Top 10 Things to do in Guelph… Outside - Part I

If there is one thing that Guelphites love to do, it's to get outside! There are many hiking trails that will take you to all parts of town. Whether you enjoy the challenge of hiking up hills, or prefer to casually wander along a gravel path, there’s an outside activity for everyone to do in beautiful Guelph.

10. Royal Recreational Trail

Guelph Trails
Cost: Free

Location: All around Guelph including the Silvercreek trail, Eramosa River trail, Hanlon Creek trail, Downtown trail, Speed River trail, and CNR Spruline Trail.

Length: Approximately 16km total

Things to see: Covered Bridge, Riverside Park, and Goldie Mill. Stop for ice cream at the Boat House (The Boat House Guelph )

Types of Path: Stone dust, gravel, paved. Good for biking, jogging, and walking. Fairly level

Difficulty Level: Easy

9. Starkey Hill Trail

Guelph Trails
Cost: Free! There is a parking lot at the entrance to conservation area.

Location: Starkey Hill Conservation Are, 1km east of Arkell, southeast of Guelph.

Things to See: Lots of chickadees and sparrows at birdfeeders in winter, great view of Church of Our Lady in the distance; popular with dog walkers.

Type of path: Earth. Good for hiking. Steep Hills

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

 

8. Guelph Lake Trails
GORBA
Cost:
Option A: Free parking on the shoulder of Victoria Rd, south of the Speed River
Option B: Enter the conservation area to park: $5.50 per adult, $2.75 per youth (6-14), 5 and under is free.

Location: Connects to the Royal Recreation Trail and the north end of Guelph on Victoria Road.

Length: Approximately 5km

Things to see: The Guelph Dam, Guelph Lake, various wildlife

Types of Path: Earth. Good for biking and hiking. Can be wet in the spring, fairly level but narrow.

Difficulty Level: Moderate

7. Speed River – Niska Road Trail

Guelph Trails
Cost: Free! Parking at the Guelph Humane Society

Location: Just before the Hanlon on HWY 124 from Cambridge

Length: Approximately 6km

Things to see: Evergreen forest. Popular with dog walkers

Type of path: Crushed stone. Good for walking and biking. Fairly level, can be wet in spring. Follow the orange or blue markers.

Difficulty Level: Easy

6. Kissing Bridge Trail-way

Kissing Bridge Trailway

Cost: Free! Limited parking just off Silvercreek Rd. North

Location: This trail begins at the north end of Guelph and runs to Milbank along an abandoned rail line. It is also part of the Trans Canada Trail (http://tctrail.ca/ ), and the soon-to-open Guelph to Goderich Trail (http://www.g2grailtrail.com/ )

Length: Approximately 44km

Things to see: The West Montrose Kissing Bridge (found on a small side trail)

Type of Path: Gravel dust. Good for biking and cross country skiing. Very flat.

Difficulty Level: Easy