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Paddling the Grand River from Caledonia to Cayuga
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Truly a timeless section of the Grand River and is great for any paddling skill level. Your trip begins at Caledonia dam where
you will pass by the Grand River Mill. This 1850's mill sets the pace for this historic trip. The river between Caledonia and
Cayuga is steeped in history. This is where the Thomson family made their home at Ruthven Estate. Mr. Thomson was the founder
of the Grand River Navigation Company (1832-1871). The company flourished in the mid 1800's with over 100 steam boats transporting
cargo and passengers up river between Buffalo, New York and Brantford, Ontario. As you paddle along you can picture the smoke rising
from the chimney of the stern propelled steamers the "Red Jacket" and "Queen" and the piercing sound of the ship's whistle slicing
through the still air. You will paddle by the remnants of locks and canals that faired the boats around shallow shoals on the river.
After passing through the town of York large building looms on the right bank, a former Hotel from this by-gone era where weary travelers
would rest from their journey up river from the Great Lakes. Near the end of your trip Ruthven estate sits majestically high on the left
back and the ghost town of Indiana, were lock and dam # 1 were and the canal workers lived.
Now the only buildings left standing are the town hall and post office, which is now the Gingerbread Bed & Breakfast.
www.thegingerbreadinn.com This is a great place stop for lunch, afternoon tea or to spend the night. Don't forget a visit to the
Indiana graveyard next door. With it's flat tombstones marking the graves of some of Indiana's 400 residents. A short paddle and your
odyssey comes to an end as we arrive under the bridge in Cayuga. There are a number of outfitters on the Grand River including Heritage
River Canoe & Kayak Company in Brantford they offer guided and self-guided canoe, kayak and raft trips and rentals
on the Grand River. If you have your own canoe or kayak you can have a taxi take you back up to Caledonia for usually a small charge.
There are many grand experiences and adventures to be had on this scenic and historic river nestled in the heart land of southern Ontario.
Canoeing the Grand makes you think you are far away in the wilderness of Kilarney or Algonquin Provincial Park yet you are just one hour
west of Toronto. So if you are looking for grand experiences with a Grand River canoe company or maybe a Grand River rafting company for
that perfect float trip. Let the outfitters at Heritage River Canoe & Kayak Company be your guide to take you on
adventures on the Grand River.
About the Author
Since 1999, Adam Fernley and his family have owned and operated the Heritage River Canoe &
Kayak Company on the beautiful and historic Grand River in Southern Ontario, just one hour west of Toronto. Since opening,
Heritage River has been able to provide thousands of people with safe, fun and educational canoe, kayak and raft trips on the
near wilderness of the Grand River Watershed. They have always provided their customers with the best outdoor experiences
possible. Heritage River Canoe & Kayak Company offers a full outfitting and shuttle service.
We're not the largest outfitter on the Grand... Just the best!
www.heritageriver.com
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