Ontario Has A Secret 'Canadian Amazon' & You Can Ride Tubes Through A Surreal Forest

You'll feel like you're in a "rainforest."

People floating in tubes on a river.

People floating in tubes on a river.

Lead Writer, Travel

You don't have to go far to feel like you're in a rainforest this summer thanks to this Ontario tubing adventure. The province is home to the "Canadian Amazon" and you can paddle your way through lush, overhanging trees.

Big Creek is a unique watercourse located in Norfolk County. The area has been dubbed the "Canadian Amazon" due to its Carolinian climate and rare flora and fauna.

People floating in tubes on a river. People floating in tubes on a river. Courtesy of @norfolktour | Instagram

You can enjoy this surreal landscape by paddling your way along the river. Grand River Rafting offers several experiences that take you through this lush natural wonder, including kayaking, canoeing and turbo tubing.

The turbo tubing takes you on a 9-kilometre adventure through dense trees that will have you feeling like you're in a rainforest. You can drift along in your tube for some of the route but paddling is required during the trip.

People floating in tubes on a river. People floating in tubes on a river. Courtesy of @norfolktour | Instagram

The company offers single and two-person kayaks which you can also ride down Big Creek. You can take in the sights of the vine-covered trees and unique plants as you float down the river.

All of the paddling experiences include a shuttle ride to the start point, a river map and orientation talk, safety equipment, and more.

People floating in tubes on a river. People floating in tubes on a river. Courtesy of @norfolktour | Instagram

You'll want to pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, snacks, and a few other items for your adventure. You'll also want to wear shoes that you don't mind getting wet.

The Big Creek experiences open June 10, 2023 and you can book your spot online. Grand River Rafting offers paddling adventures at other locations in the province including Paris and Guelph Lake. You can also book Big Creek kayaking tours with companies including Long Point Eco-Adventures and Grand Experiences.

If you're looking for a magical summer adventure then this paddling experience is worth adding to your bucket list.

Grand River Rafting Big Creek

People floating in tubes on a river.

People floating in tubes on a river.

Courtesy of @norfolktour | Instagram

Price: $39.99+ per trip

When: Opening June 10, 2023

Address: 157 Front Rd., Port Rowan, ON

Why You Need To Go: Drift your way through Canada's "Amazon" with these paddling experiences.

Grand River Rafting website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.

  • Lead Writer

    Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.

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