Canoeing the Grand River in Spring

One of the best times to canoe, kayak or raft the Grand River is in the springtime.  However certain precautions should be taken to have a safe and enjoyable trip. 

Things to keep in mind before setting out on a spring canoe, kayak or raft trip are river flows and water temperature.   Springtime can be a time of high flows after the winter snow melt on any river and the Grand River is no exception.  Water temperature too can be numbingly cold.  You may be thinking I’m not going swimming – I’m in a canoe, kayak or raft. But you need to ask what if?  Ask yourself how long would I have to get out of the water and get warm if I had a mishap?  In cold moving water you may reach a critical body temperature loss and become hypothermic in just a few minutes.  Even if you get out of the water quickly a cool breeze can cool you down rapidly if you are in wet clothes.  The clothes you wear should be made from synthetic fibres that will dry quickly and hold in body temperature even when wet.  Polar fleece is an excellent choice.  Have a layer of synthetic fibre next to your skin that has a wicking quality.  This type of clothing will get water including sweat away from your skin and will help keep you warmer in damp clothes.  Always dress in layers so that as the day warms up and you start to get warm you can just take off a layer or two putting the extra clothes into something that will keep them dry.  They will be there when you need them later in the day when temperatures get cooler or if you were to get wet.  Remember the old survival saying “cotton kills”?  Cotton tends to take a long time to dry and transports your body heat away from your body.  If you have ever worn soaking wet blue jeans you will know what I mean.  Know the signs of hypothermia and keep an eye on your partner and friends.  Remember to never paddle alone and ALWAYS wear your PFD while on or around the water.

The boy scouts have a saying “don’t be scared, be prepared”  so even if you are going on a short canoe, kayak, raft or camping trip always go prepared.  Check weather conditions if you are paddling on a river such as the Grand, check river flows and water temperature.  In the spring when the ground is saturated river flows can come up quickly even after a small amount of rain so check flows right before leaving on your trip to make sure they have not risen in the last few hours.  Some rivers like the Grand River have reservoirs which may release extra water that will raise river flows.  Know the route you are going to paddle.  Are there any obstacles such as dams that need to be avoided and portaged?  On the Grand River this can be done by checking with the Grand River Conservation Authority.  You can phone them and get river information or check on their website.  A wonderful book in preparing for a canoe trip on the Grand River is “Paddling the Grand River” written by the staff at the Grand River Conservation Authority.  Area canoe, kayak and raft trip outfitters too can provide information on river conditions.  If water and air temperatures are cold take extra clothes in dry bags.  Putting your clothes in a plastic garbage bag and sealing it with the tie and then putting it in another garbage bag and sealing that one works really well as a make shift dry bag. 

Never try to paddle any river if it is in springtime flood conditions.  

Preparing yourself ahead of time will help you have a safe and enjoyable trip.  In late May and early June you will notice a lot of fish thrashing around in the shallows.  These are Carp getting ready to spawn.  They are a lot of fun to watch and occasionally come swimming right up to your canoe, kayak or raft.  Another nice thing about paddling the Grand River in spring before the trees get their leaves is that you will see a lot more wildlife not only in the trees but also on the ground.  The Great Blue Heron nests in the rookery between Paris and Brantford are easily seen when there are no leaves on the tress.  Other wildlife like whitetail deer and foxes can be seen moving along the banks.  If you look up in the trees you may even get a glimpse of a perched bald eagle waiting to catch some dinner. 

A great time to paddle the Grand River or any other southern Ontario rivers is in the springtime.  Just keep a few safety tips in mind like river flows, water temperature and weather conditions.  Always remember when you are in the great outdoors to be prepared for the unexpected.  

So get out and have a truly grand springtime eco adventure in the great outdoors.