Belwood Lake

The reservoir is ideal for power boating and water sports. There is a double ramp boat ramp in the conservation area. There is another ramp at the northern end of the reservoir in the village of Belwood.

The boat launch is open from May 1 until October 15, or if low water levels drop below the ramp. Please check our activity status page for up-to-date information on boat launch availability. 

We do not offer boat rentals. 

The water level in the reservoir varies. Check the signage located at the boat launch for hazard areas.

The reservoir is suitable for canoeing and kayaking, with easy access to the water. We do not offer canoe or kayak rentals.

The boat launch is open from May 1 until October 15, or if low water levels drop below the ramp. Please check our activity status page for up-to-date information on boat launch availability. 

Belwood Lake is suitable for sailing. The reservoir is home to the Belwood Lake Sailing Club.

The GRCA owns 28 dams in the Grand River watershed and there are over 100 dams owned by others.

While all of our dams on navigable waterways are marked with booms and buoys between May and October, some that are privately owned are not marked and may not be easy to see. 

Dams, both large and small, are danger zones! Make safety a priority.

For more information, please see our Safety around Dams page.

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.

We now offer a life jacket loaner program. To borrow a life jacket, please speak with gatehouse staff when you arrive.

Learn more about beach conditions.

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.

The pond next to the Hampton Barn is stocked with trout for children aged 13 and under.

Ice fishing is also available on the reservoir, when ice and weather conditions are suitable. Temporary ice huts are permitted and must be removed once fishing is completed for the day. 

Please check out the Conservation Area Activity Status page before heading out, to avoid disappointment.

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 conservation area 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.

There are 2.6 kilometres of trails within the conservation area. The 42-kilometre Elora-Cataract Trailway runs through the conservation area along the top of Shand Dam. There is no fee to follow the trail through the conservation area. For those who want to stay in the conservation area, or park their vehicle in the conservation area, user fees will apply.

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. Never leave barbecues unattended, and please use extreme caution.

There are no events scheduled at this time.

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 conservation area 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 Conservation Area and Activities Status page for current ice fishing conditions, and our winter programs page for more information on winter activities at Grand River Conservation Areas.

This is the location to go to get further information about the conservation area and report any problems or concerns.

A washroom with flush toilets is located near the boat launch. Flush toilets are also available at the swimming quarry. Vault toilets are located throughout the conservation area.

There are two concrete boat launches on the reservoir and several sets of docks. For more information, please visit our Boating and Paddling page.

There is a children's playground at the beach.

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.

• Grocery, hardware and drug stores are in Fergus and Belwood.
• Medical services are available at Groves Memorial Hospital, 131 Frederick Campbell Street, Fergus.
• Visit the Elora and Fergus Tourism website for more information about the area.

• There are accessible parking spaces at the beach.