Guelph & Wellington County

Covered bridge on Eramosa River Trail, Guelph

Throughout Guelph and Wellington County, cyclists will discover an extensive network of well-maintained trails and scenic rural roads linking vibrant small towns, farmland, and river valleys. Historic communities offer welcoming places to stop for food, culture, and local exploration, while longer regional trail systems make it easy to extend your ride beyond the county.

In Guelph & Wellington County:

  • Enjoy family-friendly trail rides along rivers and farmland on the G2G / Kissing Bridge Trailway, Elora-Cataract Trailway, and Guelph’s Royal Recreation Trail.
  • Explore historic small towns including Elora, Fergus, Erin, and Harriston, with cafes, shops, and markets.
  • Ride scenic country roads on one of Wellington County’s Signature Cycling Routes.
  • Connect to major regional trails including the Goderich to Guelph Trail (G2G), Trans Canada Trail, and Greenbelt Route.
  • Visit Guelph’s vibrant downtown and markets and ride its expanding network of cycling routes and riverside trails.
  • Try the Guelph Lake Mountain Bike Trails, featuring over 20 km of singletrack.

Guelph & Wellington County Road Routes

  • Wellington County Signature Cycling Routes – New in 2024, ride any of the 7 new routes ranging from 35km to 80km+, to experience Wellington in a whole new way while stopping at beautiful lookouts and charming small businesses to better your biking experience.

    • Wellington Windmills and Water Tower Road Ride – 80km, Intermediate/Advanced, route surfaces: 95% paved, 5% unpaved/gravel. Starting in Fergus, this road cycling route explores Centre Wellington and Wellington North.

    • Minto Town and Country Tour – 70km, Intermediate/Advanced, route surfaces: 96% paved, 4% hard-surfaced tar and chip. This ride explores the charming towns of Minto: Palmerston, Harriston, and Clifford.

    • Elora-Fergus Grand River Loop – 35km, Beginner, route surfaces: 75% paved, 25% unpaved/stone-dust trails. This is the perfect loop for a leisurely cycle on some of the best trails and paved roads in Elora and Fergus and its pretty surrounding countryside.

    • Guelph-Wellington Gravel Explorer – 62km, Intermediate (Advanced riders can extend to 90 km), route surfaces: 58% paved, 42% unpaved/gravel. Explore a gravel route from downtown Guelph, starting at Goldie Mill ruins. 

    • Rockwood-Eden Mills- Guelph Road Loop – 56km, Intermediate, route surfaces: 98% paved, 2% unpaved/gravel. Explore eastern Wellington County’s scenic countryside with this ride starting in Rockwood. 

    • Wellington-Eramosa Country Road Ride – 72km, Advanced, route surfaces: 100% paved. This route showcases the best paved country roads in Wellington County, passing through scenic countryside and farmland in Centre Wellington and Guelph/Eramosa townships.

    • Fergus-Erin Road and Trail Loop – 75km, Advanced, route surfaces: 56% paved, 44% unpaved/gravel. Enjoy a road and trail ride from Fergus to Erin and back. Start on paved roads through rolling countryside, tackling the hills of Wellington Road 22.

  • City of Guelph On-Road Cycling Network – The City of Guelph has an up-to-date Cycling Map which shows bike lanes, signed cycling routes, suggested local routes through neighbourhoods, plus multi-use paths and off-road bike routes.
  • Guelph Cycling Club Routes – The club has developed an extensive collection of paved and gravel road cycling routes that are all publicly accessible on RidewithGPS and sorted by ride length and type. There are over 100 paved road rides and over 40 gravel routes. To see the full collection of Guelph Cycling Club routes, click HERE
    • The Guelph Cycling Club also organizes the Tour de Guelph Event annually.

Wellington County Trails – Find out more about Wellington County’s trails mentioned below on their website HERE

  • Kissing Bridge Trail (Guelph to Goderich Trail/Trans Canada Trail) – This 45km multi-use stone dust trail forms part of both the Guelph to Goderich (G2G) rail trail and the Trans Canada Trail (TCT). The trail begins in Guelph city limits and travels 7km through Wellington County before reaching Waterloo Region, and continuing on to the West Montrose Covered Bridge (the namesake “Kissing Bridge”) and further on to Goderich. In addition to the West Montrose covered bridge, the trailway offers a number of attractions including picturesque farms, towns, villages and the beautiful rural landscape.
  • Elora Cataract Trail (Trans Canada Trail) – At approximately 47km in length, this stone dust trailway stretches from Elora to the community of Cataract and the Forks of the Credit Provincial Park in Caledon, passing through picturesque countryside and the communities of Fergus, Belwood and Belwood Lake, Hillsburgh and Erin.
  • Cottontail Road Trail (Trans Canada Trail) – This 16km route closes a gap in the Trans Canada Trail connecting the Elora Cataract Trail in Elora south to the Kissing Bridge Trail on a mix of on road paved shoulders, off-road trails, and signed roadways through rural farmlands. 
  • White’s Junction Trail – This 7km cinder/soil/naturally-surfaced trail follows a former CN railway line that runs north from the Town of Palmerston to south of Harriston in the Town of Minto. On the trail you will find a rare area of prairie grass and two old trestle bridges.
  • Trestle Bridge Trail – This 3.5km stone dust trail connects Elora and Fergus to the south of the Elora Cataract Trail, and crosses a historic trestle bridge over the Grand River.
  • West Luther Trail – From north of Arthur follow the 11km unpaved trail east from Eliza Street and Wellington on an old railway bed. It is part of the Upper Grand Trailway, that continues all the way to Waldemar, in Dufferin County.

Guelph Trails – Find out more about Guelph’s trails mentioned below on their interactive map at the link HERE

  • Royal Recreation Trail System – A 20km trail network stretching from the north to the south of Guelph, the network is made up of six smaller trails, including the Speed River Trail (3.4km), the CNR Spurline Trail (1.6km), the Downtown Trail (4.3km), the Eramosa River Trail (4.1km), the Silvercreek Trail (4.9km), and the Hanlon Creek Trail (2km). Many of the trails run alongside the Speed and Eramosa Rivers, and can be linked through short on-road connections. Sections of the trail network have plans for expansion and greater connection. See the City’s Trails and Open Space Map for details. Trail sections below are listed in order from north to south. 
    • Speed River Trail – This 3.4km trail along the Speed River connects Downtown Guelph, the Downtown Trail, and the CNR Spurline Trail with two additional trail systems to the north of the city – the Kissing Bridge Trail (Guelph to Goderich Trail/Trans Canada Trail) and the trail system and recreation opportunities at Guelph Lake Conservation Area. 
    • CNR Spurline Trail – This 1.6km trail is an offshoot of the Royal Recreation Trail and connects to the Downtown Trail at Dufferin St. just south of Riverside Park. Trail extends from Dufferin St. in the north to London Rd. in the south through Exhibition Park.
    • Downtown Trail – This 4.3km trail travels along the Speed River from Downtown Guelph north to Riverside Park, connecting to the CNR Spurline Trail and Speed River Trails. On-road connections south can be made to the Eramosa River Trail, and the Silvercreek Trail, with future direct trail connections planned. 
    • Silvercreek Trail – This 4.9km trail runs from Royal City Park to Janefield Avenue via Silvercreek Park, Centennial Park and W.E. Hamilton Park.
    • Eramosa River Trail (4.1km) – From the Covered Bridge at the junction of the Speed and Eramosa Rivers, this trail connects to the Downtown Trail and ends at Victoria Road South.
    • Hanlon Creek Trail (2km) – Trail runs from University Village Park to Hanlon Creek Park.

Other City of Guelph Trails

  • Hanlon Creek Conservation Area (12.5km) – Located between Kortright Road, Edinburgh Road and Scottsdale Drive, the Hanlon Creek property has a network of trails, constructed by community volunteers, that explores its forests and other natural areas.
  • Watson Creek Trail (1.5km) – Located between Watson Parkway North and Grange Road to Watson Road North via Joe Veroni Park, Severn Drive and Fleming Road.
  • Laura Baily Memorial Trail (1.5km) – Grange Road Park through Hadati Creek Wetlands to Buckthorn Crescent via Grange Road, Eastview Road, Trimble Court, Ireland Place and Starwood Drive.
  • Radial Line Trail (6km) – On a mix of private and public land, the trail is maintained by the Guelph Hiking Trail Club, and generally follows an abandoned railway line from Guelph eastward. Some sections of this trail west of Wellington Rd. 29 are shared-use with bicycles allowed, by landowner agreement. East of Wellington #29 is pedestrian use only. This trail connects the Eramosa River Trail (RRT) with the Arkell Forest Trails (GORBA members only, no parking permitted). 

  • Guelph Lake Mountain Bike Trails  – The 20km of trails at Guelph Lake (a lake created by the widening of the Speed River) are maintained by the Guelph Off-Road Bicycling Association (GORBA) and feature more than 30 trails from beginner to experienced. Trails are described as flowy, relaxed, with enough elevation to get up some speed. The trail head can be found at 797 Victoria Rd. N. and can be accessed from the Speed River Trail and Royal Recreation Trail system, a 6km bike ride from Downtown Guelph. Trails are open to the public but GORBA membership is encouraged. 
  • Arkell Spring Grounds (Members Only) – Open to Guelph Off-Road Bicycling Association (GORBA) and Guelph Hiking Trail Club members only through a trail-use agreement with the City of Guelph (access is restricted to protect Guelph drinking water source on property), this property just east of Guelph is home to about 10km of marked and challenging trails featuring rocks, roots and steep hills. No parking on site. Cyclists can ride the Radial Line trail east from Guelph to access the trail system. Note that the adjacent trails at Starkey Hill are for hiking only.

  • Trans Canada Trail (TCT) –The TCT is a four-season, multi-use trail system with various surface types and users. A number of the Region’s trails are incorporated within this larger, national trail including: the Elora Cataract Trail (from Erin west to Elora), the Kissing Bridge Trailway (from Guelph northwest to Waterloo Region) and the Cottontail Road Trail, connecting these two trails. The Trans Canada Trail also extends into the Guelph through on-road connections from the G2G trailhead to the downtown via the Speed River and Downtown Trails.
  • Goderich to Guelph (G2G) Rail Trail – The Goderich to Guelph Rail Trail (known as G2G) runs 132km along the former CPR railway line, which stretches from Guelph to the waters of Lake Huron. The G2G Rail Trail officially opened in July 2015 and consists of 3 regional trails, the Kissing Bridge Trailway, the Perth Harvest Pathway and the Lake Huron Route. The G2G connects through 13 communities and many other beautiful trails, including the Trans Canada Trail, the Grand Valley Trail, the Elora Cataract Trailway, the Avon Trail and the proposed Port to Point Trail. Trail surface varies along the 132km route, with a mix of hard pack stone dust suitable for hybrid bikes, to grass covered sections. Development continues to improve trail surface from end to end and construct bridges to connect the gaps. An interactive map on the G2G website has the most up to date information on trail conditions, connecting trails and communities
  • Great Lakes Waterfront TrailGreat Lakes Waterfront Trail – Stretching over 3600km, the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail is a route connecting over 151 communities and First Nations along the Canadian shores of the Great Lakes: Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River, Lake Erie, Detroit River and Lake St Clair, Lake Huron, Georgian Bay and the North Channel. The fully signed Trail uses the safest infrastructure possible, a mix of both on-road and off-road facilities, and is primarily paved, with sections of unpaved path and gravel roads. It can be enjoyed as part of a day trip or on a multi-day long distance cycling adventure.
    • Great Waterfront Trail Adventure 2025 Tri-Lake Cycling Tour
      • While the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail route does not pass through Guelph & Wellington County, in 2025, the organization hosted their annual Great Waterfront Trail Adventure cycling tour on a route that visited three Great Lakes, and used a significant amount of inland infrastructure, including the Goderich to Guelph Rail Trail, passing through Wellington County and Guelph. The 685km cycling tour showcases some of Ontario’s best scenic cycling infrastructure, including the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, Greenbelt Route, Hamilton’s Keddy Trail, Guelph to Goderich Trail, London’s Thames Valley Parkway, the Whistlestop Trail, St. Thomas Elevated Trail, Port Dover to Hamilton Rail Trail, and the Trans Canada Trail. The route offers a rich blend of natural beauty, vibrant community experiences and the opportunity to take a dip into three of Canada’s four Great Lakes – all in a single week.
  • Green beltGreenbelt Route – More than 475 km of signed cycling adventures await in the beautiful, protected countryside of Ontario’s Greenbelt. From Niagara to Northumberland, enjoy lush forests, winding rivers, welcoming communities, and family farms as you pedal through some of southern Ontario’s diverse and stunning landscapes. The City of Guelph and Wellington County are linked to the Greenbelt route via an on-road connecting route via Rockwood and Acton.
    • Greenbelt Route Cycling Itineraries in Guelph & Wellington County

  • Ontario By Bike Self Guided Ride Itinerary – Waterloo Guelph Explorer – In 2020, Ontario By Bike hosted a small group tour to explore the well-developed road and trail cycling network spanning Wellington County, Guelph and Waterloo Region. This two-day self-guided ride itinerary starts and ends in Guelph. It features a multitude of trails including portions of the Kissing Bridge Trailway/G2G Trail, Iron Horse Trail, Laurel Trail, and more. Find detailed digital maps and additional information HERE.
  • Royal City Mill Run – This 183km looped, multi-day itinerary starts in the city of Guelph the ‘Royal City’, and connects with several local and regional cycling routes through Caledon, north to Orangeville and back to Guelph. This route forms part of the provincial Greenbelt Route.

  • Wellington County Signature Cycling Routes – Online resources detailing the 7 signature cycling routes, including RidewithGPS maps and suggested locations to stop along the way.
  • Wellington County – Trails Webpage – Explore the Kissing Bridge Trailway, the Elora Cataract Trail and more on the Wellington County Trails webpage
  • City of Guelph – Cycling and Walking Webpage – Explore the ambitious active transportation network plans, as well as links to the online Guelph Cycling Map and trail descriptions. 
  • Guelph Cycling Club – RideWithGPS Route Library – Explore over 100 paved road and 40 gravel cycling routes. 
  • Elora Cataract Trailway Association Maps – PDF maps and Ride with GPS route available for the entire trail. Print maps are also generally available at the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Elora BIA Office, Fergus, Aboyne, Elora, Hillsburgh and Erin Public Libraries, Wellington County Museum, Erin Town Hall.
  • G2G Trail Interactive Map – An interactive Google Map with details including trail kiosks, connecting trails and other rider information helpful to explore the trail.
  • Trailforks – Explore Guelph and Wellington County trails on user created digital maps. Please exercise caution when using user-created trail maps and always respect the allowed uses for all trails.

Please note there are may be additional trails, routes, events and information resources for the region that may be of interest and useful to cyclists. 

Guelph & Wellington County – Related Blogs:

Ride 7 New Signature Cycling Routes in Wellington County

October 1, 2024|

Wellington County just launched seven new signature cycling routes for riders of all levels. The new signature cycling routes make the most of the region’s rail trails (Kissing Bridge/G2G, Elora-Cataract, and more), take riders on scenic rural roads, to beautiful lookouts, and to unique businesses and destinations worth every pedal stroke to get there.

  • Group cycling in Guelph

Cycle Guelph, Ontario!

September 1, 2024|

Guelph is a cyclist’s dream with the natural beauty found in Guelph’s green spaces and it’s “big city, small town” vibe. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a casual cyclist, Guelph has something for you!

Explore Guelph by Bike!

May 1, 2023|

If you’re planning a cycling day trip, look no further! Guelph is home to an extensive and well-maintained Trail System that is perfect for cyclists. Whether you’re looking for Mountain Biking Trails at Guelph Lake, cross-regional trail systems including the Goderich to Guelph Rail Trail (G2G) and the Trans Canada Trail (TCT), or simply a family trail ride, you’ll find it in Guelph.

  • A Perfect Mix: Waterloo Guelph Explorer

A Perfect Mix: Waterloo Guelph Explorer

September 30, 2020|

There is always a thrill in travelling to somewhere new, something we were keen to experience this summer with travel keeping us all closer to home. Having long heard about the excellent bike trails, quiet country roads, small town charm and modern city amenities we enthusiastically began research mid winter on the ultimate looped two day ride itinerary to explore the Waterloo Guelph area.

Destination & Regional Partners:

All photos by Ontario By Bike.

For more information on accommodations, attractions and activities visit:
Visit Guelph, Wellington County