Fairfield Inn & Suites Guelph

Osprey watching at Guelph Lake Conservation Area

by Faiza-Ifrah

We visited this lake in early spring by accident and were fully rewarded for our exploration by sight of a pair of Ospreys and their nest (see picture 1).

There's a lot of room for recreation at this 1,608 hectares ( 3,971 acres) conservation area created with the construction of the Guelph Lake dam in 1974 (picture 2). A newly developed concert area with a unique living roof is on an island in the middle of the lake.

There are two beaches and non-motorized boating is allowed on the lake. It is home to a sailing club and there's excellent fishing (see picture).

The lake is located at 7743 Conservation Dr., RR 4, Guelph, ON N1H 6J1.

Bechtel Park - fenced dog park

by Tuque

This dog park is not in Guelph, but it's well worth the 20 minute drive from Guelph to the east end of Waterloo. Address: 185 Bridge Street
Waterloo, Ontario Website: http://www.city.waterloo.on.ca/Facilities/BechtelPark/index.html

5 acres of fenced-in land. Double gated. Popular spot. Lots of dogs and dog owners to socialize with. A forest with lots of on-leash trails available right beside the dog park.

Historic University Town

by Babzz

"University of Guelph"

The U of G has a beautiful campus with some gorgeous architecture, most famously Johnston Hall building with its clock tower. In front of Johnston Hall is a large field referred to as Johnston Green where students and visitors alike like to relax on a nice day. Best of all, U of G has an arboretum with a number of walking trails where the public is free to wander, jog, learn about trees and the environment, etc. A lot of research is conducted at the Arboretum. The Dairy Bush (ravine), which belongs to U of G and is found across Gordon Road from the main campus, is also a wonderful place to go walking. On the way there you may encounter some of the farm animals belonging to U of G's OAC Department.

"Downtown"

My favourite place in Guelph. Reminds me of Europe in many ways, in the way the shops are all clustered together, with apartments often located on top; people busily going about their way, catching bus transfers, doing some shopping. A lot of diverse shops are found here. "Bohemian" themes are big in Guelph, mostly because of the student/hippie scene. There are also a number of Asian restaurants and shops, bakeries, used book stores, bars/pubs galore, an independent movie theatre (Bookshelf), clothing stores, the list goes on! Oh and how can I forget, the Church of Our Lady Immaculate! A beautiful church atop a hill right in downtown Guelph that can be seen from some distance! I'm not even religious, but I felt compelled to attend one mass!

"And More..."

Guelph Lake is really pretty, nice place for a picnic, but I'm not sure about the swimming situation...lots of biking/walking trails aound Guelph...the historic McCrae house where John McCrae (who wrote "In Flanders Fields") lived-yep that's right, he was a Guelphite...The Woodlawn Cemetery with graves dating back to the 1700s...numerous festivals and events throughout the year...the River Run Centre for performing arts...

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

GUELPH

by meleole

I went to Guelph over my spring break to visit my cousin and check out the university. Guelph is about an hour outside of Toronto and is a charming small town, rife with interesting history and architecture.

Guelph is home to Guelph University, which is home to the Ontario Veteranairy College and one of the biggest Agricultural Colleges in Canada.