Montrose, 

and don’t be surprised to see horse and 

buggy traffic. Shop and dine in the 

bustling town of Elmira and be sure 

to drop into the quaint, old-fashioned 

general stores and gift shops that dot 

the countryside in places like West 

Montrose, Floradale and Conestogo. 

St. Jacobs Country has become 

renowned as a shopper’s paradise. 

The Village of St. Jacobs, with its rich 

history rooted in the Conestogo River, 

has fine shops, restaurants and exhibits. 

Explore Mennonite heritage at “Telling 

The Mennonite Story” at the Visitor 

Centre. See a model railway panorama 

depicting the river community circa 

1940. South of the village is St. Jacobs 

Farmers’ Market & Flea Market, with 

500+ vendors indoors and outside. 

(Thursday & Saturday year ‘round, 

Tues. summer market) Steps away, St. 

Jacobs Outlet Mall offers great deals on 

top brands (open daily) and St. Jacobs 

Country Playhouse entertains you with 

year ‘round theatre. New in the Market 

District is Market Road Antiques, 

where you will find a sensational array 

of antiques and collectibles – open 

daily! 

Plan to attend the many annual area 

festivals including the April Elmira 

Maple Syrup Festival, the Quilt & Fibre 

Art Festival in May, and Oktoberfest. 

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the 

wide range of experiences available 

to them: canoeing, fishing, horseback 

riding, golf courses, and nine nature 

trails that wind their way through 

Woolwich Township. For a different 

point of view, try hot air ballooning, 

or visit Waterloo Region International 

Airport in Breslau for a plane or 

helicopter tour. 

Stay the night at one of the cosy inns 

or bed and breakfast establishments 

that pepper the Township. Ask about 

special accommodation packages at 

Best Western St. Jacobs Country Inn, 

Destination Inn & Suites, or Benjamin’s 

Restaurant & Inn. 

Woolwich Township and St. Jacobs 

Country extend a hearty welcome to 

visitors from near and far and invite 

you to return again and again. Begin 

your adventure at www.stjacobs.com 

and www.woolwich.ca 

FOR MORE INFO: 

St. Jacobs Country Tourism 

1- 800-265-3353 

Township of Woolwich Visitor Information Centre 

1-877-969-0094 

www.stjacobs.com 

www.woolwich.ca 

tourism_grand_ad:Layout 1 2/8/10 3:48 PM Page 1 

See you soon. We’ll be 

watching for you. 

Come visit with the donkeys. 

Discover their gentle tranquility, and 

enjoy some wonderful time in an 

idyllic country setting. We’re open 

Wednesdays and Sundays from May 

2 to Thanksgiving. 

6981 Conc. 4 

RR#6 Guelph 

(519) 836-1697 

www.thedonkeysanctuary.ca 

Stories that connect us 

Now open for you to discover 

Gateway to the newly reopened and 

enhanced Doon Heritage Village where you 

can experience what life was like in 1914. 

Sneak peak at exhibits that will open in 2011! 

WATERLOOREGIONMUSEUM.COM 

10 Huron Rd., Kitchener, Ontario N2P 2R7 • Tel: 519-748-1914 


SHADE’S MILLS 


LAUREL CREEK 


450 Avenue Road, east of 

Franklin Boulevard in Cambridge 

On Westmount Road just off 

Northfield Drive in Waterloo 

Shade’s Mills has been 

called the best-kept secret 

in the city. The 169-hectare 

(420 acre) day-use park is 

nestled along the eastern 

edge of the city. It’s a popular 

spot for family and corporate 

groups, with four picnic shelters 

available. The lake is great for 

swimming and non-motorized 

boating, and there are boats 

available for rent. The park also 

has a disk golf course with disks 

i 

for rent at the gatehouse. 

The conservation area has 

12 kilometres of hiking trails 

through a mature hardwood 

forest that winds along Mill 

(Galt) Creek. 

There is good fishing for 

northern pike, perch, largemouth 

and smallmouth bass in the 

36-hectare (90 acre) reservoir 

behind Shade’s Mills Dam. 

In winter, Shade’s Mills 

offers cross-country skiing, 

snowshoeing and ice fishing. 


Just minutes away from 

the cities of Waterloo 

and Kitchener, Laurel Creek 

Conservation Area provides 

visitors with a quiet place to 

relax and enjoy the outdoors. 

Swimming, windsurfing, hiking 

and bird-watching are popular 

activities at the 294-hectare 

i 

(725 acre) park. There’s nonmotorized 

boating on the 

reservoir and canoe rentals are 

available. 

The conservation area offers 

75 serviced and 52 unserviced 

sites, a beach and three picnic 

shelters for bookings by family 

or corporate groups. The park 

is the venue for special events 

such as the Kiwanis Dragon Boat 

Festival. 

In winter, cross-country skiing 

is available on groomed and 

trackset trails. Ski rentals are 

available. 






20 21

Guelph 

Royal Recreational Trail 

At the forks of two Grand 

tributaries, the Speed and 

the Eramosa rivers, lies Guelph’s 

energetic and historic downtown, a 

mix of heritage buildings, centuryold 

churches, and modern facilities 

such as the River Run Centre and 

the Sleeman Centre. Downtown 

Guelph is bursting with independent 

specialty shops and wonderful cafés, 

pubs, and fine dining restaurants. 

Beer lovers will want to sample 

local craft-brewed ales and lagers, 

and take some home from any of 

three local breweries. Explore the 

lively Guelph Farmer’s Market on a 

Saturday morning, open year round 

and offering local produce, food 

and art. 

Guelph’s newest attraction is Guelph 

Junction Express. Enjoy a full dining 

experience, or more casual fare, 

as you see the sights on this two 

hour tour train that departs from 

Downtown Guelph. Seasonally 

themed excursions offer entertaining 

trips for the entire family. 

On the hill above the city core 

towers the Church of our Lady 

Immaculate, Guelph’s magnificent 

gothic Cathedral, designated as a 

National Historic Site. The city’s 

vibrant and colourful history is on 

display at McCrae House (another 

National Historic Site), the former 

home of Colonel John McCrae, 

author of “In Flanders Fields”. 

Guelph is host to many renowned 

festivals, most notably the Guelph 

Church of Our Lady 

Contemporary Dance Festival in 

June, the Hillside Festival in July, the 

Guelph Jazz Festival in September, 

and Hillside Inside in February. 

Resident artists and musical 

ensembles perform year-round at 

venues throughout the city. Wander 

through the beautiful art galleries 

and take in an exhibit featuring local, 

national and international artists. 

Meet the artisans at the annual studio 

tours and pottery shows while you 

peruse their work. 

There is a well-established network 

of recreational trails that cater to 

walkers, cyclists and runners. Launch 

a canoe or kayak in the Speed or 

Eramosa River and take a leisurely 

paddle through the city for a different 

perspective. Pick up a copy of the 

Bicycle-Friendly Guelph map, and 

explore the city on two wheels. 

visitguelphwellington.ca 


Guelph Visitor Information Centre 

Downtown Guelph 

42 Wyndham St. N., First Floor 

1-800-334-4519 

visitguelphwellington.ca 

• Easy access to University of 

Guelph, St. Jacob’s Famers 

Market and African Lion Safari 

• All new Studio, 1 or 2 Bedroom 

Suites with kitchen facilities and 

comfortable living areas 

• FREE daily hot breakfast buffet; 

Tues -Thurs evening Sundowner 

Reception; wired & wireless 

Internet access 

• Indoor pool, fitness centre & 

convenience store 


GUELPH LAKE 


ROCKWOOD 


There’s a lot of room 

for recreation at this 

1,608-hectare (3,971 acre) 

conservation area created with 

the construction of the Guelph 

Lake Dam in 1974. 

The size of the park makes it a 

popular place for major events, 

such as the annual Hillside 

Festival and several triathlons. 

The conservation area contains 

two beaches and 100 serviced 

and 250 unserviced campsites. 

Small picnic shelters are 

available and there’s a large 

shelter on the “island” for 

booking by large groups. 

Northeast of Guelph, off Victoria 

Road on Conservation Drive 

Windsurfing, sailing and nonmotorized 

boating are popular 

activities. There are boat and 

food concessions in the park 

There’s excellent fishing for 

smallmouth bass, northern 

pike, crappie and perch. 

The Rockwood Conservation 

Area is one of the many 

parks within the Grand River 

Conservation Authority’s 

watershed. The 79 ha property 

was acquired in 1958 and 

opened its gates to the public in 

1961. 

Rockwood is one of the most 

unique parks in the Grand River 

watershed. The conservation 

area offers 5km of trails along 

the Eramosa River. As you 

walk the “Pothole trail” see 

some of nature’s most unique 

geological formations, known 

On Hwy 7 in the village of Rockwood, 

11 kms east of Guelph 

as “Potholes”, carved from the 

receding glaciers over 85,000 

years ago. 

Ideal for the beginner or novice, 

canoeing & kayaking is also 

available and allows you 

better viewing of the towering 

limestone cliffs, rocky outcrops 

and small caves along with 

several islands and a waterfall at 

the scenic Mill Ruins. 

Rockwood has 106 campsites 

that offer Full-serviced, serviced 

and tenting sites. Group 

campsites are available for 

organized youth groups. 





i 






i 

There are shelters for family, 

company and group picnics, and 

your group can book interpretive 

nature programs for a small extra 

fee. 


26 27

County of Brant 

PINEHURST LAKE 


Welcome to the County of 

Brant – Simply Grand! 

The County geographically 

encircles the City of Brantford, 

only an hour from Toronto, or 

London. Our many Villages 

and Hamlets will leave you no 

shortage of things to do while you 

enjoy our small town hospitality. 

Since so much of the County of 

Brant revolves around the Grand 

River, be sure to experience it first 

hand fishing, canoeing, kayaking 

or rafting. The pristine waterway 

is enjoyed by thousands of people 

a year. Anglers delight in hooking 

steelhead, rainbow, and brown 

trout plus many other varieties 

of fish. Guided tours and rentals 

are available for a canoe, kayak 

or raft trip down the Grand River. 

For those travelers who bring their 

own gear, there are many access 

points for launching into the 

river. Choose the length of your 

tour, or make it into an overnight 

stay at a campground. Discover 

our area’s best kept secret: the 

deluxe accommodations available 

to pamper you with small town 

hospitality at one of the many 

unique B&B’s. 

The variety of trails provide 

leisurely strolls or fast-paced 

mountain biking excursions. A 

combination of paved, rail trails 

and informal paths make for a 

great escape to the Country. For 

the biking enthusiast enjoy a 

challenging mountain bike ride 

through the backwoods. Follow 

one of many walking paths 

that lead into the County from 

Cambridge or Brantford where you 

may catch a glimpse of some of 

the wildlife and nature throughout 

Southern Ontario like bald eagles, 

white-tailed deer and fox! 

The County of Brant offers four 

seasons of fun for all ages from 

shopping, fishing, swimming, 

skiing, or camping. We invite you 

to enjoy our European charm as 

you browse the shops, or enjoy a 

cold drink while you take in the 

view on a riverside patio. Brush up 

on your architectural knowledge 

when visiting our period buildings, 

museums, and cobblestone 

structures. The County of Brant: 

Minutes from the City, but Miles 

from the Ordinary. 

66 Grand River Street North 

Paris, Ontario N3L 2M2 

1-888-250-2296 

www.brant.ca/forvisitors 

www.brant.ca 

mature Carolinian forest 

A shelters a spring-fed 

kettle lake, where swimmers 

and paddle-boaters can while 

away a sunny afternoon. The 

9-hectare (23 acre) lake has a 

sandy beach and a concession 

stand with a playing field and 

picnic area nearby. Nature 

trails wind through the 

hardwood forest and there are 

good opportunities to fish for 

sunfish and largemouth bass in 

the lake. 

The Conservation Area covers 

an area of 140 hectares (450 

acres) and has 169 serviced 

and 65 unserviced campsites. 

On Pinehurst Road (Brant 24A) 

midway between Cambridge and Paris 

In winter, Pinehurst Lake is 

open for cross-country skiing 

with 12 kilometres of ski 

trails, groomed and trackset. 

Ski rentals are available and 

Pinehurst specializes in renting 

skis to school groups that use 

the area by reservation. 





i 


28 29

Brantford 

Bell Homestead and National Historic Site 

Located on the picturesque Grand 

River, the City of Brantford provides 

visitors the opportunity to enjoy the 

great outdoors every season of the 

year. The river is a great spot for topnotch 

canoeing, kayaking and rafting. 

Fishing and Carolinian bird watching 

are popular, and the Trans Canada 

Trail “hub and spoke” connection 

through Brantford, from Cambridge 

and Hamilton, affords hikers and 

cyclists many opportunities to see 

the area’s award-winning gardens, 

amazing landscapes, and near 

wilderness experiences. 

The City of Brantford’s Cultural 

Network helps to promote the local 

galleries, national historic sites and 

museums in the community that offer 

a diverse array of cultural happenings. 

Explore the work of local artists, 

performers, and craftspeople alike 

in locations and venues scattered 

across the city and in particular in 

our downtown where you will find 

the Brantford Arts Block. 2010 

marks several milestones for the city 

including the 100th Anniversary of 

the Bell Homestead National Historic 

Site which is gearing up for their 

“Homecoming” weekend in July. 

The Sanderson Centre for the 

Performing Arts - Brantford’s most 

famed theatre, is 90 years old. 

Known as Brantford’s Broadway, the 

Sanderson Centre presents musicals, 

concerts, comedy, and community 

events in its authentically restored 

historic theatre. 

While you are here visit Brantford’s 

Twin Valley Zoo. This attraction is 

a great place for the whole family to 

visit. The “Creature Showcase” lets 

children experience some smaller 

animals up-close and personal. 

At the annual Brantford International 

Villages Festival, sample great 

foods from all over the world and 

explore the diversified cultures of our 

community. Multi-cultural clubs and 

organizations showcase their culture, 

through music, dancing, unique 

cuisine and beverages, plus cultural 

displays of costumes and history. 

Plan on visiting? Give us a call at 

1-800-265-6299 and click on our 

website www.discoverbrantford. 

com for all your travel information 

including seasonal sweet deals and 

savings! 

Brantford International Villages 


Brantford Visitor & Tourism Centre 

399 Wayne Gretzky Parkway 

Brantford at Exit 38 on Hwy 403 

1-800-265-6299 

www.discoverbrantford.com 


BRANT 


Brant Conservation Area is 

nestled in a bend of the 

Grand River amid the historic 

communities of Brantford 

and the County of Brant. The 

185-hectare (456 acre) park has 

West of Brantford off Highway 53, 

to Oakhill Drive on Jennings Road 

171 serviced and 200 unserviced 

campsites as well as 31 fullservice 

sites. Kids will enjoy the 

three playgrounds. The huge 0.6 

hectare (1.5 acre) swimming pool 

is great for the whole family. 

Picnic sites are located 

throughout the park, and there 

are shelters for large groups. 

Canoe rentals are available 

and Brant Park is a convenient 

stopping off point for canoe 

trips, offering a great place to 

camp during a longer trip down 

the river. 

Those who want to drop a line in 

the river can go after smallmouth 

bass and walleye. 

i 






32 33

Six Nations & 

New Credit 

Six Nations Pow Wow 

Tourism 1-866-393-3001 or check 

the website at 

www.sntourism.com. 

Located 10 minutes southeast of 

Brantford is the Six Nations of 

the Grand River, the most populous 

Aboriginal community in Canada. 

Come and discover the rich culture 

of the Iroquois or shop for unique 

arts and crafts. Visit the Woodland 

Cultural Centre, stroll down the 

pathway to the quiet serenity and 

beauty of Her Majesty’s Royal 

Chapel of the Mohawks (1785). 

Stop along the Grand River at 

Chiefswood National Historic Site, 

the childhood home of Mohawk 

poetess E. Pauline Johnson. Across 

from Chiefswood National Historic 

Site is the Six Nations Nature 

Trail where you can enjoy unique 

wildlife and Aboriginal plants. 

Located 30 kilometres southeast of 

Hamilton, just off Highway 6, the 

Mississauga of New Credit First 

Nation borders the Six Nations 

community and is home to the 

Three Fires Homecoming Powwow 

and Traditional Gathering 

which is held annually in August. 

The community was established in 

1847 when the Mississauga Nation 

was relocated from their traditional 

grounds on the north shore of Lake 

Ontario where the cities of Toronto 

and Mississauga now stand. For 

more information check the website 

at www.newcreditpowwow.com 

or call New Credit Library at 905- 

768-5686 

Enjoy the colour and excitement 

of the Grand River Champion 

of Champions Pow-wow held 

the fourth weekend in July. Say 

goodbye to summer at the Six 

Nations Fall Fair, the oldest 

Aboriginal fall fair in Canada, held 

the weekend after Labour Day each 

year. For information on events 

and group tours call Six Nations 


Six Nations Tourism 

Highway 54 at Chiefswood 

Road 

1-866-393-3001 

www.sntourism.com 


Haldimand 

County 

Haldimand County is where 

the waters of the Southern 

Grand River meet the waters 

of Lake Erie - offering visitors 

the opportunity to embrace 

the warmth of Ontario’s South 

Coast while they explore the 

scenic Grand River. Enjoy 

boating, windsurfing, kayaking, 

water skiing, scuba diving, and 

swimming - or just relax and soak 

up the sun on one of our many 

beaches! 

Our historic and picturesque 

communities offer small town 

charm and rural friendliness. 

Visitors can enjoy beautiful 

country vistas or buy farm-fresh 

produce at one of our many 

farmers markets and roadside 

farmgates. If festivals, fairs and 

events are your style, the County 

has something for all ages and 

interests! Stay at one of our bed 


Tourism Haldimand 

45 Munsee Street North, Cayuga 

1-800-863-9607 

www.tourismhaldimand.com 

and breakfasts, lose yourself in the 

many artisan shops, and indulge 

in a repast of our local flavours 

and cuisines - or explore the 

rich heritage and culture of the 

County in our many museums and 

historical attractions. 

Both the Southern Grand River 

and Lake Erie make Haldimand 

County a fishing enthusiast’s 

paradise that is renowned 

throughout the world 

With a long automotive racing 

history, Haldimand County is also 

a motorcyclist’s dream, while 

continuing to be a favourite of 

canoeists and kayakers, golfers, 

hikers, cyclists, campers, birders, 

boaters, photographers, artists and 

sightseers. 

Haldimand County invites you to 

have a truly Grand Experience. 

Enjoy the journey! 


BYNG ISLAND 


One of the largest outdoor 

swimming pools in 

Ontario (0.8 hectares or two 

acres) is located at Byng Island 

Conservation Area, west of 

i 

West of Dunnville, 

intersection of County Roads 3 and 20 

Dunnville. Close to the pool 

are a playground and picnic 

sites. The 190-hectare (470 

acre) conservation area has 151 

serviced, 211 unserviced and 

four group campsites. 

Whatever your favourite brand 

of outdoor fun, you can do it 

at Byng. There is a Carolinian 

wildlife habitat that is a perfect 

spot for bird watching. Fishing 

is excellent with channel cat, 

walleye, perch, smallmouth bass, 

white bass, pike, black crappie 

and rainbow trout available. 

Boaters can use one of the three 

boat launches that provide access 

to both the Grand and Lake Erie. 



online: www.grcacaming.ca 



FESTIVALS & EVENTS 

Grand River Country has some of the most exciting, and longest running, 

annual festivals held anywhere in Ontario – many ranked among the best in 

the province. Here is a just a sampling of what there is to do and see by season. 

Contact the Grand River County partner community for specific event dates 

and times, or check them out on-line at www.grandrivercountry.com 

Spring (March through June) 

Elmira Maple Syrup Festival – in late 

March, celebrating more than 45 years of 

sugarbush tours, quilts & crafts, theatre & 

music, maple syrup and pancakes 

Springtime in Paris – annual artisans’ 

studio tour of art and entertainment, the 

first weekend in June 

Mudcat Festival – more than 36 years 

of parades, midway crafts, fireworks and 

music at various locations in Dunnville in 

mid-June 

Contemporary Dance Festival – one of 

Guelph’s unique festivals, held in early 

June 

Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Rally 

– for more than 20 years, a gathering of 

up to 3,000 historic bikes at the Paris 

Fairgrounds in June 

Summer (July & August) 

Elora Festival – musical highlights at 

various locations in Elora on the Grand 

River 

St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market and Flea 

Market – Summer means a third weekly 

market day at this famous year-round 

market 

Fergus Truck Show – Big Rigs and great 

music in this July event 

International Villages Festival – 

Brantford’s early July celebration of ethnic 

food, fund and entertainment 

Champion of Champions Powwow – 

annual late July showcase of Six Nations 

dancing, art and culture, at Chiefswood 

Park near Ohsweken 

Hillside Festival – in late July, more 

than 25 years of folk music in the great 

outdoors at Guelph Lake Conservation 

Area 

Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland 

Games – annual August event ranked as 

one of Ontario’s top 100 annual festivals 

Bell Homestead Homecoming – the 

Homestead’s 100th anniversary featuring 

weekend events at this National Historic 

Site in Brantford 

Cayuga Fest – annual arts, crafts and 

music festival on the banks of the Grand 

in Cayuga 

Brant Charity Airshow – at the Brantford 

Airport, the Wednesday before Labour 

Day 

Autumn (Sept. & October) 

Guelph Jazz Festival – more than 15 

years of this innovative early Sept. event 

Eden Mills Writers’ Festival – early 

September in the historic village of Eden 

Mills, just east of Guelph 

Paris Fall Fair – the start of fall is 

marked with this historic fair on the 

Labour Day long weekend 

Six Nations Fall Fair & Powwow – 

historic and fun-filled annual event, 

the third weekend in September at the 

Ohsweken Fairgrounds 

Caledonia Fall Fair – come celebrate the 

“Harvests of Haldimand” at this annual 

event in the fairgrounds on the banks of 

the Grand 

Taste Local, Taste Fresh – late Sept. 

culinary showcase pairing local food 

growers and restaurants in St. Jacobs 

St. George Applefest – mid-September 

celebration of the annual apple harvest 

Annual Studio Tours – annual fall tours 

featuring artists and artisans in Elora/ 

Fergus, Brantford, and Elmira/St. Jacobs 

Harvest Home Festival – in Oct. at the 

Wellington County Museum & Archives, 

mid-way between Fergus and Elora 

Sensational Elora – a 10 day October 

festival of music, art, drama and film 

Winter (November through 

February) 

St. Jacobs Sparkles – multi-day 

celebration of lights in November through 

Christmas 

Hillside Indoors – an annual winter folk 

music celebration at the Sleeman Centre 

in downtown Guelph 

38 38 

www.grandrivercountry.com 39

Four Great Drives in Grand River Country 

Grand Scenic Drives – Mills, Museums & More 

We were looking for 

something to do with 

the kids last spring, and 

it occurred to us that 

there was lots to see and 

experience in communities 

right close to home along 

the Grand River. 

So we decided to take a 

drive and discover all the 

unique places that make our 

part of Ontario special. 

We knew the Grand was a 

Canadian Heritage River, 

but were surprised to see 

just how many magnificent 

heritage sites, unique 

natural areas, and scenic 

byways were located right 

in our own backyard. 

We came to notice that 

because of their association 

with the river, old stone 

and wooden mills became 

a feature of our trips along 

the Grand. Over the course 

of our travels we ate in 

historic mill restaurants, 

shopped in mills and 

even slept in a mill – all 

located in some of the 

most picturesque riverside 

settings imaginable. 

Trip 1 

Trip 1 – Guelph/Elora/Fergus/St. Jacobs 

One of our first trips went from Guelph, north to Fergus 

and Elora, and then across to St. Jacobs. With so much 

to see, we made this a two day affair, staying overnight 

in the beautiful Elora Mill Inn – located in a historic mill 

right on the brink of the spectacular Elora Gorge. 

Col. John McCrae Museum - Guelph 

We made sure to spend 

some time in the riverside 

shops of the Fergus 

Farmers Market, and 

learned all about Col. 

John McCrae in Guelph 

(author of In Flanders 

Fields). 

Elora Mill Inn 

– Elora Gorge 

On that first weekend, 

we also visited some 

fascinating museums, 

including a special 

art exhibition at 

Wellington Place 

near Fergus. 

Trip 2 Trip 3 

Trip 4 

As part of our journey, we discovered the Mennonite 

heritage of the St. Jacobs area, shopped in the historic Snider 

Mill and visited the unique St. Jacobs market district. 

Maple Syrup 

Museum – Snider’s 

Mill, St. Jacobs 

Along the way we 

took a delightful 

detour to see one of 

the historic icons of 

the Grand River. This 

is the West Montrose 

Covered Bridge in Woolwich Township, built in 1881 and 

the last original of its kind in Ontario. 

40 41


Trip 2 – Cambridge and Area 

With this initial adventure, on the next weekend we went 

on to discover a second trip that took us for a day of 

touring around the Cambridge area. 

Langdon Hall – 

Cambridge (Blair) 

In the morning we 

bought fabric in an 

original Hespeler 

woolen mill, visited 

Doon Heritage 

Crossroads (an amazing 

pioneer village), and ate 

a great lunch at historic 

Langdon Hall. 

Trip 3 – Brantford & Six Nations 

Our third day trip introduced us to Brantford and 

its special relationship with the nearby Six Nations 

Reserve. This excursion included a visit to a special 

exhibition at the Glenhyrst Art Gallery, and a hike 

around the historic Apps’ Mill just outside Brantford. 

Later that afternoon we went for a nature hike across the 

boardwalks at Dickson Wilderness Area, saw Trumpeter 

Swans at Bannister Lake, and rented a canoe to go 

paddling around Pinehurst Lake. 

Southworks Mall – Cambridge (Galt) 

We rounded off the day with shopping in the Southworks 

Antique and Outlet Mall in downtown Cambridge, and 

had supper in the Riverbank Restaurant – yet another old 

stone mill right on the banks of the Grand. 

Myrtleville House Museum 

In the afternoon 

we took part in 

a program at 

the Myrtleville 

House Museum, 

and visited the 

famous Mohawk 

Chapel (the 

oldest Church in 

Ontario). 

Her Majesty’s 

Royal Chapel of 

the Mohawks – 

Brantford 



Trip 4 – Haldimand & Six Nations 

Our latest trip took us all the way to Lake Erie. While 

passing through Brantford, we again visited Brantford 

and Six Nations, this time stopping at the Woodland 

Cultural Centre where they had an exhibition of First 

Nations dancing. We also visited Chiefswood, home 

of Six Nations poetess Pauline Johnson, located on the 

banks of the Grand near Ohsweken. 

Chiefswood – 

Home of 

Pauline 

Johnson 

Venturing south, we then took a tour of the magnificent 

Ruthven National Historic Site near Cayuga. This is an 

historic home and estate built right beside a section of the 

river that was the original Grand River canal. It’s hard to 

imagine that in the 1850s, steamboats used to travel this 

section of the Grand. 

Still More to Discover 

You’d think we were finished our adventures after doing 

these four Grand Tours, but along the way we discovered 

lots of other activities we want to experience on future 

weekend trips. 

We found out that the Grand is fantastic during the 

summer for family canoeing, so we’re going to contact an 

outfitter and see about a day of canoeing from Cambridge 

to Brantford. 

Cycling the 

Rail Trail 

We liked the 

look of the railtrails 

that link 

Cambridge & 

Brantford, 

Elora & Fergus, and in St. Jacobs & Elmira. As a result 

we’re planning a family cycling weekend this fall to see 

the spectacular autumn colours. 

There are plenty of festivals and cultural events, like this 

summer’s Hillside Folk Festival in Guelph, the Elora 

Music Festival, and next spring’s Elmira Maple Syrup 

Festival. The Six Nations Champion of Champions 

Pow Wow happens in July, so we won’t miss that, and 

we definitely want take one of the Grand River Dinner 

Cruises on the river before autumn sets in. 

Ruthven 

National Historic Site 

In the afternoon, the kids swam in the huge 1.5 acre pool 

at Byng Island Conservation Area in Dunnville (one of 

the ten largest pools in Canada). We rounded out the day 

by walking out to the lighthouse, doing some fishing from 

the pier, and seeing the sunset from the beach at Port 

Maitland. 

We’ve traveled to a lot of interesting places, but I’m 

glad we discovered the Grand. It’s so close to home, and 

there’s something of interest for everyone in the family. 

For details of these driving tours, visit the 

grandrivercountry.com website, and click on “Scenic 

Drives”. This will give you a selection of four driving tours, 

with interactive maps that include a complete sampling of 

suggested activities and interesting places to see. 

Happy discovering along 

the Grand this year! 


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