Discover 11 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Guelph (Canada). Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: Guelph Civic Museum, Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate, and McCrae House. Also, be sure to include Sleeman Centre in your itinerary.
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Guelph (Ontario).
Table of Contents
Guelph Civic Museum
Museum in Guelph, Ontario. The Guelph Civic Museum is a museum of culture and natural history located in Guelph, Ontario. It was established to explore the culture and natural history of Guelph through exhibitions and public programs. In 2012, it opened a new location at 52 Norfolk St. after having previously been located in a three-story building at 6 Dublin Street South.
The Guelph Civic Museum showcases Guelph’s history through permanent and changing exhibits, a fun and interactive families gallery, and special events and activities. Located in the recently renovated Loretto Convent, atop the hill at Norfolk Street and beside the landmark Church of Our Lady, the museum is home to a collection of over 30,000 artifacts that bring Guelph’s past to life. Many of the items in the museum have been donated by citizens of the city of Guelph.
The museum was closed to the public on June 30, 2011 in preparation for a transition to a new building, and reopened at 52 Norfolk Street in January 2012.[1]
Address: 52 Norfolk St, N1H 4H8 Guelph
Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate
Basilica in Guelph, Ontario. Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is a Roman Catholic minor basilica and parish church in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. A Gothic Revival style building constructed between 1876 and 1888 by architect Joseph Connolly, it is considered Connolly's best work. The monumental church contains decorative carving and stained glass executed by skilled craftsmen. The church of Our Lady is one of the 122 parishes in the Diocese of Hamilton and currently has 2,600 families in the congregation.
In 1990, the church was designated a National Historic Site of Canada. Pope Francis designated the church a basilica on 8 December 2014.[2]
Address: 28 Norfolk St, N1H 4H8 Guelph
McCrae House
Museum at John McCrae's birthplace. McCrae House, located in Guelph, Ontario, is the birthplace of John McCrae, doctor, soldier and author of the famous First World War poem "In Flanders Fields". The house is a National Historic Site of Canada.[3]
Address: 108 Water St, N1G 1A6 Guelph
Sleeman Centre
Sports facility in Guelph, Ontario. The Sleeman Centre is a 4,715 seat multi-purpose facility in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. The Sleeman Centre has hosted concerts, sporting and family events as well as trade shows and conferences. It is home to the Guelph Storm of the major junior Ontario Hockey League. The arena hosted the 2002 Memorial Cup and the 2008 Founders Cup tournament.[4]
Address: Guelph, 50 Woolwich Street, Guelph, Ontario, N1H 3T9
Guelph Farmers' Market
Farmers' market in Guelph, Ontario. The Guelph Farmers' Market has served as a cultural and commercial anchor in downtown Guelph since the first Market House was built in 1827. After 180 years it is still going strong and remains a popular stop on Saturday mornings for both locals and visitors. The Guelph Farmers' Market's website proclaims "Buy Local - Buy Fresh", reflecting the growing trend to "eat where you live" which is supported by local, national, international organizations and popular opinion.
The Farmers Market occupies a single building and surrounding outdoor space, housing approximately 60 vendors in winter, with numbers swelling to over 120 vendors during the summer and early fall. Vendors at the market offer a variety of products and services, including fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, personal care products, clothing, photography and a collection of works by local artists. The venue also plays host to a number of charitable events throughout the year.
The market currently stands at the corner of Gordon St and Waterloo Ave in what was previously the show horse barn. It was relocated to this location in 1968.[5]
Address: 2 Gordon Street, N1H 3A1 Guelph
Riverside Park
Park in Guelph, Ontario. Riverside Park is an 80-acre park located by the northern part of Woolwich Street in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. It is built around a portion of the Speed River that runs through Guelph.[6]
Address: Riverview Drive, Guelph
University of Guelph Arboretum
The Guelph Arboretum of the University of Guelph is an arboretum modeled after the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, which was founded in 1872. The Arnold Arboretum is privately endowed as a department of Harvard just as the Guelph Arboretum is a department of the University of Guelph. The University of Guelph Arboretum was founded in the early 1970s and plantings started in 1971 which have developed into specialized gardens, botanical collections, and gene conservation programs. These Arboretums are demonstrations of American gardening which did not come into its own until the late 19th century. With Industrialization, cities grew in size with a need for natural areas, which were included through the creation of public parks. Views of botanical gardens began to change as they became sources for new material of potential horticultural use rather than only public spaces. Today these spaces act in the propagation of plants that have the potential as attractive and functional ornamentals.
The Arboretum is open all year round to the public from dawn to dusk. There are 73,500 visitors per year. It is used for teaching, research and many other events. There are many university courses, school programs, adult workshops and preregistered group walking tours held at the Arboretum. It is also a popular place for weddings, dinner theatre or memorial services and dedications. There are many walks and tours offered to see the large diversity of plants.
As of 2020, the Aboretum is maintained by the Director, Justine Richardson, as well as over 100 volunteers from the University of Guelph and the Guelph community. Volunteering includes grounds work, gardening, fundraising, auxiliary administration, staff support, assisting in program delivery and at special events.[7]
Old City Hall
Building in Guelph, Ontario. Old City Hall is a historic building and a National Historic Site of Canada in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, which until April 2009 served as the headquarters of the city government. The building is now used as the Provincial Offences Courthouse, which handles matters such as traffic tickets, trespassing and liquor license violations.[8]
Address: Guelph, 59 Carden Street
Guelph Lake
Reservoir in Ontario, Canada. Guelph Lake is a man-made reservoir on the Speed River, in the Township of Guelph/Eramosa. It is located upriver and slightly northeast of the city of Guelph, Ontario. The reservoir was created in 1974, with the construction of the Guelph Lake dam. The site is part of a 1,608 hectare conservation area maintained by the Grand River Conservation Authority.[9]
River Run Centre
Performing arts centre in Guelph, Ontario. The River Run Centre is a performing arts centre in Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
Construction of the facility began in 1995 and cost $15 million. It officially opened on October 4, 1997.[10]
Address: 35 Woolwich St, N1H 3V1 Guelph
Holy Rosary Church
Catholic church in Guelph, Ontario. Holy Rosary Church is a Roman Catholic Parish church in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. It was originally part of the parish of Church of Our Lady Immaculate, Guelph. It was founded in 1956. Since 2001, it has been administered by the Society of Jesus.[11]
Address: 175 Emma St, N1E 1V6 Guelph