Contact(s)
This large park (1,600 hectares) surrounds a reservoir that was created with the construction of Guelph Dam in 1974. The park has two beaches, picnic areas, great fishing and plenty of space for sailing, canoeing and kayaking. The park is the home of the famous Hillside Festival in July which centres on the Island Stage, which is available for concerts, theatre performances, weddings and other events.
Park info
- Season: Open daily from May 1 to October 15 for day use and camping. Between October 16 to April 30, park access is limited. A small parking area is located behind the gatehouse to provide limited parking for membership pass holders and those who register and pay admission through the honour box located at the gatehouse. Interior roads and trails will not be maintained in the winter. Facilities such as washrooms and garbage bins will not be available during this time.
- Hours: Open for day use from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Not all facilities are available during all park hours. Call the park for info.)
- 7743 Conservation Rd., Guelph
- Book a campsite
- Park fees
- Brochure and park map (PDF)
- Photo gallery on Flickr
- Events calendar
Activities
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Camping |
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Campsites: Guelph Lake has 108 serviced sites with electricity and water and 192 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.
Group camping: Nine group campsites are available for supervised youth groups or large gatherings that require a minimum of 5 camping units. Contact park staff to make a reservation. Seasonal sites: Please contact the park directly to inquire about seasonal site availability. Alcohol: Alcohol is permitted only on registered campsites. Alcohol is banned during the Victoria Day and Labour Day weekends (Thursday to Monday). Radio free area: Lakeview and Hill Crest campsites 268 to 294, 305 to 312, 340 to 357. |
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Paddling |
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Guelph Lake is ideal for canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding. Kayaks and paddleboards can be rented at the boathouse on weekends only from late June until Labour Day, weather permitting. Click for fees. The lake is home to the Guelph Rowing Club, which offers programs to people of all ages. |
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Sailing |
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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. |
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Fishing |
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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. |
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Hiking |
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About five kilometres of hiking trails take you through a variety of wooded areas. The map in the park brochure shows the trails. |
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Cycling |
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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. |
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Swimming |
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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. A life jacket loaner program is available. Use of the life jackets is free with a small, refundable deposit. Ask for information at the gatehouse. Learn more about beach conditions. |
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Picnicking |
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Picnic tables are available throughout the park. Visitors are reminded that conditions remain very dry. For cooking purposes, day-use visitors may use barbecues in designated picnic areas. Never leave barbecues unattended, and please use extreme caution. |
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Events and activities |
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Nature hikes and other activities for children and families take place regularly in Guelph Lake Park. Check the park bulletin boards or go to our Events Calendar. |
| Winter Access |
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Guelph Lake Park is open with limited access for activities such as hiking. A small parking area is located behind the gatehouse to provide limited parking for membership pass holders and those who register and pay admission through the honour box located at the gatehouse. Interior roads and trails will not be maintained in the winter. Ice fishing is prohibited at Guelph Lake. If you're interested in winter activities such as ice fishing, check our winter programs page for information on parks offering this service. |
Facilities
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Gatehouse |
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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. |
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Group facilities |
| There are three large picnic shelters available, including one that will seat approximately 150 people. All three have water and electricity.
The Island Stage is a large, covered stage suitable for concerts, festivals, theatre performances, weddings and other events. Contact park staff to make a reservation. More information is available on our Group Facilities page. |
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Washrooms |
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There are washrooms in Lower Parkside campground, Sandy Bay campground and near the Main Beach. All have hot and cold potable water. Coin-operated showers are available at the Lower Parkside and Sandy Bay washrooms. Vault toilets are located throughout the park. Washrooms are unavailable between October 16 and April 30. |
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Playgrounds and sports fields |
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The park has a beach volleyball court and two playgrounds. |
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Boat launch |
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The park has four boat launches, including three with docks. |
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Waste and recycling |
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Waste containers are located throughout the park. Please deposit all refuse in the large hoppers as you exit, as there is no collection directly from the campsites. Paper products, cans and bottles can be recycled in the bins beside the main washroom. A trailer sewage dumping station is at the entrance of the serviced area. |
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Dog policy |
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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. |
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Nearby services |
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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. |
