If you like to practice paddling in conditions, there aren’t many locations in Southwestern Ontario where you can launch in sheltered water and paddle directly into waves. The mouth of the Grand River at Port Maitland is one of the best. With a west–east wind, the river lines up with a long fetch across Lake Erie, creating everything from rolling surf to chaotic, crashing water against the jetties.
Launch Site
There are two possible launch sites at the river mouth. We prefer the one across from town — it’s quieter and usually has porta potties available during summer.
Difficulty
This is a location where conditions can easily exceed your comfort level. Boat traffic in the river can be busy. Out on the lake, waves may be challenging or outright impassable — we’ve turned around here after seeing 2–3 m waves breaking directly into the jetty. The rock wall creates confused water that requires solid boat control and good decision-making.
If conditions are manageable, it’s one of the best spots in the region to train in real dynamic water.
Trip Length
Route options vary depending on whether you’re surfing, paddling into the waves, or exploring the coastline. The loop shown below follows the shoreline past the rock formations of Rock Point Provincial Park and returns around Mohawk Island.
Important: Public access to Mohawk Island is prohibited from April 1 to July 31 to protect nesting migratory birds.
The two yellow dots on the map mark decent surfing beaches.
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