Nature and History in Guelph

Laura and Kathy

Come and walk with us down the historic Niska Road. Learn about how the land in this area has evolved from pre-colonization until present times.

We will share what we know about how important citizen advocacy and involvement has been in protecting the Hanlon Creek Watershed. Learn about the history of the Kortright Waterfowl Park. Once a world class facility with 10,000 visitors a year it is now under threat of development. The park was purchased with pubic money by the Grand River Conservation Authority and placed into the Hanlon Creek Conservation Area in order to protect it and to provide nature based experiences as Guelph grew and urbanized. Sadly, the conservation plan was never implemented.

Along our walk you can view this land and share your vision of how this special area could be utilized for public benefit. Our walk will stop at various points to discuss the early history of settlement and the famous pioneers.

On the way back, weather permitting, we will walk along the trail at the end of Ptarmigan Street through the forest back to Niska, viewing the Hanlon Creek along the way. This portion of the walk is not wheel chair accessible, may be muddy and contains rough terrain.


Our walk will start on the north side of Niska at the public bus stop adjacent to the YMCA. We will travel down Niska Rd. To the Speed River along the public sidewalk which is wheel chair accessible all the way to the river. Well behaved dogs on leashes are welcome