What to Expect

Powwows are a time of celebration, building relationships, and share in the cultural and social traditions. Whether you're a first time visitor or you've enjoyed pow wows previously there are a few tips to keep in mind for a successful pow wow visit. 

Arrive Early

Our event can fill up quickly so to get a good seat arrive early or bring a lawn chair in case seating is unavailable.

Be Respectful

Pay attention to the master of ceremonies for cues on appropriate behaviour including when to stand to show respect and when quiet is expected.

No Alcohol or Drugs Permitted

The pow wow is an alcohol and drug free environment. Anyone found under the influence will be escorted from the grounds.

Animals

Service Animals are permitted, but No other PETS or ANIMALS allowed. Be prepared to show service animal certification.

Clothing

Please dress appropriately for the weather, as this is an outdoor event. Take breaks, stay hydrated, apply sunscreen, and remember a hat.

Pow Wow Dancer
Pow Wow Dancer

FAQ's

Is photography allowed?
Yes, the majority of the time. Cameras and video cameras are allowed for personal use only. Just be sure to listen to the MC, he will advise you when NOT to photograph. If you want to take pictures of the dancers, be sure to ask their permission.

Is seating available?
Yes, bleachers are provided. It is also permissible to bring your lawn chairs. There is a special seating area available for seniors and handicapped.
What kinds of vendors will be in attendance?
There will be 30 food vendors, selling usual fares such as hamburgs, hot dogs, fries, lemonade, as well as Native foods like corn soup, fry bread, Indian tacos, wild game and wild rice. There will be 100+ Native craft vendors selling items such as jewellery, moccasins, shirts, beadwork, and other unique items. Some of the vendors accept major credit cards.
Are dogs or pets allowed?
Service Animals are permitted, but No other PETS or ANIMALS allowed. Be prepared to show service animal certification.
What can I bring?
Feel free to bring your camera and lawn chairs.

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Where to Stay

We've made agreements with a number of local hotels to provide reduced rates for visitors to the Grand River Powwow. 

How to Get Here

From Toronto/Hamilton

  • Hwy 403W (Brantford)
  • Take Hwy 52 exit (Copetown)
  • Turn left to lights (Hwy 2 & 53)
  • Turn right onto Hwy 2 & 53
  • Turn left onto White Swan Rd.
  • Turn left onto Painters Rd.
  • Turn left onto Hwy 54
  • Turn right onto Chiefswood Rd.
  • Track is 2km on right side. (Styres Gas Bar)

From London

  • Hwy 401 to Hwy 403 East (Woodstock)
  • Hwy 403 East to Garden Ave. (Brantford)
  • Garden Ave. South to Hwy 54
  • Hwy 54 to Chiefswood Rd. (Ohsweken)
  • Track is 2km on right side. (Styres Gas Bar) 

From Simcoe

  • Head north on Norfolk St N/Norfolk County Hwy 24 toward Young St
  • Continue onto ON-24 N, drive for 5.4 km
  • Turn right onto Thompson Rd W/Norfolk County Rd 9 (signs for Regional Road 9/Thompson Road W), drive for 14.4 km
  • Turn left onto County Line/Norfolk County Rd 74 (signs for Norfolk Road 74), drive for 6.6 km
  • Turn right onto Concession 17 Walpole, drive for 1.3 km
  • Continue onto Chiefswood Rd, track is on the left

From Kitchener/Waterloo

  • Take Waterloo Regional Rd 28 and Waterloo Regional Rd 42 to Water St N/Waterloo Regional Rd 24 in Cambridge
  • Continue onto ON-24 S, drive for 19 km
  • Turn left to merge onto ON-403 E, drive for 4.7 km
  • Take exit 41 for Garden Avenue toward Cainsville
  • Turn right onto Garden Ave (signs for Garden Avenue S/Cainsville), drive for 2.7 km
  • Continue onto Brant 18, drive for 2.5 km
  • Turn left onto Brant County Hwy 54 (signs for County Road 54 E/Cayuga/Caledonia), drive for 11.1 km
  • Turn right onto Chiefswood Road
  • Track is 2km on right side. (Styres Gas Bar) 

Get Directions

Our event is held at Ohsweken Speedway, easily accessible from London or Toronto via highway 403. 

Click here for indepth directions