FAQs

This year Tour de Guelph has a new home within the University of Guelph campus, located at the University Centre.

This building is located at the end of the city bus loop for those opting to take public transit to the event. Registration can be found inside the main courtyard of the building. Look out for signs to help find your way.

Yes, Tour de Guelph is a rain or shine event. If there is a major downpour, we will delay the start of the ride until the weather improves. If there is severe lightning, the start will be delayed until the weather clears. Dress appropriately for the weather conditions.

In extreme weather conditions, some elements of the post-ride celebration, including the complimentary Harvey’s BBQ lunch, may be cancelled or delayed.

Pack light with essentials to enjoy a fun and safe ride. This could include: a helmet, reusable water bottle to refill at rest stops, photo ID, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and cash or credit card for any on-site merchandise purchases.

Parking will be available in lots P31, P8, P9, and P10, free of charge on the event day. For those driving to the event, the University Centre is best accessed by turning east on South Ring Road from Gordon Street.

Visit the University of Guelph for more parking information.

If you have pre-registered: When you arrive at the University Centre, head indoors and look for the Pre-registration tables. Find the one marked with the first letter of your last name to check in and pick up your rider wristband. That wristband is also your complimentary lunch ticket, so please keep this on throughout the event.

If you are registering on event day:

1. Visit the Day-Of registration area
2. Complete the registration form, waiver and release.
3. Submit your form and registration payment. We accept cash, cheque, credit card or e-transfer to info@tourdeguelph.ca.
4. Pick up your rider wristband, which is also your complimentary lunch ticket. Please keep it on throughout the event.

For jersey or hoodie pick up: If you fundraised $300 or more by May 31st, or arranged a purchase in advance, your exclusive Tour de Guelph cycling jersey or hoodie will be available to pick up at the event! A limited number of jerseys and hoodies may also be available for purchase on event day, while sizes last. 

Please plan to arrive at the start area at least 15 minutes before your ride time. We recommend arriving 30-45 minutes early to allow time for parking, check-in and preparation.

All rides start and end just outside the University Centre, steps away from Branion Plaza along the Reynolds Walk.

The area will be well marked.

Yes. ATM machines are located just inside the University Centre entrance closest to the bus loop, on the left-hand side.

While we love our furry friends, dogs are not permitted on the cycling routes or inside the active event hubs (such as the start/finish line) at the Tour de Guelph due to safety regulations. However, friendly, well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome to cheer on the riders from the sidelines as long as they stay clear of the cyclists. 

Your registration fee covers full ride support for the day, including marked routes, rest stops with food and water, and a complimentary BBQ lunch to finish.

Registration fees apply per route, whether you are opting to ride the family-friendly loop or one of the longer routes up to 110km.

Children riding in trailers or tag-along seats may participate free of charge but must be registered by a parent or guardian on the day of the event and have a waiver completed. 

Tour de Guelph is a fundraising event in support of The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital and the Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium. While many riders choose to fundraise, it is not required. If you prefer to ride without setting a fundraising goal, you can register with the standard fee for your route.

If you do want to fundraise, our Fundraising Page has everything you need, including:

• Fundraising tips
• Prize information
• Promotions and incentives

To learn how the funds from Tour de Guelph are being put to work in our community, visit the About page.

Absolutely! A designated table for donations will be located in the University Centre indoor courtyard right next to registration.

Six unique routes are offered on event day, with options for every level of rider. Visit our Routes & Info page for full details on distance, terrain and start times.

Yes. When you arrive at the University Centre, visit your registration table and let volunteers know you would like to change routes. If you are switching to a longer route with a higher registration fee, you will be asked to pay the difference during registration.

Yes. Please choose a route you can comfortably complete before the event closes. All riders should plan to be back to the University Centre start/finish area safely by 12:30 p.m.

Event Timing:

• The complimentary Harvey’s BBQ Lunch will close between 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• All rest stops and post-ride activities will shut down by 1:30pm

Recommended maximum ride times:

• 25km – 2 hours
• 50km road – 3.5 hours
• 50km multi-surface – 4 hours
• 75km – 4.5 hours
• 110km – 5.5 hours

If you are riding the 110km route with a 7:30 am start, please be confident you can maintain an average pace of 20km per hour or faster to return in time for the BBQ lunch.

No. Roads remain open to vehicle traffic throughout the event. All riders are required to follow the rules of the road, including stopping at stop signs and traffic lights, yielding to traffic when appropriate, and riding safely and predictably.

Marshals will be stationed at key intersections and crossing points throughout the routes to help guide riders and bring enhanced safety.

Yes. All routes are marked with signs along the way. Riders are also encouraged to download Ride with GPS in advance to sync their chosen route to their digital device.

Yes. All routes except for the 5 km/10 km loop have full rest stops with food, water and portable toilets.

Washrooms are also located in the University Centre.

All rest stops have water and fruit. There will be coffee and tea available in the start area during the event.

A complimentary Harvey’s BBQ lunch will be available for all riders and volunteers in Branion Plaza outside the University Centre starting at 11:30 am. and until about 1:00 pm. Friends and family of riders or volunteers can also purchase the BBQ lunch at the registration area for $10 on event day.

If you have a serious medical emergency, call emergency personnel at 911.

For non-emergency support, including the below, please call the Communications Desk at 226-979-7626. This number is also printed on your route map.

• Minor medical issues
• Mechanical problems
• Ride assistance

All riders must obey the Ontario Highway Traffic Act.

Important reminders under that legislation:

• Riders must stop fully at stop signs and stoplights. Failure to do so could result in a fine.
• Ride single file on busy roads.
• Slower traffic must keep to the right and give way to faster traffic when safe.
• When passing other cyclists, always pass on the left and verbalize your intentions (e.g., “Passing on your left” or “On your left”)
• Alert fellow riders to potential road hazards, such as potholes, gravel, and debris.

Equipment requirements:

• All bicycles are required to have a bell or horn in good working order.
• All riders under the age of 18 must wear an approved bicycle helmet. Tour de Guelph requires all cyclists, adults, and children, to wear approved helmets.
• No baseball caps, headphones or earbuds are to be worn while riding.

Ontario has a great guide to safe cycling. Visit: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/bicycle-safety.shtml

This is not a race. Tour de Guelph is a community cycling event, welcoming all ages and abilities. Riders can look forward to a safe and enjoyable day of cycling through Guelph and the surrounding countryside, all while raising funds for a great cause.

Yes! Each year, Tour de Guelph relies on the support of over 100 volunteers.

Please see our Volunteers page for further information. 

Check out the Visit Guelph Wellington page to learn about other events, dining, accommodations, shopping or activities to do in Guelph.