Download the festival program here or contact us to receive the program with details of all events by email.
Scroll down below the schedule for complete descriptions of events, event organizers and a map of locations.
Organizers: Wellington Water Watchers & OPIRG
There will be four family-friendly, river-focused activities to choose from:
- RIVER CLEANUP – Let the wading begin! CLEAN UP the river by learning what stays, what goes and what is habitat.
- ONLY RAIN DOWN THE DRAIN! LEARN about non-point source pollution and PAINT yellow fish beside storm drains as part of the Yellow Fish Road ™ program. This is a 35 year-old Guelph tradition!
- TREE PLANTING - Naturalize the riverbanks with plantings to keep our rivers cool. PLANT trees, MULCH trees planted in the past, and LEARN about invasive species and their proper removal.
- MAPPING, water TESTING and IDENTIFYING species in the river with Ontario Streams and the Headwaters students.
Pre-register for this event at here.
Yorklands Bioblitz Family Activities (1-3pm) @ The Yorklands, 785 York Rd.
Organizers: Nature Guelph
During this bioblitz we aim to find and identify the many plants and animals that live at this site in order to understand and protect them. Experts will be on-site all day conducting the bioblitz but we invite the general public to the site between 1-3pm for a number of family activities, including guided hikes, an introduction to binoculars and birding, a nature scavenger hunt, an introduction to aquatic creatures, and sharing of possible plans for this historic site.
Speed Rivers Trail Hike (1:30-3pm) @ The Covered Bridge (west side)Organizers: Guelph Trail Hiking Club
You will be surprised by the scenery and nature along this stretch of the trail. Hike alongside rapids and explore a part of Guelph that often gets overlooked. This hike will involve carpooling for a one-way walk.
Organizers: Guelph Guild of StorytellersOur rivers have been the stage for many stories in the past, both imaginary and real. We will be entertained hearing stories delivered by those who practice the craft and from participants who are invited to tell their own river story, memory or anecdote.
Paddle the Eramosa River (6-8:30pm) @ Gow's Bridge, Royal City Park
Organizers: Waterloo Wellington Canoe Club
Bring your canoe or kayak to put in at Gow’s Bridge and head upstream past the Boathouse toward Victoria Road. Canoe rentals can be arranged at the Boathouse or by contacting [email protected] in advance for the 6pm departure. For more information about this paddle, contact [email protected].
Wednesday, June 11
Pipes and Drums Evening with the Guelph Pipe Band (7-8pm) @ McCrae House Museum
Organizers: Guelph Civic Museum
Enjoy the Guelph Pipe Band as they practice in the McCrae House gardens. Bring your own lawn chair. Rain location across the river in the Royal City Park Gazebo.
Creatures and Features of the Creek (7-8:30pm) @ JC Taylor Nature Centre
Come discover the array of plants and animals that live in The Arboretum Creek and most likely in the creek nearest you! In this hands-on workshop we will be discussing the importance of creeks, their natural diversity, and conservation practices. Meet at the JC Taylor Nature Centre for a brief introduction before hiking to the creek. The Arboretum waives their normal $2/person fee for the festival.
Two Rivers Neighbourhood Heritage Walk (7-8:30pm) @ the former Tytler Public SchoolOrganizers: Guelph Arts Council
This tour of the area between the Speed and Eramosa Rivers reveals the rich variety of historic architecture and the diversity of peoples who formed Guelph. Particular attention is devoted to residential/industrial proximity and the city's early Italian community.
2Rivers Celebration: Honouring and Celebrating Our Waters (4-11pm) @ The BoathouseOrganizers:
This event has something for everyone!· 4pm - Family fun time including stories, crafts, sounding, face painting, and circus performers
· 6pm - Parade and water wreath launch
· Live music starting at 7pm:
§ 7pm - Sarah J Felker
§ 8pm - Manatee (listen here)
§ 9pm - Post Normal (listen here)
§ 10pm - Bedsheets (listen here)
Local beer and wine and delicious food from Laza Catering available throughout the evening.
Full Moon Walk (9:30-10:30pm) - meet @ The Covered Bridge (west side)
Organizers: Guelph Trail Hiking Club
Celebrate Friday the 13th with a Full Moon Walk. This casual walk will head east along the Eramosa Royal City Recreational Trail, connect to Neeve Street to walk to the Speed River, and back to the bridge. Learn about upcoming proposals for this area, history and enjoy the reflection of the full moon in the water.
Catching Crayfish and Other River Critters (noon-1pm) @ The Covered Bridge (east side)Organizers: Grand River Conservation Authority
Crayfish are amazing creatures that look so able to defend themselves. This location is an excellent place to wade in and take a try at catching crayfish to study and then release. Wear old shoes or rubber boots for river wading. This event is subject to appropriate water levels.
Riverside Cycling and a Pint (2-4pm) - meet at The Covered Bridge (west side)
Organizers: Guelph Coalition for Active Transportation (GCAT)
This pleasant cycling trip along our river trail system will include stops at sites that support active transport and those that need improvement, including exciting opportunities to get past Speedvale Avenue. Discussion to follow at the Woolwich Arms Pub.
Film Screening: Lost Rivers (8pm - Community Gathering and Sharing, 9pm - film start) @ Goldie Mill
Organizers: Grade 12 Headwaters Class
Join us for a night of fun and games, music, and sharing of sustainable knowledge with the Headwaters class. Activities and information will be followed by a screening of the documentary Lost Rivers.
LOST RIVERS retraces the history of lost urban rivers in a search for those which have disappeared in cities around the world. Could we see these rivers again? To find the answer, we meet visionary urban thinkers, activists and artists from around the world. Discussion to follow. See trailer at: vimeo.com/50839044.
*Bring your own chair & mug.
2Rivers Festival at Riverside Park: Displays and Activities (1-4pm) @ The Red-Roof Pavilion in Riverside Park
Stop by anytime between 1-4pm at Riverside Park to learn more about our rivers and many of the organizations that are connected to them. There will be displays and activities throughout the afternoon from a number of organizations, including The Guelph Rowing Club, Guelph Urban Forest Friends, an Emerald Ash Borer information and tree injection demonstration through the Forestry Department of the City of Guelph, wild birds with Wild Ontario, children's water activities with the City of Guelph and much more!
Two Rivers Hike (1-3pm) - meet @ The Covered Bridge (west side)
Organizers: Guelph Trail Hiking Club
This easy loop hike is one of Guelph’s hiking gems; beautiful in all seasons. Along the way you will walk on the remnants of the old electric train line to Toronto and beside the wooded cliffs of the Guelph Escarpment.
Thanks to all event organizers!