What to See and Do in Guelph, Ontario

Travel to Guelph and Visit the Best Sites in the Royal City

Aug 12, 2009

The southern Ontario city of Guelph boasts old world charm, historic and cultural sites and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation right in the heart of downtown.

Guelph was the ancestral family name of George IV, the ruling king when John Galt founded the town in 1827. Galt's European-style road plan, along with rivers and parks, helped to create this satisfying mix of activities. Many of the splendid old limestone buildings now house stylish shops and boutiques.

What to See and Do at National Historic Site McCrae House in Guelph

"In Flanders Fields the poppies blow, between the crosses row on row." With this well-known line, Lt. Col. John McCrae (1872-1918) established the poppy as the international symbol of war. But few Canadians are aware that a c.1857 limestone cottage in Guelph is where McCrae was born.

Informative exhibits recount McCrae's life and the history of the of the house. Visit the children's activity area or see period furnished rooms. Poppies from Flanders Fields grow in the award-winning heritage gardens and are for sale, along with special house-blend tea, in the giftshop.

McCrae's family lived in the building on the banks of the Speed River from 1870 to 1873. It was saved from demolition in 1966 by a local committee and is now a National Historic Site.

McCrae House, 108 Water Street, 519-836-1482, Open daily July to November 1 pm - 5 pm.

Visit National Historic Site Church of Our Lady Immaculate

The two hundred foot twin towers of this Gothic Revival Catholic church are a glorious Guelph landmark. Mellow quarry-cut limestone graces the exterior while delicate stone tracery holds luminous stained glass from Rheims, France and Munich, Germany. Inside, see a band of flickering mosaics encircle the Sanctuary and pointed arches soar towards the vaulted ceiling.

Architect Joseph Connolly's inspiration was Cologne Cathedral. Construction began in 1876 and the church was dedicated twelve years later. The iconic towers were added in 1926. Building bylaws ensure unobstructed view to this National Historic Site.

Church of Our Lady Immaculate, 28 Norfolk Street, 519-824-3952. Open daily 7 am - 4 pm.

What to See and Do on the Royal Recreational Trail

Both the Speed and the Eramosa Rivers flow through Guelph, creating abundant scenic routes for walking, biking, rowing and sightseeing. The Royal Recreational Trail's downtown pathway meanders alongside a c.1916 boathouse, a 44 m. long covered bridge and the reconstructed limestone facade of the 1882 Speed Skating Rink.

Pack a picnic lunch and rent a canoe or kayak from Speed River Paddling. Their handy map shows riverbank highlights, like an 1897 stone bridge built so travellers could evade toll roads. Afterwards, visit the historic Boathouse Tea Room for a scoop of strawberry ice cream.

Speed River Paddling, Dockside at The Boathouse, Gordon St. Bridge and Speed River.

Panoramic views through soaring lobby windows set the stage at the River Run Centre. Located downtown on the banks of the Speed River, the 785-seat concert theatre and 225-seat multi-use hall host both professional and amateur performances as diverse as the Guelph Symphony Orchestra or the Just for Laughs comedy roadshow.

35 Woolwich St., 519-763-3000/ Toll free 1-877-520-2408. Open year round, admission varies by performance.

Guelph Junction Express Train Ride

Travel back in time with an excursion on a reburbished vintage 1955 stainless steel railcar. The Guelph Junction Express rolls over 17 miles of greenbelt and back, offering separate passenger cars for either sophisticated dining or family fun with pop and pizza.

Board the train at John Galt Park next to the River Run Centre for the 2 hour 15 minute round-trip run between Guelph and Campbellville. Operates year round. 519-823-9799/Toll Free 1-877-823-9799

Directions to Guelph

Cars are well directed from HIghway 401. HIghways 6,7, 24 and Wellington Road 124 become city streets. Bus and train stations are near Carden and Wyndham Streets.

Guelph Tourism Information Centre

Sources for this article include the Guelph Tourism Information Centre at 1 Carden Street, and visits to and/or material distributed by the sites profiled.

The copyright of the article What to See and Do in Guelph, Ontario in Ontario Travel is owned by Heather Zorzini. Permission to republish What to See and Do in Guelph, Ontario in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.