Summary
Discover the hidden tales behind Guelph's familiar buildings and streets with our Historical Walking Tours. Delve into Guelph's rich history, uncovering the origins of street names and the layout of the city, all while enjoying a leisurely stroll through its neighborhoods.
Written by GAC Staff
Discover the hidden tales behind Guelph’s familiar buildings and streets with our Historical Walking Tours. Delve into Guelph’s rich history, uncovering the origins of street names and the layout of the city, all while enjoying a leisurely stroll through its neighborhoods.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you can explore Guelph’s cultural heritage through six unique tours, curated and led by dedicated volunteers. From architectural highlights to fun historical tidbits, the guides bring Guelph’s past to life
Over the years, our tours have evolved to be more accessible and enjoyable, with shorter durations and morning start times, allowing participants to soak in Guelph’s history without getting fatigued.
Read about the six tours offered below and grab tickets for your favourites!
Tour 1: Where Guelph Began Tour
This tour encircles the original Market Square area of almost twenty-four acres laid out by John Galt in 1827. Serving as the focal point for Guelph’s early social and business life, the area also contains the sites of many of Guelph’s first buildings.
Dates: May 5th, August 4th, and October 6th
Tour 2: Downtown Walkabout
The present downtown centre of Guelph, with its wide main street, provides a compact walking tour, which includes many buildings and sites of considerable historical and architectural interest.
Dates: May 26th, August 11th, September 8th
Tour 3: Slopes of the Speed
Participants will explore the slopes of the Speed River between Norwich and Macdonell Streets, where many of Guelph’s largest and most distinguished historic homes are located.
Dates: May 19th, June 16th, August 18th, September 15th
Tour 4: Altar and Hearth (Part 1: Catholic Hill and Part 2: Exhibition Park)
Visitors will get a glimpse of the Victorian era in Guelph. Covering the area west of Norfolk Street, between Essex Street and London Road, the tour includes several historic stone churches and many historic homes representing a variety of architectural styles.
Dates (Part 1: Catholic Hill): June 9th, October 13th
Dates: (Part 2: Exhibition Park): July 28th, September 1st
Register here for Part 1: Catholic Hill
Register here for Part 2: Exhibition Park
Tour 5: Brooklyn and the College Hill
Participants will be taken to the south side of the Speed River to explore one of Guelph’s early industrial sections, formerly known as Brooklyn, as well as the College Hill area that developed around the Ontario Agricultural College. The tour includes some of the city’s best examples of masonry and stone carving.
Dates: May 12th, September 29th, July 7th
Tour 6: Ward One Tour
This tour of the area southeast of the downtown, between the Speed and Eramosa Rivers, reveals the rich variety of historic architecture and the diversity of peoples who formed Guelph. Particular attention is devoted to residential/industrial proximity and the city’s early Italian community.
Dates: June 2nd, June 23rd, September 22nd
