The great outdoors have never been so great. For Guelph residents, access to over 1,000 hectares of parks and open space with over 70km of trails and paths means a wide range of nature experiences and outdoor activities can be found right in their backyard, year round. The Royal City has long been a hub of activity with its vast network of trails, parks, and opportunities for adventures in nature — so we put together a neighbourhood guide to help you explore more of Guelph’s outdoor spaces.
North End
The infamous Riverside Park covers 80 acres of land along the Speed River featuring some of the City’s most loved paths and trails. With additional amenities such as the Floral Clock and Rock Gardens, a disc golf course, outdoor concert shell, 3 baseball diamonds, antique carousel, miniature train, horseshoe pits, sand beach area, leash free zone, picnic shelters, accessible children’s playground and more — the Park is a perfect location to get outside and enjoy nature. Across the street you’ll find Woodlawn Memorial Park, the only cemetery in Canada located along the Trans Canada Trail. Tour through the park grounds on a leisurely stroll full of Guelph history and beautiful scenery.
The fun continues in the North End at Guelph Lake Conservation Area. The conservation area has a campsite, two beaches, picnic areas, and plenty of space for outdoor and water activities. Along Guelph Lake is where you will find the GORBA Trail Network, offering more than 30 biking and hiking trails to explore — ranging from novice to expert and everything in between.
Terra View Homes developed our very own Guelph Trails Guide detailing the North End’s expansive trail network and highlighting important information and various activities you can enjoy along the way. Our newest community, NiMa Trails, resides just minutes from Guelph Lake and its natural amenities — so you can love where you live without having to compromise your love for the great outdoors.
South End
The South End of Guelph is home to the popular Preservation Park, offering spectacular hiking trails in the middle of the city. With dense forests, meandering streams and many boardwalks, this is a great location to spot wildlife and walk for as long or as little as you like.
A favourite spot for cycling, hiking and dog walking can be found at Hanlon Creek Trail. The property contains a network of trails that explores its surrounding forests and other natural areas. Close by at Hart Village, uncover a piece of Guelph history and plant your own family roots. Our South Guelph community is where the first generation of the Hart family founded their farm in 1847, with four more generations to come in a span of over 100 years. This beautiful neighbourhood is surrounded by scenic conservation land and will include a large community park for residents to further enjoy the great outdoors.
Head just outside of the city limits to Starkey Hill Conservation Area — a 37 hectare property offering panoramic views of Guelph and surrounding areas. The Starkey Hill Loop Trail spans 4 kilometers through forested slopes and wetlands — a must see for nature lovers!
East End
The East End of Guelph has something for every outdoor enthusiast. It’s home to Pollinator Park, 112 acres of decommissioned landfill that has been converted into one of Canada’s largest initiatives for supporting pollinators. Outdoor activities are endless at Eastview Community Park, complete with sports fields, beach volleyball courts, playground and a trail network. It’s also worth checking out the Laura Bailey Memorial Trail in the East End — perfect for hikers and cyclists.
West End
Head West to explore the Niska Road Trail and hike, bike, or dog walk through evergreen forest along the Speed River floodplain. Also located on the west side of Guelph is the trailhead for access to the Kissing Bridge Trailway, a 24.1-kim out-and-back trail. Margaret Greene Park has fun for the whole family, with trails to explore, sports fields and ball diamonds, pickleball and tennis ball courts, picnic tables, playground equipment, a leash free zone and more.
Downtown
Did you know Downtown Guelph is steps away from the convergence of the Eramosa and Speed Rivers? The parks located along these rivers offer endless opportunities for walking, running, biking, picnics and paddling with Speed River Paddling. Spend the day hanging out at Royal City Park, or continue your walk along the Royal Recreation Trail through York Road Park after crossing through the lattice-covered bridge!
Exhibition Park
The historic Exhibition Park was first established in 1871 when the land was purchased by the City for its annual exhibition. The park included livestock sheds, an exhibition building and horse race track. Today, in addition to the trail that weaves through the park, Exhibition Park is home to tennis and pickleball courts, a wading pool, natural playground and baseball field. Hasting Stadium, originally built in 1925, is where you can catch our Guelph Royals Baseball team during the summer months!
The University
The University of Guelph is most notably recognized for the 12.5+ km of trails at The Arboretum. This trail network includes pathways through natural forests, fields, plant collections, wetlands, meadows and gardens. As a whole, The Arboretum encompasses 400 acres adjacent to the University campus. Nearby is the University Village Park — home to the Guelph Community Food Forest and the city’s first Urban Demonstration Food Forest.
The Junction & Sunny Acres Park
A tour of Guelph’s outdoor spaces wouldn’t be complete without touring Sunny Acres Park and The Junction. The park features a community garden and wading pool in the summer and natural ice rink in the winter, plus picnic tables and play equipment. A fun neighbourhood to explore on foot, The Junction is highly walkable with so much to see.
The Ward
The Ward neighbourhood is the famous home of Guelph’s iconic 100 Steps. The pedestrian bridge located near the top of the steps crosses over the Metrolinx rail line. The 100 Steps are often used for exercise while creating a beautiful bridge between two neighbourhoods. The Ward also offers access to the trails at York Road Park. If you’re feeling adventurous, travel through The Ward to the sprawling former Guelph Correctional Centre grounds located off York Road. The lands can be hiked along the Radial Line Trail.
Selecting the ideal locations for our new home communities is always of utmost importance to us at Terra View Homes. We believe the best communities offer our homeowners the perfect culmination of comfort, convenience, lifestyle and leisure. To discover how you can call NiMa Trails in the North End or Hart Village in the South End home, contact us today. Happy exploring!