Guelph City Attractions: A Guide to the Royal City of Canada
Guelph is a city in southwestern Ontario, Canada, known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. It is also nicknamed the “Royal City” because of its connection to the British royal family. Guelph was founded in 1827 by John Galt, a Scottish novelist and colonizer, who named it after the House of Guelph, the ancestral family of King George IV. Guelph is also the birthplace of John McCrae, the author of the famous poem “In Flanders Fields”.
If you are planning to visit Guelph, you will not be disappointed by the variety of attractions it has to offer. Whether you are interested in art, architecture, nature, or history, you will find something to suit your taste and budget. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the best attractions in Guelph that you should not miss.
Guelph Civic Museum
The Guelph Civic Museum is a must-see for anyone who wants to learn more about the history and heritage of Guelph and its surrounding area. The museum is housed in a former convent building that dates back to 1856, and features a collection of over 40,000 artifacts, ranging from prehistoric fossils to modern-day memorabilia. You can explore the permanent and temporary exhibits that showcase the stories of the people, places, and events that shaped Guelph. You can also enjoy the stunning views of the city from the rooftop terrace, or join one of the guided tours, workshops, or special events that the museum organizes throughout the year.
The Guelph Civic Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The admission fee is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and students, $2 for children, and free for children under 4. You can also visit the museum for free on the fourth Friday of every month, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate
The Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture and a landmark of Guelph. It is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton and a designated National Historic Site of Canada. The basilica was built between 1876 and 1888, and features a 200-foot-high dome, a 240-foot-high spire, stained glass windows, marble altars, and intricate carvings. The basilica is also home to a Casavant organ, one of the largest and finest in Canada, with over 7,000 pipes.
The Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate is open to the public every day, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. You can attend the daily mass, or join one of the guided tours that are offered on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The tours are free, but donations are appreciated.
Guelph Lake Conservation Area
If you are looking for a place to enjoy nature and outdoor activities, you should head to the Guelph Lake Conservation Area, a 1,600-acre park that surrounds a man-made lake. The park offers a variety of amenities and facilities, such as picnic areas, playgrounds, trails, beaches, boat rentals, fishing, camping, and more. You can also visit the Guelph Lake Nature Centre, a year-round environmental education facility that offers programs and exhibits for all ages. The park is also the venue for the annual Hillside Festival, a three-day music and arts festival that attracts thousands of visitors every summer.
The Guelph Lake Conservation Area is open from May to October, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The admission fee is $7.50 for adults, $6.50 for seniors and students, $5.50 for children, and free for children under 5. You can also purchase a season pass for $130 for a family, $65 for an individual, or $55 for a senior.
Art Gallery of Guelph
The Art Gallery of Guelph is a public art gallery that showcases the works of local, national, and international artists. The gallery has a collection of over 9,000 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, and video art. You can browse the permanent and temporary exhibits that feature various themes, styles, and genres, or join one of the lectures, workshops, or tours that the gallery offers. You can also visit the Sculpture Park, an outdoor exhibition space that displays over 40 sculptures by Canadian and international artists.
The Art Gallery of Guelph is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The admission is free, but donations are welcome.
River Run Centre
The River Run Centre is a state-of-the-art performing arts centre that hosts a variety of shows and events throughout the year. The centre has three venues: the Main Stage, a 785-seat auditorium; the Co-operators Hall, a 225-seat flexible space; and the Canada Company Hall, a 75-seat studio. You can enjoy the performances of local, national, and international artists, ranging from music, theatre, dance, comedy, to family entertainment. You can also rent the venues for your own events, such as weddings, conferences, or meetings.
The River Run Centre is open from Monday to Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and one hour before showtime. The ticket prices vary depending on the show and the seat. You can purchase the tickets online, by phone, or in person.
Conclusion
Guelph is a city that has something for everyone, whether you are a history buff, an art lover, a nature enthusiast, or a culture seeker. You can explore the attractions that we have mentioned in this article, or discover more of the hidden gems that Guelph has to offer. You will surely have a memorable and enjoyable time in the Royal City of Canada.