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Step outside and experience Wellington County for day trips full of food and scenery. Get inspired by our list of favourite local picnic spots – with all the fixin’s to fill your basket.
For more great local picnic spots view the Wellington County Picnic Map.
Picnic Ideas
Please check before visiting - opening hours and purchasing procedures may change often. Always follow public health guidelines in local businesses and spaces.
Rocks and apps - Guelph Eramosa
Lunch adventure anyone? Grab yourself a bite to eat at Heaven On 7. Then take a trek along the trails to one of the many beautiful spots located in the Rockwood Conservation Area.
Grand River, gardens and treats - Centre Wellington
Seek out Templin Gardens in Fergus for a gorgeous view of the Grand River. Enjoy goodies from The Red Door Café (located just steps away) or from Frabert’s Fresh Foods (just across the walking bridge).
Beachin' Barbeque- Mapleton
Pick up local lamb chops at Circle-R-Livestock or a juicy burger from Northwind Bison and enjoy a flavourful BBQ at one of many day-use picnic spots at Conestogo Lake Conservation Area.
Bikes, books and take-out - Erin
The Elora Cataract Trailway, a favourite route among bike tourists, can be entered at the beautiful grounds of the Hillsburgh Library. For a lunch or dinner fix, try delicious take-out options from Jess for You Café located right around the corner.
Boats and Butter tarts - Centre Wellington
Lake Belwood Conservation Area is perfect for swimming, boating or fishing but we would argue, no picnic there is complete without one (or many) of Belwood Country Market’s famous, melt-in-your-mouth butter tarts! A staple for any picnic.
Bird watching and local eats - Wellington North
Whether or not you are a birder, Luther Marsh is a biological treasure and is definitely worth a visit. For essential picnic supplies, stop in at Misty Meadows Country Market.
Railway, water fun and market - Minto
A favourite spot to cool off with little ones is the splash pad and pool located in the beautiful Palmerston Lions Heritage Park. Visit on a Saturday and you can pick up goodies from the adjacent Minto Farmers’ Market, and browse the Palmerston Railway Heritage Museum.
River views and farm fresh foods - Centre Wellington
Enjoy a beautiful view of the Grand River and Wilson’s Flats at the Pilkington Overlook. Stop by J and N Produce and Flowers or Middlebrook Farm Market along the way for a wide selection of local foods.
Hikes and treats - Puslinch
Starkey Hill is one of Puslinch Township’s gorgeous hiking trails with many great spots to take a break. Be sure to top by The Danish Place for authentic Danish cuisine.
Wine, cheese and an orchard - Guelph Eramosa
Picnic in an orchard? Yes please! Cox Creek Cellars invites you to visit, bring your own snacks or order a cheeseboard and flight of fruit wines to be enjoyed outdoors on their balcony overlooking their beautiful vineyard and farm.
More Picnic Ideas
Bonfires and Picnics - Crieff Hills, Puslinch
Enjoy Crieff Hills beautiful trails, a private picnic, or a bonfire with your family or friends. Delicious food menus and overnight retreats available. Learn more at www.crieffhills.com
Carefully Curated Picnics - Taste Detours, Guelph
A Food Tour in a basket containing everything you need to devour a taste of Guelph. This moveable feast offers a number options, and allows you to enjoy the great outdoors as sustainably as possible with our reusable containers, cups, water bottles, blankets, napkins, games, etc. Learn more at tastedetours.ca
Summer Picnic Sites
Unwind and relax for a summer day with your family and friends at this Christmas Tree Farm. Bring a picnic and enjoy a cook out on your own wood campfire grill area. Walk the trails through the tree plantations, and bring your friends or family for a small gathering. Learn more at www.elliottreefarm.ca
Trails
Find more information about trails and parks in Wellington County.
Hikes
If you prefer a vetted hiking guide, pick up a copy of Nicola Ross’ latest book ‘Waterloo Wellington Guelph Hikes – Loops and Lattes’.
Conservation Areas
For up-to-date information on Conservation Areas in Wellington County please check out the Grand River Conservation Authority and Credit Valley Conservation Authority.
Leave No Trace
Enjoy nature and help us preserve our beautiful parks and natural areas.
- Dispose of waste properly: Don’t leave waste behind – take it with you and dispose/recycle appropriately.
- Leave what you find: Help others enjoy the beauty of nature and don’t alter picnic sites or take home plants and other items.
- Respect wildlife: You might be lucky and encounter animals in their natural habitat, but please remember not to feed or engage with wildlife.
- Be considerate of other visitors – respect physical distancing rules and keep at least 2 metres apart.
