2 0 20 Guelph
T I S VI
G G
H P L E U
Design & illustrations: Ellyn Lusis, el vetica design elveticadesign.com
Welcome! Guelph has an unmistakeable identity. From its booming craft beer scene, and vast array of independent eateries, Guelph is a city to be savoured. Its sparkling rivers and picturesque views complement the historic buildings, landmarks and signature cultural facilities located throughout the City’s core. Get to know Guelph – its neighbourhoods, award-winning festivals, dynamic history and more as you read this guide and explore The Royal City!
Connect with us!
visitguelphwellington.ca @visitguelph
IFT
Guelph Civic Museum Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm 52 Norfolk St. Guelph, ON N1H 4H8
As per the Accessibility for Ontarians Act, the Visit Guelph Guide is available in an accessible alternative format by contacting us at 519-822-1260 extension 2808/TTY 519-826-9771
Territorial
Acknowledgement
We acknowledge Guelph is situated on treaty land that is steeped in rich indigenous history and home to many First Nations, Inuit and MĂŠtis people today. As a City we have a responsibility for the stewardship of the land on which we live, work and visit. We acknowledge the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation of the Anishinaabek Peoples on whose traditional territory Guelph is situated on. 2
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Guelph acknowledges the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation From time immemorial, Indigenous Peoples have been the stewards of this land. Present-day Guelph is situated on the ancestral homelands of the Anishinaabek Nations, specifically the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. In 1784, through Between the Lakes Treaty No. 3, the Mississaugas ceded 3,000,000 acres of land between Lakes Huron, Ontario and Erie to the British Crown, opening up the lands for European settlement. With settlement came colonial policies and practices intended to exploit, assimilate and eradicate Indigenous Peoples. As a country, we are now learning about, and coming to terms with, this troubling history. Today, Guelph remains home to thousands of First Nations, Inuit and MÊtis Peoples, and to non-Indigenous settlers from around the world. Guided by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, our community is working to strengthen our relationships with the Original Peoples as we move forward together in the search for collective truth and healing. Lay of the Land Exhibition Reception: March 27, 2020 Guelph Civic Musuem Exhibit is on March 14 to September 6, 2020 National Celebration of First Nations, Inuit and Metis Peoples: June 21, 2020 Royal City Park
Photo: Ascension Aton:wa Harjo, Hoop Dancer Mohawk, Seminole, Kickapoo from Six Nations Ontario 3
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events not to be missed in 2020
February 7 – 9
Hillside Inside
hillsidefestival.ca
March 6 – 8
Banjofest
21 – 22
College Royal collegeroyalsociety.ca
Gain Music and Arts Fest
banjofest.ca gainmusic.ca
April 16 – 19
Kazoo! Fest
24 – 25
Doors Open Guelph
kazookazoo.ca guelpharts.ca/doorsopen
May 23 – 24
The Guelph Potters Market
guelphpottersmarket.ca
29 – 31
Guelph Dance Fest
guelphdance.ca/festival
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The Creativity Picnic
epng.ca
12 – 14
Guelph and District Multicultural Festival
gdmf.ca
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Local Food Fest
25 – 28
Guelph Games: theguelphgames.com Masters Multi-Sport Festival
June
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tastereal.ca
July 24 – 26
Hillside Festival
hillsidefestival.ca
August 6 – 9
Guelph Fringe Fest theguelphfringefestival.ca
September 11 – 12
Welly Cask Fest
16 – 20
Guelph Jazz Festival
wellycaskfest.com guelphjazzfestival.com
October 16 – 17
Royal City Uke Fest
royalcityukefest.com
6 – 14
Guelph Film Fest
guelphfilmfestival.ca
12 – 15
Fair November
November
fairnovember.ca
December 12 – 31
Sparkles in the Park
sparklesinthepark.ca
For a full, year-round listing of events visitguelphwellington.ca
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down town
EAT SEE & DO
Downtown Guelph is the jewel in The Royal City’s crown. Its character and charm are matched by its beauty and history. Whether you’re arriving via the transit hub known as Guelph Central Station, making your way on foot or parking in the core, you’ll be enamoured by Guelph’s street scene. With grand historic limestone buildings, murals and public art, and a long list of places to eat, shop, and explore, Downtown Guelph will leave you wanting more! Here are some recommended stops on your visit: Wilson Street murals
The Wooly Pub
Silence
Brothers Brewing Co
Family Fountain
The Albion Hotel
Market Square
Play with Clay
Baker Street Station
Sugo on Surrey
Guelph Farmers’ Market
The Bookshelf
The Vienna Restaurant
Speed River Paddling
My Kitty Café
Guelph Civic Museum
Bin 23 restaurant
Royal City Park
Basilica of Our Lady
River Run Centre The Lattice Covered Bridge The Sleeman Centre The Boathouse Team Room & Ice Cream Parlour
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@macroguelph
Guelp h
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the ward & St Georges
EAT SEE & DO
St. Patrick’s Ward and the area known as St. George’s are historic neighbourhoods, steps from Downtown Guelph. Brimming with history and photo-worthy sites, you’ll see the bricks and mortar span from industrial lands to war-time homes, grand Guelph houses and new developments. The neighbourhood, which is home to the Italian Canadian Club and Red Chevron Club, boasts a multitude of highlights on your tour including: Spring Mill Distillery Riot Axe Kirtida’s Kitchen The 100 Steps Grotto Climbing Gym Na-Ha Thai’s Kitchen Guelph Little Theatre The Ward Skatepark
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Alice Street Clubhouse York Road Park Café Greek Garden Laza Food and Beverage The Lattice Covered Bridge Royal City Brewing St. George’s Park Angelino’s Fresh Choice Market
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@macroguelph @springmill
@micheal.klein.a
@nahathaikitchen
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@royalcitybrew
east end
EAT SEE & DO
Guelph’s love for nature and green spaces can be seen in the creation of the East End’s Pollinator Park. The park has converted 112 acres of decommissioned landfill into one of Canada’s largest initiatives devoted to pollinators. The East End is also home to the OR, or now defunct Ontario Reformatory, a correctional facility that led the way when it came to rehabilitation through incarceration, placing great importance on skill building and education. The expansive site is considered a provincially significant heritage property. This neighbourhood is also developing an interesting culinary scene. Check the following off your list as you explore this hood: Planet Bean Roastery
Elizabeth Street Eatery
Laura Bailey Memorial Trail
Queens Café
York Rd Kitchen & Chocolate Bar
Mustang Drive-In
Eastview Community Park
Eggcetera
Victoria Road Recreation Centre
Nature’s Salt Caves
Airpark Café
Bliss Dough
Rocky’s Drive-In
Pollinator Park
Wellington County Marketplace
Ctrl V Virtual Reality Arcade
Infamous Eatery
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visitguelphwellington.ca
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@macroguelph @tastedetours
NORTH end
EAT SEE & DO
The North End neighbourhoods blend beautiful natural settings with modern urban living. Filled with tree-lined trails that connect to five other neighbourhoods, you’ll find Guelph’s Riverside Park, which follows the Speed River. Every Summer the park hosts Guelph’s Ribfest and Multicultural Festival. Guelph Lake Conservation Area on the outskirts of the city offers summer camping, and the island is home to the famed Hillside Festival. Other highlights listed below include the Ignatius Old-Growth Forest, an ecological restoration project: Riverside Park
Stacked Pancake House
Miniature Train
Uptown Grill
Antique Carousel
Woodlawn Memorial Park
Windmill
Lucky Belly Food Co.
Floral Clock
Natalina’s Kitchen Italian Cooking School
Disc Golf Course Winter Skate Trail
Guelph Lake Conservation Area
Ignatius Jesuit Centre Old Growth Forest Retreat at Loyola House
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@thelifeofbap
@chrisgrimmer
Jiantie Huang
Exhibition Park
EAT SEE & DO
In 1871, this park land was first used to host the City’s annual exhibition. The park included a horse racing track, exhibition building, livestock sheds and later a bandstand, baseball diamonds and an arena. Arguably one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Guelph, Exhibition Park is home to the Guelph Royals, our Intercounty Baseball League team who play at Hastings Stadium in the summer months. Guelph Dance Festival also hosts its “In the Park” series here at the end of May. Don’t miss these Park highlights:
London House Bed and Breakfast
Exhibition Park
Park Grocery Deli & Bar
Exhibition Arena
Polestar Hearth
Natural Playground
Roobarb Café
Tennis Court
Greenbriar House
Wading Pool
Guelph Royals Baseball at David E Hasting Stadium
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@parkgrocery Ted Mahy
@polestarhearth
@p.starving
@macroguelph
Nom Nom
@polestarhearth
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WEST end
EAT SEE & DO
The West End started to develop in the 1970s and continues to grow today. Home to the West End Community Centre, a fully accessible, multi-purpose community centre with a variety of facilities. This neighbourhood is also a brewer’s hub, housing Canada’s oldest independently owned microbrewery, Wellington Brewery, and Guelph’s newest brewery, Fixed Gear Brewing. You’ll also find some culinary gems hidden in this neighbourhood. Check the following off your list as you explore Guelph’s West End! Wellington Brewery
Chao Bistro
Dixon’s Distillery
The Stampede Ranch
Fixed Gear Brewing Co.
Galaxy Cinemas
Tiny Town Discovery Centre
Diwa Classic Indian
Funmazing Playcentre
Captain Jacks’ Fish and Chips
West End Community Centre
Pho Kinh Do Vietnamese Thai
Margaret Greene Park
Mosborough Country Market
R U Serious Tap and Grill
Strom’s Farm and Bakery Woodlawn Bowl and Family Fun Centre
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visitguelphwellington.ca
@chao.bistro
@caitspixel
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@wellingtonbrewery
@wellingtonbrewery
junction SUNNY
&Acres sunny Acres
EAT SEE & DO
The Junction and Sunny Acres connect to Downtown and have fantastic, street-wandering worthy architecture that is bursting with history. Guelph’s oldest high school (the third oldest in Ontario), was founded by John Galt in 1854. John McCrae, the famed poet and author of “In Flanders Fields,” is one of the school’s accomplished alumni. Other sites to note include the following:.
Abe Erb Brewing Co.
Fixed Gearing Brewing Co.
The Blossom Junction
Heritage Hall – Black Heritage Society
Johnny Barnes Statue at GCVI Miniature Railway Museum Croki-curl at Sunny Acres Park
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Guelph Collegiate and Vocational Institute
visitguelphwellington.ca
@abe_erb
@macroguelph
@rosaloess
@rosaloess
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@macroguelph
the
university
EAT SEE & DO
The University of Guelph’s history dates back to 1874 when the Ontario School of Agriculture was established on a farm provided by the Ontario government. In 1880 it became the Ontario Agricultural College. It addition to its historic campus and state of the art athletics facilities, visitors to the UofG should schedule a stop at the Art Gallery of Guelph on their visit. With Canada’s largest outdoor sculpture park at its doorstep, you’ll be enchanted by the diverse collection featuring works from some of Canada’s premier artists. This neighbourhood, which is home to McCrae House, birthplace of John McCrae, author of “In Flanders Fields,” is grand and gorgeous with a multitude of must-sees on the list: The Arboretum
Honey Bee Research Centre
Gryphon Statue
University of Guelph Campus
Montana’s BBQ & Bar
Silvercreek Skatepark
Johnston Green
Brass Taps
Milestones
Creelman Hall
McCrae House
Art Gallery of Guelph and Sculpture Park
Magnolia Disc Golf McCrae House Gardens
Physics Department Observatory Telescope
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Nom Nom
#1
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@macroguelph
@guelphmuseums
@honeybeesatuofg
THE
GUELPH
GAMES Making Guelph the Mecca of Masters’ sport June 25 to 28 Will you be among the 1,300 athletes tearing up the courts, the fields and the track during the inaugural Guelph Games: International Masters MultiSport Festival or will you be among the volunteers, visitors and spectators? Whether you’re cheering or competing, don’t miss this four-day, seven sport festival that’s equal parts sport and social. Start at the University of Guelph’s beautiful campus to watch novice and elite athletes compete in athletics, basketball, pickleball, slo-pitch, soccer and ultimate frisbee, and get a dose of inspiration at the
visitguelphwellington.ca
wellness symposium. Then walk or take the shuttle downtown where historic Carden Street is transformed for beach volleyball and a beer garden. From the opening ceremonies, celebrity beach volleyball, yoga on Alumni Field with Lululemon, Royal Canin’s community fun run, the iron dog competition, freestyle soccer demonstrations and more, there’s something for everyone. Learn more or register at www.theguelphgames.com @theguelphgames
south end
EAT SEE & DO
The South End is a booming neighbourhood with new housing developments, tasty restaurants, accommodation options, and surprise, surprise, another brewery! Home to Sleeman Breweries, the third largest brewery in Canada, who, rumour has it, supplied beer to Al Capone during prohibition. The South End also offers an opportunity to connect with nature, with trails, parks, green spaces, golf courses and more. Check out the following on your journey:
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Borealis Grille and Bar
Donkey Sanctuary of Canada
Garden House Gallery
Creekside Kitchen
Fat Duck Gastro Pub
Preservation Park
Spice Roots
Ledger’s Tap and Grill
The Keg
Hammond Museum of Radio
Stone Road Mall
Insomnia Trattoria and Wine Bar
Bar Mason Sleeman Breweries
Manhattans Pizza Bistro and Music Club
Starkey Hill Conservation Area
Victoria Park Valley Golf Club
Springfield Golf and Country Club
visitguelphwellington.ca
@borealisguelph
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@snowberrybotanicals
@rosaloess
global
fares around Guelph
Immerse yourself in cultural fare without the added cost of airfare. Our neighbourhoods are spilling over with local restaurants serving up culinary delights from around the globe.
Eastern European
Thai
Greek
Mediterranean
Japanese
Indian
Halal Afgan
Ethiopean
Mexican
Vietnamese
Broken English Bistro brokenenglishbistro.com
Café Greek Garden cafegreekgarden.ca
Crafty Ramen craftyramen.com
Helmand Kebab House helmandkababhouse.com
La Reina lareina519.com
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Na-Ha Thai’s Kitchen nahathaikitchen.weebly.com
Olive Tree Mediterranean Bistro olive-tree.ca
Spice Roots spiceroots.ca
Warka Tree facebook.com
Nguyen’s Vietnamese thenguyens.ca
Canadian
Globally Inspired
English
Italian
Syrian
Dutch
French
Chinese – Vegetarian/Vegan
Miijidaa Café and Bistro miijidaa.ca
The Shakespeare Arms theshakespearearms.com
Shawarma G facebook.com/ShawarmaG
Artisanale French Country Cooking artisnale.ca
Italian
Buon Gusto buongusto.ca
Lucky Belly theluckybelly.com
La Cucina lacucinaguelph.com
Dutch Toko dutchtoko.ca
Zen Garden zengardensguelph.ca
Indian – Vegetarian
Kirtida Kitchen kirtidakitchen.weebly.com
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TRANsitAND TOURS TRANsit AND TOURS Guelph is an active city, always on the move. As such we are a bicycle-friendly community. It’s truly one of the best ways to experience our many scenes and sites. Guelph has embraced this environmentally sustainable form of transit by making it accessible to get around with bike lanes on our main roads, shared lane ransit Guelph.c Guelph Transit Guelph.ca/transit spaces and trails connecting our ansit gotransit.com gotransi GO Transit neighbourhoods. Check out our hound greyhoun Greyhound greyhound.ca online Guelph Cycling Map at Via Rail viarail.ca Guelph.ca/bike for a detailed list of trails, lanes and bike-friendly route to navigate our city on two wheels, or even three. Plus our buses are equipped with bike racks, so you can stow and go from place to place, at your convenience. All public transportation in Guelph arrives and departs from Guelph Central Station (79 Carden St). Guelph Transit has the city covered with many route options to get you where you need to be. The routes are easy to follow and always available online.
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Taste Detours Year-round and private bookings
tastedetours.ca
Experience Guelph through culinary delight. Taste Detours teaches you about Guelph’s food businesses, the people behind them and our deep agricultural roots. Enjoy Guelph’s stories through food and drink. Historical Walking Tour Select Sundays, April to October
guelpharts.ca
oin the Guelph Arts Council on one of six different walking tours that offer unique opportunities to learn about Guelph’s heritage while viewing beautiful architectural and natural features of the city. Ghost Walk of Guelph Select weekends and private bookings
ghostwalkofguelph.com
ooking for a goosebump-inducing tour of Guelph’s dark past? The Ghost Walk of Guelph is an one-hour walking tour that explores the Royal City’s haunted past. Woodlawn Memorial Park Self-guided tours
woodlawnmemorialpark.ca
Try a variety of self-guided tours that take you through the 80 acres of Woodlawn Memorial Park’s 160 years of history and the people and points of interest. U of G Historical Campus Walk Self-guided tour
uoguelph.ca/historicaltour
Explore the University of Guelph’s history and visit significant buildings that bear the names of those who have made invaluable contributions to the development of the University. Jaywalking Guelph Select Dates, May to September
jaywalkingguelph.weebly.com
Intimate and personal storytelling tours featuring unusual tales of Guelph’s past – told where they happened. 33
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