Top Things to do in Guelph, Ontario
South Western Ontario is a great place for a summer road trip, and the city of Guelph is definitely a city to pin on your map! Located just an hour west of Toronto, the city is comfortably nestled between the Speed and Eramosa rivers and has the perfect combination of fun lively activities and a cool small town feel. With abundant green spaces, bustling markets, beautiful public art, and of course some small town charm, Guelph is the ideal place for a day trip or a fun weekend away.
Wander Downtown Guelph
Guelph's historic downtown is a great place to explore on foot. With hidden cafés, unique boutiques, and diverse restaurants, all located within a compact area, it's the ideal spot for a day of exploration. Built in 1888, the iconic Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate sits at the top of Macdonell St., and is a must see for it's beautiful architecture and historic significance. The Guelph Civic Museum is located just around the corner and is a great place to learn more about the city's rich history. At the edge of downtown, just behind Woolwich St., you'll find the quaint 4.3km Downtown Trail, which is part of the Trans-Canada Trail. Follow it south for great lookout points along the Speed River leading to the River Run Centre (a hub for performing arts in the city), Allan’s Mill ruins, the Spring Mill Distillery and the historic Locomotive 6167. Head north for some cool urban art and the historic Goldie Mill Park and Ruins.
Discover Public Art
Art Gallery of Guelph
The most well known space for art in Guelph is the Art Gallery of Guelph. While the rotating exhibitions showcase an engaging variety of contemporary and Canadian art, the Donald Forster Sculpture Park that borders it's red brick walls provides some truly unique outdoor sculptures. The sculpture Mask by artist Evan Penny, which is best observed while driving or walking by, has a unique optical illusion that you won't be able to keep your eyes off of. The truth is it doesn't keep it's eyes off of you! Some other notable pieces include Passages, Monad and Stray Plow. Located on the University of Guelph campus, the iconic bear sculpture,, Canadiana/Begging Bear, out front marks the entrance to the grounds. You’ll notice the sculpture’s regular outfit changes throughout the year - an unofficial constantly evolving art installation made possible by local University students.
Urban Art
Downtown Guelph has some great new pieces of public art which provide colour and character to the city center. The recently completed Wilson Street Art Project provides vibrant urban murals and curvy sculptures to complement the historic downtown area. Two pieces of significance are Cultivation and As it’s Written, which recognize the Attawandaron Nation, whose land the city is founded on. Take a walk through downtown starting from the Guelph Farmers’ Market to Family Fountain in St. George’s Square and discover interesting art around every corner.
Enjoy Outdoor Activities
The Arboretum
The Guelph Arboretum is a popular green space in the city, located on the expansive grounds of the University of Guelph. Inside you'll find multiple walking paths, beautifully manicured gardens, a boardwalk and plenty of spots for picnics. In the spring the grounds turn into a bustling sugar bush complete with rustic sugar shack - a cherished memory for those who grew up in the city.
Riverside Park
Located just North of downtown you'll find the beautiful Riverside Park. This sprawling park is host to many Guelph festivals including Guelph Ribfest and Canada Day celebrations. There are numerous walking and biking paths, a leash free dog area, and even an antique carousel and miniature train. The park is the perfect spot for a family outing, a picnic for two, or a game of Frisbee with friends. The Floral Clock and Gardens located at the North end of the park has been a fixture for decades and a compulsory photo op when visiting the grounds.
The Boathouse
The Boathouse Tea Room and Ice Cream Parlour, located where the Speed an Eramosa rivers meet, is a great place to relax by the river, grab a quick bite, or to explore Guelph by boat. Rent a canoe or kayak from Speed River Paddling and head down the river and enjoy the serene beauty of the Grand River watershed, with plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities along the way. This riverside gem also provides a tasty stop for homemade ice cream after an afternoon on the water, and also offers soup, sandwiches and salads, as well as a beautiful high tea. Only steps away from the Boathouse is Guelph's famous Lattice Covered Bridge. Erected in 1992 with the help of 400 local volunteers, it's only one of two lattice-covered bridges in Ontario, and is an iconic structure in the city.
Discover Guelph’s Countryside
Terre Bleu Lavender Farm
A short 10 minute drive into Guelph's sprawling countryside you'll find Terre Bleu Lavender Farm. With over 50,000 lavender plants, Terre Bleu is the largest lavender farm in Ontario, and this family run business has been cultivating acres of lush lavender since 2014. Wander the fragrant fields and watch as bees go to work pollinating the perfect rows of purple. Be sure to stop by the mysterious Big Yellow Door in the back field for a whimsical photo opp . There are plenty of activities at Terre Blue including guided tours or the fields, apiary and distillery - where lavender essential old is produced, plus a boardwalk trail through a 200 year old cedar forest. Don't forget to stop at the lavender boutique on your way out for some lavender gifts, and grab a scoop of the lavender ice cream in a waffle cone -a must to complete the ultimate lavender experience.
Guelph Lake
For campers and outdoor enthusiasts the Guelph Lake Conservation Area is the ideal place for a weekend away. With overnight camping options, hiking and biking trails, beaches, great fishing and a beautiful shoreline to explore by boat, Guelph Lake is an ideal spot to enjoy nature. If you love music, don't miss the famous Hillside Festival which takes place at the Conservation Area every July. The Island stage lights up with performances from local musical talent, up and coming stars and household names, and is a highlight of the Guelph festival scene every summer.
Shop at Local Markets
Aberfoyle Antique Market
As Canada’s largest and oldest outdoor antique market, the Aberfoyle Antique Market is one of the best places to go antiquing in the country. This bustling market, just a 10-minute drive south of Guelph’s city center, takes place every Sunday from late May to mid September. The market has an extensive selection of antiques and vintage finds, from old books and vintage jewelry, to antique wooden furniture and unique one of a kind trinkets. The Guelph area is known for great peameal bacon, so surrender to the smell of fresh peameal sizzling and grab a fresh bacon sandwich from the local snack shack in the market's main square.
Guelph Farmer's Market
Surrounded by acres of farmland, Guelph has no shortage of fresh local produce. In existence for over 180 years, the Guelph Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays from 7am-12pm in the heart of downtown Guelph. From home-baked goods and fresh honey to sweet corn and orchard apples, the Guelph Farmer's market is the hub for shopping local.
Find more information to plan your Guelph getaway by visiting Visit Guelph.
*Some businesses may be closed or have reduced hours due to covid-19. Please check hours of operation before visiting.
