Guelph is a wonderful weekend destination, packed with much to see and do. Let us do the trip planning for you, and choose from our 6 Guelph Weekend Itineraries best suited for you and your fellow weekend warriors. Interested in experiencing a bit of everything? Our A Guelph Weekend Getaway sounds just right for you! As for our themed weekends, choose from:
- Farm Fun Weekends in Guelph
- Adventure Weekends in Guelph
- Culinary Weekends in Guelph
- Arts and Heritage Weekends in Guelph
- Family Fun Weekends in Guelph
Which weekend(s) sounds most like you?
A Guelph Weekend Getaway
This two-day itinerary will bring you to some of Guelph’s most locally cherished destinations, and includes some hidden gems as well. Get ready for two days of fun for 2 or the whole family, from serene strolls and some fall farm fun to some must-try food and drink and downtempo downtown evenings.
Day 1:
Morning Stroll at the Arboretum: Pour your tea or coffee in your travel mug and start your morning off with a relaxing stroll in the Arboretum. Walk the boardwalk under towering American Sycamores and relax at the Japanese and Italian Gardens.
Ice Cream at the Boathouse, Sunset stroll in Royal City Park: Enjoy an Ice Cream on the Muskoka chairs along the Speed River at the Boathouse, and take a sunset stroll in placid Royal City Park. Don’t forget to check out the Covered Bridge!
Stay: at the Delta Hotels Guelph Conference Centre for absolute comfort, or the historical Western Hotel and Executive Suites for a relaxing and luxurious stay in the heart of downtown Guelph.
Day 2:
Paddle or hike at Guelph Lake or Rockwood Conservation Area: Grab some breakfast and head over to Guelph Lake to paddle or hike along it’s pristine waters and verdant shores. Rent your choice of kayak, canoe, or SUP from Grand River Rafting prior to your outing, or take the trails by foot, and relax on the beach! Interested in exploring towering glacial bluffs and caves? Hike the trails at Rockwood Conservation Area!
Peruse Historical Downtown: Switch up the pace by strolling Guelph’s beautiful limestone downtown, and many independent, unique shops and vintage vendors. Make your way to the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate, and the Guelph Civic Museum to learn more about historical Guelph.
Evening at Play with Clay: Finish off your time in Guelph at Play with Clay, shaping and painting a souvenir of your time here in your own image!
Farm Fun Weekends in Guelph
It’s the perfect time for farm fun in Guelph. Fall lovers – this weekend in Guelph will be absolutely unforgettable for you and your loved ones. From corn mazes, fire-side evenings, and wine tastings to pumpkin patches and alpacas (yes, alpacas!), there’s plenty to take us back to our roots.
Guelph Farmers’ Market: Visit downtown Guelph on Saturday morning and enjoy the historic Guelph Farmers’ Market, where 110+ vendors show off the bounty of this year’s harvest, alongside a variety of treats, pastries, artists’ creations, and much more! We assure you this is the tastiest way to start off your weekend in Guelph.
Brae Ridge Alpaca Farm: Next up, visit Brae Ridge Alpaca Farm, a forever home for alpacas and horses alike. Stay at Meadowlark Hut and glamp by the alpacas!
Strom’s Farm: From September 18th to October 31st, enjoy Strom’s Farm’s famous 6-mile corn maze, made-from-scratch pastries by the firepit, beautiful cedar spiral, and many more family-friendly activities
Cox Creek Cellars: To end off your 2nd day in Guelph, enjoy moments with your loved ones by the fire-pit at Cox Creek Cellars, sampling house-made wines and ciders, and indulging in deluxe charcuterie boards as the sun sets.
A day out at the farms calls for a relaxing stay. Book yours at the Delta Hotels Guelph Conference Centre or the Western Hotel and Executive Suites to recharge and relax!
Adventure Weekends in Guelph
Whether you enjoy hiking, mountain biking, paddling, or disc golfing – Guelph has it all. Adventure in Guelph and explore peaceful forests and pristine lakes in whichever way suits you.
Hiking in Guelph: Explore the University of Guelph Arboretum’s many trails, gardens, and ecosystems, or meander through the natural trails at Guelph Lake Conservation Area, and Rockwood Conservation Area.
Mountain Biking: Make your way to Guelph Lake to ride on world-class single-track Guelph Lake Trails, with trails and features for all skill levels. Need a relaxing ride after ripping up trails? Ride the Royal Recreation Trail back to Guelph’s vibrant downtown.
Paddling: Still seeking some adventure after those trails? Grab your pre-arranged canoe, kayak, or SUP rental from the Grand River Rafting Company, and paddle along Guelph Lake’s crystal clear waters and lush shores, or along the cliffs of Rockwood Conservation Area.
Disc Golf: Did you know Guelph ranks as the 3rd best disc golf destination in Ontario, and 10th in Canada? Be sure to check out the Riverside Park Disc Golf Course, Acer Disc Golf Course at the University of Guelph Arboretum, and Eastview Park Disc Golf Course. In need of discs? Make a quick stop at the Bookshelf downtown before your game!
After a full day adventuring, unwind at the Delta Hotels Guelph Conference Centre or the Western Hotel and Executive Suites to recharge and relax!
Culinary Weekends in Guelph
There is no shortage of gastro treats in Guelph! Whether you’re looking for something to tour you through the highlights or are ready to build your own culinary itinerary, there’s much on offer here.
Festival of Spirits: Come down to the Spring Mill Distillery on October 18th for the celebratory Festival of Spirits– a party in the name of whisky – and the launch of Spring Mill Distillery Single Malt Whisky. Activities include a whisky masterclass, distillery tours, live music, and whisky in every which way.
Taste Detours: Looking to get a taste of Guelph? Join Taste Detours to be introduced to locally crafted flavours with a dash of local history added to the menu! Both on-demand and scheduled To the Core Food Tours are available.
Guelph.Beer Bus: Running once a month, we highly recommend planning your trip around this one-of-a-kind event. ‘Hop’ on the Guelph.Beer Bus to visit 6 of Guelph’s renowned breweries for free! It’s a ton of fun!
Guelph Farmers’ Market: On every Saturday from 8AM-1PM, the Guelph Farmers’ Market has no shortage of flavours for you to try. From butter tarts to empanadas to focaccia and so much more, this is surely one of the best ways to spend a Saturday morning in Guelph.
Tomme Cheese Shoppe, Eric the Baker: In the heart of downtown lies Tomme Cheese Shoppe and Eric the Baker, two neighbouring, must-visit shops where you’ll taste really, really great cheese, and French pastries!
Dine in Guelph: Dine out in downtown Guelph at the beautiful Miijidaa Café + Bistro to taste Canadian gastronomic heritage with local ingredients, Atmosphere Café + Etc for French farmhouse inspired cuisine, and Manhattans for gourmet pizzas, Italian mains, and live jazz every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Good food and a comfortable bed are the core ingredients of a great day. Book yours at the Delta Hotels Guelph Conference Centre or the Western Hotel and Executive Suites to recharge and relax!
Arts and Heritage Weekends in Guelph
For the inquisitive mind, Guelph is a gold-mine, rich in the arts, culture, and history. Guelph is the perfect weekend getaway for those with a dash of curiosity and penchant for learning.
Art Gallery of Guelph: With a number of stimulating exhibitions and collections, the Art Gallery of Guelph is an amazing way to peer into the artistic minds of a myriad of artists, to challenge perceptions, and to learn more about Guelph and Ontario via art. Pictured here: Yours in Native Spirit Exhibition: Richard Bedwash
Guelph Civic Museum and Basilica of our Lady Immaculate: Guelph is a city steeped in history – a story that is best told at the Guelph Civic Museum. Browse the collection of over 30,000 artifacts that bring Guelph’s past to life. Next door is the Basilica of our Lady Immaculate, a marvel to witness both inside and out.
McCrae House: Travel to the birthplace of John McCrae, author of “In Flanders Fields”, doctor, and soldier. The house is a National Historic Site of Canada, and is complete with a monument dedicated to the life of John McCrae.
JayWalking Guelph or Guelph Urbex Walking Tour: Want to learn more about Guelph’s past? Get to know Guelph on a deeper level and immerse yourself in the town’s rich history with walking tours from JayWalking Guelph and Guelph Urbex.
An enriching day calls for making your stay in Guelph at the historical Western Hotel and Executive Suites (circa 1881), or the Delta Hotels Guelph Conference Centre for rest and relaxation.
Family Fun Weekends in Guelph
Rainy weekend? Or maybe you’re looking for more engaging, interactive ways to spend time with the little ones? These Guelph indoor spaces are fun for the whole family!
CTRL V: Visit this one-of-a-kind virtual reality arcade! With over 16 VR headsets and 150 games, this place is about as entertaining as it gets.
The Round Table: Looking to test your mettle? Visit The Round Table for a fun, safe, friendly environment where you can enjoy axe-throwing, archery, and play various board games.
Play With Clay: Offering pottery painting, clay hand-building, wheel throwing, all while being able to enjoy food and drink in a separate, licensed space, Play With Clay is the ultimate way to spend an evening with friends or family.
The Guelph Grotto: There’s nothing more rewarding than figuring out and completing a climb. The Guelph Grotto offers a safe environment to enjoy top rope, bouldering, and lead rope climbing, providing fun for families, couples, and friends of all ages since 1994. After a day out at these attractions, we can almost guarantee the kids (and you) will need some real rest. Book yours at the Delta Hotels Guelph Conference Centre or the Western Hotel and Executive Suites to recharge and relax.
