Trail Systems in Grand Valley

Upper Grand Trailway

The Town of Grand Valley is Nature's Playground. Our system of trails offers one way to get out to experience this playground, and we're working on ways to expand! The attached map shows the walkways and paths throughout the village - village trails map. The Town also owns the former CP Rail line running near the southern boarder of the municipality, and a dedicated group of volunteers maintains the trail for users in all seasons. See below for information on the Upper Grand Trailway.

The Upper Grand Trailway is a 4 season nature trail that is 10.5 km in length. The old abandoned CPR line has been lovingly resurfaced to provide hikers, cyclists, cross country skiers and horseback riders access to the wonders of the countryside. It also accommodates snowmobilers with a valid permit in the winter season, but motorized vehicles are otherwise forbidden.

About the Trailway

The Trail begins at Waldemar and runs westward, crossing over a unique brick-lined culvert that was built in the early 1900s. The Boyne Creek runs through this culvert to join up with the Grand River. As the trail winds westward, you reach County Rd. 125. Here you can take a side tour by sidewalk heading north into the quaint village of Grand Valley to enjoy the friendly hospitality. Notice the Grand River heads north with you. Once back on the Trail, you can continue to head westward and you will see the old train station which is now a private residence. Further down the trail to the west, is a new bridge over the Boyne Creek. This bridge was funded by a Trillium Foundation Grant.

When you reach concession 24/25, you can either follow the gravel road north to the Luther Marsh or you can continue on the trail to the East/West Luther Townline where, as of 2018, it meets the West Luther Trailway that continues along the former rail corridor to Arthur.

Rehabilitation of the Upper Grand Trailway (2022)

History of the Upper Grand Trailway

The railroad corridor actually predates "Grand Valley". Grand Valley went through a variety of names (including simply "Luther", as it is shown on this map from the 1880s) before settling on Grand Valley in the 1890s.

The Upper Grand Trailway is built on a foundation of 150 years of transportation history. The former Toronto Grey and Bruce Railway line was built in 1870, leased by the CPR in 1883 and served East Luther Grand Valley until August 13, 1984 when the last freight train passed through our community.

For over a decade there was no official use for the rail corridor. The rails were ripped up and the bridges were allowed to fall into disrepair.

Ownership of the right of way was transferred to the Township of East Luther Grand Valley (now the Town of Grand Valley) on February 9, 1998 and remained greatly untouched until 2001 when the Trailway Committee was formed. Over the years we have undertaken many improvements of the old railbed, including construction of a new bridge over the Boyne Creek.

The Trailway Committee's vision is to provide residents and visitors with recreational and outdoor educational opportunities while preserving a linear green belt. The trailway was officially opened September 17, 2005.

Upper Grand Trailway Donors

The following is a list of local businesses, groups and individuals that have contributed to the Trailway either financially or in-kind. The Trailway is very grateful for their contributions.

Dean Tait Construction	Julie Baulishberger	Bill Cowie - Ferocity Design	George's Family Restaurant	Grand Valley Drug Store
Allto Construction	Dr. B.J. Beresford	Rick & Thora Clarke and Family	Girl Guides Canada	Grand Valley Home Hardware
Amaranth Aggregates	Bill Smith Fencing	Robert & Barbara Crane and Family	Kent Glassford and Family	Grand Valley Lions' Club
Rev. Dr. Ron Archer	Harold & Karen Black	Davison Bus Lines	Rita Glassford	Grand Valley Royal Bank
Arthur Snowblazers	Brewed Awakenings	Jean & Roy Davison	Bruce Gowland	Grand View Video
Rev. Jan Aylward	Ross & Grace Brown	Ruth Demeter and Family	Grace E. Brown Insurance	Greenwood Ready Mix
Collins Barrow	Burdette Wildlife Gallery	Fines Home Hardware of Shelburne	Jim & Bev Graham	Hamilton House Bed & Breakfast of Waldemar
Mr. & Mrs. Fred Batchelor	Joan Corbett and Family	Flanagan Tree Service	Grand Valley Crane Service	Hands on Health Care
Jim Hastings and Family	Jim & Pat Hearder	Neil & Ellie Hogendoorn	Jarrett Construction	Mr. & Mrs. Ewald Lammerding
Headwaters Plumbing	Hinds Foodland	In-Tir-Na-Nog Bed & Breakfast	Judy Lalingo	Landsborough Printing
Myron & Jane Lasko	Maple Leaf Farm	Marie's Valley Inn	Irvine & Vada McCrone and Family	Barb McKinney & Family
Gary McLean	Midwestern Co-op	Klem & Linda Moffatt and Family	Mr. & Mrs. Nehrenheim	Orangeville Precast
Ontario Corvette Corral	Orica	Donald & Jeanette Potter and Family	Presbyterian Church of Grand Valley	Bill & Bev Pullen
Remax - Donna Marie Davison	Vi Robson & Family	Rona Cashway	Shell GV Gas & Variety	Karen Smith
Donna Steele	Styling Essentials	Universal Rental	Margaret VanDenHoek	Wellington Construction
Whispering Pines Landscaping	RES Canada Construction (Ontario) LP

Institutional Supporters

We are also grateful for contributions from many institutional and government donors. These kind entities are also recognized on our kiosk where the Trailway meets Dufferin County Rd. 25 (at Grand Valley).

The Ontario Trillium Foundation: The Upper Grand Trailway received a grant in 2013 from The Ontario Trillium Foundation to increase the safety and accessibility of the trailway by installing all new gates along the trailway system.
The Grand River Conservation Foundation: The Upper Grand Trailway received a grant from the Grand River Conservation Foundation in 2011 to erect a kiosk at the Waldemar trailhead. The kiosk will have a user map of the trailway and relate local history pertaining to the old railway that once ran through the hamlet and now forms the Trailway.
The Grand River Conservation Authority: The Upper Grand Trailway received a grant from The Grand River Conservation Authority in 2004 to plant 1300 trees along the trailway. The conservation authority has since donated hundreds of trees for our annual tree planting initiatives.
TD Friends of the Environment Foundation: In 2003, the Trailway also received a grant from The Friends of the Environment Foundation.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation: The Upper Grand Trailway received a grant in 2005 from The Ontario Trillium Foundation to replace the missing bridge over the Boyne Creek. We also received a grant from the Ontario Ministry of Recreation and Tourism to promote the trailway.
The Town of Grand Valley: The Upper Grand Trailway continues to receive generous support from the Town of Grand Valley.
Township of Amaranth: The Township of Amaranth also continues to support the Upper Grand Trailway financially.

Reporting Problems on the Trailway

The Town of Grand Valley manages the Trailway for issues. If users notice an issue, they are asked to Report a Problem or Concern. We appreciate your assistance in keeping our Trailway in good condition!