Guelph Lake

Camping

Campsites: Guelph Lake has 108 serviced sites with electricity and water and 192 unserviced sites in a variety of locations, including riverfront and forest. 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 10 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.

Hillside Festival camping: Reserved campsites can be booked online or by phone when the reservation system opens in early March. If reserved campsites are fully booked, there is still an option to camp at Guelph Lake over the Hillside Festival weekend. Sites are sold on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 9 a.m. at the park gate on the opening day (Thursday) of the festival.

Book a site online or call 1-877-558-GRCA (4722)

Please read our Camping Reservation Policy

Canoeing

Guelph Lake is ideal for canoeing and kayaking. Kayaks can be rented at the boathouse on weekends only from late-June to Labour Day, weather permitting. For fees, view the Park Fees page.

Ontario Sea Kayak Centre, based in Parry Sound, runs training programs. (Note: please contact the centre directly. Park staff cannot handle bookings or answer questions.)

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

Sailing

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. 

Fishing

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.

Hiking

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

Cycling

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.

Swimming

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.

Picnicking

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. 

Events and activities

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.

Gatehouse

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.

Group facilities

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.

Washrooms

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.

Playgrounds and sports fields

The park has a children's play area and a volleyball court.

Boat launch

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

Waste and recycling

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.

Dog policy

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.

Nearby services

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.