150 WATER Street N Unit# 1010, Cambridge, N1R0B5
150 WATER Street, Cambridge, Ontario N1R0B5
24 MIDLAND Drive Unit# 100, Kitchener, N2A2A8
24 MIDLAND Drive, Kitchener, Ontario N2A2A8
431 BLAIR Road, Cambridge, N1S2K3
431 BLAIR Road, Cambridge, Ontario N1S2K3
402 LINDEN Drive, Cambridge, N3H5L5
402 LINDEN Drive, Cambridge, Ontario N3H5L5
402 LINDEN DR, Cambridge, N3H5L5
402 Linden Drive, Cambridge, Ontario N3H5L5
452 OLD CHICOPEE Trail, Kitchener, N2A4H2
452 OLD CHICOPEE Trail, Kitchener, Ontario N2A4H2
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How Grand Is Grand
The Grand River’s headwaters are well north of Kitchener-Waterloo, near the small community of Dundalk, Ontario. It flows south-south-east, passing through Luther Marsh (one of the largest inland wetlands in Southern Ontario) and the Grand Valley, expanding to a considerable width near Belwood Lake Conservation Area, tumbling over the Elora Gorge Falls, and stretching down past Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, and Brantford to its final destination in Lake Erie.
It is a long and varied path, over 280 kilometers in length (and over 6,800 kilometers in area), and along the way there are many spectacular views. The Grand River has a large number of tributaries whose names may be familiar to Kitchener-Waterloo residents (such as the Speed River, the Conestogo River, the Nith River, and the Eramosa River), and a wide range of flora and fauna depend on the Grand River’s overall watershed.
Last but not least, the Grand River is ideally-suited for many human activities. Farmland makes up around 70% of the watershed; the Grand River Conservation Authority manages several reservoirs and dams and aims to commission and make use of a hydro generating station in Cambridge by 2022; and many come to the Grand River for leisure activities, from fishing to canoeing and beyond.
See Homes for Sale Near the Grand River in KW
What’s in a Name
The Grand River is evidently quite grand, but one last thing to consider is its legacy in the Waterloo Region. Just to list a few of the things the river has lent its name to: there is Grand River Transit, the public transit operator for the entire Waterloo Region; Grand River Hospital; Grand River Collegiate Institute; Grand River Stanley Park Library; the Grand River North neighbourhood in Kitchener; and Grand River Brewing in Cambridge.
Walter Bean Grand River Trail
We saved this feature for last, because it truly is one of Kitchener-Waterloo’s finest attractions. The Walter Bean Grand River Trail gets its name from Walter Bean, a local businessman and community leader who wanted to make a difference, and believed that his enjoyment of hiking along the Grand River could help bring joy to the greater public.
After his death in 1998, friends ensured a brand new trail along the Grand River would bear his name. At present, the Walter Bean Grand River Trail stretches over 78 kilometers, always next to the river. The path is accessible, enjoyable, and incredibly relaxing, and it offers some of the finest views of the Grand River (not to mention the surrounding natural environments).
You can see the trail map (as well as its 19 primary access points) here – it stretches all the way from the Township of North Dumfries, through Kitchener and Waterloo, and ultimately to West Montrose in the Township of Woolwich. We won’t keep restating it, but understand that the Walter Bean Trail is likely accessible by each of the neighbourhoods we’ll be listing: where you can find the Grand River, you can find the Walter Bean Trail.
A River Runs Through It
So, where are the hotspots in Kitchener-Waterloo? Where can people who love the Grand River and want to take full advantage of it find a home? Well, let’s take a look.
Kitchener Homes Near the Grand River
Starting at the southeastern tip of Kitchener, we have the neighbourhoods of Doon South, Doon, and Pioneer Park, all standing on the .western side of the Grand River. This is home to Conestoga College, as well as one of the nicest areas to take a stroll alongside the Grand River: Homer Watson Park.
Hopping over to the eastern shore (or perhaps taking the Walter Bean Grand River Trail’s pedestrian bridge across –safety first!), we have Pioneer West, a neighbourhood surrounded on all but one side by the Grand River! Grand River enthusiasts can share their passion through the Pioneer Sportsman Club, headquartered here, and enjoy the golf course, too.
Next up, in eastern Kitchener, are several newer neighbourhoods with fantastic access to the Grand River (including the aforementioned Grand River North neighbourhood, and its southern counterpart Grand River South).
Just north of here is the neighbourhood of Bridgeport North, which again offers absolutely stunning views of the Grand River, as well as properties quite close to the water. There are several beautiful parks here, as well as Kiwanis Park, and Carisbrook Drive Natural Area, which is where a chapter of Scouts Canada meets.
Waterloo Homes Near the Grand River
Heading north of the Kitchener/Waterloo border, first we encounter the neighbourhood of University Downs. It’s worth noting that while a long segment of the northern ‘panhandle’ of University Downs runs alongside the Grand River, much of the neighbourhood is not directly adjacent. However, it’s still close enough to walk.
The next Waterloo neighbourhood with direct access to the Grand River is Eastbridge, nearing the northeast corner of Waterloo. Again, residents here can benefit from the beautiful Walter Bean Grand River Trail, beautiful houses (usually averaging around $600,000), and even a few areas with homes a mere stone’s throw from the water (particularly along Woolwich Pl.). Yet another benefit to Eastbridge is RIM Technology Park – a tech centre to the west to contrast with the natural beauty to the west.
Finally, we arrive at Country Squire, in the very northeast tip of Waterloo (the Township of Woolwich stretches out to the north and east from here). Country Squire is a natural haven still within the city limits, and it really has it all: unfettered access to the Grand River, a beautiful golf course, and even the Manulife Financial Sportsplex and Healthy Living Centre. The grand life, indeed!
A Way a Lone a Last a Loved a Long the Riverrun
The Grand River is one of the most iconic parts of Kitchener-Waterloo, and anyone who chooses to live in a home nearby its waters will surely fall in love with the range of activities it allows for (from hiking to kayaking, and so much more) and the lovely views along its shores.
But there’s a long term benefit too: the Grand River isn’t getting any less grand, particularly under the watchful eye of the Grand River Conservation Authority. So by investing in a home near the Grand River in Kitchener-Waterloo, you can count on your home retaining high property value down the line.
Conclusion
We love Kitchener-Waterloo, and we love the Grand River. If you’d like to find a home near its ever-flowing waters – or, indeed, elsewhere in the Tri-Cities and Guelph area – please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to help, however we can.
Written by Will Kummer