These are many reasons why Guelph is considered one of the best cities in Canada to call home and based on the nature of the community there, this is a title they’ll hold on too.

Guelph is a city with a future, recognized as hub for innovation and progress. It offers all the opportunity, culture, commerce and potential for progress of a major urban centre – without the congestion.

Yet it is has never forgotten its unique history, from the layout of the downtown city streets, limestone heritage buildings, and Gothic churches.
(And let’s not forget the wilder side of the bootlegging legacy).

Environmentally astute, the city is committed to protecting and enhancing its green spaces and parks, many of whom are alongside the flowing waters of both the Speed River and Eramosa River. Guelph Lake is just minutes from the city core, under the care of the Grand River Conservation Authority, and offers recreational water sports, camping, a beach area and seasonal overnight camping.

Guelph offers an active lifestyle and many choices to get involved. Trails for hiking and biking connect people and places, while the community recreational centres and sports facilities ensure many opportunities for everyone to be involved. Healthy living is about balance, and you’ll find that here. There is a passionate commitment to local food and the Saturday morning Guelph Farmers’ Market is a bustling social affair.

While the city is growing, it is a made up of a collective of older neighbourhoods, each with unique cultural attributes, as well as newly designed neighbourhoods centred on community centres and public spaces. The sense of unity grows with the population.

A major contributor to the city’s culture is the University of Guelph, ranked one of the top five universities in Canada. The modern campus boasts an impressive legacy of academic research, particularly in fields such as agriculture, horticultural, food sustainability and sciences, but is also home to successful competitive sports programs, and the renowned Ontario Veterinary College. The Arboretum is a natural highlight with trails and programming, worthy of a visit.

World renowned arts and cultural events showcase Guelph’s diversity. Venues like the River Run Centre bring national and international performances to the big stage, while the Sleeman Centre brings the Guelph Storm for home ice advantage, but also major concert events. The Hillside Festival is a highlight of the summer music concert circuit, lakeside on the island of Guelph Lake. But throughout the year, festivals and community events are social highlights.

Guelph is located just north of Highway 401 and is within two hours of Toronto, within 30 minutes of Kitchener–Waterloo and Cambridge. It’s ideal location to live and work.

A small city with a big heart, Guelph has all the amenities and culture of a major urban centre, while maintaining the small-town character that is fundamental to its charm.