Nestled along the banks of the winding, rushing Grand River sits the idyllic town of Grand Valley. With a population just shy of 3,000 people it’s a peaceful way of life out here, with lots of room to play and relax. Whether fishing in the river, enjoying the trails or getting a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants, Grand Valley embodies the concept of village life in the country.

The Grand River is always a popular spot, with kids often found playing and catching fish at the edge of the banks. The Upper Grand Trailway is a hiking and biking path that follows an abandoned train track route for 10km. There’s also the expansive Luther Marsh, popular for hiking, bird watching, biking, hunting and paddling.

With over 100 farms nearby, Grand Valley prides itself on living the farm-to-table lifestyle. You can find a number of excellent restaurants in town plus outdoor patios. Grand Valley has not one but two craft breweries – The Wrinkly Bear brewery and restaurant, and the Grand Valley Brewery. And Landman Garden and Bakery, just north of the town, sells all things local.

Grand Valley has a number of great indoor and outdoor amenities for families who like to keep busy. There’s an active community centre, playgrounds, a splash pad, picnic areas, parks, baseball diamonds, and soccer fields. Kids who love hockey can join the local team, the Grand Valley Twisters. The town also boasts a strong community of artists, including painters, sculptors, weavers, quilters and more.

One annual event you won’t want to miss is the iconic Grand Valley Duck Race! This is one of the biggest community events, where 3,500 yellow rubber duckies are put in the river for a race to raise funds for the Lions Club. Enjoy entertainment, music, bouncy castles, yard sales, bucket truck rides and more.

Other big events that bring the community together are the RAM Rodeo, a real authentic cowboy rodeo with bone-jarring bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, bull riding, and tons of all day entertainment. When the leaves start to change colour that means it’s time for the Grand Valley Fall Fair, which has celebrated Grand Valley’s agricultural roots for 150 years. The Masquerade on Main is a fun Halloween event for the kids where Main Street is decorated in spooky styles and kids go shop to shop for trick or treating. And if you’re super brave, start off the new year with Grand Valley’s not-for-the-weak-hearted Polar Bear Dip into the Grand River to raise money for charity.

Grand Valley might be a small town but with the friendly people, gorgeous scenery and lots of small town charm, it’s a great place to call home if you like true countryside living.