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Bird Watching Along a Canadian Heritage River
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The Grand River watershed in Southern Ontario is a bird watchers paradise. Throughout the watershed of this Canadian Heritage River
there have been 292 bird species recorded. Many of these species breed along the banks of the Grand River.
In the area between Cambridge and Paris, 114 species have been confirmed with approximately 64 of these breeding in this area. With
the breeding season between mid May and August there is plenty of opportunity to observe several species.
Some of the larger common birds you will see include Turkey Vultures, Bald Eagles, Red-Tailed Hawk and Osprey. Common smaller birds
include Baltimore Orioles, Cardinals, Kingfishers and the tiny Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. A detailed list is available on the Grand
River Conservation Authority's web site.
Print it before going - see how many species you can find.
There are several options to view birds in this area. Along the eastern bank of the Grand River, you can walk along the 'Rail Trail'.
This is a well compacted gravel trail suitable for hiking or biking. The Grand Valley Hiking Trail runs along the west bank of the
river. This is a rough hiking trail, not suitable for biking or a leisurely stroll. If you prefer bird watching from the water,
rent a canoe, kayak or raft from Heritage River Canoe and Kayak Company located in Brantford.
www.heritageriver.com. Ask the outfitter where you can stop along the way to walk small portions of the trails.
Whether you are hiking, biking or paddling, you will have a grand adventure along this Canadian Heritage River.
About the author
Brian Gill is a retired canoe and kayak outfitter who owned and operated Two Rivers Adventures in Paris, Ontario. He grew up in
Paris and has been canoeing, kayaking, rafting and mountain biking and hiking both the Grand River and Nith Rivers all his life.
He has also worked as a wilderness guide on trips in Algonquin and Killarney Provincial Parks, and throughout the James Bay frontier.
While operating Two Rivers Adventures he was able to provide thousands of eco adventurers with grand experiences while paddling both
the Grand and Nith Rivers. He always promoted both the Grand River and Nith Rivers as having some of the best paddling in Ontario.
Every spring he can be found paddling the fast water while Grand River rafting in the company of his friends.
He still loves canoeing the Grand, so he now works part-time guiding canoe, kayak and raft trips and nature hikes for Heritage River
Canoe & Kayak Company in Brantford located just one hour west of Toronto, Ontario. www.heritageriver.com
Since 1999 Heritage River Canoe & Kayak Company has offered guided and self-guided canoe, kayak and raft trips and rentals on both
the Grand River and Nith River.
He also volunteers his time working on Grand River rehabilitation projects along the Grand River watershed.
So if you are looking for fun things to do this summer, come and enjoy the great outdoors by canoeing, kayaking, rafting, mountain
biking and hiking the beautiful and historic Grand River watershed, truly one of Canada's wonderlands.
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