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BEST RATED GUELPH, ON HIKING TRAILS FR

3 Best Hiking Trails in Guelph, ON

Expert-recommended Top 3 Hiking Trails in Guelph, ON. All of our hiking trails actually undergo a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes everything from checking reviews, ratings, reputation, history, complaints, satisfaction, trust and price - all to ensure overall excellence. You deserve only the best!

Guelph Lake Conservation Area - Guelph, ON Hiking Trails - Trail Image
Guelph Lake Conservation Area - Guelph, ON Hiking Trails - Tourist Spot Image
Guelph Lake Conservation Area - Guelph, ON Hiking Trails - Park Image
Guelph hiking trail Guelph Lake Conservation Area video
7+ YEARS ON TBR
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GUELPH LAKE CONSERVATION AREA

(5.0 Score)
7743 Conservation Road,
Guelph, ON N1H 6J1 Directions

Since 1976

Specialty:

✓Hiking ✓Walking ✓Nature Trails ✓Camping ✓Swimming ✓Fishing ✓Canoeing ✓Kayaking ✓Stand-up Paddleboarding ✓Sailing ✓Rowing ✓Cycling ✓Picnicking ✓Birdwatching ✓Snowshoeing ✓Cross-country Skiing ✓Boat Launches ✓Playground ✓Beach Volleyball

"Guelph Lake Conservation Area is a broad recreational area with beaches and forested hiking trails on an artificial reservoir. This large conservation area (420 hectares) surrounds a reservoir that was created with the construction of Guelph Dam, completed in 1976. The park welcomes everyone to explore the two-mile nature observation trails and gain fresh insights and understanding. Visitors can enjoy the beaches and wooded hiking trails. Guelph Lake Conservation Area is perfect for hiking, running, or biking. The conservation area has a recently built concert area with a luxurious living roof on an island in the lake. Monitored boating is allowed in the lake. Guelph Lake Conservation Area is open year-round, with camping from May 1 to October 15.

2026 Highlights: The park offers 10 kilometres of hiking trails through wooded areas, two sandy beaches, picnic areas, fishing, camping, boating, canoeing, kayaking, cycling on conservation roads, and winter activities when conditions permit."

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Price:

Fee+Hst:
Child (4–12): $4.00
Adult (13–64): $9.50
Senior (65+) Person With Disabilities: $7.50
Epass Vehicle Rate (Attendant Off Duty): $19.00

Contact:

(519) 824-5061

Mon-Sun: 6am - 9pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

Starkey Hill Conservation Area - Guelph, ON Hiking Trails - Park Image
Starkey Hill Conservation Area - Guelph, ON Hiking Trails - Tourist Spot Image
Starkey Hill Conservation Area - Guelph, ON Hiking Trails - Nature Image
Guelph hiking trail Starkey Hill Conservation Area video
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STARKEY HILL CONSERVATION AREA

(4.9 Score)
735 Arkell Road, Puslinch,
Guelph, ON N1H 6H8 Directions

Since 1973

Specialty:

✓Hiking ✓Bird Watching ✓Mountain Biking ✓Snowshoeing ✓Running ✓Dogs on Leash ✓Kid Friendly ✓Forest ✓Nature Views ✓Wildlife and Walking Trails

"Starkey Hill Conservation Area is a 37-hectare property featuring a hiking trail that offers panoramic views. This beautiful trail park is located 13.7 miles from Guelph, ON. The Grand River Conservation Authority owns the property. This 4-kilometre loop trail is considered a moderately challenging route, taking an average of 60-90 minutes to complete. The Starkey Hill Loop Trail travels through steep forested slopes, past wetlands and many other natural features. The trail was created and is currently being looked after by the Guelph Hiking Trail Club. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit at any time. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. Parking and access to the trail are located off Arkell Rd., 1 km east of Watson Road and the village of Arkell.

2026 Highlights: Starkey Hill is the highest point in Puslinch Township."

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Contact:

(519) 824-5061

Mon-Sun: 8am - 6pm

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Preservation Park - Guelph, ON Hiking Trails - Trail Image
Preservation Park - Guelph, ON Hiking Trails - Tourist Spot Image
Preservation Park - Guelph, ON Hiking Trails - Park Image
Guelph hiking trail Preservation Park video
10+ YEARS ON TBR
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PRESERVATION PARK

(4.8 Score)
226 Kortright Road West,
Guelph, ON N1G 4Y9 Directions

Since 1973

Specialty:

✓Hiking ✓Wildlife ✓Forest Views ✓Outdoor Activities ✓Bird Watching ✓Running ✓Tropical Rainforests ✓Dogs On Leash ✓Kid-Friendly Hikes ✓Nature Trips and Walking

"Preservation Park encompasses a forested area and is a popular walking destination. This trail offers a deep, thick, and dense forest experience in the middle of Guelph. Visitors can enjoy a lovely woodland walk and a long route for an excellent hike. The new equipment provides children with a fun environment, making it a perfect getaway from city noise and a wonderful way to connect with nature. Preservation Park is one of the best places in Guelph for hiking, mountain biking, and picnics. On a sunny afternoon, beautiful sunlight shines through the trees. Preservation Park has a 2.6-mile loop trail.

2026 Highlights: Visitors have opportunities for nature walks, wildlife observation, and outdoor recreation."

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Contact:

(519) 822-1260

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GUELPH LAKE CONSERVATION AREA REVIEWS

An excellent destination for a family outing, this conservation area offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. We recently hosted a family gathering here and made use of the well-equipped BBQ pits in the clean and spacious picnic areas. The park's trails are ideal for hiking and biking, and the lake provides fantastic opportunities for swimming, boating, and kayaking. The entire area is meticulously maintained, with spotless facilities and ample amenities that cater to all visitors. This conservation area is truly a top-notch spot for both relaxation and adventure.

I love this place. I spent all day yesterday, just swimming and relaxing under big shadey trees. You can swim or just lazy around the lake. Lots of picnic tables and braaing stands, just bring your Charcoal. Take a walk around the trails and one leads to a beautiful lookout. A perfect place to bring your family, there's something for everyone.

Great natural spot close to the city! Hiking trails, beach/swimming and camping! They also have group camp sites which was awesome for our Girl Guides.

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STARKEY HILL CONSERVATION AREA REVIEWS

Starkey Hill Trail is a moderate to hard loop, with a very hard side trail leading to the Lookout at the highest point in the township. The property has been worked for over a century but still is a good representation some of the glacial topography of this area consisting of depositions of till called Drumlins, and the marshes and ponds between them called Dungeons. Be prepared for a lot biodiversity in the form of mosquitoes.

I absolutely love this gorgeous trail in any season. Plenty of hills for a good workout, and a peak that allows you to see the Guelph Church of Our Lady in the distance (highest elevation in Puslinch). There are also interpretive signs via QR codes and plenty of parking. Bring ice cleats in the winter. Parking: Plenty of parking in a big parking lot, but on busier days you may need to park along the road. Dog-friendliness: Dogs are welcome (my dog loved this place!) but must be on a leash.

A beautiful hike. We went in early spring when the frogs were out in the kettle.ponds. they were very loud and it was awesome. The hike is not hard and goes through hardwood and planted pine forests. I like the hardwood forest best. Worth going to again.

PRESERVATION PARK REVIEWS

A good place for walking , cycling. It has a good share of boardwalks . You need to follow the main trails ,parking is not at the park but you can find a plaza nearby to park and walk from there or there is a dog park where parking can be done , both with different entrance.

Amazing first deep and dense right in the middle of Guelph. Parking available at the park across the road. Bring your water, hiking shoes and phone fully charged. You will need it as the trails quickly open to multiple side trails and its easy to get lost after a few minutes of entering the forest.

Absolutely gorgeous trails here, mostly flat too which was nice and made for a leisurely walk. We did the shorter route (about 4.5km) and made lots of dog friends along the way. Trail was pretty well marked for the most part as well. It was just a great way to spend the afternoon.

TBR® Inspection Score Report

GUELPH LAKE CONSERVATION AREA Total Inspection Points: 119/120
Complete Info: 9
Business Hours: 10
Business Images: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Reviews Accuracy: 10
Videos: 10
Website Source: 10
Website Standard: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

STARKEY HILL CONSERVATION AREA Total Inspection Points: 118/120
Complete Info: 9
Reviews Accuracy: 9
Business Hours: 10
Business Images: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Videos: 10
Website Source: 10
Website Standard: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

PRESERVATION PARK Total Inspection Points: 114/120
Business Hours: 8
Reviews Accuracy: 8
Complete Info: 9
Contact Info: 9
Business Images: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Videos: 10
Website Source: 10
Website Standard: 10

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