River Rafting, Ziplining, and Hiking - The Ultimate Adventure Guide to Grand Falls-Windsor

When traveling across the island of Newfoundland, oftentimes Grand Falls-Windsor gets overlooked as a prime destination. As a lover of adventure (and a hater of long drives), this actually blows my mind. For one, Grand Falls-Windsor is situated as a halfway point across the Island on the Trans Canada Highway making it the perfect road trip stop to break up the long drive. And Secondly, for a small town, there is no shortage of adventure and fun. Running just along the town is the massive and majestic Exploits River, the longest on the Island of Newfoundland. This river is home to both Rafting Newfoundland and Exploits Extreme Ziplining. If you are looking to experience the river, booking a tour with the above is the way to go. On the way from Gros Morne to St. John’s, we stopped in Grand Falls-Windsor for the weekend to check it out for ourselves!

Rafting Newfoundland Excursions

We did the Luxury Float, Extreme White Water Rafting, and Night Rafting with Rafting Newfoundland. Each tour we did was a different degree of intensity and adventure, but all equally fun in their own ways! The following are just the excursions that we did, but Rafting Newfoundland has so many options to ensure there is something to do for literally everyone. Be sure to check out their website for the right option for you. Also, check out their partnership deals with other tourism offerings as well as accommodations as it is a great way to save money during your stay!

Luxury Float

First up we did the Luxury Float, which really can appeal to a large audience. Anyone who wants to indulge in the rafting experience, while also kicking back and enjoying the views would love this adventure. This is also the perfect occasion for socializing ie: it would make for a great friends’ trip or a super fun double date!

We started the trip at the Salmonid Interpretation Center where we checked in, got our life jackets, and hopped in the van to transport us to the start of the tour. The tour is all flat water and the guides literally row you down the river so minimal effort was required on your part. One of my favourite parts of this tour was the stop at Great Rattling Brook. As if swimming and lounging by this secluded waterfall isn't enough, the guides make a charcuterie board on the spot. To top it off we brought a few drinks to enjoy with the charcuterie. We spent a couple of hours relaxing, swimming, and eating at the falls before rafting back.

What to bring

Phone - I originally took a waterproof case for my phone but ended up not needing it

Swimsuit - It is highly unlikely to fall out when on this trip, however, I would strongly advise you wear a bathing suit or something that you don't mind getting wet as there are opportunities to swim.

A Beverage - (if you choose) As this is the perfect trip to take with a group of friends if you have a beverage of choice (hint hint) that you want to bring with you to enjoy by the falls you are welcome to do so.

Extreme Whitewater Rafting

If you are a thrill seeker this tour is for you! The two-hour tour is filled with adventure from start to finish. Originally, I was not sure how I would feel about the extreme whitewater rafting but by the end of the tour, I was wishing I was able to redo it. Extreme rafting has a high intensity and the odds of falling out are guaranteed. We started this tour at the Salmonid Interpretation Center, where we got fitted with life jackets and helmets. We then took a short trip in the van to the start of the Exploits River Canyon.

The tour starts with a 15-foot cliff jump that is so much fun and a great photo opportunity. Before you start actually rafting, the guides show you how to row, what to do when you fall out, how to help people back into the boat, and more. Although I was a little nervous about this excursion the guides really help make everyone at ease and do everything they can to have the best experience.

What to bring

GoPro - If you want to take pictures or videos a Go Pro is the best way to go, and the helmets have attachments. You can also rent Go Pros upon arrival. Do NOT take a phone on this trip. Since you are guaranteed to fall out, it would be too easy to lose even in a protective case.

Swimsuit - You are GOING to fall in, wear something you don't mind getting wet.

*Other than what is listed here, you should not take anything else but yourself on this trip!

Night Rafting

I think the Night Rafting might have been my favourite adventure, not only during my time in Grand Falls-Windsor but the whole Summer. It is such a unique offering and so different than anything I have done before. The tour starts at the Raft Shack where you get fitted for life jackets and helmets. You then take a van to the start of the tour in Badger. The tour takes you down the Badger Chute 12 kilometers back to the Raft Shack.

The tour begins rafting the Badger Chute but the rapids are not as insane as the Canyon. We did get wet on this tour but it is unlikely to fall out. Doing the rapids as the sun is setting is such a different way to experience rafting. We stopped at an island in the middle of the Exploits River where the guides started a fire and broke out the hot chocolate (we brought along some Baileys to have in our hot chocolate, which was a game changer!!). The guides also started roasting some baguettes near the fire as an appetizer and started cooking. They prepared Salmon cooked over the fire and a salad with goat cheese, nuts, and blackberries. The meal was nothing short of divine, but eating it next to a crackling fire while listening to the river, and chatting with great company made it just the most incredible evening. To top it off, we roasted marshmallows for dessert!

After a few hours of enjoying our time on the island, we rafted the relatively calm section of the river back to the Raft Shack in complete darkness. It was so surreal to hear the sounds of music, laughter, and the river all mingle together as we rafted back in pitch black.

At first, I thought that the weather would make or break this trip but that's actually far from the truth. It was pretty chilly and overcast the night we did this tour AND we forgot all of our extra warm clothes for the island in the car. But sitting next to the fire completely warmed us up and dried us off from the rafting. That being said, if you do get cold easily, a warm sweater or a pair of long pants go a long way!

What to Bring

Warm Clothes - The guides will have a dry bag to put your warm clothes in for when you get to the island

Phone/ Camera - I felt comfortable taking my phone but if you have a camera you could ask to put it in the dry bag

Beverage of Choice - If you wish to have a drink on the island, you are welcome to bring it along to enjoy with your meal!

NOTE- to find the Raft Shack put RiverFront Chalets into Google Maps NOT Apple Maps as this brings you to the wrong location!

Exploits Extreme Ziplining

Another way to see the beautiful exploits river is to soar above and look down at the powerful rapids below. Exploits Extreme Ziplining is a new adventure offering in Grand Falls-Windsor which is one of Eastern Canada's fastest, longest, and most scenic ziplines. There are over 1.5 miles over 6 different ziplines, all of which zip over the exploits river.

The tour starts at 13 Scott Avenue in Grand Falls-Windsor where we got geared up with our harnesses and helmets and the guides gave us a safety talk. The guides were SO friendly and funny which truly enhances the experience. The ziplining was honestly such a blast and I would do it again in a heartbeat. It is a different experience getting to zipline directly over a rushing river!

What to bring

Sturdy Shoes - By sturdy, I mean something that won’t fall off your feet when ziplining and something you are comfortable walking the trails between ziplines with

Phone - I brought my phone with me and used it to take a few pictures and videos while ziplining with no troubles (just hold on tight lol). A zip pocket would be good to store it and other valuables though

Hiking Thunder Brook Falls

Thunder Brook Falls is such a hidden gem on the side of the Trans Canada Highway just outside of Grand Falls-Windsor. Even if you are just driving through, this would make a great road trip pitstop. You can swim in the first falls or continue up the trail to a stunning 13-meter waterfall that has a deep swimming area and lots of places to cliff jump.

There is, however, a hidden trail at Thunder Brook Falls. Just beyond the second waterfall, there is a newly constructed double black diamond mountain bike trail. The trail is 6 kilometers out and back, is user maintained, and has expert-level features. It really is a cool bike trail, but we opted to hike up the trail to the lookout that overlooks the Exploits River and the forest below. Such a lovely hike with gorgeous views and would make a great place to stop and have a picnic!