Grindstone Creek flows into the Burlington side of Hamilton Harbour and winds northward through the Royal Botanical Gardens toward the Great Falls, with headwaters reaching into Flamborough. The watershed covers 9,046 hectares and originates in rural wetland areas above the Niagara Escarpment within the City of Hamilton, supplying approximately 14% of natural water into Hamilton Harbour/Burlington Bay. Despite its urban surroundings, the creek transitions quickly from open bay to sheltered, narrow channels that feel surprisingly remote once a short distance upstream.

There are two practical launch options. The Valley Inn launch at 867 Spring Gardens Road in Burlington provides direct access to the creek, with a small parking lot and a dock. From here, paddlers can head south into Hamilton Harbour or north into the Royal Botanical Gardens. The second option is Pier 4 Park (Bayfront Park) in Hamilton, which allows Grindstone Creek to be incorporated into a longer Hamilton Harbour loop. A canoe launch is also available at Princess Point along Cootes Paradise for those approaching from that direction.

Heading north from the Spring Gardens Road launch, the navigable upstream distance is roughly 2.5 kilometres before low water or obstacles make further progress impractical. A round trip from that launch runs approximately 5 to 6 kilometres. Paddlers should be aware of very low bridges and overhanging trees, particularly when water levels are high. Water levels are the primary variable affecting the paddle: in low-water conditions the creek becomes too shallow to navigate meaningfully, while spring brings some current. Scouting upstream on foot before launching is advisable for those unfamiliar with conditions.

The creek passes through the Hendrie Valley trail system of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Canada's largest botanical garden and a National Historic Site. Wildlife sightings along the route are frequent and include turtles, great blue herons, egrets, deer, muskrat, and osprey, with bald eagles appearing occasionally. Christmas tree berms have been placed along the creek to deter carp.

Motorized boats are prohibited at all times except for Royal Botanical Gardens research purposes. Paddling is prohibited in posted areas during nesting season in May and June to protect wildlife. The overall difficulty is rated beginner under most conditions, making it suitable for recreational kayaks and canoes. A post-paddle walk through the adjacent RBG trail network is a natural complement to the trip.