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Guelph Lake Conservation Area Tickets

Location
Island Stage | Guelph, ON

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Upcoming Events at Guelph Lake Conservation Area

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The venue

About Guelph Lake Conservation Area

Guelph Lake Conservation Area, located at 7743 Conservation Rd, RR 4, Guelph, ON N1H 6J1, is a beloved outdoor venue that combines natural lakeside scenery with dynamic performances. Island Stage, a large covered structure on Guelph Lake Island, hosts concerts, theatre, weddings and other events year-round. The Hillside Festival, a marquee event at this site since 1984, brings a multi-stage, family-friendly weekend with thousands of attendees and a vibrant community atmosphere.

Whether you’re visiting for Hillside or a quieter event, we’ve got you covered with practical details on seating, parking, transit, and nearby lodging and dining options to help you plan a seamless experience.

Plan ahead to secure your seats and enjoy the natural setting that makes Guelph Lake Conservation Area special. We provide reliable information on how to reach Island Stage, where to stay nearby, and what to expect on event days, including wristband check-in procedures and handy walking routes from parking to the stage. Hillside 2026 is scheduled for July 17–19, 2026, with ongoing events and programming at Island Stage throughout the season.

  • Seating: Island Stage provides covered seating for performances; check event pages for specific seating availability and accessibility options. Reserve your preferred great seats and the section you want where applicable.
  • Parking & Transportation: Mainland parking is available with daily or weekend rates. Free shuttle buses operate from downtown Guelph to the island, and a walking Green Path connects parking to the island for a quick, scenic stroll.
  • Nearby Hotels & Restaurants: City of Guelph hotels offer Hillside packages and nearby dining options. Look for affiliate recommendations such as Spark by Hilton and other local properties featured in hotel guides for convenient stays and exclusive deals.
  • Venue Details: Guelph Lake Conservation Area is a preserved natural area with a reservoir, beaches, and the iconic Island Stage. The site remains active under GRCA management, with Hillside and related events continuing to anchor the venue’s annual calendar.

For a smooth experience, arrive early, secure your the best available price and preferred great seats/section, and use the official event pages for up-to-date information on schedules and access.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

  • Address: 7743 Conservation Rd, RR 4, Guelph, ON N1H 6J1 (within Guelph Lake Conservation Area).
  • Venue type: Outdoor conservation area around a reservoir with beaches; Island Stage hosts concerts, theatre, weddings and other events.
  • Notable venue feature: Island Stage is a large, covered stage used for Hillside Festival and other events.
  • Notable events: Hillside Festival is a three-day, multi-stage event held on Guelph Lake Island (since 1984); Hillside Inside is a winter counterpart in downtown Guelph.
  • Capacity estimates: Hillside typically aims for about 4,000–5,000 patrons per day (plus ~1,300 volunteers); 2024 attendance was around 7,500 total across the weekend.
  • Parking & transit: Mainland parking with a daily or weekend rate; free shuttle buses from downtown Guelph to the island; wristbands/check-in at the Main Gate Tent; a walking Green Path connects parking to the island.
  • Nearby hotels: City of Guelph–area hotels offer Hillside packages (e.g., Spark by Hilton); other nearby options include several Guelph properties listed in local hotel guides.
  • Renamed/demolished: No demolition or renaming of the site; Hillside continues to operate at Guelph Lake Island within the GRCA property; Hillside 2026 is planned for July 17–19, 2026.