ACTIVITIES
Canoeing
The lake is suitable for canoeing, but please
bring your own as there is no canoe rental.
For more information on canoeing in the Grand River watershed,
please click here.
Boating
The 12-km lake is ideal for power boating and water skiing.
Fully equipped 14-foot aluminum boats with 8-hp motors can be rented at the
gatehouse. The cost of a four-hour rental is $70; $110 for an eight-hour rental. A $150 deposit by credit card number or cash is required, as is a valid driver's, but not a boating license. The minimum age for rentals is 18 years. Kayaks can also be rented for $26 per two hours, or part thereof, $43 for four hours, or $75 for eight hours. A $100 damage deposit by credit card number or cash is required. Weekend hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Weekday hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Boats can be reserved in advance for a $13 reservation fee.
The water level in the reservoir can vary. Please check at the gatehouse for hazard areas.
Sailing
Belwood Lake is a popular place for sailing. The park is home to the Belwood Lake Sailing Club.
Fishing
There are plenty of places for anglers to drop a line around Belwood Lake.
A fishing pond for kids 13 years of age and under is stocked
with rainbow trout and bass. The lake is great for pike (trophy size), smallmouth bass and perch. (Note: the pond may be closed from time-to-time if the adjacent Hampton Barn is rented for a special event. Call the park for more information.)
Belwood Lake includes one kilometre of Grand River access,
downstream of the dam, for superb brown trout fishing.
Belwood Lake also has ice fishing in
winter when conditions allow. Check the Newsroom during winter for the winter activities update.
Click here for more information on fishing in the Grand River watershed.
Hiking
There are 3.3 km of trails within the conservation area and
the 42 km Elora-Cataract Trailway runs through the conservation area.
For more information on Grand River trails, including the Elora-Cataract Trailway, please click here.
Cycling
The 42 km Elora-Cataract Trailway mentioned above is popular for cycling.
Swimming
Belwood Lake Conservation Area has a one-acre spring-fed quarry with a sandy beach. A shallow area is sectioned off for small children. The beach is not
patrolled, so parents/guardians/adults must keep a close watch on children at all times.
A life-jacket loaner program is available. Use of the life-jackets is free with a small, refundable deposit. Ask at the gatehouse for information.
Water quality is tested weekly during the summer. Check the newsroom for beach conditions.
Picnicking
Numerous picnic tables are available for use. Fires or alcohol are not permitted. Recycling bins and garbage containers are placed throughout the conservation area. Blue box items include boxboard, paper, plastics, foil, glass, cans, drinking boxes and milk cartons.
Hunting
Hunting is available on a limited portion of the Belwood Lake Conservation Area
property, a safe distance from other facilities. Hunters must buy a permit from
the GRCA as well as meet all provincial rules and regulations. Please visit the hunting section for information on fees, regulations and permits. Or, call conservation area staff at (519) 843-2979 for more information.
Winter activities
Belwood Lake is a great place for ice-fishing, cross-country skiing (ungroomed tracks), snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
For more information on winter activities in our parks, click here.
Check current conditions in the Winter Activity Updates section of our Newsroom.
FACILITIES
Gatehouse
This is the location of the lost and found. It is the place
to go to report any problems or concerns, to rent motor boats, or get further
information about the conservation area.
Group facilities
Belwood Lake is a popular spot for group events including family reunions, wedding receptions, and corporate
picnics. Two facilities are available for these events.
The Hampton Barn is a quaint, restored barn nestled in a cedar hollow overlooking the trout pond. With seating for 95, it also has washroom facilities, a stove, fridge, double sink and serving counter and a large swing set is nearby for kids.
Please click here to view pictures and read more about these and other group rental facilities in our conservation areas or call conservation area staff directly.
Washrooms
A washroom with flush toilets is near the boat launch. Flush
vault toilets are located at the beach and standard vault units are located at convenient
locations throughout the conservation area.
Sports and fun
The conservation area has horseshoe pits, a volleyball net
and a baseball diamond, which can be reserved. There is also a new playground
at the beach.
Boat Launch
The conservation area has two concrete boat launches.
OTHER
Events calendar
Many conservation areas and nature centres host special events and family fun. Click
for our online events
calendar.
Dog Policy
Pets are welcome in the conservation area but they must be leashed and under
control at all times. Pets are not allowed on the beach or in the
swimming areas. Owners are asked to "stoop and scoop". There is a fine for not
obeying these regulations.
Tourism/Services
Grocery stores, hardware stores and drug stores can be found
in Fergus and Elora.
In Fergus, the 19th century storefronts along Stander Street West are home to a wide variety of businesses.
There are boutiques, antique stores, restaurants and cafes on
Mill, Metcalfe and Geddes streets in Elora.
The nearest hospital is Groves Memorial Hospital, 235 Union Street East, Fergus.
Links:
Fergus and Elora Tourism
Grand River Country Tourism
Elora Festival
Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games
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