Thank you for visiting Guelph, Ontario travel guide online

Guelph is an ideal destination for any type of traveler. Located in Ontario, it has something for everyone! Our travel guide has the best information about Guelph regarding places to visit, things to see and do, accommodations, dining, and much more! When visiting Ontario, you will find that the shopping, night life, and beautiful scenery has some of the top standards in the country, and will definitely leave you wanting to come visit this city again. Take a look at our Canadian listings and find all the information you need about Guelph, and all its surrounding cities and travel spots. So don't waste another minute, and starting planning your vacation to Guelph!

History of Guelph Guelph birthday is April 23rd of 1827. It was St. George’s day, and the city foundation ceremony included sawing down a huge maple tree. Guelph is one of the first towns planned in Canada. It is the headquarters of Canada Company, a British development firm. The head of Canadian company’s department, famous novelist from Scotland, John Galt chose such a location. He created a town here to attract people for living in these areas. Galt’s town plan remained the European cities structure, according to which the city streets start from the central point and radiate from it to various directions.

Galt chose the place at the Speed River as a focal point. "Guelph" name was chosen by Galt because this was one of the royal family names in Great Britain, and there was no any other city or village with such a name. This is what another city’s name ‘The Royal City’ comes from. The plans of John Galt didn’t come true: Guelph didn’t turn into big flourishing city. Only in 1856, when the Grand Trunk Railroad ran from Toronto had reached the town, it began to grow rapidly. Lots of new buildings enlarged the town area, many of them were designed by famous Toronto architects, as well as local ones. Guelph has its own limestone quarry that provided the materials required for building.

The architectural appearance of that days’ Guelph looked very harmonious, with the buildings raised in the same style and tones. Guelph’s name comes from the British Royal Family. When the city was founded, King George the IV from Guelph lineage of the German clan ruled in the United Kingdom. Guelph is remarkable for its telecommunication importance. The first cable TV system in North America was founded here. McLean Hunter Television was created by Ted Metcalfe and the first event translated at its channel was the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth on June 2, 1953. Moreover, Guelph is the first city in Canada where police motorcycle patrol was established. The first motorcycle was from the First World War, it was brought there by Chief Ted Lamb.

Using motorcycles in police was much more effective than pedestrian patrol. The novelties have not finished yet. The police of Guelph was also the first in Canada why began to use two-way car radio system. Guelph City Council was the founder of the city manager system that was the first in Canada. Later he became the head of the League of American Municipalities The planners of the city of Guelph easily turned units to condominiums. The system they used was accepted by Chicago authorities as a prototype for their city and it even became the standard in North America. Guelph was one of the first Canadian cities with militia units of gunners that were established here in 1866.

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Guelph Weather

Mostly Cloudy

34°F

Guelph

Mostly Cloudy

Humidity: 81%

Wind: SW at 9 mph

  • Wed Partly Sunny

    43°F 28°F

  • Thu Partly Sunny

    45°F 32°F

  • Fri Chance of Snow

    36°F 23°F