University of Guelph — Photo courtesy of Matt WatsonGuelph, it's a city that is bursting at the seams with vibrancy and history all wrapped into one. As you embark on your journey to Guelph you're firstly wondering how long it must be from Niagara Falls, well, to put a smile on your face it's actually just an hour and a bit away from The Falls, and just twenty minutes from Waterloo (another popular culturally rich city). When you pull up to the "Welcome to Guelph" sign you'll feel at ease as you can embark on a day of farm-filled, eclectic fun.
Stepping out into the streets of Guelph, you'll figure it out pretty quickly that though it is a university town, the residences of Guelph has made this city a fine farm-like one. Known for its vast agriculture lands, Guelph is the university to go to if you have a love for agriculture and the hippy way of life. Visit Strom's Farm or Taste Real Farms to take in the beauty all of things country. As you stroll through each farm, you'll see first hand how Guelph prides itself in creatively crafting food from the ground up. Taste Real Farm focuses on farm-to-table and Strom's Farm is the best place to take the kids and roll through the haystacks.
After you've enjoyed the fruits of the earth, you're probably a little bit hungry, and so take a stroll downtown Guelph where the shops are plentiful, and the restaurants are in an abundance. From everything to The Rude Native's decadent food, to Vienna Restaurant, whatever cuisine you're in the mood for, downtown Guelph is where you'll find the best dining experience. Stroll through the streets of downtown Guelph after lunch to check out the shops to discover local artists, vintage looks, handcrafted pottery and giftware and lovely little boutiques.
Spend the afternoon outdoors and stroll through the hiking trails found throughout Guelph or stroll through University of Guelph's Arboretum. Better yet, if you just want to take some time for yourself, spend the afternoon getting pampered at the spa. If you have a love for all things related to golf, than skip the shopping and spa and head to the course. With around 10 different golf courses, you'll surely be able to tee off anytime of the day at one of the top golf courses in this city.
Head on over to Sleeman Brewery for an afternoon brewery tour, go rock-climbing or kayaking, stroll through the grounds of Guelph University, explore the Guelph Civic Museum, The Aberfolye Junction Model Railway, The Wellington County Museum or The Church of Our Lady Immaculate and end your day off dining at The Aberfolye Mill before you take your sleepy car-load back to Niagara Falls. Whichever adventure or activity you embark on while in Guelph, you'll feel a twinkle between your toes of all things related to the beauty of nature and you'll be quick to figure out why so many people love to live in this quaint, environmentally conscious town.
Guelph — Photo courtesy of Avelino Zepeda
