There are more than a handful of things to do while spending the day in the City of Guelph. We have put together a list of some great options for food, shopping, refreshments, leisure activities, and tourism.
PARKS AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Riverside Park – Enjoy the seasonal events at Riverside Park like live music, fireworks, rib fest and much more.
Exhibition Park – Bring a football, soccer ball, tennis rackets & balls for some fun on the court/field!
Royal City Park – Pack a blanket, frisbee, cooler and get some take-out food supplies from Market Fresh or Goodness Me for a picnic.
Donkey Sanctuary – Round up the family and go pet some rescue-donkeys.
Birdwatching – Enjoy a laidback activity like birdwatching at the Arboretum.
SHOPPING
Quebec Street Shopping: Kennedy Park, The Book Shelf, The Truth Beauty Company, Grey Rock Clothing – Take a stroll down this lovely street and explore the local shops and businesses – everyone can shop on this street.
IF Footwear Boutique – Stop by IF Footwear if you need some new shoes or perhaps a purse/bag – IF views their footwear like art and can provide some serious fashion advice and help.
Royal Cat Records – Tired of Spotify or Apple Music? Spend an hour digging through Guelph’s very own record shop, new & used – you never know what you’ll find in those bins!
Blooms & Flora and Sweet Violets – You can find beautiful flower arrangements at either of these shops as well as cheeky cards, trinkets, and funky home decor.
Pod – Sunglasses, loungewear, jewelry, clothes, and accessories! Pro-tip; a great place to find a mother’s day gift.
Sidonio’s – Get suited up by a family owned and operated menswear shop in the heart of Guelph.
Wild Rose and Style Encore – Boutique consignment shopping.
The Handmade Den – Canadian made clothing, toys and gifts – offering occassional creative workshops as well.
WHERE TO EAT
Bread Bar – Grab a bite to eat at Bread Bar, a farm-to-table restaurant with a seasonal menu.
Buon Gusto – Enjoy the taste of Italy and pizza straight from their wood-burning oven.
Crafty Ramen – Japanese ramen with tasty, local ingredients.
Cadence – Great spot for lunch or dinner, you’d never know it was all vegan!
Manhattans – Pizza & Jazz, need I say more?
Bin23 – Unique dining experience with a seasonal menu and an exceptional wine cellar.
Sugo on Surrey – Another Italian gem featuring casual-fine dining in an intimate, home-like setting.
Lucky Belly – Bring the family out for a great lunch or take-out option, don’t overlook their pickle bar!
Angels Diner – Family restaurant with an outstanding breakfast menu.
Einstein’s – An eclectic ensemble of menu items featuring Canadian and Mexican cuisines, with an outdoor patio in the summer.
Park Grocery – History repeating itself – iconic piri-piri chicken, casual grabs and carbon neutral!
COFFEE AND REFRESHMENTS
Capistrano – Gourmet espresso beverages and fresh pastries.
Eric the Baker – Want to treat yourself to some authentic French pastries? Great grab-and-go spot for lunch and coffee as well.
Planet Bean – Choose from 3 different locations to drink an excellent coffee beverage.
Red Brick Cafe – Great place for coffee, meeting, studying or to sit out on their patio!
Refresh & Galt Juice – Grab a fresh-pressed juice or smoothie.
The Boathouse – Ice-cream right beside Speed River, perfect for a sunny summer day.
GET ACTIVE
Kayaking – Rent a kayak and paddle through Speed River.
Guelph Grotto Climbing Gym – You can really work on trust and belaytionships here.
Skating – If you are stopping by in the winter, pack your skates and head down to City Hall to skate on the downtown rink.
Walk through Riverside Park – Get your steps in while admiring the beautiful greenery at Riverside Park.
FUN THINGS TO DO
Play with Clay – Drop-in style pottery studio where all guests can take part in fresh clay building and pottery-painting.
Mustang Drive-In – Family friendly drive-in theatre with a snack bar.
The Round Table – Guelph’s first board game tavern & cafe! Food, cocktails and more.
Woodlawn Bowl – Throw the ball, hit the pins – you know the drill!
Fantescapes, Khronos Gauntlet and Exitus Escape Rooms – Are you the next Sherlock? See if you are with one of these escape rooms.
The Making Box – A different form of exercise – one for the face and abs where endless reps of laughter are encouraged.
Riot Axe – Bring out your inner lumberjack and attempt what is harder than it looks.
LOCAL EVENTS
Guelph Storm Game – Enjoy the night out supporting your local OHL team at the Sleeman Centre.
River Run Centre – Catch a live performance of music, play, comedy and much more.
Guelph Jr. B Lacrosse Game – Watch your local Jr.B team face-off in a lacrosse game!