Explore over 18 kilometres of land-based pathways cared for in the spirit of ecological stewardship.
The trail network at Ignatius Jesuit Centre offers more than 18 kilometres of marked routes across forests, fields, meadows, and wetlands. Open year-round, the trails welcome walkers, hikers, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers. Many visitors come for the physical activity; others come for quiet, reflection, or a simple moment of connection with land.
These trails move through an evolving landscape under active restoration and long-term protection. Wayfinding signs and maps guide visitors along a wide range of routes, from short, gentle walks to longer loops. Several trails are named in honour of community members and Jesuits whose work shaped Ignatius Jesuit Centre’s commitment to ecology, education, and spiritual renewal.
The trails are free to access, and donations are requested to support ongoing maintenance and conservation work.
Winter Ski Trails
We’re grateful for our partnership with the Guelph Nordic Ski Club, whose volunteers maintain the ski trails here at Ignatius Jesuit Centre throughout the winter. Their care and dedication make it possible for people to enjoy this land on skis in a way that’s safe, respectful, and well-managed. If you’d like to come ski at IJC, you’ll need to be a member of the Guelph Nordic Ski Club or purchase a day pass. That support helps ensure the trails can be groomed and maintained all season long. Learn more about the club here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/618297485359157
You can become a member at www.zone4.ca by searching for “Guelph Nordic”. For day use, fees are $6 per person, $12 per family, $5 for seniors and are payable by e-transfer to guelph-nordic@hotmail.com.
Trail Guidelines
To keep this a safe, welcoming, and ecologically healthy space, we ask all visitors to follow these guidelines:
- Stay on marked trails and roadways.
- Dogs must be leashed at all times. There are no off-leash areas on the property.
- Do not feed wildlife.
- Leave all gates and doors as you found them.
- Report damage or unusual activity to 519-824-1250 ext. 275.
- If you see an injured or sick animal, contact the number above right away.
- Do not pick flowers, berries, cuttings, or remove any plants.
- Pack out all garbage to help keep the trails clean and natural.
All are welcome to submit our land report if you see something non-urgent that needs attention.
West Side Trails
Chardin Trail
Named after Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, S.J., one of the earliest Jesuit voices on ecology, this trail includes the Daffodil Path, dedicated in memory of Jane Buse of the Ignatius Farm community. It has become a gathering place for cancer survivors and their families. The trail also crosses a former gravel pit now under restoration, where native vegetation is gradually returning and young trees buffer the sounds of Highway 6.
Great Auk Trail
Passing through the Marden South Wetland Complex, a provincially significant wetland, the Great Auk Trail honours the extinct flightless bird known for its slow, steady movement. A highlight on this route is the stone labyrinth built in 2011 using field stones collected from the property.
Catherine Donnelly Walk
This short route leads to the Stations of the Cross and the Stations of the Cosmos near the community gardens.
Martin Royackers, S.J. Trail
Named for Martin Royackers, S.J., a priest who lived and worked at Ignatius Farm before serving in Jamaica, where he supported farmers and local education. He was killed in 2001, a loss tied to his justice work. The trail follows Marden Creek and looks out over farmland once tended by Fr. Martin.
Back 40 Trail
Known affectionately as the “Back 40,” this mixed meadow and woodland area was once used for maple syrup production. Wildlife sightings often include deer, wild turkeys, songbirds, and pollinators.
North Star Trail
Running along IJC’s northern boundary, this trail passes the Old Orchard Hermitage. The name refers to Polaris, the North Star, long understood as a guide for travellers.
River Cardoner Trail
Named after the River Cardoner in Spain, where St. Ignatius of Loyola experienced a moment of profound spiritual clarity in 1522. The trail crosses farmland, passes the New Creation Hermitage, and weaves through cedar and silver maple swamp before linking to the North Star Trail.
East Side Trails
Old Villa by the Speed Trail
Following the laneway to the ruins of the Old Villa, once a summer residence for Jesuits studying at the St. Stanislaus Novitiate, this trail ends at the Speed River.
Holzer Trail
Named after Fr. John Holzer, S.J., one of the earliest Jesuits in Guelph. He played a key role in establishing parishes, schools, and hospitals across the region after arriving in 1852.
James (Jim) Profit, S.J. Trail
Jim Profit, S.J., was a Jesuit known for his commitment to sustainable agriculture and ecological justice. This trail, one of his favourites, follows Marden Creek toward the Speed River, passing mature forests and restored habitats shaped by ongoing conservation work.
Creation Trail
Dedicated to the Ursuline Sisters of Chatham for their leadership in ecology and education, this route moves through hardwood forest and meadow. It highlights restoration efforts of the Old-Growth Forest project, where thousands of native trees and shrubs have been planted.
