Tubers ride the Grand River between limestone walls at Elora Gorge Conservation Area, and the rim trails on both sides keep you behind the barriers with the rapids below. Elora and Fergus sit on that river, so after you climb out you are already in town. Walk the rims in the morning and save the river for the afternoon.
Mid-June into early September that river is a single-occupant tube run, helmet and life jacket required. The run is about two kilometres with no exit in the middle and no lifeguards. There is no shuttle, so you walk to the entry and back from the exit. Grand River Conservation Authority closes tubing without notice when the river runs high.
The campground has serviced and unserviced sites, booked through the conservation authority's reservation system, and camping runs early May through mid-October. On a summer weekend, book the site before the van. As of September 2026 the low-level bridge is closed to vehicles.
Guelph Lake Conservation Area
From the beach at Guelph Lake Conservation Area you look out at a festival-stage island on the reservoir, all of it inside city limits. Stay here when you want the close night in town.
Serviced and unserviced sites share the campground, and a dump station sits at the entrance to the serviced area. You can launch a boat here, and Grand River Conservation Authority allows electric trolling motors only, with no outboards and no personal watercraft.
Each July, Hillside Festival sets up on Guelph Lake Island, inside the conservation area. Festival campers fill the campground that weekend, so book around it.
Rockwood Conservation Area
Limestone cliffs line a reservoir trail at Rockwood Conservation Area, and the cave mouth opens onto stalactites and flowstone. Grand River Conservation Authority describes the glacial potholes as one of the world's largest. Tent sites and serviced sites are the campground. If you need more sleeping space than a campervan, look at RVs for rent in Guelph.
The caves close from mid-October through the end of March to protect hibernating bats. As of September 2026 the Harris & Co. Rockwood Woolen Mill ruins are closed for public safety.
Laurel Creek Conservation Area is a Kitchener trip. Kelso Conservation Area is a Milton trip. Algonquin's Highway 60 corridor is a Toronto trip.