Grand River Country | Trails Take Flight

Eramosa River Trail - Guelph

Latitude/Longitude: 43° 32' 26" N , 80° 14' 28" W

The Eramosa River Trail follows the north shore of the Eramosa River in Guelph through York Road and Eramosa River Parks, from the covered pedestrian bridge near Wyndham Street South to Victoria Road. It is 2.3 km in length, fairly level and stone dust surfaced, and is part of the Royal Recreational Trail system. The trail is on City of Guelph land, and is maintained by the City. The nearest public parking lots are off York Road near the Ukrainian Catholic Church, and off Boult Avenue, near Victoria Road. There is a trail information sign near the covered bridge.

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To the north of the trail, the parks contain largely sports fields and turf. To the south of the trail, the riverbank has been naturalized with tree plantings and natural succession. The vegetation is largely early successional with long grass, shrubs and saplings. There are also groves of more mature trees, primarily deciduous. Small informal trails lead down to the river’s edge. The south bank of the river is almost entirely wooded.

There is also an informal trail which starts near the east end of the Eramosa River Trail on the east side of Victoria Road, just south of the Eramosa River Bridge. It is a 1.8 km long, fairly level, roughly surfaced trail which follows the south shore of the Eramosa River, crossing Stone Road via an underpass to the Stone Road Bow Truss Bridge – a designated heritage structure. This trail is on Ontario Realty Corporation lands, and is maintained by the Guelph Hiking Trail Club as part of their Guelph Radial Trail. The route features early successional vegetation near the trail, mature vegetation near the river and limestone cliffs.

These trails are close to downtown Guelph and its amenities, but they also pass near one of the extensive natural areas that are attractive features of the city. Trail users are able to experience both urban life and nature – with a focus on water and birding.

Waterfowl can be seen all along the trail, but are particularly evident near the west end of the trail, at the confluence of the Speed and Eramosa Rivers. Large numbers of Canada Geese gather here in most seasons, and Mallards are plentiful. Other species of ducks and several species of gulls are seen here regularly, especially in the colder months.

Cliff Swallows nest under the covered bridge. Great Blue Herons and Belted Kingfishers can be seen anywhere along the river. Warbling Vireos, American Goldfinches, Cedar Waxwings, Song Sparrows, and Northern Cardinals are numerous along the riverbank. Baltimore Orioles are found in the poplar groves in summer.

Autumn birding along the trail can be rewarding as waves of migrating birds follow the river in search of food. Species that may be found include Black-throated Blue, Yellow-rumped, Nashville, and Magnolia Warblers, Red-eyed, Philadelphia, and Blue-headed Vireos, Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets. More rarely birders may find Hermit and Swainson’s Thrushes, as well as Orange-crowned and Blackpoll Warblers.

Trail Owner and Manager: City of Guelph
Trail Affiliation: Guelph Hiking Trail Club