The best walks and hikes around Cambridge

Black Bridge is a one-lane road and a historic bridge over the Speed River. On the west side of the bridge is a dirt parking area and a small beach where kayaks launch.

The Speed River Trail follows the Speed River into Cambridge and toward Guelph Lake. This trail is unpaved and has some boardwalk in uneven areas. Hikers and bikers can enjoy the water's edge, old stone buildings, and the forests surrounding them. This trail was built on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinabewaki peoples.

The Speed River runs next to the Glenchristie Quarry. The river stretches 100 kilometres before eventually joining the Grand River. Glenchristie Quarry is a large quarry that removes limestone from the bedrock, leaving a large, water-filled artificial lake that is a beautiful blue color.

The Grand River is a major waterway that stretches nearly 280 kilometers through the southern part of Ontario. It winds past farmland, forests, and historic towns before flowing into the Lake Erie. There are multiple ways to enjoy what the river has to offer such as hiking long-distance routes like the Grand Valley Trail, or paddling peaceful river stretches with access from several points. Wildlife is also abundant along its banks, making it a great pick for a nature-focused outing.

Idlewood Creek is a tributary of the Grand River, and an important habitat for many fish species that had dwindled in numbers thanks to two dams that were built across is, preventing them from reaching its upper sections. However, the city of Kitchener identified this problem and has since removed the barriers, allowing the fish to thrive once again in the full length of the creek.

The Grand Valley Trail runs for roughly 250 kilometers through southwestern Ontario, following the Grand River through historic towns, quiet farmland, and scenic riverbanks, giving hikers a real taste of the province’s natural and rural beauty. The trail has a variety terrain, well-maintained paths, and green spaces for both short outings or a long thru-hike.

Encompassing forests, meadows, and marshlands, Chilligo Conservation Area provides a great escape along the Speed River. For those looking to explore further afield, the Mill Run Trail runs through the park and can take you north or south along the river bank.

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 favorite for walkers, paddlers, and nature lovers looking for accessible outdoor escapes.