The best MTB trails around Guelph/Eramosa

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.

As you walk, you will follow white blazes marked on the trees, which guide you through rolling hills and quiet, shaded pathways. The woods are filled with a mix of hardwoods like maple and oak, which create a beautiful canopy overhead. In the spring, you can see colorful wildflowers blooming on the forest floor, and in the autumn, the leaves turn into a sea of bright yellow and orange.

The river here is a great place for you to watch for local wildlife. If you stay quiet, you might spot a blue heron standing still in the shallow water or see a bald eagle soaring above the trees. For those who like being on the water, this section is popular for canoeing and kayaking because the current is usually gentle.

When you stand on the bridge, you can look down at the calm water flowing beneath the stone arches. It is one of the oldest and most famous landmarks in the city, and it has a very classic, old-world feel. The view from the bridge is lovely in every season.

The Guelph Covered Bridge spans 144 feet across the Speed River. It was built recently, in 1992, by the Timber Framers' Guild and is only open to pedestrians and bikes. Take a few pictures as you walk through it, as it is one of only a few covered bridges in all of Ontario.

The Walter Bean Grand River Trail is a scenic multi-use trail that follows the Grand River through much of the Waterloo Region. Stretching roughly 78 kilometers when complete, the trail connects communities such as Waterloo, Kitchener, and Cambridge. Much of the route winds through forested riverbanks, conservation areas, and quiet natural spaces, offering scenic views of the river. It’s a popular route for walking, running, and cycling.