CAYUGA—While some thrive on spontaneous adventures and discovering new areas as they go, others need more planning. These people enjoy a good itinerary – and this is where the Grand Watershed Trails Network (GWTN) can help.
CAYUGA—Brooklyn, Zac, Audrey, and Colton Sullivan, Hayley and Tyler Riewald, and Clark, Bruce, and Kelly Potter of Cayuga are shown sitting down for a snack. —Haldimand Press photos by Rachel Vaarkamp. 
CAYUGA—Cassy Toupin, Tyler Willard, and Charlie of Cayuga at the Grand Trails event on November 4. —Haldimand Press photo by Rachel Vaarkamp.
“The inspiration for the Grand Trails Project came from a genuine passion for outdoor and active tourism of all skill levels and wanting to share that with the public. The main objective is to be a resource of ‘things to do’ along the Grand River Watershed and the communities that surround the Grand River,” explained Arianna Lauppe, Digital Marketing Manager for GWTN, who pointed those interested to visit their website at grandtrails.ca for itineraries featuring their five pillars of hike, bike, paddle, taste, and stay.
On Saturday, November 4, 2023 GWTN held a scavenger hunt, which introduced over 120 participants to their organization and to the Cayuga Grand Vista Trail, one of many stops available through their itineraries.
To start the day, Anne Crowe and Janice Vilaca, volunteers with GWTN, addressed the attendees and explained the group’s goals. In attendance was Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley, who thanked GWTN for all their hard work and welcomed those who were participating. Organizers provided tokens to receive refreshments and treats from nearby businesses Talbot Street Grill, the Carolinian Café, and Cravings by Brittany, provided free for all who hiked or cycled the trail and took part in the Saturday event. Attendees were then given a scavenger hunt of locations to take pictures at and were instructed to share those pictures to be entered into a draw.
The event began at the east trailhead, with parking at the courthouse in Cayuga on Munsee Street. Users walked off-road to the bridge to take in the beautiful views of the Grand River, where the path continues over the bridge to a second parking lot off King George Street. Users followed King George to Talbot Street and back into town. Lauppe said the trail “is one of our favourites in Haldimand County” for walking or cycling because of the bridge is “an award winning structure” and because “this trail offers a great balance of quiet, scenic views while also bringing you through downtown Cayuga where people can explore its charming businesses and organizations.”
This ability for Grand Trails’ itineraries to showcase offerings for tourists and locals alike is expected to benefit not only those who utilize the free resource, but the local businesses as well. The project has been made possible through collaborations with the involved municipalities, including Haldimand, which Lauppe said originates from “a shared passion” to show off each special community.
“Our team also works directly with the tourism representatives in each community, so it is truly a labour of love with wanting to share what each community has to offer,” she continued. “The Grand Trails is a non-profit organization, so businesses have the opportunity to be involved by way of sponsorship and can learn more by emailing project@grandtrails.ca.”
GWTN will work with sponsoring businesses based on their needs, with options to be on itineraries, social media, and the GWTN website: “There is no hidden agenda, we truly want these local businesses to shine!”
“We are currently seeking sponsors so that we can build out more itineraries on the website,” added Lauppe. “By June 2024, our goal is to have a sustainable business model in place so that this project can continue to grow and evolve as our communities do. Keep an eye out for our Grand Finale Event in June 2024! You can stay in the loop by following us on Instagram @grand_trails or subscribe to our VIP Insider Newsletter by visiting grandtrails.ca.”
