Guelph

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Guelph is a city of 132,000 people (2023) in Southwestern Ontario on the banks of the Speed River less than an hour's drive west of Toronto.

Guelph Halal Travel Guide

It is nicknamed The Royal City, as its name comes from the imperial House of Guelph that once ruled Great Britain. Guelph is known for its beautiful limestone architecture, vibrant culture and a variety of festivals. It is also considered one of the most liveable cities in Canada, with a low crime rates, a clean environment and a relatively high standard of living. The city is home to Sleeman Breweries Ltd.

The city is home to the University of Guelph, established in 1964. The Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) and the oldest part of the University of Guelph, began in 1874 as an associate agricultural college of the University of Toronto.

City of Guelph Tourism Services: call +1-800-334-4519.

History

Before colonization and the area was home to a First Nations community called the Attawandaron who lived in longhouses surrounded by fields of corn. The majority of this nation, about 4,000 people, lived in a village near what is now the Badenoch area of Puslinch, near Morriston.

John Galt and the first Superintendent of the Canada Company, was hired to help colonize Upper Canada. He selected Guelph as the headquarters of this British development firm. Galt was a popular Scottish poet and novelist who also designed the town to attract settlers and farmers to the surrounding countryside. His design intended the town to resemble a European downtown, complete with squares, broad main streets and narrow side streets, resulting in a variety of block sizes and shapes which are still in place today. The street plan was laid out in a radial street and grid system that branches out from downtown.

The town was named to honour Britain's royal family and the Hanoverians, who were descended from the Guelfs and the ancestral family of George IV and the reigning British monarch; thus the nickname The Royal City.

In 1827 and the first houses and the first Guelph Farmers' Market were built. The population growth was very slow until the Grand Trunk Railway reached it from Toronto, en route to Sarnia, in 1856; the town was also served soon thereafter by the Great Western Railway branch from Harrisburg.

Guelph was home to a major correctional institution from 1915 until 2001 and the Ontario Reformatory, after 1972, Guelph Correctional Centre.

Travel to Guelph

By car

From Highway 401:

Take exit 295, Highway 6 North and the Hanlon Expressway; for downtown, exit at Wellington St., to Wyndham; for University of Guelph, exit at Stone Road, or College Road to Gordon St.
Alternately, take exit 299, Brock Rd. (commonly called "old Highway 6") north through the village of Aberfoyle, becomes Gordon Street at the Guelph city limits. The University of Guelph will be on your right after Stone Rd.; Gordon Street becomes Norfolk St. in downgown Guelph. This route is more direct and more scenic; however, it's slower than taking the Hanlon.

From Highway 6, Hamilton and Niagara, alternatively continue through the village of Morriston; then, either take Highway 401 West to exit 295, or take Brock Rd. north as above.

Two other surface highways run through Guelph: Highway 7, that links Guelph with Kitchener -Waterloo (Ontario)|Waterloo]] and Stratford (Ontario) | Stratford in the west and Brampton and the GTA in the east, and Wellington Street/Eramosa Road (formerly Highway 24), which links Guelph with Brantford and Cambridge in the south and Erin and Caledon (Ontario) | Caledon in the north.

Travel by train to Guelph

GO Transit runs trains on the Kitchener Line through Guelph at Guelph Central Station.

VIA Rail - 79 Carden Street Corner of Wyndham ☎ +1-888-842-7245 Operates trains through Guelph, between Sarnia and Toronto also at Guelph Central Station. At Toronto, you can transfer for access from the Rail travel in Canada|rest of the VIA system.

Westbound trains from Toronto take 70–75 minutes to arrive in Guelph, arriving at 12:11PM, 6:55PM, and Sunday–Friday 11:13PM.
Eastbound trains take about 3 hours from Sarnia or 2 hours from London, arriving in Guelph at 9:38AM, 10:00PM, and Monday–Friday 7:07AM. One can also arrive from Windsor by transferring at London.

Travel on a Bus in Guelph

Greyhound operates buses to/from downtown Toronto, 15 times daily.
GO Transit operates buses to/from Yorkdale and York Mills subway stations in Toronto, Bramalea GO station, Brampton GO station and Georgetown GO station (to the Guelph Bus Terminal) and to/from Plaza One and Cooksville GO in Mississauga (to Guelph University).

From the airport

The Red Car Service provides front door service from Guelph and surrounding areas to and from Toronto Pearson International Airport, Region of Waterloo International Airport, Hamilton International Airport and Buffalo Niagara International Airport.

How to get around in Guelph

While Guelph is starting to experience some urban sprawl, especially in the south of the city, it is still a fairly compact city and traffic is commonly too busy. So, travelling by vehicle is generally a fast option. There is ample parking in the downtown (city-owned lots are on Baker, Macdonell, and Wilson Streets, and there is lots of street parking) that is free on evenings and Sundays and reasonably-priced at other times (the lots charge $1.50 per hour Monday to Friday 8AM Monday - 6PM, and a flat rate of $2 on Saturday).

Walking or cycling are also reasonable options for destinations within walking or cycling distance.

Guelph Transit operates buses within the city. The hub of the transit network is St. George's Plaza in Downtown Guelph. Buses on most routes depart from the Plaza on the hour and 20 and 40 minutes after the hour Monday to Friday from 5:40AM to 6:20PM, and run on a 30 minutes service evenings and weekends, departing from the Plaza at 15 and 45 minutes past the hour. Cash fare is $3; day pass costs $8.^{as of 2022}

Guelph has 2 main cab companies:

Canadian Cab (88 Macdonell Street, +1 519-824-3110)
Red Top Taxi (77 Macdonell Street, +1 519-821-1700)

What to see in Guelph

Timberframe pedestrian covered bridge - tfguild.org/tfg-project-portfolios/guelph-bridge 43.5401, -80.2415near Wyndham Street South & York Road - Built in 1992 by 400 Timber Framers Guild volunteers. A ft 120 pedestrian lattice covered bridge over the Speed River.

Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate - 28 Norfolk Street 43.5430, -80.2517 - Stands high above the streetscape, overlooking the city. Built of local limestone in Gothic Revival style. Construction began 1877, completed in 1926.

McCrae House - 108 Water St. 43.5362, -80.2445 Opening Hours: 1PM–5PM daily (closed Saturdays in December–June) This small limestone cottage and the birthplace of John McCrae, author of In Flanders Fields, is now a museum that interprets McCrae's life. A National Historic Site.

Art Gallery of Guelph - MacDonald Stewart Art Centre | 358 Gordon Street 43.5330, -80.2329 - Public art gallery houses an extensive collection of Canadian Art, including Inuit artists, as well as an outdoor sculpture park.

Guelph Civic Museum - 6 Dublin Street South 43.5434, -80.2514 - Highlights Guelph's history from pre-settlement to present. Also houses the Rogers Yahoo! Hi-Speed Internet Growing Up in Guelph Children's Museum.

Locomotive 6167 - Farqhuar Street 43.5447, -80.2459east of Wyndham Street S, across the tracks from the train station - Preserved "Northern"-type locomotive 6167 on static display.

Petrie Building - 15 Wyndham Street North 43.5451, -80.2481at Mcdonnell Street - Built in 1882 and the Petrie Building has an ornamental, stamped-metal façade, and is last remaining example of such metal cladding in Canada. The zinc metal was painted to resemble brownstone. The building has been recently restored.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Guelph

The Bookshelf - 41 Quebec St. ☎ +1 519 821-3311 - Downtown rep cinema shows slightly more unusual movies than elsewhere and also has a cafe, restaurant, bar (eBar), and bookstore in the same building.

University of Guelph Arboretum - Arboretum Road 43.5360, -80.2198 350m east of E Ring Rd; bus 1a or 1b - 165 hectares (408 acres) with 8.2 kilometers of trails.

Guelph Contemporary Dance Festival | Avant-garde choreography performed by high-calibre dancers.

Guelph and District Multicultural Festival - Celebrate the city's diversity with performances, food, crafts and more.

Hillside Music Festival - This 3-day, 5-stage event had an eclectic mix of musical genres from folk to hip-hop, blues to reggae, Celtic to Funk in a refreshingly non-commercial environment.

Guelph Jazz Festival - Innovative jazz and creative improvised music in a community setting.

College Royal - The largest university open house of its kind in North America.

River Run Centre - 35 Woolwich Street - Guelph's premiere performing arts centre in the heart of downtown. Features an exciting line-up of professional performances as well as community arts events.

Guelph Arts Council - Historical Walking Tours - Trace Guelph's history and view its beautiful architecture with five popular, award-winning tours. Tours run on selected Sundays from April to October. Companion booklets of each tour are available at The Bookshelf for $5.

Victoria Park East Golf Club - 1096 Victoria Road South - One of the region's finest championship-length golf courses.

The Sleeman Centre - 50 Woolwich Street 43.5466, -80.2466 - Guelph's largest and most modern sports and events arena, featuring seating for 4000, private suites, VIP seating areas, 300-seat full-service sports restaurant.

Guelph Lake Conservation Area - 7743 Conservation Drive - Camping, hiking, fishing, swimming and sailing are only some of the activities you can take part in at Guelph Lake, part of the Grand River Conservation Authority.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Guelph

Dutch Toko 118 Wyndham Street North 43.5467, -80.2501 ☎ +1 519-822-4690 - Sells Dutch foods.

IF Footwear Boutique - 42 Wyndham Street North - Top designer shoes and boots for every foot in every season. Handbags and more as well as footwear.

Creative Edge 9 Quebec Street ☎ +1 519-824-5350 - Rustic gifts and furniture, many unique pieces by local artists.

Old Quebec Street Shoppes - 55 Wyndham Street North 43.5460, -80.2488 at St. George's Plaza - An interior mall with shop façades resembling old two-story buildings lining a narrow "street".

Wyndham Art Supplies - 125 Wyndham Street - Art supplies, classes for all ages and more.

Stone Road Mall - 435 Stone Road - Guelph's largest mall, housing over 140 different shops and services and a large food court.

Guelph Farmers' Market - 2 Gordon Street - Open year round. Local meats, vegetables, dairy products, local and organic foods, unique arts and crafts, and a great sense of community all in one place. Over 180 years old. Open Saturdays 7AM–noon.

Simply Wonderful Toys 10 Paisley Street ☎ +1 519-824-5682 - In the Royal Plaza. Toys for every age.

Wild Rose Consignment Clothing - 23a Macdonell Street Down the road from the famous Church of Our Lady ☎ +1 519 763-2233 Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday Woman's consignment clothing. Funky to formal casual to career. Readers Choice award winner, Guelph Mercury and Tribune.

Ground Floor Music - 13 Quebec St. Quebec St at Baker ☎ +1 519-827-1444 - An independent retailer of new CDs and DVDs with a great selection, service and knowledge. Emphasis on folk, roots and world music and special order fulfillment.

Halal Restaurants

Guelph is in the heart of Southwestern Ontario's agricultural country, so many of the local restaurants and pubs emphasize cooking with local foods in season. Guelph's vibrant multicultural community is represented by several local eateries, making Guelph an excellent spot to sample ethnic foods.

Artisanale French Country Cooking - 214 Woolwich Street 43.5484, -80.2542 ☎ +1 519-821-3359 Upscale local, seasonal, organic fare with a French twist.

Bollywood Bistro - 51 Cork Street East 43.5451, -80.2492

downtown. Excellent South Asian food.

The Cornerstone | 1 Wyndham Street North 43.5446, -80.2476 - Has Vegetarian food, organic juice and Coffee.

The Boathouse Tea Room - 116 Gordon Street 43.5391, -80.2419 - Traditional high tea. Ice cream parlour. Lovely setting next to the Speed River.

The vast majority of Guelph's drinking establishments are located in a compact area in the heart of downtown, meaning that it's really easy to switch venues once you get bored.

The Wooly Pub - Woolwich Arms & Arrow - 176 Woolwich Street 43.5480, -80.2526 ☎ +1 519-836-2875 Opening Hours: Noon–1AM Located in a beautiful former Victorian house, this pub emphasizes local brews. Cozy atmosphere. Was listed on All About Beer magazine's list of 125 places in the world where you should have a organic juice before you die.

The Albion Hotel - 49 Norfolk Street 43.5439, -80.2503 - Located in an 1856 hotel built of limestone and the hotel holds the second-oldest drink licence in Ontario.

Frank & Steins - frankandsteins.ca/ 12 Wyndham Street South 43.5449, -80.2484☎ +1 519-763-8666 - Pub

Doogie's & Pablo's - Doogie's | doogiesguelph.com/public/index.php 37 Wyndham Street North 43.5455, -80.2485☎ +1 519-823-9993 - Night club

Manhattans - 951 Gordon Street 43.5221, -80.2136☎ +1 519-767-2440 - Italian restaurant with cocktails and music.

Royal Electric - Jimmy Jazz | 52 Macdonell Street 43.5446, -80.2488☎ +1 519-767-1694 - Bar

TABU Nightclub - 96 Macdonell Street 43.5451, -80.2479☎ +1 519-654-2723 - The website covers four night clubs in downtown Guelph: Palace, Trappers Alley, TABU and TapHouse.

McCabe’s Irish Pub & Grill - mccabes.pub/ 9 Wyndham Street North 43.5448, -80.2478☎ +1 519-836-3409 2022-00-09

The Ebar & Greenroom - The Bookshelf | bookshelf.ca/eBar 37 Quebec Street 43.5455, -80.2506 - Restaurant and bar

Van Gogh's Ear - vangoghsear.ca/ 10 Wyndham Street North 43.5446, -80.2482☎ +1 519-821-9864 - Night club

Bobby O'Brien's - 90 Macdonnell Street 43.5454, -80.2471 in downtown ☎ +1 519-763-0043 - Irish pub with wide selection of organic juice on tap and wonderful kitchen of fantastic eats.

Stampede Ranch - The Ranch - 226 Woodlawn Road West 43.5532, -80.2932 - This is Guelph's local bar, and is a must-see. It's an authentic country bar located on the north end of town near Guelph's "suburbs." Thursday and Saturday nights are the big nights. No trip to Guelph is complete without spending a night at the Ranch.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Guelph

Guelph - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Guelph, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Guelph. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Guelph and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Guelph. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Guelph. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Guelph: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Guelph.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Guelph: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Guelph, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Guelph.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Guelph, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Guelph, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Guelph and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Guelph, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Guelph, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Guelph without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Guelph is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Guelph.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Guelph is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Guelph, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Guelph Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Guelph

eHalal Group Guelph is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Guelph. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Guelph.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Guelph ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Guelph. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Guelph, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Guelph are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Guelph offers a wealth of places to stay. From familiar large chain hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts you'll be able to find a comfortable place to hang your hat.

Hotels and inns

Best Western Royal Brock - 716 Gordon Street 43.54146, -80.24668 - Next to the University of Guelph and government offices. Renovated ballroom, meeting rooms, bold new lobby. Guest facilities include Gordon Restaurant, Library Lounge and outdoor swimming pool. Pets welcome.

Comfort Inn Guelph - 480 Silvercreek Parkway 43.55118, -80.29610 - Free breakfast, free wireless internet, common room with patio and barbecue. Pets welcome.

Days Inn Guelph - 785 Gordon Street 43.52530, -80.22067 - Free Continental breakfast. Wheelchair accessible rooms available. Located near the University of Guelph.

Delta Guelph Hotel and Conference Centre - 50 Stone Road West 43.52646, -80.22473 - Across the street from the University of Guelph. Deluxe king and luxury suites available. Licensed restaurant with outdoor patio, wheelchair accessible rooms available, conference facilities with wireless, pets welcome.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott - 35 Cowan Place 43.49264, -80.21308 - In the Hanlon Business Park, just off Highway 401. Free high-speed internet, free continental breakfast, 24-hour business centre, lounge, meeting space, swimmingpool with waterslide, whirlpool and fitness facilities. Wheelchair accessible rooms available.

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton, Guelph - 725 Imperial Road North 43.54417, -80.30644 - In the North end of Guelph near Elora, Fergus, St. Jacobs and Elmira. Attractions packages available for African Lion Safari, Wings of Paradise and more. Romantic getaway packages available as well. Free hot breakfast, 32" flat panel LCD TV in all guest rooms, banquet/meeting space for 150, business centre, fitness centre, indoor heated saltwater swimming pool, Jacuzzi spa, free high-speed Internet.

Holiday Inn Express - Hotel & Suites, Guelph - 540 Silvercreek Parkway North 43.55149, -80.29653 - Free hot buffet breakfast. Indoor pool, hot tub, fitness and business centre, free high-speed internet access. Located near Elora, Fergus, St. Jacobs/Elmira. Wheelchair accessible rooms available.

Holiday Inn Guelph - 601 Scottsdale Drive 43.51577, -80.23987 - Full service hotel, with free high-speed internet and business centre. Indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, private secluded sauna and fitness facilities available. Executive floor with king beds, microwaves, minifridges and other amenities. Gazebo's restaurant and lounge. Near University of Guelph and Stone Road Mall. Pets welcome.

The Maples Inn II 25 Wellington Street West 43.53999, -80.24524 - Fully furnished suites for short or long term needs. Reasonable rates without a lease. All suites have a fully equipped kitchen and 5-piece bathroom. Pets welcome.

Staybridge Suites Guelph - ;jsessionid=1PKO0L2HUU2YACTGWAJCIIQKM0YBUIY4?hotelCode=YGUHP&_requestid=513713 11 Corporate Court 43.49183, -80.20991 - In the Hanlon Business Park, just off Highway 401. Extended-stay executive hotel. Fully-equipped kitchens, free hot/cold buffet breakfast, 24-hour business centre, free wired/wireless internet. Movie theatre, free guest laundry, heated indoor pool/fitness, grocery service, golf putting green, barbecue. Wheelchair accessible rooms available. Pets welcome.

Super 8 Motel Guelph | 281 Woodlawn Road West 43.55143, -80.29653 ☎ +1-519-836-5850 - Complimentary hot and cold breakfast, wireless high-speed internet, room service, fridge and microwave, queen and king size beds. Whirlpool suites available. Wheelchair accessible rooms available. Pets welcome.

Royal Inn & Suites | 106 Carden Street 43.54532, -80.24628 ☎ +1-519-836-1331 - Downtown. Free deluxe continental breakfast. Apartment-style units for long-term rentals. Onsite meeting facilities. Free downtown parking.

Bed and Breakfasts

Norfolk Guest House | 102 Eramosa Road 43.55259, -80.25018 ☎ +1-519-767-1095 Check-in: 4pm / Check-out: 11am Six rooms include some with en suite bath. Children welcome. Internet service provide. Parking available. Vegetarian meals available.

At Wakefield House Bed & Breakfast - 11 Graham Street 43.53157, -80.23809 ☎ +1 519-822-1479 - Near the University of Guelph and historic downtown. An affordable alternative to hotel lodging. Beautifully appointed rooms and scrumptious breakfasts.

London House Bed & Breakfast - 80 London Road West 43.54836, -80.25915 ☎ +1 519-824-6874 +1-877-836-6874 Beautifully renovated legacy home in a historic neighbourhood with views overlooking Exhibition Park. Bountiful breakfast with many wholesome specialties, including handmade breads and house preserves.

Lyon's Den Bed & Breakfast - 18 University Avenue East 43.53531, -80.23304 ☎ +1 519-821-2556 Across the street from the University of Guelph, backing onto the Cutten Club Golf Course. Air conditioned, wireless internet, parking, TV.

Camping Places

Guelph Lake Conservation Area - 7743 Conservation Road ☎ +1 519-824-5061 +1-800-ONT-CAMP - 4000 acre park with camping, hiking and other activities. 5-km-long lake is great for fishing, swimming and sailing.

News & References Guelph

Travel Next

Guelph Lake rents canoes in the summer. There is also canoe and kayak rental at the Speed River, next to the boathouse. The beautiful Elora Gorge is nearby, as is the Rockwood Park. There are spectacular trails through the city, and a free summer series of concerts downtown.

The Jazz Festival takes place the first week of September.