Contact(s)
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 far below.
Park info
- Open year round with full service from May 1 to Oct. 15.
- 8282 Wellington County Rd. 18, Fergus
- 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. Kayaks are available for rent on weekends from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., but not after Labour Day weekend. Canoes are not available. For fees, view the Park Fees page. |
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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. Fully equipped 14-foot aluminum boats with 8-hp motors can be rented at the gatehouse. A cash deposit is required. A valid driver's license is required. Boats can be reserved in advance. For fees, view the Park Fees page. 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. Update: As of February 10, 2017, the ice fishing program is being offered at Belwood Lake. It was not expected that ice fishing would be offered at Belwood during the winter of 2016-2017, as the water level in the reservoir was low due to the dry weather since spring and to protect the health of the in-reservoir fish population. The reservoir has now stabilized at its normal winter holding level, and the ice is safe. Conditions are monitored daily to ensure the ice thickness meets safety requirements. When the ice is too thin, the program is suspended until it is safe to resume. |
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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. For fees, view the Park Fees page. |
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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. A life jacket loaner program is available at the gatehouse 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 and barbecues are available. Open fires and alcohol are not permitted. Day-use visitors may use barbecues for cooking purposes in designated picnic areas. Visitors are reminded that conditions remain very dry. Never leave barbecues unattended, and please use extreme caution. |
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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. |
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Activities and events |
| Fishing derbies, triathlons and other activities draw thousands of people to Belwood Lake each year. For details, check our Events Calendar. |
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Winter programs |
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Belwood Lake is open during the winter months. While visitors may enjoy hiking, Belwood Lake is not offering a formal winter program. Services during the winter months are limited, and may include a parking lot, garbage containers and information signs. Currently, it is expected that Belwood Lake will not offer ice fishing in 2017 in order to protect the health of the in-reservoir fish population. The water level in the reservoir is low due to the exceptionally dry weather since the spring. Snowmobiling is available on the section of the Elora Cataract Trailway passing through the park. Parking is available with paid admission at the park. For fees, view the Park Fees page. 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 winter programs page for more information. |
Facilities
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Gatehouse |
| This is the location of boat rentals and the lost and found. It is the place to go to get further information about the park and report any problems or concerns. |
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Group facilities |
| The Hampton Barn is a quaint, restored building nestled in a cedar hollow with seating for 95. It has washrooms, a kitchen and serving counter. It is suitable for family reunions, corporate events and wedding receptions. Contact park staff for rentals. More information is available on our Group facilities page. |
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Washrooms |
| A washroom with flush toilets is near the boat launch. Flush toilets are also at the swimming quarry. Vault toilets are located throughout the park. |
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Playgrounds and sports fields |
| 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 two swing sets in the park. |
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Boat launch |
| There are two concrete boat launches on the reservoir and several sets of docks. |
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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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