Guelph Lake
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| Guelph Lake | |
|---|---|
| Location | Guelph, Ontario |
| Lake type | artificial lake |
| Primary inflows | Speed River |
| Primary outflows | Speed River |
| Basin countries | Canada |
Guelph Lake is a reservoir located on the Speed River in the north-east corner of Guelph, Ontario. The artificial lake and the immediate areas surrounding it are part of a conservation area maintained by the Grand River Conservation Authority.
The dam that created the Guelph Lake reservoir is one the main flood control mechanisms on the Speed River. Each spring, excess precipitation is collected in the reservoir, which is drained in the autumn, and in summer the water is released slowly to regulate the flow of the river.
The conservation area has two beaches as well as a concert area with a living roof. The concert area is located on a peninsula in the middle of the lake and is used mainly for the annual Hillside Festival [1].
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[edit] History
The 1,608 hectare (3,971 acre) conservation area was created with the construction of the Guelph Lake dam over the Speed River in 1974 to control and prevent flooding of the Speed River.
[edit] Activities
[edit] Camping
Guelph Lake also has a camping area with 104 serviced sites with electricity and water and about 190 unserviced sites in a variety of locations, including riverfront and forest.
[edit] Boating and canoing
No outboard motors boats are allowed on Guelph Lake. The only motorized boats permitted on the lake are Jon boats, which are small row boat-style boats with an electric trolling motor. These type of boats can be rented from the boathouse at the main beach. Canoes and kayaks are popular on the lake and can also be rented from the boathouse.
Guelph lake is also home to a sailing club.
[edit] Hiking and Cycling
Approximately five kilometers of hiking and biking trails carve their way through a wide variety of natural wooded areas as well as tall stands of reforestation inside the Conservation Area. In addition, there is a recreational trail from downtown Guelph that follows the river to Guelph Lake.
[edit] Swimming
Since the reservoir was created in 1974, swimming has been a popular activity in the conservation area. Two large, sandy beaches and changing facilities are located on the lake, but neither beach is patrolled by lifeguards.
[edit] Winter activities
Along with snowshoeing and hiking, the conservation has ice fishing in the winter as well and provides equipment for rent.
[edit] References
[edit] External links
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