Guelph Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Guelph Lake |
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Swimmers at Guelph Lake
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 Guelph Lake
Location in Ontario
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| Location | Guelph, Ontario |
| Coordinates | 43°36′N 80°14′W / 43.600°N 80.233°W |
| Type | artificial lake |
| Primary inflows | Speed River |
| Primary outflows | Speed River |
| Basin countries | Canada |
Guelph Lake is a special man-made lake in Ontario, Canada. It was created in 1974. This happened when a dam was built on the Speed River. The lake is located near the city of Guelph. It is part of a large area called the Guelph Lake Conservation Area. This area is managed by the Grand River Conservation Authority. It's a popular spot for many outdoor activities.
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Fun at Guelph Lake Conservation Area
The Guelph Lake Conservation Area is a huge park. It covers about 1,608 hectares. Since the lake was made in 1974, this area has been a favorite place. People love to come here for swimming and beach fun.
There are two sandy beaches at Guelph Lake. You can also find changing rooms here. Remember, there are no lifeguards on duty regularly. So, it's important to be safe when swimming.
Camping and Trails
The conservation area has a great camping spot. There are 104 campsites with electricity and water. You can also find about 190 other campsites. These are in different places, like by the river or in the forest.
There are about five kilometers of trails here. You can use them for hiking or biking. These trails go through pretty wooded areas. They also pass by tall reforested sections. There's even a trail from downtown Guelph that leads to the lake.
The conservation area also has a special outdoor concert area. It has a unique "living roof." This area is on a peninsula in the middle of the lake. It's where the yearly Hillside Festival takes place.
Boating and Rowing Fun
You can enjoy many types of boating on Guelph Lake. But, big outboard motor boats are not allowed. Only small boats with electric trolling motors are permitted. These are called Jon boats. You can rent them from the boathouse at the main beach.
Canoes and kayaks are also very popular. You can rent these from the boathouse too.
The Guelph Rowing Club started in 1998. Since then, rowing has become very popular here. The University of Guelph's rowing team also uses the lake. A permanent boathouse was built in 2008. It helps many rowers practice and compete.
Guelph Lake is also home to the Guelph Community Boating Club (GCBC). This club offers sailing facilities. They have boats you can use and host sailboat races. It's home to Canada's largest Snipe Fleet. They host many sailing events all year.
Guelph Lake Nature Centre
The Guelph Lake Nature Centre is a special place. It's one of several nature centers run by the Grand River Conservation Authority. The Centre teaches people about the environment. They have programs for schools and families. They also offer environmental day camps and birthday parties.
The Dam and Power Generation
The dam at Guelph Lake is very important. It helps control floods on the Speed River. In the spring, the dam collects water from melting snow and rain. This water fills up the lake. During the summer, water is slowly released. This helps keep the river flow steady. In the autumn, the lake is drained to a lower level. This happens before it freezes in winter.
There is also a small power plant at the dam. It uses the water to make electricity. This plant produces 100 kilowatts of power.
Images for kids
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The lake looking northwest from Wellington Road 24 North.
