The Grand River

a Canadian Heritage River recognized as one of the World's Best Managed Waterways world renowned for its natural beauty and known as the place to white water kayak, canoe and fish in southern Ontario camping, hiking, and cycling are featured along the extensive network of trails, in local conservation areas and parks along the watershed

The Grand River offers fishing, canoeing, white water rafting and other exciting water sports.

Sports and Facilities

The region's municipalities have some of the best sports programs in Canada for children and adults. More than 30 minor sport organizations and numerous adult groups organize affordable recreational, instructional and competitive programs from local to international calibre. From basketball to waterpolo, there is an activity for every sport enthusiast,including mentally and physically challenged individuals.

Because of its many sport facilities and dedicated volunteers, the area has hosted several Provincial, Canadian and International competitions.Some examples include: baseball, softball, lacrosse, track and field, speed skating, and waterpolo Ontario Championships; Ontario Summer Games, Women's Softball, Precision Skating, and Ringette Canadian Championships; and the World Junior Figure Skating Championships.

In addition to sports activities within each city, there are a number of major parks and conservation areas maintained by the parks and recreation departments of Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge, the Grand River Conservation Authority, and various private park owners, including:

• 265 parks, including the new RIM Park in Waterloo
• Downhill skiing at Chicopee Ski Club
• 5 Conservation areas: Chilligo, Conestoga Lake, Dumfries, Laurel Creek and Shade's Mills
• 22 Arenas, including the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, home of the Kitchener Rangers
• 15 Golf Courses
• 19 Pools
• and more than 3,065 acres of parkland