Gather in Guelph - Group Gathering Information Guide

GATHER IN GUELPH

WE INVITE YOU

TO GATHER IN GUELPH

We are so happy to welcome you to our vibrant city. Guelph is one the top 10 fastest growing communities in Canada* with a population of 145,000 people. Our community is also home to some of the world’s most innovative companies, more than 40 research institutes, and a spirit of collaboration to help bring your ideas to life. Guelph is a hotspot for discovery, innovation, community and culture.

Guelph offers top-notch professional services and amenities without the big city cost. Whether you want to learn about our historical neighbourhoods with a walking tour, indulge in a unique and delicious culinary experience, or immerse yourself in nature - we can make it happen here. We have everything to make your event a success and your guests’ stays unforgettable.

Guelph is a place where people come together. Come and gather in Guelph.

gatheringuelph.com

*According to the 2022 Canadian Census

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As we gather, let us take time to reflect on our privilege to live, work and meet in Guelph; a city built over rich Indigenous histories. We are guests here, and we should reflect upon the responsibility to care for this land, the people who live here today, and the generations to come. If our actions today can move us towards reconciliation, we should take pause and make those decisions with intention and gratitude.

This place we call Guelph has served as traditional lands and a place of refuge for many peoples over time, but more specifically the Attiwonderonk, and the Haudenosaunee. This land is held as the treaty lands and territory with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Guelph lies directly adjacent to the Haldimand Tract and is part of a long-established traditional hunting ground for the Six Nations of the Grand River. Many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples who have come from across Turtle Island call Guelph home today.

LOCATION IS EVERYTHING

Guelph is ideally located at the heart of Ontario’s innovation corridor, just 100 km (60 miles) from the city of Toronto, 26 km (16 miles) to the Waterloo Region and 145 km (90 miles) to the United States border via Buffalo, New York. We are in close proximity to four domestic and international airports, (Toronto Island, Pearson, Waterloo and Hamilton), with linkages to international markets along major transportation route by rail and highway 401. Guelph is one of the fastest growing regions in Canada. We are a convenient and accessible spot for hosting you and your group.

HOW CAN WE HELP

Whether planning a conference, event or sport tournament that brings visitors to Guelph, we’re here to help create memorable experiences for your guests. We provide support from the planning stages through to implementation with:

• Itinerary development

• Dining and accommodation resources

• Visitor information

• Web and social media promotion

• Delegate/attendee bags

VISITOR INFORMATION

Our visitor information kiosk is located at the Guelph Civic Museum, which overlooks our historic downtown. Here you will find helpful staff, free parking, thought-provoking exhibitions, visitor resources and more.

Guelph Civic Museum

52 Norfolk St, Guelph, ON, N1H 4H8

Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm

LET’S MEET

The City of Guelph Tourism office would love to help make your event successful.

Guelph Tourism - Group and Network Services

1 Carden St, Guelph ON, N1H 3A1 800-334-4519 • visit@guelph.ca

Windsor

GATHER HERE

We are the perfect place to create, learn, explore and play. And when we say play, we mean it. Choose your adventure - and if you can’t pick just one, then don’t pack it all into one. Extend your stay! Regardless of how long you’re here, Guelph’s local businesses would love to host you and share the Guelph experience with your guests.

Guelphites pride ourselves on being a city like no other. We offer the best of big city life, with the charm of a small town, and deep connections with our natural world. That’s our home field advantage.

Whether you want to get your game on through our world-class competitive sports facilities, find your rhythm in our downtown core, explore the local haunts or the city at large, you’ll see why Guelph is one of Ontario’s great destinations. From the water to the trails, in a city without congestion, everything you need is here.

gatheringuelph.com

EXPERIENCE GUELPH

Get to know Guelph from the lens of the locals with tours that are ready made or designed to fit and led by folks who really know their stuff.

TASTE DETOURS

Immerse yourself in the culinary pleasures of Guelph with Taste Detours. This unique experience introduces you to the city’s food establishments, the individuals driving them, and its profound agricultural heritage. Indulge in Guelph’s narratives through a delightful journey of food and drink. tastedetours.ca

JAYWALKING GUELPH

Experience “Guelph’s Smallest Live Theatre Company” featuring group walking tours, recitations, stories and live theatre.

jaywalkingguelph.ca

GUELPH URBEX WALKING TOUR

Embark on guided walking excursions throughout Guelph, exploring notable sites such as the abandoned Guelph Correctional Centre grounds and concealed burial sites in downtown Guelph. guelphurbex.com

EAT HERE

HISTORICAL WALKING TOURS

Participate in one of the six distinct walking tours organized by the Guelph Arts Council. These tours provide exclusive chances to delve into Guelph’s heritage, while admiring the city’s captivating architectural and natural highlights. guelpharts.ca

GUELPH.BEER BUS

A collaboration between Guelph’s local brewers, the Guelph.Beer Bus is a fun bus tour that gives guests the opportunity to explore the unique craft brewpubs, beer halls, and tap rooms that Guelph has to offer. guelph.beer

RIOT AXE – AXE THROWING

Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned thrower, everyone is welcome to join in the fun at Riot Axe! They are an inclusive and friendly environment. riotaxe.com

SPLITTSVILLE

Enjoy a throw-back to childhood fun, Splittsville offers 24 lanes of 10-pin bowling, plus 8 lanes of 5-pin bowling, and a bar and lounge. splitsville.ca

Guelph is an exceptional place to experience extraordinary and diverse culinary talents. Guelph’s success is deeply rooted in the entrepreneurial spirit of its people, local landscape, proud agricultural heritage and a tradition of innovation. Throughout the year, you can experience events celebrating global culinary flavours, enjoy a delicious meal at one of the exclusive restaurants or cafes, or raise a pint of local craft beer at a pub. Whatever you fancy, there are a lot of great options to suit everyone.

Connect with us to identify the best menus to suit your group’s dietary needs. gatheringuelph.com

GUELPH PLAYS HOST

When you plan your event in Guelph, we’re here to connect you with the right venues that help you tell your story.

Meet in a beautiful natural setting at The Arboretum or within a historic hall at the University of Guelph - one of the highest-ranking comprehensive universities in Canada that is known worldwide for its research and superior academic programs. If you’re looking for a more fulsome service offering for your guests, The Delta Guelph is here with full conference spaces and 140 guest rooms. Whether you’re planning a conference, a meeting, or a sporting event, a gathering of 10 or 2000, Guelph can support your vision.

We are committed to making your next meeting, conference, or event a success and ensuring everyone leaves happy.

gatheringuelph.com

EXPLORE GUELPH PASS

The Explore Guelph Pass Program is an incentive and discount program to encourage event visitors to extend their stay and to get out and explore all that Guelph has to offer. This discount program is offered exclusively to event organizers working with Guelph Tourism staff.

Once your attendees present their Explore Guelph pass at one of the over 15 participating establishments, visitors will become eligible to receive a special discount or offer.

RECENTLY HOSTED MEETINGS

RECENTLY HOSTED SPORTS EVENTS

EVENT.UOGUELPH.CA

The University of Guelph offers state of the art amphitheatres, a wide selection of seminar, boardroom and classroom space unmatched by any hotel facility in Ontario. We can accommodate guests ranging from 2 to 2000 all in one central location.

UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH BENEFITS

• Classroom, accommodation, dining, and athletics facilities within close proximity

• Award winning in-house food services with options ranging from coffee breaks to banquet dinners

• State of the art audio-visual equipment in lecture theatres

• Dedicated meeting planner to support your event

• One-stop shop that coordinates all of your on-campus services

ON CAMPUS ACCOMMODATION

The University of Guelph boasts one of the largest university residence systems in Canada. These on-campus accommodations provide delegates with a clean and comfortable living environment offering a variety of single or shared room styles. A 24-hour residence desk provides delegates with around the clock information and services.

Conference Services

University of Guelph

University Centre 432 Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1

Tel: 519-824-4120 Ext. 53350

E-mail: eventreg@uoguelph.ca

DELTA GUELPH

DELTA HOTELS GUELPH CONFERENCE CENTRE

The Delta Guelph boosts 13,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and event services. From corporate gatherings to social celebrations, create lasting memories in a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere. The Delta has a dedicated event team that ensures seamless planning, with customizable packages that cater to your unique needs. Elevate your occasions with top-notch amenities, delectable catering, and a touch of luxury. Discover the perfect setting for your event and turn your vision into reality.

ROYAL CITY BALLROOM

The Delta Guelph is the perfect venue for large corporate events, weddings, and galas with its abundant natural light and expansive space for you and your guests to enjoy. The Royal City Ballroom is the largest event space at the Delta Guelph with a maximum capacity of 450-500 guests. The Ballroom features large windows, 2 outdoor patios, high ceilings and can be divided into two areas to fit every event style.

Delta Hotels Guelph Conference Centre

50 Stone Rd W Guelph, Ontario

519-780-3700

deltaguelph.com

TRAVEL HERE

GETTING HERE

Guelph’s Central Station has been instrumental in getting people to and from our city since 1911. The heritage site hosts service from GO Transit and VIA Rail bringing people from across Canada to our city, and taking commuters into cities like Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal for business and pleasure.

VIA RAIL CANADA GO TRANSIT

Arrivals & departures: (888) 842-7245

Information & reservation: (888) 842-7245

TTY 1 800 268 9503

www.viarail.ca

416 869-3200

toll free 1 888 438-6646

TTY 1 800 387-3652

www.gotransit.com

ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORTATION

GUELPH TRANSIT

Guelph Transit’s full fleet is equipped with low-floor vehicles and provides fully accessible service to all bus routes operating in the City of Guelph. These vehicles are designed to assist in accommodating customers who use mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters, or walkers. guelph.ca/transit

CUSTOM CHARTERS

RED TOP TAXI

A fleet of 6 mobility vehicles equipped with Q-Straint QRT wheelchair tethering systems. redtoptaxi.ca/mobility

RED CAR SERVICE GUELPH TRANSIT

Guelph Transit provides safe, affordable and reliable transportation services. Our conventional buses are air conditioned, wheelchair accessible, and comfortable for large groups. guelph.ca/transit

Red Car Service offers an array of vehicle types and seating capacity to offer you the ground transportation you need. redcarservice.com

ACCOMMODATIONS

COMFORT INN GUELPH

77 Rooms choicehotels.com

DELTA GUELPH HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTRE

140 Rooms deltaguelph.ca

FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES, MARRIOTT GUELPH

88 Rooms marriott.com

HAMPTON INN & SUITES BY HILTON

95 Rooms guelphsuites.hamptoninn.com

STAYBRIDGE SUITES

120 Rooms staybridge.com

NORFOLK GUEST HOUSE

6 Rooms norfolkguesthouse.ca

WESTERN HOTEL EXECUTIVE SUITES

19 Rooms westernhotelsuites.com

GORDON HALL (FORMER DAYS INN)

85 Rooms

uoguel.ph/GordonHall

*Summer Accommodations only

PLAY HERE

UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH

The University of Guelph offers world class athletic facilities and hosts a variety of sport and training events in state of the art indoor and outdoor spaces. The multi-purpose Guelph Gryphon’s Athletic Centre is home to the state-of-the-art Event Centre that has seating for up to 2200 people and offers a truly professional setting with a four screen scoreboard over the center of the gym. The Gryphon Fieldhouse showcases a 4-lane, 200 metre indoor track with 60 metre sprint lanes. In addition to the track and field accommodations, the Fieldhouse is home to an artificial turf, suitable for soccer, rugby, football, lacrosse, baseball and ultimate frisbee. In addition to benefiting sport teams, the heated field house facility offers access to washrooms, change spaces and activity lockers. For special events, portable flooring is available, making this your perfect multi-purpose facility to host conference events and trades shows with capacities up to 2000 people.

The University of Guelph offers planning services, state of the art facilities and award winning food, which makes it the top choice for your next event.

SLEEMAN CENTRE

Located in the heart of historic downtown Guelph, the Sleeman Centre serves as the city’s premiere venue for sports and entertainment.

This modern, well-equipped 5,000-seat facility is an ideal choice for sporting and family events, trade shows, conferences, large-scale concerts and public ceremonial events. The facility features a wide, horseshoe shaped concourse that allows fans uninterrupted views of the action on the ice. Since opening its doors in September 2000, the Sleeman Centre has served as home to the 2013-14 Ontario Hockey League Champions, the Guelph Storm. It has also hosted a variety of special events including Professional on Ice skating shows, and various concerts.

SPORTS FACILITIES

OPENING IN 2026

The City of Guelph will be opening a new South End Community Centre. This new recreation facility will be a 160,000 square foot facility with twin ice pads, aquatic center with a lap and teaching pool, double gymnasium, walking track and multi-purpose rooms, all connected by a central lobby.

CONTACT

Information about University of Guelph Athletic Facilities

Host at the University of Guelph

Tel: 519-824-4120 Ext 53350

Email: specialevents@guelph.ca

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