The Boats
Grand River Dinner Cruises sails three boats all season. The Grand River Belle, Grand River Queen and Grand River Princess all have the same general layout. Each can comfortably hold a busload of passengers with each table arranged along a window in order to give all passengers a great view. The promenade deck, that surrounds the dining area, allows everyone to stroll the deck or sit and enjoy the river scenery. All boats are wheelchair accessible as are our docking facilities. Each boat is completely enclosed enabling us to sail rain or shine.
All boats are inspected annually by Transport Canada and are fully equipped with life saving equipment, life jackets, fire fighting equipment and radio communications. All crew members are specially trained in emergency procedures and CPR. Safety of our passengers is our top priority.
Each boat is also licensed under AGCO to serve wine, beer and mixed drinks.
© Copyright 2010 Grand River Dinner Cruises
History
Grand River Dinner Cruises is owned and operated by the Albin family. In 1972, John Albin and wife Luella built a home along the banks of the Grand outside Caledonia, The property ran along Big Creek and included a century old barn. In 1976, John had built a houseboat for the family and there evolved the idea of introducing riverboat cruises on the Grand River.
In 1978, Big Creek Boat Farm opened with the Grand River Belle being the first boat. The first few years, John and Luella were trying to target a market for the cruises. The century old barn was named “Old MacDonald’s Farm” and school groups would come to pet animals and then take a nature boat ride up Big Creek to “The Lost Forest” on a boat named “The Tinkerbelle”. Bus groups would come and take a lunch cruise on the Grand River Belle.
More demand was from bus groups looking for day trips so in 1982, John converted the century old barn into a Music Theatre, Bake Shop and Craft Shop. Luella produced and accompanied the music show as well as working in the office, John looked after the boats and the day to day operation. This package, an ideal day trip for groups, became very popular. By 1987, John had built two more boats, the Grand River Queen and the Grand River Princess. Over the next 15 years, John and the family developed a variety of full-day packages that reached into the local community.
In 2000, a new building named “The Landing”, was constructed housing the auditorium, office, and craftshop. At this time the Albin’s added the name Grand River Dinner Cruises but locals and longstanding customers still use the name “Boat Farm”. The century old barn is still standing but is used for storage and the tour wagon and Tinkerbelle have been retired. Grand River Dinner Cruises still specializes in day trips with the Luncheon Cruise Package being the most popular. Sunset Dinner Cruises offered on weekends feature “fine dining” and Private Cruises are also offered for special occasions.
John and Luella’s son, Blain, and daughter, Dana Johnson, have been managing the business since 1998. Luella has retired from the everyday business but maintains an advisory position in the family business. John passed away in 2006 leaving a thriving, entrepreneurial enterprise for future generations.
