The best MTB trails around Guelph/Eramosa

Flowing through southern Ontario’s Waterloo Region, the Speed River winds its way from its source in Orton through scenic countryside and urban green spaces before joining the Grand River at Cambridge. Along its route, the river passes parks, trails, and small tributaries, making it a favourite for walkers, paddlers, and nature lovers looking for accessible outdoor escapes.

Puslinch Tract for hikers can be a choose your own adventure thanks to the Main Doubletrack that extends along the entire park. Main Doubletrack is large enough for bikers to pass hikers with ease, while the single track full of twists and turns require bikers and hikers to be super alert coming around turns. If you would like more of a straight shot, stick to Main Doubletrack, if you want to weave through the forests on other routes, there are plenty to choose from in Puslinch Tract!

Backtract Lake is one of two large lakes in the Puslinch Tract Conservation Area, also known as Twin Ponds. The other lake is Foretract Lake to the west, right beside the official parking area. These calm lakes attract families, kids, dogs and adults int the summer, and with clean water and surrounded by sandy beaches and trees, it's a nice getaway spot just off Highway 401.

Fight Club is a trail that can only be ridden one way (east) and is rated as a blue track for mountain bikers. This trail winds through the woods, which create a lot of shade. If hiking this trail, keep headphones out of your ears to listen for approaching bikes.

Just past the dam here, the road ends and there are some very nice views of Guelph Lake. There is a trail that connects down to the beach directly to the north from here, and the path to the south connects to the Guelph Lake Trails.

Here the crushed gravel trail runs right along the river's edge, with views across to Riverside Park. The Speed River Trail and Royal Recreation Trail overlap here as you enter Guelph from the north, but the two paths diverge on their way out of the city.

The path is shady and paved with fine crushed gravel. You can often find bikers and walkers enjoying the woods alongside the river.

Guelph has a large Dutch population, and to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the town in 2024, the Dutch community funded this small picturesque windmill by the riverside.