Self-guided rafting trips near Toronto offer a unique way for families to experience a river paddle with significant cost savings. On the Grand River there is a section called the Cayuga Rafting Route where families can raft by themselves. By choosing to raft without a guide and using a map instead, groups can save over $100 per raft.
 
The self-guided trips include the raft, paddles, life-jackets and map. Families meet at the starting point where the raft/equipment is delivered and steering lessons are taught. From there the family paddles 10 kilometers (6miles) to an exit point where the equipment is picked up and the group heads for home.
 
Cell phones are required to be brought by the customer. Because at an assigned marker, the self-guided group calls for a raft pickup, normally 15 minutes before arriving at the exit point. Water-proof bags that float are supplied for phones, cameras, wallets and keys.
 
Upon getting off the river, customers can set up their own arrangement by having a vehicle there or have the local rafting companies shuttle everyone back to their upstream vehicles. Customers arriving in two vehicles can take advantage of a cost savings in shuttling by having one vehicle at each end of the trip.
 
The self-guided rafts hold 8 adults comfortably, plus 3 small children can be added in the middle. These rafts don’t tip over, great for non-swimmers. People can also stand up and move around in them. The rafting trips lasts 3-5 hours depending on how the group paddles, swims and picnics.
 
A favorite self-guided trip on the Grand River is the Cayuga Rafting Route. It offers a beautiful wilderness setting, has a gentle current and only one splashing shelf to shoot over. On the river the day is spent drifting by islands and forests, through pools and gentle swifts. People can pull over to swim in the 2 meter deep pools or float beside the raft. Unlike a city which leaves one exhausted… this wilderness setting breathes life back into the spirit.
 
People are advised not to wear “blue-jeans” because they don’t dry out. If swimming, people are told to wear shoes in the water because of the sharp rock bottom. Other things to bring are hats, sunscreen (30 spf or higher), lip chap, drinking water and swimsuits. Because of the double reflection factor off the water… fair skinned people are advised to wear long sleeves/pants for protection.
 
For those unfamiliar with the Grand River, it is located half ways between Toronto and London. The self-guided rafting section is just off the 403 Highway near Paris-Brantford.
 
The costs for a days rafting is around $125 per raft plus tax. Reservations with most companies are required. The trips are good for infants to grand parents. These self-guided rafting trips are a great way for families to “Experience Everything Together” at a reasonable cost.
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