About Me:

Hello.

I’m Jodi Weatherhead
Serene Watersports is a business owned and operated by myself and geared towards bringing families together. As a child, I was constantly on the water kayaking, boating, or whitewater rafting. Not one summer day went by when I wasn’t out paddling on the water. I have kayaked most of the Grand River, Ottawa River and other bodies of water.

There is a reason I call Cambridge home, and now you will know why I love it as much as I do.

Location & Hours:

  1. Shade’s Mills Conservation Area
    450 Avenue Rd, Cambridge, ON N1R 5S4 


Where we are in the park.
Click to enlarge.

Opens May 11, 2024

May & June – open Saturday & Sunday only from 11:00am to 7:00pm

July & August – open Monday to Friday from 1:00pm to 7:00pm and
Saturday & Sunday from 10:00am to 7:00pm

September to mid-October – Saturday & Sunday 11:00am to 6:00pm
(due to visability)

The last boat goes out at 7pm
Pay at launch site (cash, credit/debit)

Select Pic Below For Rental Prices & Important Info

Pedal Boat (2 Available)
Large Dock (2)
MEGA (1 Available)
Kayak (10 Available)
Tandem (10 Available)
Paddle Board (6 Available)

Location

The launch site is at 450 Avenue Road in Cambridge (GRCA Shades Mill Conservation Area. There is a small fee to enter the park. Once inside you have access to all amenities of the park.
Serene Watersports is located within the park – just north of the beach. When you arrive Serene Watersports, you will be provided all equipment and fitted for a life jacket. First time paddlers will be provided instructions to ensure their trip is both safe and enjoyable.
The large body of water is hidden by a beautiful forest – reducing exposure to wind and current. This makes paddling easy and fun. There are two islands to tour as well as a sandy bottom for those wishing to jump out and splash around for a bit – use your anchor and don’t let your watercraft float away. Shade’s Mill provides you with the opportunity to explore an abundance of wildlife. This portion of Grand River Conservation Area is home to various fish, blue herrings, muskrats, snapping turtles, deer, swans, and other wildlife. It’s important to not disturb the wildlife and leave absolutely no carbon footprint.
After enjoying your day on the water, you may want to relax at the beautiful sandy beach, enjoy a BBQ, fish off the dock and enjoy the rest of the park. There are many trails, playground and bike paths to explore at Shade’s Mill

Hope to see you soon!!

Weather Forecast

CAMBRIDGE WEATHER

Testimonials

  • Thank you Jodi, for helping make my first time kayaking a wonderful experience. Your kindness and excellent instruction helped me gain the courage and confidence needed to truly enjoy myself. As a senior, my main concern was getting in and out of the kayak, and you set my mind at ease, encouraging me and showing me a few options fitting my age and physical ability which helped melt away all my fears. Thank you !Thank You !Thank you! I Can’t wait to get out on the water with you again soon! Cathy
    C A Huddleston
    Wonderful Seniors Experience!
  • It was easy to book and Jodi was very accommodating and got us on the water very quickly. We had a fantastic time and will book again in the near future.
    Mya Kidson
    Great Experience
  • Jodi provides excellent communication, support and experience that contributed to an excellent 1st kayak excursion for my family. Inexperienced paddlers of the group were put at ease as they were launched from shore seated in the boat. The trip was pleasant and fun-filled on what must have been a busy opening day for her! Book now before bookings are full!
    Ben Guse
    Ben Guse
  • I had a blissful experience paddleboarding this past weekend. The boards were so user friendly and Jodi was so kind and made sure to give my friend and I helpful instructions. She was so encouraging and even took photos for us! We will definitely be returning all throughout the summer. I highly recommend this experience to anyone looking for something fun to do!
    Hannah Kuntz
    Paddleboarding on the Speed!
  • Serene watersports and Jodi and her staff are amazing. They will ensure that your day on the water is truly enjoyable. I have gone 3 times this year already and will defilitely try to fit in at least one more kayaking trip. Fees are reasonable and well worth it!
    Charles Spettigue
    Serene Watersports
  • I’ve lived in Hespeler for just over 6 years and I’ve walked my dogs along the Speed River hundreds of times and never have i had anywhere near the appreciation for this river until i finally rented a kayak and got right out onto it. It is freaking gorgeous out there! So peaceful, so tranquil, so enriching for the soul and it’s hard to believe that all of this beautiful nature is basically right here in the midst of the city! I’ve enjoyed my experience so much that i have gotten out and done it 3x in the past 4 weeks. I am definitely becoming a regular customer. Thank you for numerous occasions where i have enjoyed exceptional service and equipment. I shall return!
    gRaHaM mUrRaY sEaRs
    BiG appreciation for Hespeler
  • Great way to start the day. Instructor is fantastic and the staff are very helpful. Totally positive experience - already looking forward to the next class
    Anja Alcott
    Paddle Board Yoga
  • I recently enjoyed kayaking and being on a paddle boat at Shade's Mills. It was a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to going again. The service was excellent.
    Sheila McNeil
    Beautiful location
  • What a wonderful spot to be able to get out and enjoy the water by paddle boat,kayak or stand-up paddle boarding. The friendly staff take the utmost care in making sure your experience is a positive fun one!
    Tracy Pitcher Sullivan
    Hidden Gem of Cambridge
  • We had an awesome day kayaking, the kids loved it. We highly recommend it, and we will be back soon.
    Ewelina Krawczyk
    Perfect Weekend
  • Thanks so much for a fun family outing this afternoon. We had a great time. The water was nice and calm which was perfect for a newbie like me and my daughter loved her first experience going along with my husband. We had a great time and it was super affordable. Thank you so much! We will be back again to head further up the river next time!
    Melissa Laird
    Super fun paddle in the pond!