Top Ten
Things to do
Downtown Guelph
Eat!
Savour the flavours of Guelph. Artisanale and Babel Fish Bistro are a couple of many upscale choices for a special meal. International cuisine abounds at sit down restaurants – Latino’s, Carden Street Café and Diana Downtown. Salsateria is a great on-the-go place known for its quick South American wraps and quesadillas. Casual dining spots range from Wimpy’s Diner to The Red Brick Café and Planet Bean Coffee Bar. Don’t forget vegetarian choices such as The Cornerstone.
Drink!
When the sun sets, downtown Guelph comes to life. Try a local brew at The Woolwich Arrow- their real ales were chosen by Saveur magazine as one of the top 100 things to taste around the world. The Albion Hotel has a storied history as well as an excellent selection of food and drink. If you’re looking for a trendy spot to sample martinis, NV Lounge is the place to go.
Celebrate!
Downtown is the locale for many of Guelph’s festivals and events, including John Galt Day, Doors Open Guelph, The Guelph Jazz Festival, The Guelph Contemporary Dance Festival, Downtown 5Km Run and The Guelph Film Festival. Consult your Visit Guelph Wellington Travel Planner, or contact Guelph Tourism Services for dates and information.
Discover!
Behold the architecture as you walk through the streets- much of it is constructed from local limestone. Learn about Guelph’s past at the Guelph Civic Museum, McCrae House, or on one of the Guelph Arts Council Historical Walking Tours, which are scheduled for every Sunday afternoon in the summer. Following that, stroll across Guelph’s Timberframe Pedestrian Covered Bridge- one of only two in Ontario.
Be Inspired!
Guelph’s downtown churches reveal our varied architectural past. Take in the breathtaking national historic site Church of Our Lady Immaculate, or view the other splendid churches that mark our history, such as St. Georges’ Church, and Knox Presbyterian.
Be Active!
You’ll find plenty of opportunities to get active downtown. The Royal Recreational Trail runs directly through downtown Guelph, and is a great place to walk, bike, and view the river. In the summer months, visit Speed River Paddling to rent a canoe or kayak to journey on the river. Purchase your sporting goods downtown at locations such as Speed River Bicycle and Soccer Fanatic.
Admire!
Guelph’s vibrant artistic community is featured at The Barber Gallery, and Kloepfer Custom Picture Framing and Gallery. Art on the Street takes place every summer, and is a great opportunity to view and purchase local art. In the fall, artists open their doors to the public during the Guelph Studio Tour.
Shop!
You’ll find an abundance of shops and boutiques to quench your shopping appetite. Most of our downtown retailers are locally owned and unique to our city. From home fashions and gifts a Harmony, Duncan McPhee and the Guelph Artisans’ Store, to clothing and jewelry at Goldfinger, Sidonio’s, MEOW! and Pretty Chic Boutique, downtown Guelph has it all.
Pamper Yourself!
Take time to relax at our spas and salons, such as Acqua Salon, European Aesthetics Spa, Giardino Salon, Salon Butterfly and The Spa at 160 – you’ll be glad you did.
Be Entertained!
Guelph’s River Run Centre is the place for dance, music, theatre and more. In the summer, St. George’s Square plays host to Friday Noon Hour Concerts, featuring a different local musical act each week. Many of our downtown pubs, bistros and cafes also feature live music and performances as part of their regular programming. You can also check out a movie at the Bookshelf, where excellent wide-release, art-house and foreign films are shown.