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.
Park Status
Some parks are closed for the season, but those that are open continue to operate at a reduced capacity. In addition, to address overcrowding and promote physical distancing, the total number of daily park visitors is limited. Before you arrive, check the status of any Grand River Park.
Belwood Lake is a 12-kilometre-long reservoir created by the construction of Shand Dam in 1942. It offers excellent boating, fishing and water-skiing. A spring-fed quarry with a sandy beach is a great place to swim. Visitors can walk across the dam and view the reservoir waters as well as enjoy a vista of the Grand River valley far below.
Park information
- Season: Open year round, with full service from May 1 to October 15. Closed December 25 and 26.
- Hours: Open for day use from dawn until dusk. If gate attendants are not on duty, please register and pay for your visit through our online ePass upon arrival. (Not all facilities are available during all park hours. Call the park for information)
- 8282 Wellington County Road 18, Fergus
- Check park capacity, and the status of various park activities here
- Park fees
- Brochure and park map (PDF)
- Photo gallery on Flickr
- Events calendar
Activities
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Canoeing |
| The reservoir is suitable for canoeing and kayaking, with easy access to the water. Please note we are currently not offering canoe or kayak rentals at this time. |
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Boating |
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The reservoir is ideal for power boating and water sports. There is a double ramp boat ramp in the park. There is another ramp at the northern end of the reservoir in the village of Belwood. Please note we are currently not offering boat rentals at this time. The water level in the reservoir varies. Check at the gatehouse for hazard areas. |
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Sailing |
| Belwood Lake is suitable for sailing. The reservoir is home to the Belwood Lake Sailing Club. |
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Fishing |
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Whatever type of angling you want, you can find it at Belwood Lake. The reservoir is great for pike, walleye, smallmouth bass and perch. Downstream of Shand Dam is a superb brown trout fishery that also supports pike, perch, walleye and bullhead. Two ponds in the park are stocked with trout for children 13 and under. |
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Hiking and cycling |
| There are 3.3 kilometres of trails within the park. The map in the park brochure shows the trails. The 42-kilometre Elora-Cataract Trailway runs through the park along the top of Shand Dam. There is no fee to follow the trial through the park. For those who want to stay in the park, user fees apply. |
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Swimming |
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A one-acre spring-fed quarry with a sandy beach is a great place to take a dip. A shallow area is sectioned off for small children. The beach is 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. |
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Picnicking |
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Picnic shelters and pavilions remain closed at this time. |
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Hunting |
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Hunting for waterfowl, turkey and deer is allowed on part of the Belwood Lake property. Hunters must buy a permit from the GRCA as well as meet all provincial rules and regulations. Call park staff for details or visit the Hunting pages of our website. NOTE: There is no gun-hunting permitted on Sundays at Belwood Lake, and goose hunting is not permitted in the early September goose season. |
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Activities and events |
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There are no events scheduled at this time. |
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Winter programs |
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Belwood Lake is open during the winter months. Visitors may enjoy hiking, and ice fishing when conditions are safe. Services during the winter months are limited, and may include a parking lot, garbage containers and information signs. Snowmobiling is not permitted on GRCA lands at this time. 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. |
Facilities
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Gatehouse |
| This is the location to go to get further information about the park and report any problems or concerns. |
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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. |
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Washrooms |
| Due to changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are only limited washroom facilities available. |
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Playgrounds and sports fields |
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The park has two volleyball nets (one on sand, one on grass) and a baseball diamond. There is a children's playground at the beach and a swing set at the lakeside picnic area. |
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Boat launch |
| There are two concrete boat launches on the reservoir and several sets of docks. For more information, please visit our Boating and Paddling page. |
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Dog policy |
| Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash no longer than two metres and under control at all times. Dogs are not allowed on the beach or in the swimming area. Please clean up after your dog. Dog owners can be fined if these regulations are not followed. |
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Nearby services |
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