Visit Guelph Guide 2021

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Design & illustrations: Ellyn Lusis,

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HELLO! We have always said that Guelph has an unmistakable identity. Throughout 2020 that unique identity was highlighted as we came together to support our community.

Guelphites showed love to our local craft brewers, our array of independent eateries, and supported the small businesses in historic downtown core. Guelphites have proudly shared their local finds, how their favourite shops adapted with innovative pickup and delivery solutions, and shown support using #GuelphShops. Online, Guelphites shared our sparkling rivers and expansive trail system that kept them active and exploring, all while staying safe and physically distanced.

We invite you, our community, to join us as we continue to explore our neighbourhoods. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram as we share ways you can support our small businesses, artists and events that make up the fibers of Guelph’s woven identity. It’s time to pay it forward – consider sharing, donating and providing words of support. While we can’t gather together in person, right now let’s continue Guelph’s long-standing notion of connection in this new digital era.

Connect with us!

@visitguelph

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visitguelphwellington.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

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 Métis 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.

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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 Métis 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.

National Celebration of First Nations, Inuit and Metis Peoples: Monday June 21, 2021

Photo: Ascension Aton:wa Harjo, Hoop Dancer Mohawk, Seminole, Kickapoo from Six Nations Ontario 3

Our love letter

to guelph

“There’s something about Guelph…” it’s a phrase we hear often from visitors and locals when we ask what brought them to the Royal City. They drift off, at a loss for words because there is really more of an atmosphere here that’s hard to describe. We agree, but let’s give it a try.

Long before present-day Guelph, this land has been a gathering place for thousands of years. At the meeting of two rivers, this land remains the ancestral homelands of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation of the Anishnaabek peoples. Where rivers meet and people gather, this place has always been about connection.

Today, Guelph’s identity is woven by the people who have come together to create and inspire: It’s the volunteers at Hillside Festival, the families who’ve opened up restaurants with their signature recipes, the musicians busking on the street.

It’s the artists whose pieces are souvenirs in homes around the world, the athletes who make us proud (and OHL champions by the way…),

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the students who choose the University of Guelph as their new home away from home.

It’s the performers who make us laugh and cry, the adventurers exploring the trails and waterways, the historians preserving our past for the future.

And it’s you. The visitors who come to our city and take part in our culture and maybe tell a friend, or share your visit, or make the decision to become a permanent visitor as a new Guelphite, yourself.

As a tourism entity, our entire focus is about bringing people together and showcasing Guelph as a destination you’ll want to visit, stay and play. We are proud of the Guelphites who make our city a welcoming community for arts, culture and recreation.

But right now, we know that it is not the time to ask you to come visit us. So, we want to come to you. We want to bring you Guelph experiences in unique ways while ensuring the safety and health of our community and yours.

Whether you’re dreaming of visiting Guelph for the first time, or rediscovering how to explore Guelph locally, we’re here to help.

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@park.grocery

@wild_rose_consignment_clothing

@royalcitybrew

@polestarhearth

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@sleemanretail

@rugandweave

@springmill1836

@comfortcoguelph

@consignyourcurves

Show your local love with

#GuelphShops

@atmospherecafeetc

@brothersbrewingcompany

@dixonsdistilledspirits

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

Market Square

Play with Clay

Baker Street Station

Sugo on Surrey

Guelph Farmers’ Market

The Bookshelf

The Vienna Restaurant

Speed River Paddling

My Kitty Cafe

Guelph Civic Museum

Bin 23 Restaurant

Royal City Park

Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate

River Run Centre The Lattice Covered Bridge The Sleeman Centre The Boathouse Tea Room & Ice Cream Parlour Miijidaa Cafe & Bistro

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@picturesqueVic @wellington_drone

@picturesqueVic

Guelp h

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SUPPORT LOCAL GUELPH.BEER

Order from your local brewery for home delivery. Cheers!

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 Consign Your Curves

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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

visitguelphwellington.ca

@macroguelph

@springmill1836

@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 now defunct Ontario Reformatory (OR), 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

Smitten Apparel

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 Cafe

Bliss Dough

Rocky’s Drive-In

Pollinator Park

Wellington County Marketplace

Ctrl V Virtual Reality Arcade

Infamous Eatery

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@macroguelph

@beatitude8a

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 Ignatius Jesuit Centre

Guelph Lake Conservation Area Helmand Kebab House

Old Growth Forest Retreat at Loyola House

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@chrisgrimmer

@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. 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

@norfolkguesthouse

@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!

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Wellington Brewery

The Stampede Ranch

Dixon’s Distillery

Galaxy Cinemas

Fixed Gear Brewing Co

Diwa Classic Indian

Tiny Town Discovery Centre

Captain Jacks’ Fish and Chips

West End Community Centre

Pho Kinh Do Vietnamese Thai

Margaret Green Park

Mosborough Country Market

R U Serious Tap and Grill

Strom’s Farm and Bakery

Chao Bistro

Woodlawn Bowl and Family Fun Centre

visitguelphwellington.ca

@caitspixel

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@wellingtonbrewery

@chao.bistro

@wellingtonbrewery

@linda_beautybiz

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:.

Fixed Gear Brewing Co Canteen Pizza The Blossom Junction Johnny Barnes Statue at GCVI Miniature Railway Museum

Fixed Gearing Brewing Co Heritage Hall – Black Heritage Society Guelph Collegiate and Vocational Institute

Croki-curl at Sunny Acres Park

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@fixed_gear_brewing

@macroguelph

@fixed_gear_brewing

@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 & Gardens

Art Gallery of Guelph and Sculpture Park

Magnolia Disc Golf

Physics Department Observatory Telescope

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Nom Nom

#1

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@macroguelph

@guelphmuseums

@honeybeesatuofg

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: Borealis Grille and Bar

Donkey Sanctuary of Canada

Garden House Gallery

Creekside Kitchen

Fat Duck Gastro Pub

Preservation Park

Spice Roots

Hammond Museum of Radio

The Keg

Manhattans Pizza Bistro and Music Club

Stone Road Mall Bar Mason Sleeman Breweries

Springfield Golf and Country Club Victoria Park Valley Golf Club

Starkey Hill Conservation Area

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@borealisguelph

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@snowberrybotanicals

@rosaloess

global

fares around Guelph

Our neighbourhoods are spilling over with local restaurants serving up culinary delights from around the globe. Check out VisitGuelph.Blog to see our virtual movie pairing for a from-thecouch international experience.

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 While COVID has put many of the tours on pause you can still engage with them online.

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 ransit Guelph.c Guelph Transit Guelph.ca/transit of transit by making it accessible ansit gotransit.com gotransi GO Transit to get around with bike lanes hound greyhoun Greyhound greyhound.ca on our main roads, shared lane Via Rail viarail.ca spaces and trails connecting our neighbourhoods. Check out our online Guelph Cycling Map at 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

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 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

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

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

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

jaywalkingguelph.weebly.com

Intimate and personal storytelling tours featuring unusual tales of Guelph’s past – told where they happened.

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visitguelphwellington.ca visitguelph.blog @visitguelph

#ExploreGuelph