Guelph Off The Beaten Path

This dog park is not in Guelph, but it's well worth the 20 minute drive from Guelph to the east end of Waterloo. Address: 185 Bridge Street
Waterloo, Ontario Website: http://www.city.waterloo.on.ca/Facilities/BechtelPark/index.html

5 acres of fenced-in land. Double gated. Popular spot. Lots of dogs and dog owners to socialize with. A forest with lots of on-leash trails available right beside the dog park.

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We visited this lake in early spring by accident and were fully rewarded for our exploration by sight of a pair of Ospreys and their nest (see picture 1).

There's a lot of room for recreation at this 1,608 hectares ( 3,971 acres) conservation area created with the construction of the Guelph Lake dam in 1974 (picture 2). A newly developed concert area with a unique living roof is on an island in the middle of the lake.

There are two beaches and non-motorized boating is allowed on the lake. It is home to a sailing club and there's excellent fishing (see picture).

The lake is located at 7743 Conservation Dr., RR 4, Guelph, ON N1H 6J1.

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We have been frequent visitors to this conservation area, which is well known in the region for its campgrounds, tubing, kayaking, and hiking trails.

The Elora Gorge is one of the most beautiful and spectacular natural area in the Grand River valley. The Grand River rushes through the gorge, which has 22-metre high cliffs. Riverside trails (with safety barriers) and scenic overlooks provide hikers with stunning views of the water far below where kayakers and tubers make their way through the rapids.

Please note that warning signs are posted throughout the conservation area regarding safety around the gorge. Exercise caution during your visit, and stay on the trails. Stay away from the edge of the gorge and do not climb over the fences.

The Area is located at 7400 Wellington County Rd. 21, Box 356, Elora, ON N0B 1S0.

For details, please visit my pages on Elora. This conservation area with a wide range of adventure activities deserves a full page.

The Arboretum spans 165 hectares (408 acres) with 8.2 km of signed trails. Observed at The Arboretum are 38 species of mammals, 188 species of birds, 39 species of butterflies, 18 herptiles (reptiles and amphibians) and 1,700 species of trees and shrubs. Almost every tree and shrub indigenous to southern Ontario is growing at The Arboretum.

A great place for a peaceful and educational walk. I especially like to share this walk with my human friend (on-leash).

Cycling/hiking trails - there are several trails that most people would never know about. I only found out about them after living in Guelph during the summertime.

1. Trail leaves off east side of Watson Rd between Stone Rd and Arkell Rd. Just look for cars parked on the east side. Nice hike (about 1 hour) beside the river and then up through forest.

2. Guelph Lake conservation trails - go up to Guelph Lake - they'll help you out from there :)

3. Royal Recreation Trails - throughout the city of Guelph - check out the website for trail routes (http://www.city.guelph.on.ca/document.cfm?category=208)

4. Can't remember the name of this one - but if you drive east along Arkell Rd past Watson Rd. you'll find the parking lot on the right side (about 1 km past Watson). It's a nice hour hike through woods and up some hills.