2019
Visit Guelph
Guelph
featuring
the519finds Jen Barson Lynn Broughton Gillian Bailey Kelly Legge Jenna Easter
SPRING/SUMMER
edition
Correspondence
Design & illustrations: Ellyn Lusis,
el vetica design
elveticadesign.com
Address
Welcome to Guelph
Guelph is one-of-a-kind. It’s home to award-winning festivals, special events, incredible public art, a bustling weekly farmers’ market, and a vibrant, friendly downtown. Guelph has a unique history we love to share. Explore several National Historic Sites such as the neo-gothic cathedral, Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate and McCrae House, the former home of John McCrae the author of the famous First World War poem “In Flanders Fields”. With so much to do, where do you start? Our Visitor Information Kiosk is conveniently located at Guelph Civic Museum, which overlooks our historic downtown. Here you’ll find helpful staff, free parking, thought-provoking exhibitions, visitor resources and more. Or visit our website, visitguelphwellington.ca, to help plan your trip. Looking for sample itineraries or best of the best lists. Then check out our blog visitguelph.blog Feeling social? Let’s connect. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @visitguelph Have questions? Email us at visit@guelph.ca or call us at 1-800-334-4519
Guelph Civic Museum
Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm 52 Norfolk St. Guelph, ON N1H 4H8
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. Today we acknowledge the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation of the Anishinaabek Peoples on whose traditional territory Guelph is situated on. 2
visitguelphwellington.ca
Top 10
Music Events Not to Miss in 2019 1. Banjofest Guelph: March 8 – 10 Silence 2. Gain Music and Arts Festival: March 8 – 10 Downtown Guelph 3. Kazoo! Fest: April 10 – 14 Downtown Guelph 4. Guelph Musicfest: May 31 – June 21 Guelph Youth Music Centre 5. Hillside Festival: July 12 – 14 Guelph Lake Conservation Area 6. Riverfest Elora: August 16 – 18 Bissell Park, Elora 7. Guelph Jazz Fest: September 11 – 15 Downtown Guelph 8. Royal City Uke Fest: September 27 – 28 Harcourt Memorial Church 9. Holy Smokes Music Festival: October 18 – 20 Downtown Guelph 10. Fourth Fridays: Year Round Guelph Civic Museum visitguelphwellington.ca
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Guelph is sooo dramatic.
Actors, artists, musicians, oh my! Guelph has a flair for the theatrical and entertaining. It’s bold, beautiful and dramatic. Alongside its stellar university, Green Party MPP and the best veterinary college to be found anywhere, Guelph has a strong creative culture. Who better to introduce you to the dramatic side of our delightful city, than two of the owners of our newest theatre company? Introducing Jen and Paul Barson of The Downtown Theatre Project. P: Hey, Jen! Whatcha reading? J: Hey, Paul! Studying lines for the next The Downtown Theatre Project play. It’s called The Goat or Who is Sylvia? P: Ooh! Fun! Also, it sounds pretty strange! J: Well we love to put on plays that are different, edgy and intimate. P: So… will there be a goat on stage? J: Maaayyyyybe. P: Whoa! Paul
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J: Guelph crowds love their art to involve a hint of the agricultural world.
P: Whatever floats your goat! Guelph crowds are the best. J: Hundo P! Guelph is the best. Did you know we are consistently rated as one of the best places to live in Canada. P: Obv! That’s why we have so many incredible artists inspired by the Royal City. J: Inspiration is everywhere – from the dramatic views up Macdonell of the Basilica, the haunting words of John McCrae, the incredible new façade of the Petrie building… P: …and hometown of Neve Campbell! Guelph represents! J: No wonder art lovers in Guelph are drawn to our drama. Cheering a comedy show at The Making-Box, moved by the latest show at Guelph Little Theatre... P: ...giving standing O’s for the latest Royal City Musical Production, gushing over the adorableness of a Fledgling Theatre For Young People show. J: Guelph boasts the best, loving, supportive audiences. P: They are the best. Also, you’re the best. J: No, you’re the best.
Jen
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How to Spend A Weekend by the519finds FRIDAY
TGIF! The weekend is finally here and it’s time to explore the beautiful city of Guelph. Let’s start the evening with some slurping! Only the best traditionally made Japanese ramen noodles, and local Ontario ingredients are found in the bowls at Crafty Ramen. #Itadakimasu! Now that we have filled up, let’s check out The Bookshelf, where you can pick up a new novel in the bookstore, catch an indie flick at the cinema, or dance the night away at The eBar!
SATURDAY
#Guelphites know The Common is a great place to start your day. Sit back, relax, sip on your coffee and nibble on a Merit Badge vegan donut. Next, wander through the charming boutiques along Quebec Street — like Shop B or On The Verge — before lunchin’ at 39 Carden Street. We are now venturing out of downtown to have an ‘out of this world’ experience at Ctrl V. They are one of North America’s first virtual reality arcades! Hungry? Let’s do dinner at Sugo on Surrey; one of Guelph’s newest Italian culinary delights. Then it’s time to get loud! Head over to Sleeman Centre for an epic basketball experience with the Guelph Nighthawks!
SUNDAY
Sunday fun-day! Visit With the Grain to grab some decadently delicious baked goods like scones, muffins, tarts and more for the trip home. Then pop across the street to Park Grocery deli and bar. This brand new eatery pays homage to the original grocery store that once occupied the same location. Head back toward downtown for a final tour of the Guelph Civic Museum and pick up a unique souvenir from the Hilltop Shop. Have time to squeeze in a farewell meal? Experience authentic Mexican fare at La Reina. 6
#TAKEFLIGHT Guelph Nighthawks
Ever wanted to experience the thrill of professional basketball from courtside seats? The time is now! Discover the adrenaline rush of a Guelph
Nighthawks professional basketball game at Sleeman Centre from May to August. Courtside seat holders receive exclusive perks,
including complimentary parking, in-seat service, and access to the VIP lounge. You’ll be living the life of luxury only three feet
away from the action! With DJ’s, Nighthawks cheerleaders, cold
bevvy’s, a dedicated ‘Party Zone’ and ‘Family Fun Zone,’ it’s a live game-day experience like no other. So what are you waiting for? Check out thenighthawks.ca for tickets, game schedule and official fan gear!
*Sponsored Content*
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Guelph.Beer celebrating local beer culture
3.
2. 1.
Guelph.Beer/map Wellington Brewery 950 Woodlawn Rd W
10 min 20 min
Fixed Gear Brewing Co. 20 Alma St. S
5 min 10 min
Brothers Brewing 15 Wyndham St. N
For over a century, Guelph has been a “beer city” with a rich brewing history that flows into the present. Today, we are fortunate to have five unique, differently sized local breweries including Brothers Brewing, Fixed Gear Brewing, Royal City Brewing, Sleeman Brewery and Wellington Brewery, Canada’s oldest independently owned microbrewery. All five have teamed up to launch Guelph.Beer, a unique partnership focused on furthering 8
4.
Discover
5. Please Drink Responsibly
g Company
5 min 10 min
Royal City Brewing Company 199 Victoria Rd. S
10 min 30 min
Sleeman Brewery 551 Clair Rd W
beer education, encouraging collaboration, and promoting Guelph’s reputation as a world-class brewing centre and beer destination. Catch the Guelph.Beer Bus on the second Saturday of May, June, July and August for a fun, safe, and FREE way to visit each of Guelph’s breweries. Check out https://guelph.beer for details on the beer bus and other exciting beer events. *Sponsored Content*
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Explore
our trails!
Speed River Trail
h Lak e uelp G
3.4KM
Conservation Area
VICTORIA ROAD NORTH
Whether you’re walking, biking or running, be sure to check out some of these points of interest on your journey:
e Park sid r e
WOODLAWN ROAD
Ri v
WOOLWICH STREET
• Dutch Windmill and John Galt Gardens • Playgrounds and Disc Golf Course • Enabling Gardens • Floral Clock, Rock Garden and Waterfall • Kiwanis Bandshell
SPEEDVALE AVE
PAVED
Mark these dates on the calendar for more Riverside Park fun:
Guelph and District Multicultural Festival: June 7-9 Canada Day in the Park: July 1 Guelph Ribfest: August 23 – 25
MULCH
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COMPACTED GRAVEL
visitguelphwellington.ca
Discover a different side of Guelph
HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR
Select Sundays, April to October ($) guelpharts.ca Join the Guelph Arts Council on one of six different walking tours that offer a unique opportunity to learn about Guelph’s heritage while viewing beautiful architectural and natural features of the city.
GHOST WALK OF GUELPH
Select weekends and private bookings ($) ghostwalkofguelph.com Looking for a goosebump-inducing tour of Guelph’s dark past? The Ghost Walk of Guelph is a one-hour walking tour that explores the Royal City’s haunted past
TASTE DETOURS
Year-round and private bookings ($$) tastedetours.ca The best way to experience Guelph is through our food. Taste Detours teaches you about Guelph’s food businesses, the people behind them, and our deep agricultural roots. They are quite literally telling Guelph’s stories through food and drink.
WOODLAWN MEMORIAL PARK
Self-guided tours (Free) woodlawnmemorialpark.ca Try a variety of self-guided tours that take you through the Woodlawn Memorial Park’s art, history and people of interest. The park spreads over 80-acres of land, filled with large trees, walking paths and over 160-years of rich history.
U of G HISTORICAL CAMPUS WALK
Self-guided tour (Free) 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 of Guelph. The full route will take two to three hours. visitguelphwellington.ca
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This is
my Guelph.
A Visitor’s Guide to Guelph Told by Locals
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visitguelphwellington.ca
The
Drama Queen It’s said that there are two faces of our downtown – daytime Guelph and nighttime Guelph. During the day its beautiful limestone buildings, boutique shops and trendy restaurants draw you to the core. Then there’s nighttime Guelph. As the city sheds its daytime persona for its nighttime alter ego, the bars, cafes and performance spaces come alive. You can catch a performance or be the performer, with live music, open mics, comedy, theatre and more! The Cornerstone, Red Brick Café, and Sip Club all host open mics and feature local musicians on a weekly basis. Wednesdays are trivia nights at Sip Club – hosted by Jen & Paul. We give you more than just questions and answers, sprinkling in songs, scenes and even dance! If live performances are your thing, then Guelph has your front row seat! Running for over 80 years, Guelph Little Theatre boasts a five-show season and Royal City Musical Productions Inc. puts on two musicals each year, at the beautiful River Run Centre, which presents its own season of entertainment as well. Entering its second season, The Downtown Theatre Project puts on edgy, live theatre in the intimate setting of The Making-Box. With performers only steps away you’ll feel like you’re a part of the show. Guelph is full of talented people doing amazing things.
Jen Barson thedowntowntheatreproject.ca @thedowntowntheatreproject 13
The
Foodie
Lynn Broughton tastedetours.ca @tastedetours
This much is obvious: Guelph has panache, and it’s got flavour. It’s jam-packed with creativity and teeming with taste. I’m going to offer you a slice of a mere handful of our many world class eateries. My Kitty Café is not a place where cats are served. But it is a place where you can enjoy a delightfully authentic kimchi omelette before or after you visit with the felines. Eric the Baker is a gold mine of treats to grab and go, bien sûr. This french baker’s canelé and pastries are the stuff of dreams, but give his hot chocolate a try. Steamed with dark chocolate ganache and topped with fresh whipped cream, it’s love at first sip. Wellington Cakes the shop with a name that explains it all. Cupcakes and designer cakes are undoubtedly the very essence of the shop, and yet you cannot overlook their award-winning butter tarts. Guelph Farmers’ Market is a veritable moveable feast. As you gather your weekly groceries, you can’t move two feet without finding something to devour on the spot. A bit of Ontario cheese at Taste of Craft, a fiery empanada from Rodolfo’s Rebel Foods, a hearty sourdough bun at Grain Revolution, the simple perfection of a crisp Ambrosia from Applevue Farms —a few of the things that won’t make it past the exit. Want more? Come on a food and drink tour with Taste Detours to really dig in to the feasts and flavours of Guelph.
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The
Mompreneur
Gillian Bailey Thisis4kids.com @Thisis4kids
All three of my children are born and raised Guelphites. They’ve whiled away hours in my favourite park, Riverside, danced to the drums of Hillside Festival, tasted a world of cuisine at the Multicultural Festival and splashed in the water feature in Market Square. Guelph loves families and families love Guelph. Year-round there are family friendly events, festivals and businesses to visit. Here are a few much loved spaces and places well worth your time. Tiny Town is Guelph’s little town made especially for creative, and imaginative minds. Little buildings are beautifully built in this toddler-sized world. Superhero capes hang on the wall, and dishes are waiting to be used in a miniature kitchen. This is a great mini village for little people and big fun. Woodlawn Bowl is the perfect entertainment for the whole family. The feel of an old style bowling alley with the flash of an arcade. The Children’s Art Factory is the ultimate space of organized, creative chaos. It’s a young artist’s dream come true. It’s bright and beautiful, with every aspect created with love. Funmazing has a climbing maze, plasma cars, arcade machines and basketball with comfy couches for adults to relax in while little ones burn off some energy. Play With Clay is a place to indulge your families artistic side. With pottery painting at its finest you’ll have a glazing good time! Before beginning a day of kid-centric activities why not enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere of Breezy Corners in the heart of our downtown for a quick bite.
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The
Outdoor Explorer Guelph has so much to offer, particularly if you love being outside as much as I do. When I have a few hours set aside to get outside and explore, I tend to go by bike. I rely on the crew at Speed River Bicycle for choosing the best places to ride. Lucky for me (and everyone), they have put together a number of routes within city limits that include shared pathways, scenic gravel roads and over rail trails. Insider tip: the best rides seem to always end witha platter of apps from The Wooly Pub. For those days that I am looking for a casual walk or run, I often find myself on segments of the Royal Recreation Trail. This accessible trail system is a great way to stay in the downtown area and still experience nature and wildlife along the river. Starting at Royal City Park, head to the southwest side of the river via Gordon Street. Once on the trail, make a point to look for the ‘circle of trees’. It may sound silly, but it is guaranteed to put a smile on your face! Insider tip: A great way to fuel the next adventure, which may include renting one of the kayaks or canoes available, is to visit The Boathouse Tea Room. When I am looking for a fun nature hike or looking for to spice up my running routine, Starkey Hill trail loop is the place to be. With a few steep forested slopes, an abundance of wildlife and breathtaking views. Insider tip: This is also an interpretive trail, so bring your smartphone along to learn more about this hidden gem.
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Kelly Legge Upandrunningguelph.ca Speedriverbicycle.com @spinningoocontrol
The
Sport Enthusiast Guelph sports fans are loud and proud and Guelph sports teams know how to keep you sitting on the edge of your seat! Come along with us as we cheer our way through the Royal City. During hockey season, Guelph becomes #StormCity, as our OHL team, the Guelph Storm takes the ice. Whether you are in the stands, or at Draught Picks enjoying a local Sleeman beer, you’ll be energized by the buzzing atmosphere. The University of Guelph is home of the Gryphons. There are over 30 different sports teams, from hockey and football to volleyball and basketball. A Gryphon game must-have? A cowbell. There is always room for more cowbell! Next up, basketball. The Guelph Nighthawks won’t just be serving up slam-dunks and alley-oops in their inaugural season. Great food, music and entertainment at Guelph’s Sleeman Centre keep the fun game-day experience going! Rather watch the game from a distance? Do it from one of our favourite locales, Buffalo Wild Wings or Frankenstein’s. Take in the cheerful environment, good (and cost effective!) food, and a variety of sports on plenty of flat screens.
Jenna and Jill
#1 17
@bakerststation
@ericthebaker
@chocofavoris_ontario
@lareina_519
@kenzoguelph
@boonburgerguelph
@maddogdonuts
@cuttingboardsandwiches
@caferobusta
Feeling
Hungry?
@hungryguelph @theboathouseguelph
@crafty_ramen
Are you ready to call Guelph home?
Do you dream of calling a place home where you have all of the amenities of an urban centre but with the atmosphere of a small community? Where every neighbourhood is connected by parks and open green space? A place where a healthy, active lifestyle is promoted through bike lanes, 70km of trails and a local year round Farmers’ Market? Where your kids can grow and play? Then you are ready to call Guelph home. Hi! I’m Dustin Davis of Home Group Realty, I was born and raised in Guelph and come with an intimate knowledge of the Guelph community and specific neighbourhood features. I am committed to offering and delivering the real estate experience you deserve through hard work and honesty. My number one goal is to work with you and for you. Let me help you call Guelph home! Dustin Davis – Real Estate Broker/ Office Manager/ Mortgage Agent
519-222-2245 ddavis@homegrouprealty.ca yourguelphagent.com *Sponsored Content*
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Get social with us
Use #visitguelph during your time in Guelph and we just might share your photo on our Instagram or on our blog visitguelph.blog
We are #Guelphproud We are proud to say that the content you’ve read
and the images you’ve seen are all brought to you by Guelphites.
We love supporting Guelph’s local creative community, which is why we worked with a local designer,
Ellyn Lusis of el vetica design and Guelph-based
printer, Ampersand Printing, to create this guide. We love Guelph. They love Guelph, and we’re sure you’ll love Guelph too!
visitguelphwellington.ca
Share the Guelph love.
It’s easy.
1. Share the cover and send the love! Go old school and send the cover postcard to someone special. 2. Pass it along! Share your copy with a friend who needs to discover Guelph. 3. Click it online! The interactive version can be found on visitguelphwellington.ca 4. Keep it! Carry the Guelph love with you on your visit.
visitguelphwellington.ca visitguelph.blog @visitguelph
