About the
Grand Watershed Trails Network
The Grand River, an Ontario Heritage River, flows from its headwaters in Dundalk to Lake Erie, forming the largest river watershed entirely in Southern Ontario. For indigenous people, who called it O:se Kenhionhata:tie or Willow River, the river itself was an important thoroughfare. Much of the river retains the feel of wilderness despite flowing through the cities of Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and Brantford. The river may be canoed or kayaked from Elora to Port Maitland, on Lake Erie.
The Grand Watershed Trails Network is dedicated to creating a network of trails in the watershed of the Grand River, from the source in the Dundalk Highlands to the mouth of the river at Lake Erie. The network includes land and water trails, creating a unique recreational experience. It connects to other major regional trails such as the Waterfront Trail and Trans Canada Trail.
Our Vision: to connect people and communities through heritage, cultural and outdoor experiences in the Grand River Watershed.
To develop the Grand River Watershed as a living storybook of adventure by partnering with all stakeholders to re-connect people and communities with the Grand River and each other, through intertwining trails on and off the river.
To be inclusive of everyone and accessible to people of all ages, interests and abilities in all seasons.
To encourage community-focused cultural, heritage, educational, athletic and spiritual events on and around the river, acknowledging Indigenous connections with the river.
To encourage people to live in harmony with the environment by allowing people to interact with nature and educating them about the ecological diversity of the watershed.
To encourage research into the heritage and ecology of the watershed
We acknowledge that the Grand River Watershed is situated in the traditional territory of the Haudenosonee, Anishnaabe and Neutral People. The Watershed includes the Haldimand Tract, six miles on either side of the Grand River from the source to the mouth, which was granted to the Haudenosaunee of the Six Nations of the Grand River.
