Deny Boredom: Fergus to Shand’s Dam Day Trip – Bike or Hike Adventure!

Are you looking to escape the ordinary and embrace a little outdoor adventure without dedicating an entire day? Look no further than this delightful day trip from Fergus to Shand’s Dam! Perfect for a brisk bike ride or a leisurely walk, this route now offers options for both trail enthusiasts and those seeking a shorter adventure, all while enjoying scenic views, a touch of local history, and a satisfying meal to cap it all off.

Adventure Awaits: Fergus to Shand’s Dam and Back – Now with Trail and Short Route Choices!

This adventure begins in the charming town of Fergus, Ontario, and takes you to the impressive Shand’s Dam at Belwood Lake. We now offer three starting point options to tailor your experience:

Choose Your Starting Point & Mode of Transport:

1. Fergus (Downtown Start): Begin in the heart of Fergus for the original route, offering a mix of town and country scenery. This option is described in the original article and uses primarily road routes. Choose bike or walk.
2. Forfar Park (Trail Start – 100% Trail Option): For trail lovers! Starting at Forfar Park allows you to enjoy a route that is 100% on trails for a significant portion of the journey to Shand’s Dam. Ideal for walking or mountain biking.
3. Line 2 Road (Short Route Start): For a quicker trip, park on “Line 2 Road” closer to Belwood Lake and Shand’s Dam. This significantly reduces the distance and is great for a shorter bike ride or walk.

The Routes & What to See:

Here are the route options with distances and estimated times:

1. Fergus (Downtown Start) – Original Route (Mixed Road & Some Trail):

• Starting Point: Downtown Fergus
• Mode: Bike or Walk
• Distance: Approximately 10 km (6.2 miles) one way / 20 km (12.4 miles) round trip to the dam.
• Time (Bike): 45 minutes to 1 hour each way (bike).
• Time (Walk): 2.5 to 3 hours each way (walk).
• Route: Primarily follows County Road 18 (Belwood Road). See original article for sights along this route.

2. Forfar Park (Trail Start – 100% Trail Option):

• Starting Point: Forfar Park, Fergus (490 Forfar Dr, Fergus, ON N1M 2W5)
• Mode: Walk or Mountain Bike (some sections may be better suited for mountain bikes due to terrain).
• Distance: Approximately 8 km (5 miles) one way / 16 km (10 miles) round trip to the dam (estimated, trail distances can vary).
• Time (Bike): 1 hour to 1.5 hours each way (mountain bike – trail conditions can affect speed).
• Time (Walk): 2 to 2.5 hours each way (walk).
• Route:
  • Start at Forfar Park and access the Elora Cataract Trailway (Elora Cataract Trailway). Head north on the trailway.
  • Follow the Elora Cataract Trailway northwards. This trail is a former railway line, now converted into a scenic trail.
  • The trailway will take you through wooded areas and alongside farmland, offering a peaceful and natural experience.
  • Continue on the Trailway until you reach a point where you can connect to Shand Dam Road or County Road 18 to reach Shand’s Dam. (Note: Precise trail connections to Shand’s Dam Road may require local trail map consultation or GPS navigation. Be prepared to potentially use short sections of road to reach the dam from the trailway.)
• Sights Along the Way:
  • Forfar Park: Enjoy the park itself before you start, with green spaces and the sound of the nearby river.
  • Elora Cataract Trailway: Immerse yourself in nature on this dedicated trail. Experience forests, fields, and the tranquility of being away from roads.
  • Potential Wildlife: The trailway environment is great for spotting birds and other wildlife.

3. Line 2 Road (Short Route Start):

• Starting Point: Parking area on Line 2 Road, Belwood (approximate location: Line 2 Rd, Centre Wellington, ON – parking area near the intersection with Shand Dam Road).
• Mode: Bike or Walk
• Distance: Approximately 3 km (1.9 miles) one way / 6 km (3.8 miles) round trip to the dam.
• Time (Bike): 15-20 minutes each way (bike).
• Time (Walk): 45 minutes to 1 hour each way (walk).
• Route:
  • From the parking area on Line 2 Road, head east on Shand Dam Road.
  • Shand Dam Road leads directly to Shand’s Dam.
  • This is a very straightforward and short route, primarily on Shand Dam Road.
• Sights Along the Way:
  • Quick Countryside Views: Even on this short route, you’ll enjoy the rural scenery and fresh air.
  • Anticipation of the Dam: As you approach on Shand Dam Road, you’ll soon see the dam structure come into view.

Shand’s Dam & Belwood Lake: A Destination Worth Exploring

Shand’s Dam is an impressive earthfill dam that created Belwood Lake. Built in 1942, its primary purpose is flood control on the Grand River. However, it has also created a beautiful recreational area.

• The Dam Itself: Take some time to walk across the top of Shand’s Dam. The views of Belwood Lake on one side and the Grand River on the other are quite impressive. You can appreciate the engineering feat and the power of the water.
• Belwood Lake: This large reservoir is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and swimming (at designated areas within the Belwood Lake Conservation Area). Enjoy the views of the lake and the surrounding forested shoreline.
• Belwood Lake Conservation Area: If you have extra time, consider exploring more of the Belwood Lake Conservation Area. It offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and beaches. Grand River Conservation Area – Belwood Lake

Refuel and Relax: Post-Adventure Eats in Fergus

After your chosen adventure, you’ll be ready to refuel in Fergus. Here are a few great options for a bite to eat:

• The Brewhouse on the Grand: (The Brewhouse on the Grand Website) Located right in downtown Fergus, this spot offers a delicious pub fare menu and a wide selection of craft beers. Perfect for a celebratory post-adventure meal!
• Fergus Tandoori Grill: (Fergus Tandoori Grill Website) If you’re craving something flavorful and satisfying, Fergus Tandoori Grill offers delicious Indian cuisine with vegetarian and meat options.
• Van Gali’s Cafe & Inn: (Van Gali’s Cafe & Inn Website) For a cozy and charming atmosphere, Van Gali’s offers a diverse menu with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, along with baked goods and coffee.

Know Before You Go:

• Safety First:
  • For road cycling/walking (Downtown & Short Routes), be aware of traffic. Wear bright clothing and use bike lights for visibility. Walk/cycle on the shoulder and face traffic when walking.
  • For trail routes (Forfar Park), be aware of trail conditions, especially for biking. Mountain bikes are recommended for rougher sections. Share the trail with other users.
• Trail Maps (Forfar Park/Trail Route): It’s recommended to consult a local trail map or use a GPS app to confirm precise trail connections from the Elora Cataract Trailway to Shand’s Dam Road and Shand’s Dam.
• Bring Water & Snacks: Essential for all routes, especially longer walks and trail adventures.
• Check the Weather: Dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
• Belwood Lake Conservation Area Fees: If you plan to enter the Conservation Area to explore further, there may be entrance fees. Check the Grand River Conservation Area website for current rates and hours.
• Restaurant Hours: Verify the hours of operation for your chosen restaurant in Fergus, especially if visiting mid-week or off-season.

Deny Boredom Today! – Choose Your Adventure!

This Fergus to Shand’s Dam adventure now offers even more ways to deny boredom and enjoy the beauty of the Fergus area. Select the starting point and route that best suits your time, fitness level, and desired experience. Whether you crave a full trail immersion, a quick countryside escape, or a classic town-to-country ride/walk, adventure awaits! Grab your gear, choose your path, and get ready for a fantastic small day trip!