FAQ

Yes. The G2G Rail Trail is free for everyone to enjoy. You do not need a Guardian Membership to visit. Donations, memberships and volunteers help care for the trail.

Start with the interactive trail map. Select the green kiosk icons to find trailheads and parking information. Use designated spaces and follow signs at the lot.

Keep roads, farm entrances and access gates clear. Parking availability varies by trailhead, so choose a backup starting point before you leave.

Overnight parking is not supported at G2G trailheads. For a trip over several days, arrange a drop-off and pickup, or obtain permission directly from a nearby business, accommodation provider or municipality.

This applies to planning around Guelph, Ariss, Millbank, Milverton, Walton and other access points. A map parking icon does not confirm overnight permission. Check local restrictions before leaving your vehicle.

Use the accommodation layer on the trail map to plan overnight stops, then confirm availability and book directly with the provider.

Do not assume that trail access includes permission to camp on the corridor or neighbouring land. Arrange an authorized campsite or accommodation in advance. For a specific proposed camping location, contact G2G before your trip.

Plan stops in the communities along your route using the interactive map. Check opening hours and available facilities directly with businesses or local visitor information services.

Bring drinking water and snacks, and do not rely on a washroom or refill point being available at every trailhead. Temporary event facilities may not be available at other times.

Open the map and expand it for a clearer view. Turn layers on or off to see the route, detours, parking, accommodation, food and other services. Select an icon to read its details.

Review the whole route before leaving, including road connections and your return journey. Keep the route information available on your phone.

• Guelph Trail Way: Guelph GO Station to Silvercreek Road, through Guelph.
• Kissing Bridge Trailway: Silvercreek Road to Millbank, via Ariss, West Montrose, Elmira, Wallenstein and Linwood.
• Perth Harvest Pathway: Millbank to McNaught Line, via Milverton and Monkton.
• Lake Huron Route: McNaught Line to North Harbour Road, via Walton, Blyth, Auburn and Goderich.
• Huron Beach Boardwalk: North Harbour Road to the end of the boardwalk at Rotary Cove Beach in Goderich.

These describe the trail sections. Use the current map for the route around gaps and closures.

Approximate distances from east to west, excluding detours:

• Guelph → Ariss: 11 km
• Ariss → West Montrose: 10 km
• West Montrose → Elmira: 7 km
• Elmira → Wallenstein: 7 km
• Wallenstein → Linwood: 7 km
• Linwood → Millbank: 9 km
• Millbank → Milverton: 7 km
• Milverton → Monkton: 14 km
• Monkton → Walton: 20 km
• Walton → Blyth: 12 km
• Blyth → Auburn: 10 km
• Auburn → Goderich: 19 km

Allow additional distance for your starting point, detours and stops off the trail. Check your planned journey on the map.

The rail-trail surface is primarily compacted stone dust. Road connections and detours can have different surfaces and traffic conditions.

Expect conditions to vary with weather and maintenance. Choose equipment suited to an unpaved trail and check the route before setting out.

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are welcome. Suitability depends on your equipment and the section you choose: surfaces, gates, road crossings and detours can affect your visit.

Contact G2G with your proposed start and finish points if you need help checking access. Plan a shorter out-and-back visit if you are trying a section for the first time.

Review the G2G interactive map before every trip and follow closure notices and signs on the ground. A saved route or a general navigation app may not reflect the latest trail information.

If two sources disagree about a bridge or road connection, ask G2G to confirm your route before travelling. Do not pass barriers or use a closed crossing.

The route into Guelph includes a gap associated with the active railway east of Marden Tract. Use the mapped connection rather than following the railway corridor.

Check the current G2G map for your journey and the City of Guelph’s Trail Master Plan for the broader trail network plans.

You can explore the trail in sections and build up to an End-to-End experience. Plan daily distances around your pace, daylight, accommodation and transport.

Visit E2E Recognition for completion information, to share your experience and to find the cloth badges. The page explains the recognized endpoints, including downtown Guelph or Marden Tract and the Goderich boardwalk.

Walking, hiking, running, cycling and wheeling are welcome. Dogs must be on a leash. See the separate answers below for e-bikes, e-scooters, horseback riding and shared snowmobile sections.

Recreational use of ATVs, cars, motorcycles and golf carts is not permitted on the trail. Hunting and off-leash dogs are not permitted. Always follow signs and any restrictions for the section you are visiting.

Yes—keep your dog on a leash and under control throughout your visit. There are no off-leash sections of the G2G.

Keep the leash clear of passing users, pick up after your dog and take waste away with you.

E-bikes that meet Ontario’s power-assisted bicycle requirements are permitted where conventional bicycles are allowed, unless local restrictions say otherwise. E-scooter permission depends on the municipality and the specific route; it is not a blanket permission across the G2G.

Check Ontario’s e-bike requirements and e-scooter guidance, along with local signs and bylaws. Slow down around others, yield to people walking and signal before passing.

Please confirm your proposed section with G2G before bringing a horse. Do not assume permission applies along the entire route. Follow the rules posted for that section and respect other trail users.

Some posted sections are shared with permitted snowmobile users. Check the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs for its trail guide, permit information and current trail status.

Plan for shared use when visiting these sections in winter. Snowmobile access is limited to authorized sections and applicable conditions.

Keep right, remain in control and give other users room. Cyclists should slow down, signal with a bell or voice and pass only when it is safe. Yield to people walking and take extra care around dogs, children, gates and road crossings.

Move off the travelled path when stopping, keep entrances clear and take your litter home.

Call 911 for an emergency or immediate danger. Give your location, the nearest road crossing or trail access point, and a clear description of what happened.

G2G email is not an emergency service. Do not wait for an email response when urgent help is needed.

Email info@g2grailtrail.com about fallen trees, overgrown brush, drainage problems, damaged trail features, general maintenance, encroachment or unauthorized commercial use of trail lands.

Include the location, nearest road crossing, date and a brief description. A photograph can help if it is safe to take one. If a problem also involves a crime or immediate danger, contact police as well.

Contact police about suspected criminal activity or safety incidents, including trespassing, harassment, animal attacks, dangerous or unauthorized vehicle use, stolen signs and vandalism to gates or other trail infrastructure.

Use 911 for immediate danger. For a non-emergency, contact the police service responsible for the location. Report related damage to G2G too so repairs can be assessed.

• Huron, Perth and Wellington OPP areas:1-888-310-1122. Visit OPP for detachment information and eligible online reports.
• Region of Waterloo:519-570-9777. Visit Waterloo Regional Police.
• City of Guelph:519-824-1212. Visit Guelph Police reporting.

These are non-emergency contacts. For immediate danger, call 911. Online reporting is only suitable for the incidents each police service lists.

Complete the Events on the Trail application. G2G permission and event insurance are required.

The form asks for organizer details, your route and logistics, safety and environmental measures, and supporting documents. It currently includes a $250 application fee and asks for a Certificate of Insurance naming Goderich to Guelph Rail Trail Inc. as an Additional Insured.

No. The application gives the G2G team the information needed to review your request and confirm the requirements. Wait for G2G’s confirmation before treating your event as approved.

For questions about your route or supporting documents, contact the team.

Help with trail maintenance, report conditions, support projects, or contribute to communications, the website and social media. Visit Get Involved or email G2G with your interests and preferred section.

Trail Maintenance Volunteers coordinate their activities with G2G and complete the required volunteer agreement before beginning work.

Guardian Membership supports trail operations and maintenance. The 2026 program runs from January to December and costs $132 for an individual or $200 for a family. Benefits include voting rights, a membership card, crest, sticker and participating business discounts.

Membership purchases do not receive a charitable tax receipt. See Guardian Membership for current details and registration. Membership is optional—the trail remains free to use.

Donate online to help care for the G2G, or make a cheque payable to Goderich to Guelph Rail Trail Inc. and mail it to 19–279 Weber Street North, Waterloo, ON N2J 3H8.

You can also discuss dedicated gifts, capital projects, legacy gifts and bequests, securities, in-kind support, prizes, corporate or employee matching, and corporate grant opportunities with the G2G team.

Dedicated giving options include bike repair stands, benches and 360 benches with recognition plaques. The listed contribution levels are $1,500, $2,500 and $7,500 respectively.

Contact G2G to confirm current availability, location, pricing and plaque details before arranging your gift.

Contact the G2G team to discuss a larger gift, securities, legacy giving or support for a specific project. We can help you explore an option that fits your wishes.