JOURNEY THE GRAND. A Canadian Heritage River. Ontario, Canada.

Transcription

1 JOURNEY THE GRAND A Canadian Heritage River. Ontario, Canada

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3 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. 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. Conservation Area Icons Cycling Boat Ramp Camping Boat / Canoe Rentals Canoeing Fishing Food / Park Store Mini-Golf Hiking Hunting Ice Fishing Picnic Sites Playground Sights Sailing Swimming Tubing Windsurfing Table of Contents Experience... Canoeing... 4 Fishing... 5 Trails... 6 Heritage... 8 Shopping Communities & Conservation Areas Fergus-Elora Luther Marsh CA Conestogo Lake CA Belwood Lake CA Elora Gorge CA Elora Quarry CA Guelph Conservation Area info Special Foldout Section: Grand River Watershed Map Guelph Lake CA Rockwood CA Cambridge Shade s Mills CA Laurel Creek CA Brantford Pinehurst Lake CA Brant CA Six Nations-New Credit.. 38 Haldimand County Byng Island CA Grand River Watershed.. 42 Festivals and Events Grand River Country Cover photo Fishing Grand River Country by Robert Ruby Brochure Design by: Launchcode Creative, Cambridge Skiing Printing by: Commercial Print-Craft Ltd., Woodstock 3

4 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 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 CANOEING INFO. More information, including maps showing access points, rapids and portages can be found in Canoeing on the Grand River, available at bookstores, outfitters and online from the Grand River Conservation Authority at For information on river levels call the GRCA at (519) , Ext. 519 or look at the River Data section of the GRCA website at 4

5 FISHING 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. 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 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... 5

6 6 FISHING 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 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 TRAILS There is no better way to see Grand River Country than from the hundreds of kilometres of trails that criss-cross the area. Trails run the length of the river. Many communities have their own trail networks, too, providing visitors with a way to enjoy these cities and towns from a special vantage point. Some of the trails are part of the Trans Canada Trail system. Here s information on the major trails of Grand River Country: The Grand Valley Trail: A marked footpath stretching more than 250 kilometres from the Town of Erin in the north to Rock Point Provincial Park on Lake Erie, east of Dunnville. Parts of the trail are challenging. Web site: Grand Valley Trails Association, Elora-Cataract Trailway: A 47 km trail linking Elora to the Forks of the Credit Provincial Park. It passes along the edge of Belwood Lake and through fields and forests. Finished in stone dust. Wheelchair accessible. Web site: Elora- FISHING INFO. Check the Fishing section of the GRCA website at 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) , Ext Fishing regulations are available at the Ministry of Natural Resources website at fishing/

7 Cataract Trailway Association, Guelph Royal Recreation Trail: A six-section trail meandering through parks, school sites and open spaces within the City of Guelph. It s excellent for walking, cycling, cross-country skiing. Most parts are wheelchair accessible. Web site: Walter Bean Grand River Trail: A 76 km trail through the Region of Waterloo. Most of the trail is complete, although some sections and access points are under construction. Most of the trail is stone dust. Most parts are wheelchair accessible. Web site: Walter Bean Grand River Trail Association, ca/grt/index.html Cambridge Heritage River Trails: A network of trails through Carolinian forest, along limestone bluff outcroppings and through sensitive wetlands. Trails link historic Blair, Galt, Hespeler and Preston and pass sites of 19th century mills, hamlets, dams and railways. Most trails are stonedust, some are asphalt. Most are wheelchair accessible. Web site: cambridge.on.ca Cambridge-Paris Rail-Trail: This 18 km trail follows the Grand River through lush Carolinian Forest with spectacular river overlooks. Finished in stone dust. Wheelchair accessible. Web site: S.C. Johnson Paris- Brantford Trail: A 10 km trail finished in stone dust that is great for hiking and biking. The trail passes through a rare prairie tallgrass area near Brantford. A pedestrian bridge across the Grand provides a spectacular view of the river. Wheelchair accessible. Web site: Brantford Gordon Glaves Memorial Pathway: More than 40 km of trail along both banks of the Grand River through Brantford. Most parts are stone dust, some are ashphalt. Most parts are wheelchair accessible. Web site: www. visitbrantford.ca Hamilton-Brantford Rail- Trail: A 32 km trail running through rolling farmland and forests. Finished in stone dust. Most is wheelchair accessible. Web site: www. grandriver.ca Haldimand County trails: Trails range from paved to natural and run along the Grand River and through parks and conservation areas. A great way to see the Carolinian forests, with their unique plant and animal life. Web site: www. tourismhaldimand.com 7

8 HERITAGE The Grand River and its tributaries have been designated a Canadian Heritage River system, and it is easy to see why. French explorers visited it in the 1600s. The Six Nations people established their new home in the river valley in the 1700s. Waves of settlers, including German Mennonites, Scots, Irish and English flooded into Grand River Country in the 1800s. Their legacies live on in the unique buildings, imposing monuments, national historic sites and intriguing museums and galleries of Grand River Country. Fergus-Elora Elora Centre For the Arts: Painters, singers, dancers, sculptors and composers come here to teach, display, rehearse, create and learn. The historic stone building was once the Elora Junior Public School and is noted for high ceilings, hardwood floors and spacious galleries and studios. 75 Melville Street, Elora, (519) , festival days and events and our heritage gardens all linked directly to the Elora Cataract Trailway. Open daily year round, call or visit us at Guelph Church of Our Lady Immaculate: Built in 1888 by architect Joseph Connelly, Church of Our Lady Immaculate is one of North America s finest examples of a Gothic Revival cathedral and was designated a National Historic Site in Macdonnell Street at Norfolk Street, Guelph. (519) McCrae House: The birthplace of poet Lt.-Col. John McCrae, doctor and author of the poem In Flander s Fields, McCrae House is home to World War I memorabilia and McCrae family artifacts. 108 Water St., Guelph. (519) , Cambridge McDougall Cottage: Learn about the hardworking Scots who made this charming 1858 limestone cottage their home, and view the spectacular hand-painted friezes and trompe l oeil ceilings. 89 Grand Ave. S., Cambridge, (519) , Wellington County Museum & Archives Wellington County Museum and Archives: Designated a Canadian National Historic site, discover history and culture in a timeless setting along the Grand River. Explore exhibits, enjoy annual Doon Heritage Crossroads Doon Heritage Crossroads: This living history museum recreates a rural village and two farms, where costumed interpreters welcome you to the year Over 20 historic buildings, plus period furnishings, farm animals, heritage gardens, 8

9 and demonstrations of daily chores. 10 Huron Rd. at Homer Watson Boulevard, Kitchener, (519) , Brantford Bell Homestead National Historic Site: Built in 1858, this handsome mid- Victorian home served as the first North American residence of the Bell family from Here, on July 26th, 1874, Alexander Graham Bell changed the realm of communications forever with the invention of the telephone. A National Historic site. 94 Tutela Heights Rd., Brantford, (519) , Myrtleville House Museum Myrtleville House Museum: Constructed in 1837, Myrtleville House was home to Allen and Eliza Good, who emigrated from Ireland with their three children. Today, the Myrtleville House Museum is situated on 5.5 acres surrounded by the growing City of Brantford. Visitors can view the family s extensive furnishings, early agricultural and woodworking tools, and family heirlooms, some of which date back to the late 1700 s. The property also includes gardens, a workshop with a blacksmith forge, and a reconstructed ice house, smoke house, and bake oven. Located at 34 Myrtleville Drive, Brantford, ON, (519) , Six Nations and New Credit Her Majesty s Royal Chapel of the Mohawks: The oldest (1785) Native Protestant church in Ontario, dedicated to Six Nations by the Monarchy. Open mid-may to mid-october. 291 Mohawk Street, Brantford, (519) , Chiefswood National Historic Site: This riverside home (1856) is the childhood home of the famous Mohawk poet, E. Pauline Johnson. Open mid-may to mid-october this home is a delight to experience. Chiefswood Road and Highway 54, Six Nations, (519) , Haldimand Ruthven Park: The 1845 Greek revival mansion was the home of the Thompson family. A National Historic site, it is situated on a 1,500 acre estate along the Grand River. Haldimand Highway #54, Cayuga, (905) Ruthven Park Haldimand County Museum and Archives: The museum features archaeological collections, extensive archival resources and pioneer displays, including an authentic 1835 log cabin all located in a scenic park. 8 Echo St., Cayuga, (905) www. haldimandcounty.on.ca/museums 9

10 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. 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! Visit Downtown Guelph for unique boutiques, home décor, antiques, books, toys and more. Enjoy lunch or coffee at a sidewalk café or bistro. Stop into Old Quebec Street, Downtown Guelph s new destination a climate-controlled pedestrian shopping street with old world charm. Visit the Guelph Farmer s Market for fresh produce, flowers and baked goods. For familiar favourites, drop into Stone Road Mall, Guelph s largest covered shopping facility. Cambridge Cambridge is a shopper s dream! There s something for everyone, whether you re a bargain hunter, antiques fiend, fashion fanatic, foodie or home improvement buff. This assortment of shopportunities can be found in riverside downtown districts as well as main thoroughfares like the famous Golden Mile. Enjoy an old-world shopping experience in the city s many one-of-a-kind stores or spend hours exploring 30,000 square feet of treasures at Canada s largest antiques mall. Big box, budget, charming or chic, Cambridge has it all. Our Visitor Centre, open daily, has all the details and coupons too! Brantford Mill Street, Elora - photo C. Bastien Guelph Guelph offers a wonderful range of shopping experiences. The thrill is the hunt! Spend a day in Brantford finding that oneof-a-kind gift, an extraordinary piece of artwork, antique treasure, or specialty ware. Nestled in the heart of Southern Ontario, Brantford is home to one of the largest selections of giftware at Smitty s Old Fashioned Gift Emporium. Farm-fresh produce and fresh cut flowers are among the local offerings available at the Brantford Farmers Market, 10

11 open year-round on Fridays and Saturdays. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Kalista s Fine Chocolates, where artful chocolates and truffles are handmade on site. True shop-aholics will be at home at the Lynden Park Mall. Open seven days a week, the mall is home to 95 stores and services. 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. Shopping in Haldimand County Southworks Antiques, Canada s largest antiques mall, Cambridge 11

12 Fergus & Elora Riverfront shops in downtown Elora 12 Limestone buildings in Fergus Nestled into the banks of the Grand, Fergus offers rich Scottish Heritage, natural limestone buildings, parks, shops and public gardens. Our town is a spectacular backdrop to hiking, cycling, and fly-fishing. Tour the Wellington County Museum and Archives for a taste of the rich history of the region. Join us for world class events all year round including the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games, the Fergus Truck Show and the Reminessence Festival celebrating the music, culture and excitement of the 50s, 60s and the 70s. Enjoy a rare rural treat by attending the annual Fergus Fall Fair held each September for over 160 years. New for 2006, the Canadian Fly Fishing Championships will be held during the month of June featuring some of Canada s Premier Fly Fisher s vying for the National Title. Grand Opportunities celebrates fly fishing and the river at Belwood Lake Conservation Area presented by Friends of the Grand River on June 3rd. Fergus, A Grand Experience, just a cast away from everywhere. Elora is Ontario s beautiful village, where the tranquility of the Grand and its beauty begins a tumultuous ride over the falls and through the spectacular Elora Gorge. Explore our quaint Village Shops featuring original art, antiques, crafts and dining experiences for every taste. Wander the peaceful tree-lined streets on one of our many walking tours and you will discover old settler homes and historic churches as well as artists and artisans at work. Discover your creative side at the Elora Centre for the Arts which hosts many summer events such as Art by the Yard and the annual Elora Fergus Studio Tour held every fall. October is Monster Month and the streets are filled with spooky monsters and other scary events. In November and December you ll enjoy fabulous holiday shopping, and find gifts so unique that everyone will ask you where you got them! Winter is a magical time when snow and frost paint the trees and icicles as tall as a house form throughout the gorge. Join us and you ll see why we feel Elora is a world away a world of the extraordinary. Visit us year round! Visit us often! FOR MORE INFO: For more information on the communities of Elora and Fergus

13 ELORA D I S C O V E R Fabulous Inns and Bed & Breakfasts Charming Bistros & Cafés by the Grand River Horse-drawn carriage rides Unique gift shops Antiques Art Galleries Hiking trails Tubing or kayaking the rapids Enjoying Bach or Jazz at the Elora Festival Historic Walking Tours The Elora Centre for the Arts Harness racing Camping...and the Incredible Elora Gorge! FERGUS A Grand Experience EXPERIENCE Golf with a Scottish heritage Flyfishing for trout Old world pubs Unique gift shops Biking through the countryside Historical architecture Family friendly restaurants Listening to the bagpipes at the Fergus Scottish Festival Exploring the Wellington County Museum & Archives Canoeing the Grand River... or floating in the emerald waters of a limestone quarry!

14 LUTHER MARSH WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA From County Road 109 take County Road 25 north and follow the Conservation Area signs Luther Marsh Wildlife Management Area is a biological treasure tucked away in the upper reaches of the valley of the Grand River. Here on the Dundalk Plateau the headwaters of the Grand River begin. Hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, skiing, nature observation, birding, hunting, canoeing, picnicking and photography are some of the many activities enjoyed at Luther Marsh. Special events, educational tours and research activities also take advantage of the fantastic opportunities presented by the area. There are trails, observation towers, parking areas, picnic areas and boat launches in the 5,200-hectare (13,000 acre) park. In the fall there is a controlled hunt from early September until February on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. There is a meeting facility at Luther which can be rented by user groups by reservation only. Because Luther is a wildlife refuge, camping and swimming are not available. Use of off-road vehicles and horses is prohibited. Because of its special nature, there are times of the year when parts of the area are closed, or when watercraft are prohibited. i (519)

15 CONESTOGO LAKE CONSERVATION AREA 16 km northwest of Elmira, 10 km south of Drayton 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 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. CAMP Book your campsite online: toll-free: ONT-CAMP i (519)

16 Discover even more on the web! Visit our redesigned web site at 16

17 BELWOOD LAKE CONSERVATION AREA 3 km east of Fergus on Belsyde St. (Wellington Rd. 18) 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 and carp. Boat rentals and bait sales are available. Downstream 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. i (519)

18 ELORA GORGE CONSERVATION AREA West of the village of Elora on Wellington Road 21 i 18 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. 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 springfed 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. CAMP Book your campsite online: toll-free: ONT-CAMP (519)

19 ELORA QUARRY CONSERVATION AREA Wellington Road 18 between Elora and Fergus 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. Due to insurance regulations, no jumping or diving is permitted at the Elora Quarry Conservation Area. i (519)

20 Guelph Royal Recreational Trail 20 At the forks of two Grand tributaries, the Speed and the Eramosa rivers, lies Guelph s compact downtown, a wonderful mix of heritage buildings, century-old churches, modern facilities such as River Run Centre and the Guelph Sports and Entertainment Centre, and unique shops and restaurants. New to downtown is Old Quebec Street, a pedestrian shopping street of boutiques and restaurants featuring a retractable roof. On the hill above the city core towers the Church of Our Lady Immaculate, Guelph s magnificent Gothic cathedral, now designated as a National Historic Site. The city s colourful history is on display at McCrae House (a National Historic site), the former home of Colonel John McCrae, author of In Flanders Fields. More information about historic Guelph can be found at the Guelph Civic Museum. Often referred to as The City of Music, Guelph is host to three long standing music festivals: Guelph Spring Festival in April and May, the Hillside Festival in July and the Guelph Jazz Festival in September. The community s many resident artists and musical ensembles Church of Our Lady perform year-round at venues throughout the city. As a winner of an international Communities in Bloom prize, the city is noted for its spacious parks and civic gardens. The floral clock at Riverside Park and the Arboretum on the University of Guelph campus are highlights. Also on the university campus is Macdonald Stewart Art Centre, known for its Inuit art collection and outdoor sculpture park. Beer lovers will want to sample our local craft-brewed ales and lagers at a sidewalk café or pub, and maybe take some home from any of three local breweries. FOR MORE INFO: Guelph Visitor Information Centre St George s Square 42 Wyndham St. N., First Floor Guelph visitguelphwellington.ca

21 From our Farm to You Goat Milk and Cheeses Goat Milk Soaps and Moisturizing Creams 1 km E of Arthur on Cty. Rd

22 FOLLOW THIS SIGN TO THE CONSERVATION AREAS UNSERVICED CAMPSITES HYDRO & WATER SITES FULL-SERVICE CAMPSITES BELWOOD LAKE (519) BRANT (519) BYNG ISLAND (905) CONESTOGO LAKE (519) ELORA GORGE (519) ELORA QUARRY (519) GUELPH LAKE (519) LAUREL CREEK (519) LUTHER MARSH (519) PINEHURST LAKE (519) ROCKWOOD (519) SHADE S MILLS (519) LEGEND M - motorized; NM non-motorized; S store; F food; B boat; G miniature golf; T tubing rentals SEASON Most conservation areas are open to the public from late April to mid-october. Elora Quarry is open from mid-june to Labour Day weekend. CAMPING Campsites are available on a daily, monthly or seasonal basis. You can book a campsite by phone or by visiting our website (see below). Reserving ahead is a good idea for holiday weekends or for your family vacation. At some areas, there are premium riverside campsites and radio-free campsites. To allow all campers to enjoy their visit, there is a total alcohol ban during the Victoria Day and Labour Day weekends. At Guelph Lake, the ban extends from Victoria Day Weekend to the third Sunday in June. At Elora Gorge, the ban covers the entire season. PICNICS Reservations for group picnics can be made by calling the conservation area directly. FISHING The reservoirs and rivers of the Grand River watershed contain an astonishing 82 species of fish.* HIKING In addition to hiking trails in our conservation areas, the GRCA owns four rail corridors that have been converted to trails: Cambridge to Paris, Paris to Brantford, Brantford to FOR RESERVATIONS call toll-free: ONT CAMP 22

23 DUMPING STATION SWIMMING FACILITIES BOATING PLAYGROUND TRAILS CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING CONCESSIONS SIZE (HA) Beach M 3K S 1,347 Pool 1K F-B 184 Pool M 1K F-B 190 Beach M 2K F-B 2,348 Beach 5K F-T 200 Beach F 32 Beach NM 5K F-B 1,607 Beach NM 8K 8K B 294 NM 27K 5200 Beach NM 8K 13K F-B 140 Beach NM 10K F-B-G 79 Beach NM 14K 10K F-B 177 Hamilton and Elora to Cataract.* CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING Skiing is offered at Shade s Mills, Laurel Creek and Pinehurst Lake Conservation Areas. Rental equipment is available. ICE FISHING Ice fishing is offered at Shade s Mills, Guelph Lake and Belwood Lake Conservation areas. Huts are available for rent at Guelph Lake and Belwood Lake. GUIDEBOOKS The GRCA offers a selection of guidebooks, maps and videos for anglers, canoeists, hikers, bikers and day trippers.* *For more information, contact the GRCA or visit our website. GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY 400 Clyde Road Cambridge, ON N1R 5W6 Phone: (519) Fax: (519) grca@grandriver.ca or go online: 23

24 GUELPH LAKE CONSERVATION AREA Northeast of Guelph, off Victoria Road on Conservation Drive 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 The size of the park makes it a popular place for major events, such as the Hillside Festival, the Rotary Dragon Boat Races 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. 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. In winter, Guelph Lake offers ice fishing and ice hut rentals. i 24 CAMP Book your campsite online: toll-free: ONT-CAMP (519)

25 ROCKWOOD CONSERVATION AREA On Hwy 7 in the village of Rockwood, 11 kms east of Guelph Towering limestone cliffs, caves and glacial potholes, including one of the world s largest, are a few of the natural wonders at the Rockwood Conservation Area. You can view them from hiking trails on CAMP Book your campsite online: toll-free: ONT-CAMP i both sides of the Eramosa River or in a rented canoe. There are 45 serviced and 55 unserviced campsites at Rockwood as well as three group camping areas in the 79-hectare (194 acre) park. Swimming and picnicking are popular, and there is an 18-hole miniature golf course. The scenic remains of an old mill have been preserved and are available for rent for weddings and other special events. Two large ponds in the park once supplied waterpower for a woolen mill and grist mill. Today, non-motorized boating is allowed on these ponds, where you can fish for rainbow trout and smallmouth bass. (519)

26 Cambridge University of Waterloo School of Architecture, Cambridge The ultimate Grand River Country experience can be found in Cambridge, as this historic waterway cuts through the very heart of the city. The Grand plays a central role in the many recreational opportunities that are available here and also forms a beautiful backdrop for the shops and eateries that line its banks. Don t forget to bring your camera the city is home to some of the most breathtaking stone architecture in southern Ontario! Cambridge has long been a popular getaway for nature enthusiasts, who are drawn by the outdoor adventures, tropical butterfly conservatory and famous drivethru safari. The shopping choices here are also enticing and endless, featuring brand name outlets, one-of-a-kind shops and antiques galore, including Canada s largest antiques mall! Renowned restaurants include one of the few AAA Five Diamond-rated dining facilities in the country. The city s extensive year-round trail system incorporates forested areas, cityscapes, riverbluffs and wetlands and affords the chance to see such fascinating inhabitants as bald eagles, blue herons and beavers. All trails are very well maintained with wood chip and stone dust surfaces and boardwalks. With names like Mill Run, Linear Park, Devil s Creek, Living Levee and Grand Trunk Trail, the trails hold the promise of discovering beauty and history both. The city hosts several art and music festivals and also enjoys a lively theatre scene. Whether you come for one day or several, you re sure to delight in the natural wonders and fine array of attractions, shops and restaurants. Welcome to Cambridge! Grand Trunk Trail, Cambridge 26 FOR MORE INFO: Cambridge Visitor Centre 750 Hespeler Road, Cambridge (at the intersection of Highways 401 and 24)

27 CHOOSE FROM Make this summer a thrilling one! Holiday Inn Cambridge introduces You Design Your Extreme Adventure Paintball Adventure Package Soar in a Glider Hot Air Balloon Rides Water-skiing Hiking Cessna & Helicopter Scenic Flight Packages Tour Wild Games Reserve with African Lion Safari Packages All packages include One Standard Overnight Stay Breakfast for two, Kids Eat Free starting at $ (not including adventure tickets) All Adventures are located only 15 minutes from the hotel! BOOK IT NOW! or Holiday Inn Drive 27

28 GRAND RIVER COUNTRY features Great Fall Drives 28 Come and explore the beauty and unique heritage of the Grand River one of Ontario s Great Fall Drives. There are fantastic outdoor adventures, museums, shopping and historic sites for you to discover. Make sure to log on to the Great Fall Drives website at to find out how you can discover the Grand and other great trips throughout Ontario this fall.

29 SHADE S MILLS CONSERVATION AREA 412 Avenue Road, east of Franklin Boulevard in Cambridge Shade s Mills has been called the best-kept secret in the city. The 177- hectare (439 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 for sale at the gatehouse. The conservation area has 14 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 and ice fishing. i (519)

30 LAUREL CREEK CONSERVATION AREA On Westmount Road just off Northfield Drive in Waterloo 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 (725 acre) park. There s non-motorized boating on the reservoir and canoe rentals are available. The conservation area offers 83 serviced and 54 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 and the Brick Duathlon. In winter, cross-country skiing is available on groomed and trackset trails. Ski rentals are available. i 30 CAMP Book your campsite online: toll-free: ONT-CAMP (519)

31 PINEHURST LAKE CONSERVATION AREA On Pinehurst Road (Brant 24A) midway between Cambridge and Paris 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 175 serviced and 125 unserviced campsites. 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. CAMP Book your campsite online: toll-free: ONT-CAMP i (519)

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33 Brantford Remember your first catch? The pride you felt reeling in your first fish? Remember long summer days filled with sunshine and swimming, followed by campfires, smores and fireflies? These special memories are what family vacations are all about. The opportunity to create these magic moments for your own family is closer than you think. Just one hour west of Toronto, the City of Brantford is the perfect getaway. Make the Grand your personal playground. Learn to canoe or kayak on this Canadian Heritage River. Enjoy a leisurely bicycle ride on the Trans Canada Trail, which connects you to many of the City s award winning outdoor parks and gardens. Cast your line into the water in hopes of luring in one of the over 48 species of fish that call this stretch of the Grand River home. Indoor pursuits abound in Brantford. Galleries, national historic sites and museums satisfy your need for an infusion of FOR MORE INFO: Brantford Visitor & Tourism Centre 399 Wayne Gretzky Parkway Brantford at Exit 38 on Hwy Glenhyrst Art Gallery culture. Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant features the best of all worlds: Situated on the local trails system, the gallery houses great works of art, and also features beautiful gardens and outdoor sculpture. Plan to visit downtown Brantford to catch a production at the beautifully restored 1919 vaudeville theatre, the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts. After the show check out one of downtown Brantford s unique shops or restaurants, then try your luck at the nearby Brantford Charity Casino. Throughout the year Brantford is home to crowd-pleasing festivals and events. In 2005 Canadian musician Jeff Healey rocked the stage at Brantford s Canada Day Festival. This new celebration promises to get bigger and better with each year. It was on the banks of the Grand River that inventor Alexander Graham Bell first conceived his idea for the telephone. Discover Brantford s inspiring nature for yourself. Unique shopping & dining, comfortable accommodations and more await you. Take a closer look at what Brantford has to offer. The Telephone City welcomes you answer the call! 33

34 Paris to Brantford Exceptional Waters Program Highlighted in recent years is the return of significant wildlife species to the Grand River watershed. This includes eagles and osprey, as well as quickly improving fish populations, both of which are indicators of a healthy river system. Notable among these successes is the stretch of the Grand between Paris and Brantford, which has been designated one of three Exceptional Waterways in Ontario. A community advisory committee works with local municipalities to continue improvement of the river. Their focus is on improving outdoor recreation (especially canoeing, fishing and hiking), environmental health and stewardship. To find out more about this exciting stretch of the Grand River, and the Exceptional Waters Program, log on to 34

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36 BRANT CONSERVATION AREA West of Brantford off Highway 53, to Oakhill Drive on Jennings Road 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 156 serviced and 230 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 36 CAMP Book your campsite online: toll-free: ONT-CAMP (519)

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38 Six Nations & New Credit Six Nations Pow Wow 38 Located 10 minutes southeast of Brantford is the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, 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. Travel back in time to Kanata 17th Century Iroquoian Village and enjoy the traditional games, foods, dances and stories of the Iroquois. Stroll down the pathway to the quiet serenity and beauty of Her Majesty s Royal Chapel of the Mohawk (1785). Stop along the Grand River at Chiefswood National Historic Site, the childhood home of Mohawk poetess E. Pauline Johnson. Enjoy the colour and excitement of the Grand River Champion of Champions Pow-wow held the fourth weekend in July on the grounds of Chiefswood. 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 Tourism or check the website at Located 30 kilometers 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 Pow-wow and The Mohawk Chapel 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 info check the website at com or call New Credit Library at Sponsored by: FOR MORE INFO: Six Nations Tourism Highway 54 at Chiefswood Road

39 Haldimand County The pier at Port Maitland Haldimand County is where the waters of the Southern Grand River meet the waters of Lake Erie offering visitors the experience of both Grand River Country and Ontario s South Coast. Drive the picturesque Grand River Scenic Parkway Tour Route as you make your way south along the Grand River to Lake Erie s beautiful shoreline. Here visitors can enjoy boating, windsurfing, water skiing, scuba diving, swimming or just relaxing and soaking up the sun on one of our many beaches! Our historic and picturesque communities offer small town charm and friendliness. Visitors can also enjoy beautiful country vistas or buy farm fresh produce at one of our many farm and roadside markets. If festivals, FOR MORE INFO: Tourism Haldimand 45 Munsee Street North, Cayuga fairs and events are your style, the County has something for all ages and interests! Stay at one of our bed and breakfasts, visit the many friendly shops and restaurants or explore the rich heritage and culture of the County in numerous museums and historical attractions. Both the Southern Grand River and Lake Erie make Haldimand County a fishing enthusiast s paradise that is renowned throughout North America! With a long automotive racing history, Haldimand County is also a car buff s haven and continues to be a favourite of golfers, hikers, cyclists, campers, birders, boaters, photographers and artists, hikers and sightseers. Haldimand County invites you to have a truly Grand Experience. 39

40 BYNG ISLAND CONSERVATION AREA West of Dunnville, intersection of County Roads 3 and 20 One of the largest outdoor swimming pools in Ontario (0.8 hectares or two acres) is located at Byng Island Conservation Area, west of Dunnville. Close to the pool are a playground and picnic sites. The 190-hectare (470 acre) conservation area has 148 serviced, 235 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. i 40 CAMP Book your campsite online: toll-free: ONT-CAMP (905)

41 Rosa Flora Limited Leading greenhouse grower of... Gerbera Alstroemeria Sweethearts Snapdragons Anthurium Tours Available: Monday-Friday Call Nicole for appointment Phone: ext

42 The Grand River watershed contains the largest inland river system in southern Ontario has a total area of 6,800 square kilometers (2,600 square miles) has a population of close to 900,000 in 38 municipalities consists of the main Grand River and four major tributaries: the Speed, Eramosa, Nith and Conestogo Rivers crosses four climate zones. North to south they are the Dundalk Upland, Huron Slopes, South Slopes and Lake Erie Counties crosses two forest zones, the Alleghenian and Carolinian The Grand River was declared a Canadian Heritage River in 1994 because of its outstanding river-related human heritage and recreational values of national significance. It was the first Heritage River flowing through a developed and urbanized area. There are 82 species of fish in the Grand River watershed. That s 50 per cent of all the fish species found in Canada. The Grand River Conservation Authority, founded in 1938, was the first water management agency in Canada. The Grand River has had many different names. The Mohawks called it O:se Kenhionhata:tie, which means willow river. Early French explorers named it La Rapide or La Grande. For a time in the late 1700s it was renamed The Ouse, after an English river, before it became, finally, the Grand River. In the early 1800s the Grand was alive with ships after locks and canals were constructed to make the river passable as far as Brantford. Cargo and passenger ships made regular runs between Grand River communities and Buffalo. 42

43 FESTIVALS & EVENTS For more information on these festivals and other events visit com or the websites of the communities of Grand River Country. See the appropriate community page for the address. June rd Annual Mudcat Festival Fishing contest, antiques and crafts Various locations, Dunnville July st Annual Hillside Community Festival Music, food and fun Guelph Lake Conservation Area, Guelph June 10 Cambridge Riverfest & Arts Festival Dragon boat races, concerts, games, art shows and performances Dickson and Riverbluffs parks, Cambridge July Grand River Champion of Champions Powwow One of North America s largest powwows Chiefswood Park, Ohsweken June 11 Canadian Rivers Day A national day to celebrate and explore the vital role rivers play June Guelph Multicultural Festival International food and culture Riverside Park, Guelph July 23 Port Maitland Festival of History A Festival of History Dunnville Arena, Dunnville August 4-6 Mill Race Festival of Traditional Folk Music Music, dance, food and crafts Mill Race Park and Galt Core, Cambridge June 18 Reminessence Festival Celebrate the music of the 50s, 60s and 70s Fergus and District Community Centre, Fergus June 25 Jazz on the Grand Live music, food and art Elora Centre for the Arts, Elora June 29 Art In The Yard Chiefswood National Historic Site, Chiefswood Park, Ohsweken July 1 Canada Day Celebrations Parade, midway and fireworks Riverside Park and Preston Core, Cambridge July 4-15 International Girl Guide Mosaic Camp Guelph Lake Conservation Area, Guelph July 5-8 Brantford International Villages A world of food and entertainment Various locations, Brantford July th annual Art By The Yard Outdoor original art show and sale Elora Centre for the Arts, Elora July Cayugafest Art, crafts and music Various locations, Cayuga July 14 - August 6 27 th Elora Festival In historical and natural settings Elora August st Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games Fergus August 4-5, 11-12, Native Pageant Theatre Oshweken August Three Fires Homecoming Powwow Mississauga of the New Credits August Seventh Annual Brantford Elvis Festival Music and performances Sanderson Centre, Best Western Brant Park Inn, Brantford August 30 Snowbirds Air Show and United Way Kickoff Air show and displays Brantford Municipal Airport, Brantford Sept Guelph Jazz Festival Performers from around the world Various downtown locations, Guelph Sept. 8 Fergus BIA Classic Car Show Fergus Sept. 23 Doors Open Brant Tour heritage sites rich in history and culture Various locations, Brantford, Brant County & Six Nations/New Credit Sept. 28-Oct. 1 Caledonia Fair 134 th Annual Fall Fair Caledonia Fairgrounds, Caledonia 43

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