Explore Guelph by Bike!
Wellington County. Photo Credit: Speed River Bicycle.
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. Take a day or weekend trip to discover Guelph’s unique and historic architecture, beautiful rivers and farmland, unique local shops and markets, and recharge at one of the many restaurants or coffee shops around town. The City of Guelph is a fantastic spot to get outside and enjoy all the amenities of a city. With the seasons changing and warmer weather ahead, there’s no better time to get outside than now!
Guelph Trail System
Guelph is packed with a thousand hectares of parks and open space where you’ll find over 70km of trails and paths. You’ll find off-road bike trails, accessible cycling infrastructure, and quiet country roads all within the same city. Along many of the off-road trails, you’ll find award-winning floral displays, an antique carousel, as well as many opportunities to take a seat on a bench or picnic area and soak in nature.
York District. Photo Credit: Speed River Bicycle.
Royal Recreation Trail System
The Royal Recreation Trail is one of the largest trail networks within the city stretching approximately 20km. Along this trail, you’ll get to take in the gorgeous views along the Speed and Eramosa rivers.
Speed River Trail
This 3.4km trail is all about connection! Though the trail may be short, it’s great to link routes between Downtown Guelph, the Downtown Trail, and the Spurline Trail. You can even explore Guelph Lake via the Speed River Trail. Utilize this trail to access Guelph’s charming downtown and explore many bike friendly businesses.
Guelph Lake
Guelph Lake is like an amusement park for cyclists with 20km of popular mountain bike trails (maintained by Guelph Off-Road Bicycling Association-GORBA) and paved roads throughout the Conservation Area. The trails are beginner friendly, however, if you’re looking for a challenge, some trails have a higher difficulty level for those who are more experienced. Check out these hand-curated maps and driving directions to help you plan!
And Guelph Lake isn’t just for the cyclists in your group! They have many other activities to turn your day trip adventure into a weekend! With camping from May to October, fishing, sailing, and swimming, you won’t have a shortage of things to do!
Guelph Lake on GORBA trails. Photo Credit: Speed River Bicycle.
Goderich to Guelph Trail (G2G)/ Kissing Bridge Trailway
The G2G Trail is an inclusive multi-use trail that’s all about connection, and includes the 45km Kissing Bridge Trailway near Guelph. The full trail runs 132km along a former CPR railway line from Guelph to the waters of Lake Huron in Goderich and connects Guelph to one of Ontario’s last covered bridges, beaches, beautiful countryside, and diverse and historic communities on its path. There’s a lot to enjoy on this trail with long stretches of open countryside, where you can spend time in open space and nature with small communities and unique public spaces along the way. Experience the trail’s friendly atmosphere connecting people and nature together. The trail is a mix of hard-packed stone dust with grass-covered sections. Check out the interactive map which includes the most up-to-date information on trail conditions, connecting trails, and nearby communities.
Trans Canada Trail (TCT)
The TCT is Canada’s National Trail. It’s one of the longest multi-use recreational trails in the world, open all four seasons. The TCT has incorporated Guelph’s regional trails including the Kissing Bridge Trailway (G2G), the Elora Cataract Trailway, with the route extending into Guelph through on-road connections. The John Galt Park Pavilion located at the intersection of Wellington Street East/Woolwich Street and Macdonell Street is a beautiful sight to see. In the pavilion you’ll find a memorial honouring many Guelphites who played a crucial role in creating The Great Trail of Canada.
Trail sections in Guelph are mostly flat, paved, and connect you to the things you need along your way. You’ll see stunning views of the Speed River, various scenic overlooks, and bike friendly businesses along the way!
Trail in Guelph. Photo Credit: Visit Guelph.
See and Do – Bicycle Friendly Businesses
Make the most of your cycling trip and visit some of the amazing bike friendly shops and stops that Guelph has to offer. From bike shops to breweries – Guelph is ready to welcome you and your bike. Here are some of the bike friendly businesses in Guelph to get you started:
Flow State Bike Co. is redefining what a bike shop looks and feels like by providing a beautiful, hip, and welcoming space for all riders to unwind. This boutique bike shop offers a licensed coffee bar, ice cream, bicycle service, and more all under the same roof. An inclusive space for all riders.
Location: 599 Arkell Rd, Arkell.
Fixed Gear Brewing is a small-batch craft brewery where the beer is made right in Guelph’s Junction. The Canteen offers live entertainment, creative wood-fired pizzas, and top-notch service. All with a unique bike themed atmosphere.
Location: 20 Alma St S, Guelph
Speed River Bicycle has a great selection of bicycles along with a full catalog of parts, tires, accessories, and clothing. Speed River Bike is equipped with a full-service bicycle center and bike fitting.
Location:112 Wyndham Street North and 37 Chapel Lane, Guelph
Jones baseline around Guelph Lake. Photo Credit: Speed River Bicycle.
Royal City Brewing is a small-batch brewing company in the heart of The Ward neighbourhood in Guelph. Focusing on fresh, interesting yet approachable beers.
Location: 199 Victoria Rd S, Guelph
Delta Hotels by Marriott and Bar Mason
The Guelph Delta Hotel and Conference Centre is a comfortable and clean getaway space with the on-site restaurant Bar Mason. Bar Mason is a field-to-fork bistro showcasing fresh seasonal fare in a warm social atmosphere.
Location: 50 Stone Rd W, Guelph
Cycle a Day in Guelph Itinerary
The Visit Guelph team has put together the Cycle a Day in Guelph itinerary to get you started, but there’s plenty of sites to see and paths to cycle throughout the ‘Royal City’. Check out the Covered Bridge, the floral clock at Riverside Park, and historical architecture. For more to see and do, check out the bike friendly map and begin planning your cycling trip in Guelph.
Watson Road near Arkell. Photo Credit: Speed River Bicycle.
Additional Information:
- Cycle a Day in Guelph Itinerary – Route map and additional information
- Guelph Cycling Map – City of Guelph cycling map showing on-road cycling infrastructure and off-road trails and paths
- Visit Guelph – Tourism information for things to do and see, places to eat and where to stay during your visit to Guelph
- Ontario By Bike – Guelph & Wellington County – Great Places to Cycle – Find more regional and cross-regional road and trail cycling routes, published maps and resources, and bicycle friendly businesses to eat, visit and sleep.
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Sponsored Content Partner: Visit Guelph / City of Guelph
About the Author: Guest
