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Boating and paddling

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Boat launch at Conestogo Lake

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Boating and paddling - Grand River Conservation Areas

Many of our conservation areas are excellent places to get out on the water. Enjoy a leisurely hour or two in a canoe or kayak, let the wind carry you across the water in a sailboat, or spend a day fishing for a prize catch in a power boat. 

Canoes, kayaks and paddleboats in Grand River Conservation Areas

Paddling is popular at Grand River Conservation Areas. You can bring your own craft or rent one from us.

Canoes, kayaks and paddleboats can be rented at many Grand River Conservation Areas. Check individual conservation areas pages to learn what watercraft is available to rent, including rental fees. (Note: there are no rentals at Luther Marsh, Elora Gorge and Elora Quarry. Watercraft are not permitted at Elora Quarry.)
Motor and sail boats in Grand River Conservation Areas
  • Belwood Lake, Fergus: Ideal for sailing, power boating and water skiing. The water level in the reservoir can vary, so please check at the gatehouse or call the conservation area directly for hazard areas after Labour Day, when the level is normally lower. 
  • Byng Island, Dunnville: Power and sailboats can access the Grand River (above and below the Dunnville Dam) and Lake Erie from three boat ramps in the conservation area. Lake Erie is about seven kilometres downstream.
  • Conestogo Lake, Drayton: The reservoir is great for sailing, power boating and water skiing. The water level in the reservoir can vary, so please check at the gatehouse or call the conservation area directly for hazard areas after Labour Day, when the level is normally lower. 
  • Guelph Lake, Guelph: Sailing and electric trolling motors only. No power boats. Three boat ramps including two with docks.
  • Laurel Creek, Waterloo: Sailing, windsurfing and electric trolling motors allowed. No power boats.
  • Luther Marsh: Motor boats are allowed after Sept. 1. Engines must be 25 horsepower or less.  For safety reasons, a boat access form including emergency contact information must be completed by anyone using any watercraft at Luther Marsh. Download the Luther Marsh boat registration form (600 KB PDF) or fill one out at the kiosk.
 Grand River Conservation Areas Boat Launch Season Pass
A boat launch season pass is available for boating at both Conestogo Lake and Belwood Lake. The pass can be purchased at either conservation area during their operating season, and provides access to boat launch facilities during the conservation area operating hours. Day-use admission is not included in the boat launch season pass fee. For more information, please contact Belwood Lake or Conestogo Lake. 
Clean boating practices
To prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species, please make sure you clean your boat, trailer and gear. Learn more at the website of the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change.

Boating and paddling on the Grand River

Canoes, kayaks and power boats

Canoes and kayaks

Paddling is a popular sport on the Grand and major tributaries including the Nith, Conestogo, Speed and Eramosa rivers. Visit this page for information on routes and access points.

Suitability of river flows for paddling and paddling times depend on the experience and equipment of the paddler and the conditions at the time. If you are unsure about suitability, you may wish to use a canoe outfitter. Depending on the company, outfitter services include rentals, shuttles to and from access points, guides, lessons and overnight accommodation for multi-day trips.

Power boats

Sections of the southern Grand River are suitable for power boats and there are several boat ramps in that area. For more information visit the Tourism Haldimand website where you can find maps and brochures with boating information.

Stay safe! 

Boating and paddling safety

Make safety a priority. Read boating and paddling safety information on our Water safety and Safety around dams webpages.
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