Guelph Lake

Campsites: Guelph Lake has 109 serviced sites with electricity and water and 183 unserviced sites in a variety of locations, including forest and sites with lake views. Up to six people are permitted per campsite. Check in is after 2 p.m. and check out is before noon.

• Book a site on our camping reservation system. 
• Please read our Camping Reservation Policy.

Group camping: Nine group campsites are available for supervised youth groups or large gatherings that require a minimum of 5 camping units. Contact conservation area staff to make a reservation.

Alcohol and Cannabis: Alcohol is permitted only on registered campsites. Cannabis is permitted on campsites and in open spaces. Smoking of cannabis is not permitted near playgrounds or in the beach area. A total alcohol and cannabis ban is in effect on the Victoria Day and Labour Day weekends (Thursday at noon to Tuesday at noon).

Radio free area: Lakeview and Hill Crest campsites 268 to 294, 305 to 312, 340 to 357.

Guelph Lake is ideal for canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding.

There is a boat concessionaire that offers canoe and kayak rentals at Guelph Lake. Visit The Grand River Rafting Company website for more information. 

The lake is home to the Guelph Rowing Club, which offers programs to people of all ages. 

Sailing and windsurfing are popular activities. Outboard motors are not allowed. Note that wind direction and wind speeds can change quickly. The lake is home to the Guelph Community Boating Club. 

Guelph Lake offers northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch, and carp. Anglers can fish along the shore or from a boat. Electric motors are allowed. Outboard motors are not allowed.

About ten kilometres of hiking trails take you through a variety of wooded areas. 

Cyclists can enjoy themselves on conservation area roads. Please obey the rules of the road and, for your safety, wear a helmet. Outside of the conservation area, the Speed River Trail follows the river for 3.4 kilometers from Victoria Road near Guelph Lake Conservation Area to Speedvale Avenue in Guelph.

Guelph Lake has two large, sandy swimming beaches: the Main Beach and the Island Beach. The beaches are not patrolled so parents or guardians must keep a close watch on their children at all times.

Please note we are currently not offering the life jacket loaner program. 

Learn more about beach conditions.

Picnic tables are available throughout the conservation area. For cooking purposes, day-use visitors may use barbecues in designated picnic areas. Never leave barbecues unattended, and please use extreme caution. 

There are no events scheduled at this time.

Guelph Lake is open during the winter months and offers snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing when conditions allow. 

There are 10 kilometers of multi-use trails which are groomed as conditions permit.

Fishing is available on the reservoir when ice conditions are suitable. Temporary ice hunts are permitted and must be removed once fishing is completed for the day. No ice fishing is available in 2023. 

Please note that winter activities are subject to change, based on weather conditions. In addition, the conservation area and/or trails may close from time to time during the operating season, sometimes without notice for safety reasons following a storm, or due to a special event.

Check our Conservation Area and Activities Status page for current ice fishing, skiing and snowshoeing conditions, and our winter programs page for more information on winter activities.  

This is the location of the community bulletin board, pay telephone and a lost and found. It is the place to go to report any problems or concerns and get further information about the conservation area. Firewood and ice is available to purchase. 

Gatehouse operations are unavailable between October 16 and April 30. 

There are three large picnic shelters available. The Island Stage is a large, covered stage suitable for concerts, festivals, theatre performances, weddings and other events.

Contact conservation area staff to make a reservation. More information is available on our Group Facilities page.

There are washrooms in Lower Parkside campground, Sandy Bay campground and near the Main Beach. All have hot and cold potable water. Vault toilets are located throughout the conservation area.

Washrooms are unavailable between October 16 and April 30. 

The conservation area has a beach volleyball court and two playgrounds. 

The conservation area has three boat launches, including two with docks. Electric motors are allowed. Outboard motors are not allowed.

Garbage containers are located throughout the conservation area and will be emptied as frequently as possible, however people are reminded to visit responsibly and if garbage bins are full, to take their waste with them and dispose of it at home. Recycling bins are located in the campgrounds and at the dumping station. Please use the bins, as there is no collection from the campsites.

A trailer sewage dumping station is at the entrance of the serviced area.

Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash no longer than two-metre and under control at all times. Dogs are not allowed on the beach or in the swimming area. Please clean up after your dog. Pet owners can be fined if these regulations are not followed.

Grocery, hardware and drug stores are in Guelph.

Medical services are available at Guelph General Hospital, 115 Delhi Street, Guelph.

Visit the Guelph Tourism and Wellington County Tourism websites for more information about the area.