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 online.
• Please read our Camping Reservation Policy.

Group camping: Due to changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic, group camping will not be available this season.

Seasonal sites: Please see our seasonal camping page for information on seasonal camp sites. 

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.

Please note we are currently not offering canoe or kayak rentals at this time. 

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 five kilometres of hiking trails take you through a variety of wooded areas. The map in the park brochure shows the trails.

Cyclists can enjoy themselves on park roads. Please obey the rules of the road and, for your safety, wear a helmet. Outside of the park, the Speed River Trail follows the river for 3.4 km from Victoria Road near Guelph Lake Park 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.

Due to changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic, all picnic shelters and pavilions will remain closed this season.

There are no events scheduled at this time.

Guelph Lake is open during the winter months. Visitors may enjoy hiking, and ice fishing when conditions allow. Services during the winter months are limited, and may include a parking lot, garbage containers and information signs.

Please note that winter activities are subject to change, based on weather conditions. In addition, the parks 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 Park and Activities Status page for current ice fishing conditions, and our winter programs page for more information on winter activities at Grand River Parks.   

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 is available until 9 p.m.

Gatehouse operations are unavailable between October 16 and April 30. 

Due to changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic, all picnic shelters and pavilions and group facilities will remain closed this season.

Due to changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are only limited washroom facilities available in day-use and camping areas. Shower facilities will remain closed this season.

Washrooms are unavailable between October 16 and April 30. 

The park has a beach volleyball court and two playgrounds. 

The park has three boat launches, including two with docks.

Garbage containers are located throughout the park 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 St., Guelph.

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