Things to Do
The Best Parks in Guelph
The best parks in Guelph are Riverside Park, with its 1919 carousel and gardens along the Speed River; Guelph Lake Conservation Area, a 420-hectare park with two beaches, camping and the Hillside Festival; Exhibition Park; Royal City Park by the covered bridge; and South End Community Park, where the new South End Community Centre is expected to open in late 2026. In 2026 the Riverside Park carousel runs from May to mid-October, but the miniature train is out of service while it’s converted to electric.
By George Dmitrovic, Realtor with Keller Williams Innovation Realty. Updated October 2026.
Guelph’s Best Parks at a Glance
| Park | Area | Best for | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riverside Park | North end, on the Speed River | Carousel, gardens, family outings | Free; rides extra |
| Guelph Lake Conservation Area | Northeast of the city | Beaches, camping, paddling, Hillside | GRCA admission |
| Exhibition Park | Northwest of downtown | Playground, sports, arena | Free |
| Royal City Park | Near downtown | River walks, covered bridge | Free |
| South End Community Park | South end, Poppy Drive | Splash pad, sports, new community centre | Free |
1. Riverside Park
Riverside Park in Guelph’s north end is the city’s classic family park. It runs along the Speed River with gardens, wooded areas, picnic spots, playgrounds and the well-known floral clock. Kids love the carousel, which was built in 1919.
- 2026 carousel schedule: Friday to Sunday from May 15 to June 28, daily from June 29 to September 7, and weekends from September 12 to October 12, noon to 7:30 p.m.
- 2026 prices: $2.65 per ride plus HST, or a $23.43 season pass plus HST per person.
- The train: The Riverside Express miniature train, about 60 years old, is out of service for 2026 while it’s converted from diesel to electric.
2. Guelph Lake Conservation Area
Guelph Lake Conservation Area, at 7743 Conservation Road, covers 420 hectares around a reservoir created by the Guelph Dam, completed in 1976. The Grand River Conservation Authority runs it, and it’s open year round.
- Beaches: Two sandy beaches, the Main Beach and Island Beach.
- Camping: 292 campsites (109 serviced and 183 unserviced) plus seven group areas, from May 1 to October 15.
- On the water: Four boat launches. Electric motors are allowed, outboard motors are not.
- Trails and fishing: About 10 km of hiking trails, and fishing for pike, bass, perch and more.
- Hillside Festival: Guelph Lake hosts the Hillside Festival each July, centred on the Island Stage.
3 to 5. Exhibition, Royal City and South End Parks
3. Exhibition Park
Northwest of downtown off London Road West, Exhibition Park has one of Guelph’s most creative playgrounds, designed by Elmira-based Earthscape. You’ll also find trails, shade trees, tennis courts, ball diamonds, open fields and the Exhibition Park Arena.
4. Royal City Park
Royal City Park is an easy walk from downtown Guelph along the Speed River. It has trails, a playground, river views and the wooden covered bridge that links to the Eramosa River Trail, a pleasant urban trail with good views of the city.
5. South End Community Park
South End Community Park has splash pads, ball diamonds, tennis courts, walking trails and open space. Next door on Poppy Drive, the City is finishing the 160,000 sq ft South End Community Centre, with twin ice pads, a lap and teaching pool, a double gym and a walking track. As of mid-2026, the City expected it to start operating at the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2026.
Hanlon Creek Park, just south of the Stone Road Mall, is a good honourable mention for quiet trails.
If you’re thinking of moving to Guelph, parks are a good way to narrow down where to look. Families often start near Riverside Park in the north end or in the growing south end near the new community centre. See homes for sale in Guelph.
This guide was first written by Will Kummer in 2021 and fully updated by George Dmitrovic in 2026.
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Parks in Guelph: Your Questions Answered
Quick answers for planning a day at Guelph’s best parks.
Is the Riverside Park train running in 2026?
No. The City says the Riverside Express miniature train is out of service for 2026 while it’s converted from diesel to electric. The carousel is running.
How much does the Riverside Park carousel cost?
In 2026, single tickets are $2.65 plus HST and a season pass is $23.43 plus HST per person.
How big is Guelph Lake Conservation Area?
It covers 420 hectares, about 1,040 acres, and has two beaches, 292 campsites and about 10 km of hiking trails.
Can you swim at Guelph Lake?
Yes. Guelph Lake Conservation Area has two sandy beaches, the Main Beach and Island Beach.
When will Guelph’s South End Community Centre open?
As of mid-2026, the City expected it to start operating at the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2026. Check the City of Guelph’s website for the opening date.
