Contact(s)
COVID-19 Alert
The GRCA continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation in Ontario. The health, safety and well-being of our staff, volunteers and the community remain our highest priority. Please visit our COVID-19 Update page where you will find the most up-to-date information on impacts to GRCA programs and services.
Our parks are operating at a reduced capacity, and we are implementing a number of measures to address overcrowding and promote physical distancing. This includes limiting the number of daily visitors. If capacity is reached, our parks will close early. Please note Grand River Parks are very busy on weekends. If you are able, please consider visiting at a less busy time.
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. Gatehouse operation hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 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
| Camping |
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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.
Group camping: Due to changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic, group camping will not be available this season. Seasonal sites: Please contact the park directly to inquire about seasonal site availability. 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. |
| Paddling |
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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 |
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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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. Please note we are currently not offering the life jacket loaner program. Learn more about beach conditions. |
| Picnicking |
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Due to changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic, all picnic shelters and pavilions will remain closed this season. |
| Events and activities |
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There are no events scheduled at this time. |
| 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
| 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. |
| Group facilities |
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Due to changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic, all picnic shelters and pavilions and group facilities will remain closed this season. |
| Washrooms |
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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. |
| Playgrounds and sports fields |
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Due to changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic, playgrounds will remain closed this season. Sports fields are open however visitors are encouraged to practice physical distancing and follow all government and municipal health and safety guidelines. |
| Boat launch |
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The park has three boat launches, including two with docks. |
| Waste and recycling |
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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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
