Field Guides/Guelph/Speed River Paddling
▲ Curated Operator
Featured inGuelph · Puslinch · Centre Wellington · Grand River · Kitchener · Cambridge · Waterloo · Milton
CategoryPaddling Flatwater
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Speed River Paddling.

Family-run canoe and kayak rentals on the Speed and Eramosa rivers in downtown Guelph, operating since 2005

Speed River Paddling
01 — About

The brief.

Speed River Paddling is a family-run canoe and kayak rental operation in downtown Guelph, launching from 116 Gordon Street beside The Boathouse and the Covered Bridge, on the fork of the Speed and Eramosa rivers. Founded in 2005 by siblings Greg and Lisa Mungall, the operation runs from mid-May through September, daily 10am to 7:30pm, on a first-come, first-serve basis. An out-and-back loop down to the Gow's Bridge turnaround and up the Eramosa runs roughly 10 km, or two to three hours. Paddles, life jackets, and safety kits are included; infant-sized PFDs are stocked. The operator also hosts weekly beginner clinics whose proceeds go to the BIPOC Outdoor Gear Library, and seasonal night and early-morning paddle events.

02 — Programs

6. ways in.

  1. 01

    Canoe & Kayak Rentals

    For: All ages (infant-sized life jackets available; adult 18+ signs the waiver for groups)When: May 15 through September, daily 10am–7:30pm; first come, first serve

    Walk-up rentals from the Boathouse landing on the Speed River. Paddles, life jackets, and safety kits are included with every boat. Canoes seat 3 adults or 2 adults plus 2 children; tandem kayaks seat two; singles seat one. Boats do not go out in rain — closures are posted on Instagram and Facebook. Staff give a brief on-water orientation; custom lessons available on request.

    Canoe & tandem kayak $24/1 hr, $28/1 hr 20, $32/1 hr 40, $35/2–5 hrs, $45/5+ hrs. Single kayak $20/1 hr, $24/1 hr 20, $27/1 hr 40, $30/2–5 hrs, $40/5+ hrs. Cash, debit, and credit accepted.

  2. 02

    Weekly Paddle Clinics

    For: All skill levels; beginner-friendlyWhen: Every Tuesday, 6:30pm–7:30pm during the operating season

    A one-hour, in-season clinic focused on canoeing fundamentals, run in collaboration with the BIPOC Outdoor Gear Library. Designed as a welcoming entry point for first-time paddlers and those wanting to refresh basics on flatwater.

    Free / by donation — 100% of proceeds go to the BIPOC Outdoor Gear Library

  3. 03

    Early Morning Paddle

    A select-date 7am–10am paddling window framed for quiet-water wildlife viewing, also included in the SRP Paddling Pass (one early-morning paddle per week for pass-holders).

  4. 04

    Night Paddle

    For: General public (ticketed)When: Select dates after sunset, in season

    A guided after-sunset tour using illuminated boats. Specific event dates and ticket pricing are posted on the operator's Events page closer to each session.

    Contact for details — SRP Paddling Pass holders get a $10 discount

  5. 05

    Mini Night Paddling

    For: General public; casual paddlersWhen: Select dates after sunset

    A self-guided 30-minute night-paddle format with lighted boats and live music — a shorter, lower-commitment alternative to the guided Night Paddle.

    Pay-what-you-can

  6. 06

    Practice & Paddle with Common Ground Yoga

    Monthly sessions in June, July, and August combining yoga and on-water paddling, run in partnership with Common Ground Yoga. Tickets sold through Common Ground Studio's website.

03 — Notable

Worth knowing.

  1. 01Family-run canoe and kayak rental operation founded in 2005 by siblings Greg and Lisa MungallSource ↗
  2. 02Operates at the confluence of the Speed and Eramosa rivers in downtown Guelph, beside The Boathouse and the Covered BridgeSource ↗
  3. 03Out-and-back paddling route covers approximately 10 km / 2–3 hours, with a downstream turnaround at Gow's BridgeSource ↗
  4. 04Paddles, life jackets, and safety kits included with every rental; infant-sized life jackets availableSource ↗
  5. 05SRP Paddling Pass: $129 + tax early-bird per family/household, includes Monday–Thursday 1 hr/day rental access and a weekly early-morning paddle (7am–10am); shareable within the same householdSource ↗
  6. 06Weekly Tuesday clinic proceeds donated to the BIPOC Outdoor Gear LibrarySource ↗
  7. 07Community partnerships with BIPOC Outdoor Gear Library, Ward Night Market, Common Ground Yoga, The Boathouse, and Big Brothers Big SistersSource ↗
  8. 082026 season opens Friday May 15; daily 10am–7:30pm rental hours, weather permittingSource ↗
Today

Outside the door.

Air Quality
6
aqhi · moderate
UV Index
5.3
scale 0–11
Humidity
26%
relative
Wind
12 km/h
West
Temp
+26°
H 26° · L 10°
Sun
05:41 / 20:56
15h 15m daylight
A
GOOD DAY TO BE OUTSIDE

26° with 12 km/h wind. Go enjoy it.

04 — Visit

Get in
touch.

Visit Speed River Paddlingarrow_outward
Address
116 Gordon Street, Guelph, ON
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AER’s guide to Speed River Paddling · Compiled from theboathouseguelph.com/speed-river-paddlingLast verified 2026-05-29