2018
VISIT GUELPH GUIDE your guide to the city
CONTRIBUTORS:
The Making Box Guelph Night Market Queen of Craft My Wandering Voyage Style Bee Kazoo! Fest Hillside 1.
Cover art & design: Cai Sepulis, TOQUE
Land
Acknowledgement: We acknowledge that Guelph is situated on treaty land that is steeped in rich indigenous history and home to many First Nations, Inuit and Metis people today. We have a responsibility for the stewardship of the land on which we live, work and visit. Today we acknowledge the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation of the Anishinaabek Peoples on whose ancestral and treaty territory Guelph is situated.
TOURISM SERVICES “That’s so Guelph”: A term to describe something that is intrinsically Guelph. Whether you’ve said it, heard it, or you’re just discovering it, we hope you find yourself saying “that’s so Guelph” as you read, explore and enjoy the 2018 Visit Guelph Guide. Share your #Guelphie and #Guelph stories with us @visitguelph
Visitor Information is conveniently located at the Guelph Civic Museum. Visitor Information Guelph Museums 52 Norfolk St. Guelph, ON N1H 4H8 Open Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 5pm visit@guelph.ca 1-800-334-4519 visitguelphwellington.ca
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If you’re reading this, it’s too late. You 're about to fall in love ... with a city. 4.
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The Sounds of Guelph // COMEDY
Guelph is on the welcoming side of weird, the charming side of challenging and is perhaps the only city that would let the directors of a local comedy theatre and improv training centre have the first word in welcoming newbies. Guelph, you risky. Introducing Hayley Kellett and Jay Reid of The Making-Box.
Hay:
Jay:
Guelph’s the perfect place for a fling or a long-term love affair, touristically-speaking of course.
I was born, raised and now am delightfully bound to Guelph. That’s commitment. I moved from Toronto to Guelph in 2015. I thought it would be a fleeting romance but now I’m in it for the long haul. Did you know Guelph is the only place in the world where if there’s a crack in the sidewalk kale automatically grows out of it?
Did you know that if you say Guelph backwards out loud it sounds like kombucha? Yes, I was in grade-school when all the water fountains got changed over to natural fermentation tanks. Do you know anything else about Guelph? I learnt recently, Guelph’s slogan is ‘Making A Difference’ however, I always thought it should be ‘Making A Salad.’ Marketing copy for cities often feels reminiscent of perfume ads. Like, “intriguing, robust…[deep inhale] Reginaaaaa” If Guelph were a perfume, I think it would smell like patchouli, cyclist sweat, vegan leather, limestone and… Veterinary College student tears? Yes, the final exam ones. A scent that would attract anyone, even dogs. I bet dogs love this city. And so will you, newbie! Plus, downtown Guelph is shaped like a palm with five fingers, so wherever you go it’s like you’re holding hands!
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The Top things you must do in
Guelph
1. Take a #guelphie of the Basilica of Our Lady 2. Make the pilgrimage to the annual Hillside Festival 3. Enjoy a treat (croissant recommended) at Eric the Baker 4. Get ice-cream at The Boathouse and walk through Royal City Park 5. Shop for a unique find (or get a haircut! ) at the amazing shops in Downtown Guelph 6. Browse the books and see a movie at The BookshelF 7. Grab a coffee from Planet Bean 8. Take a tour and try a sample at Wellington Brewery 9. Enjoy a Saturday morning at the Guelph Farmers’ Market 10. Splash or skate in Market Square 6.
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How To spend a weekend in Guelph Friday: Pop over to Matthews Barbershop for a haircut and a beverage, because we all know – beer flows as hair goes! Next, head across the street to get your slurp on at Crafty Ramen before finishing the night off with a barrel of laughs at a Making Box Comedy Show.
Saturday:
First things first, grab a coffee and fresh
treat from The Common! Follow the crowds and walk down to the Guelph Farmers’ Market and feel like a local while buying local. Head up to Boon Burger and #omnomnom whatever their serving. Now it’s time to explore! Hit the trails and walk over the covered bridge and along the river on the Eramosa River Trail. Next it’s time to enjoy a local brew from Royal City Brewery – try a flight and sample them all! For dinner head back downtown and get cozy in the charming and delicious 39 Carden Street Bistro before catching a show at the River Run Centre and finish it all off with a night-cap at Baker Street Station.
Sunday: Wake up and smell the coffee at The Cornerstone – have some brunch for fuel too before hitting the pavement to find that one of a kind piece at the amazing shops in Downtown Guelph. Head to Guelph Museums for the latest exhibit and don’t forget to settle in for a unique and sustainable lunch at Miijidaa – Enjoy!
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Flavours of Guelph: The city that embraces food diversity Olivia from My Wandering Voyage
In Guelph, the difficulty in answering “what do you want to eat tonight?” stems not from indifference, but from indecisiveness. There are hundreds of restaurants in Guelph, all with a unique milieu. Chow down on Greek food at Café Greek Garden in Two Rivers, Italian at downtown’s Buon Gusto, or Indian at Spice Roots in the south end. Grab a Canadian bite to eat at downtown’s Miijidaa, Afghani at Helmand Kabab House in the Waverley neighbourhood, or Japanese at the Crafty Raman in downtown. Guelph has embraced an outstandingly diverse restaurant market, with foods from around the world. The restaurant owners themselves have histories that bring passion to the dishes they serve. Many started at the Guelph Famers’ Market – open every Saturday from 7am to 12pm. Naruemon Verspagen and her husband Neil own Na-Ha Thai’s Kitchen in The Ward. They opened the restaurant in 2014, after selling desserts and Thai appetizers at the Farmers’ Market.
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The Sounds of Guelph // FLAVOURS
“We just do authentic Thai and concentrate on healthy food,”
As Naruemon started expanding her fare, the couple took an opportunity to open Na-Ha’s after spotting a for sale sign on a building on York Road. As word of mouth spread, so did their customers, coming in from all over Ontario. Many of the Thai dishes are gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan. “We just do authentic Thai and concentrate on healthy food,” said Naruemon. “I should do exactly the real thing, what my mom cooked for me and I cook and eat from Thailand.” The couple said they love the support that the Guelph community offers them. “The Guelph community, we really appreciate; they really support small businesses like us,” said Naruemon. Melku Gebrekristos, owner of Laza Food and Beverages Inc., also began at the Guelph Farmers’ Market. Formerly a medical lab technician from Eritrea, a northeastern African country bordering Ethiopia, Melku said she wanted to share her food and culture with others. Eritrean food is very similar to Ethiopian, consisting of
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stews and injera, a flat spongy bread. Melku also blends her own spices. “Food or beverage is one of the ways that you can express or explain to people your culture, your tradition,” she said. “We don't use forks to eat; we eat with hands. It's a way that people know a different kind of culture.” Melku has a wide range of flavours in her food and can cater to vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets. She also sells her own variety of hibiscus teas, which, she says, is high in antioxidants. “It was a drink that me and my family were consuming for the last 35 to 40 years, especially when we go by the seacoast,” she said. Her teas, which she started selling at farmers’ markets and festivals, are now in over 25 locations in Guelph and surrounding areas. John and Lili Pusic, owners of Bluewater Creamery, strive to find authentic flavours for their small-batch ice creams. “We just have a passion for good food and something different in life,” said Lili. In 2015, the couple started selling their batches at farmers’ markets in St. Jacobs, Aberfoyle and Guelph. In 2017, the pair crowdfunded for a mobile trailer – a 1970s Airstream – that they bring to festivals and other events around the city. The flavours of ice creams – including Rhubarb Strawberry Crisp, Chamomile Honeycomb and Caramel Crunch as well as non-dairy and vegan ice creams – vary based on the season. “Our inspiration really comes with the season. We're a lot of times at the market, so we just walk around and see what's new, what's in season, what's fresh, what's looking good and we just kind of go from there,” said Lili. However, the most popular flavour is vanilla – a real test of the quality of the ice cream. Lili said she feels supported in Guelph. “I love our city. I think there's so many awesome things happening here, a sense of community and how people really support each other. The food industry is amazing downtown,” she said.
Catch up with Olivia’s travels on mywanderingvoyage.com
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R ME U C O LO
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Style Bee’s guide to a fun day in Guelph
If it were up to me, every Saturday in Guelph would go something like this: My husband Dave and I would wake up in good time, encouraged by a bright day and a hungry corgi. I’d pull on my go-to jeans, a cozy sweater and some comfy boots then grab a couple of tote bags and we’d begin
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making our way across downtown to the Farmers' Market. En route I’d fuel up on a latte (preferably matcha) from Galt Juice Co. or Planet Bean and we’d head in. Once at the market we’d peruse the seasonal produce, local fare and let the fresh scents and bright colours inspire some meal ideas for the week to follow. After filling the bags with goodies and wolfing down a freshly made cinnamon sugar donut (a can’t miss market treat!) we’d
The Sounds of Guelph // MARKET
escape before the major rush. On our way out I’d zip into Take Time Vintage to see if any treasures were calling my name. From there we’d either stop into Eric the Baker for a few croissants or plop down on the patio at 39 Carden for a quick bite. I’d go for the Egg’s in a Nest, my personal favourite on the brunch menu and we’d likely discuss our ongoing house projects and travel goals for the months to come. Then, it’d be time to head back home.
Without a doubt we’d be welcomed by our two fur kiddos. Evie the cat, would be sure to inspect the bags and Dobby, our corgi, would convince us that a walk through Wolfond Park and along the Speed River Trail was absolutely in order. If we were feeling ambitious we might even make it to Riverside Park to watch the ducks float on the water and enjoy a little people watching. The visit would be extra special if a beaver made an appearance!
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After a long stroll and lots of fresh air my instincts to hunker down would kick in and I might head to The Bookshelf to pick up a good read or catch a matinee at the theatre with a girlfriend (my favourite place to watch a show). Of course, I’d pop my head in to say hi to the good folks at Blush, Kennedy Park and Truth Beauty where I might be tempted to treat myself to something lovely. Quebec Street is a must see for the best of Guelph’s boutique shopping. If the sun was still going strong and the temperature was friendly I could probably be convinced to join Dave and some friends for a round of Frisbee Golf at the beautiful Guelph Arboretum where you can instantly forget the city is just minutes away. But if the sun was dipping down early, I’d pop into my favourite plant shop Blooms + Flora to see if I could bring a little of the outdoors home with me. Then to polish off this delightful day we’d either fix up a Farmers' Market feast or meet my parents for some French country cooking at Artisanale. It’s safe to say I’d sleep really well and wake up feeling fresh and rested for a productive Sunday!
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Kennedy Park // Alanna Gurr
Lee Vosburgh is a designer and creator of the fashion and lifestyle blog Style Bee, find out what’s in right now at stylebee.ca
Night Market // Nicolette Hoang
Guelph Night Market Emily from Guelph Night Market
Guelph Night Market is a quarterly DIY pop-up curated event that brings together an exhibition of vendors selling unique items. Our aim is to prioritize local and handcrafted, showcasing emerging artists, passionate collectors, modern makers and general weirdos. We look for a diverse selection of vendors from all walks and disciplines, who we hope will inspire our community and help to create connections among those who are like-minded. The Night Market aims for a warm but electric vibe, everywhere you turn you are certain to bump into a pal and find that
special item you have been dreaming of. Guelph has a strong network of small businesses and entrepreneurs; supporting them is what will make our community flourish. To stay in the loop about upcoming markets, vendors, artists we love and events happening in our community check out our social media. Mark your calendars, come on out, have a beer, run into all the buds that have been missing you and take in what all the talented folks in our community have been up to.
Don’t miss the next Guelph Night Market – get all the details at guelphnightmarket.com
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Finding the Arts in
Guelph
Marie from Hillside
There’s such a groundswell of musical aspiration and talent in Guelph that it is not surprising that superb musicians, singers, and festivals cluster here, helping to make Guelph the City of Song, a cherished place for fiddling, riffing, songwriting, jamming, and just belting it out. For 35 years, Hillside has contributed to the musical culture of Guelph alongside numerous other people and organizations who work to celebrate creative expression. Like so many lighthouses that cannot be hidden, the arts in Guelph are everywhere. They help mark our way. And they remind us that the search for light and the creation of light are profoundly dignified pursuits.
The Hillside summer festival began in 1984 around the kitchen tables and campfires of Guelph musicians who had connections to environmental activism and aspirations for creating a community music event that would promote creativity as a conduit for social and cultural change. Don’t miss Hillside Inside February 9-11 and Hillside Festival July 13-15 in Guelph, hillsidefestival.ca
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The Sounds of Guelph // MUSIC
As one of those lighthouses, Hillside doesn’t just stand there shining. It runs two festivals—one in the summer and one, Hillside Inside, in the winter as well as year-round activities. As you’ll see at our festivals, each initiative—whether artistic, social, spiritual, or environmental—is designed to promote creative transformation and care of the earth, be that through songwriting courses, through performances by indie, Indigenous, and world musicians, through washing dishes for thousands, through workshops in dance, dispute-resolution, or the didgeridoo: we’re here in Guelph to create a more vibrant world.
The Sounds of Guelph // MUSIC
Kazoo! Kazoo! Kazoo!
Brad from Kazoo! Fest
Kazoo! was born out of a series of packed DIY house shows happening in the basement of a rental house near downtown Guelph. These shows featured up-and-coming local bands paired with performers on tour from across Canada. As word spread and the crowds grew, we took these concerts above ground and hosted our first official Kazoo! show at a real venue in downtown Guelph in June 2006. We’ve always numbered our shows and little did we know that what began as “Kazoo! #1” back in 2006 would turn into one of Guelph’s longest running independent music showcases with over 270 events (and counting) featuring over 500 bands and performers. Over the past decade a lot has changed; we’ve grown up, made a lot of mistakes along the way, and learned about what it means to support and be a part of a strong local music community. It’s been an adventure so far and we’re looking forward to keeping Guelph weird and wonderful in the years to come. Kazoo! is a music series, and annual festival happening every April. The festival features over 45 musical performances, visual art, multimedia, print media, and more. Catch up with Kazoo! at www.kazookazoo.ca
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Karyn from Queen of Craft Picture this; one hundred excited women lined up the stairs of the eBar waiting to be seated for two hours of beer, cheese, chocolate and friends. Every Friday night in March, Wellington Brewery’s Queen of Craft team presents interesting and fun workshops to the thirsty-for both knowledge and beer-folks of Guelph. The team is a group of passionate women who use their diverse talents to teach others about beer. Providing a safe space for the beer savvy, they offer bold, fun and informative events that keep beer education approachable, while donating back to local organizations that support women and families. For those with perfect attendance, names are drawn to be on the Queens Brew Team. The team comes up with a recipe, brews the beer on Welly’s pilot system, play a role in label design and package the beer. Proceeds from each bottle go to Guelph-Wellington Women-In-Crisis. The team prides themselves on donating back to the community, and to date have raised over $10,000 for GWWIC. We marry our love of beer with our love of building strong relationships within the Wellington/Waterloo region. Cheers! For more info, visit Facebook @queenofcraft, Instagram @queenofcraftbeer or email queenofcraftbeer@gmail.com.
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Queen of Craft // Truth Is…
The beer savvy Queens of Craft
Top 5 elph Gu
s o i pat
BREADBAR:
What could be better than sipping a refreshing beverage while feeling like you are sitting in beautiful Royal City Park? Paired with: A pint of either a mainstay favourite or a seasonal brew from Royal City Brewery - the Hibiscus Saison comes highly recommended
Red Brick CafE:
Business in the front, party in the back - two patios for the price of one! Paired with: A small-batch, all natural Guelph brewed Stonehammer beer
Miijidaa:
An oasis in the heart of the city with a beautiful hand crafted farmers’ table Paired with: Try the Cucumber G&T made with Guelph’s own Dixon’s Distilled Spirits – yes, we even have a craft distillery!
The Wooly:
Head to this Guelph rite of passage and enjoy a pint or two on the amazing roofed patio – everyone’s ultimate patio dream of chilling in the rain or snow Paired with: Mix and match! Get a flight of four draught samples: Wellington, Royal City, Stonehammer, Sleeman – oh my!
Royal Electric:
What a gem! Tucked away and an escape from the hustle and bustle, this patio feels so exclusive surrounded by a vibrant mural and plants galore – you definitely want to go here Paired with: Try a welly on and enjoy a pint of Wellington on tap!
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videos // photos // Ward 1 Studios
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Photos // Alanna Gurr visitguelphwellington.ca
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Get all the tips to plan your perfect trip at: visitguelphwellington.ca Read about all things #Guelph at: visitguelph.blog
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