April 15, 2020 | Our Guelph Favourites

Living in Guelph FAQs

Are you looking to relocate to Guelph or want to explore what the city has to offer? Here’s our frequently asked questions on neighbourhoods, attractions and top restaurants in the area.

What is the Population of Guelph?

Guelph’s population is 131,794

How far is Guelph from Toronto?

Distance from Downtown Guelph to Toronto Eaton Centre is 94 KM. Driving time weekday morning is approx 1h30 min to 2h20min. Taking the train takes approx 1hr 45 minutes.

Where is the University of Guelph?

Located at 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1. Situated in the south-end of Guelph. 5 mins from Stone Road Mall. 5 mins from Downtown Guelph. 13 mins from the 401.

How Far is Guelph from Mississauga?

Distance from Downtown Guelph to Mississauga City Hall is 70 KM. Driving time on a weekday morning typically takes 55 mins to 1h 25 mins.

Where to eat in Guelph?

Our favourite downtown restaurant are La Reina (Mexican), Sugo on Surrey (Italian), La Cucina (Italian), Park Grocery (Home Cooking), Buon Gusto (Italian), Earth to Table Bread Bar (Local), Bin 23 (Fine Dining), Sip Club (Casual, Live Music), Gin Mill (From Scratch Cocktails), 39 Cardigan Street (Rotating Menu of Locally Sourced Dishes), Baker Street (Food with a twist, Pub), Wooley (Local Casual Pub with Great Food), Miijidaa Cafe & Bistro (Canadian), Diana’s (Indian), Atmosphere Cafe (Casual, Great Pizza), Naha Thia’s Kitchen (Great Food, Very Casual).

The south-end of Guelph also has some fantastic restaurants including Manhattans (Italian with live Jazz), Borealis Grill & Bar (Locally Sourced Food) & Fat Duck Gastro Pub (Casual Pub, Great Food).

Top Guelph Attractions

Nature lovers should check out: Guelph Lake (Beautiful trails, beaches & water activities), Boat House & Covered Bridge (canoeing, ice cream and trails along the River), University of Guelph  (817 acres of beautiful property & historical buildings), Arboretum Trails (Scenic 2 km loop).

Cocktail enthusiasts should stop by Spring Mills Distillery (historic building repurposed to a distillery/restaurant). The River Run Center offers fantastic plays & shows.

Best Guelph Patios

The best patios in downtown Guelph are La Cucina, Earth to Table Bread Bar, Sip Club, Royal Electric, Albion, Buon Gusto, Baker Street, The Wooly Pub, & Miijidaa.

The best patios in the North-end of Guelph are Romeroes, Kelsey & Turtle Jack’s.

The best patio in Central/South Guelph are Shakespeare Arms, Borealis, & The Keg.

Best Guelph Brunch Spots

Some of best places for Sunday Brunch are Earth To Table Bread Bar ($35/person All You Can Eat + 2 drinks), Eggcetera, 39 Carden Street (Rotating Menu of Locally Sourced), La Reina.

Best Pizza Spots in Guelph

There are a variety of restaurants to get great pizza in Guelph, here are some of our favourites: Atmosphere, Earth to Table Bread Bar, Buon Gusto, Manhattans. In a rush? Papa’s Johns & Blaze.

Best Cocktails in Guelph

Gin Mill (From Scratch Cocktails), Spring Mill Distillery (historic building repurposed to a distillery/restaurant), Envy Lounge, La Renia, Sip Club.

Best Italian Restaurants in Guelph

If you love Italian food you should check out Romeroes, Buon Gusto, Sugo On Surrey & La Cucina.

Best Date Night Restaurants

Sugo On Surrey, La Cucina, Bin 23 all have a great atmosphere (& food) for date night!

Best Guelph Restaurants With an Upbeat/Fun Atmosphere

Royal Electric, La Reina, Sip Club (Live Music).

Top Family-Friendly Neighbourhoods in Guelph

Families love living in Guelph with over 100 hectares of parks, over 70 km of trails and great schools. These neighborhoods are some of the most family-friendly neigbourhoods. St. Georges Park, Kortright East, Kortright Hills, Grange, Pine Ridge/Westminster and Victoria North.

Top Affordable Neighborhoods in Guelph

Guelph has some very affordable neighborhoods, perfect for time buyers or people looking to downsize. The most affordable neighbourhoods are situated in the North-end of Guelph and include Onward Willow, Victoria North, St. Patrick’s Ward and Grange Rd. Many of the homes in these areas are smaller homes.

Top Commuter Approved Neighborhoods in Guelph

Guelph has several commuter friendly neighborhoods. Downtown neighbourhoods such as Exhibition Park, Downtown & St. Patrick’s Ward allows people to walk to the Go Station with trains to Toronto. Clairfields & Pineridge/West Minster are the two most southern/eastern neighbourhoods. They are minutes from the 401. Kortright West & Kortright Hills allow quick access to the 401 via the Hanlon Parkway.

Best Student Rental Areas

Guelph is a large University town which makes it a perfect place to invest in homes suited for University students. Neighbourhoods that are close to University of Guelph and offer good student rental properties are Old University, Kortright West and St. Patrick’s Ward.

Trendiest Guelph Neighbourhoods

Chic boutiques and cool independent restaurants make Downtown Guelph an exciting neighbourhood to visit or live in. Exhibition Park also supports some unique restaurants and bakeries and has a very “green” atmosphere”. St. Parkricks Ward has been going through one of the biggest transitions with many old factories being converted to modern loft apartments. One of the newest trendy neighbourhoods to hit the scene is the Guelph Junction with vibrantly restored Industrial buildings and distilleries/restaurants.

Most Prestigious Neighborhoods

Old University has some beautiful estate properties with some infill lots being used to more modern homes. Exhibition park has some beautiful century homes filled with charm.  St. George’s park has some of the most prestigious streets like Stuart Street, Ardmay, and Queenstreet. Kortright East has larger executive homes on large lots.

Dog Friendly Neighbourhoods

Guelph offers 100 hectares of parks & over 70 km of trails making the city an excellent choice for dog lovers. Some of the best neighbourhoods are Victoria North, Kortright Hills, Kortright West, Grange Road & Pineridge. Both Victoria North & Grange Road are within close proximity to Guelph Lake.

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