Fall Paddling In & Around Grey County
With the change of seasons on the horizon, we’ve been preparing ourselves for the transition from summer to fall activities. While we’re saying goodbye to hot, sunny beach days on Georgian Bay, we’re not saying goodbye to the water – we’re saying hello to fall paddling!
Some of the best paddling in Grey County can be found along the Saugeen River, with launch sites for kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards at a variety of different locations from Durham to Southampton. The Beaver River, which runs through the Beaver Valley, also offers a range of paddling routes, as do the Nottawasaga River in Wasaga Beach and the Sydenham River in Owen Sound.
If you’re looking to get out on the open water instead – don’t worry! Both Lake Huron and Georgian Bay offer great opportunities to explore the open water in our area… after checking the weather forecast and speaking locals and outfitters who know the water well enough to guide you, of
course! Keep reading for some inside info on fall paddling in Grey County.
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Paddling on the Saugeen River
The Saugeen River is approximately 198 km long and runs from the headwaters in the Dundalk area to the town of Southampton. The river empties into Lake Huron and is one of the most popular paddling routes in Southern Ontario.
Click here to see maps of some of the most popular access points on the Saugeen River.
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Paddling on the Beaver River
The Beaver River Canoe Route stretches 40 km and begins north of the village of Kimberley, ending in the Heathcote area. The Beaver River offers fantastic views, wildlife sightings, and fishing opportunities – it’s the perfect place to connect with nature. Water flow on the Beaver River changes
throughout the season, so be sure to check conditions before you set out!
Download a map of access points along the Beaver River here.
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Paddling on the Sydenham River
If you’re in the Owen Sound area, the Sydenham River offers a great paddle from Harrison Park to the East Boat Launch in the Bay. This route offers scenery that you won’t want to miss, with views of marshland, historical homes, the Niagara Escarpment, and a wide variety of wildlife.
To access a map of the Sydenham River paddle route, click here.
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Local Guides and Outfitters
Looking to rent some gear or arrange for a knowledgeable guide to chaperone your adventure? There are a number of equipment outfitters and experienced guides in the Georgian Bay area. Check them out to discover which one is the right one for you.
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The Launch Adventure Rentals
The Launch is located along the Sydenham River and offers kayak and paddleboard rentals. They cater to paddlers of all experience levels at The Launch, and they’ll set you up with everything you need for your next adventure.
1st Ave W, Owen Sound, ON N4K 4K8 Phone: 226-910-1022
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Eagle Adventure Experiences
Eagle Adventure Experiences is a year-round operation, offering a wide range of guided experiences, including kayaking, canoeing, and paddle-boarding.
608069 12th Sideroad, the Blue Mountains, ON N0H 2E0 Phone: 705-888-2551
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Free Spirit Tours
Free Spirit Tours offer paddling tours of both the Beaver River and the Nottawasaga River. Both locations are beginner friendly and the tours include demonstrations of paddle strokes to help you maneuver your boat. Both locations offer opportunities to see a variety of wildlife, including egrets,
herons, cormorants, turtles, muskrats, bald eagles, beavers, osprey, and more!
Grey Road 13, Thornbury, ON N0H 2P0 Phone: 519-599-2268
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Blue Surf
A promoter of water sports and surf culture, Blue Surf has qualified paddleboard and kayak instructors available to help you find the right gear and get you out on the water. Blue Surf offers the latest and greatest equipment, apparels, sunglasses, footwear, and more.
209574 Highway 26, Craigleith, ON L9Y 0T5 Phone: 705-293-9322
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Thorncrest Outfitters
Located in Southampton, Thorncrest Outfitters has the gear, expertise, and services you need to help you get out on the water. Thorncrest Outfitters offers equipment rentals, including kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, as well as a wide range of products available for purchase.
Access Thorncrest Outfitters’ detailed Saugeen River Canoe Route map and descriptions here.
193 High Street, Southampton, ON N0H 2L0 Phone: 519-797-1608
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