The North End neighbourhoods blend beautiful natural settings with modern urban living. Filled with tree-lined trails that connect to five other neighbourhoods, the North End is a place for community and connection.
Return to Nature
Mere minutes from downtown, Guelph’s North End is an escape from the city without the drive. Riverside Park covers 80-acres of land along the Speed River featuring not only paths and trails, but a series of notable landmarks along the way. A riverside windmill, floral clock, antique carousel, and miniature train are all spots not to be missed.
Hop across the road to Woodlawn Memorial Park for a beautiful canopied walk full of Guelph history. As the only cemetery in Canada along the Trans Canada Trail, tour through the park and uncover beautifully crafted monuments and gardens.
Head out to Guelph Lake Conservation Area for a true immersion into nature. Campsite are available in the summer along with day-use trails for hiking and cycling, paddling, fishing, swimming and picnic areas available. Check park and activity status before visiting.
Save the Date
With so much green space available, the North End has become home to some of Guelph’s most memorable festivals and events. Riverside Park is home to the Guelph Multicultural Festival, which brings out the sights, sounds and flavours of cultures from around the world. Guelph’s Ribfest is a mouthwatering event that descends onto Riverside Park each August, featuring the mouthwatering ribs and tons of entertainment.
Once a year, Guelph Lake’s island becomes a hub of arts and music for the iconic Hillside Festival. Across three days in July, the festival brings innovative music, indigenous drumming, children’s entertainment and environmental learning to thousands of people. Hillside also operates in the winter months with Hillside Inside throughout Guelph.
We’ve all missed experiencing these large events and can’t wait for their return. In the meantime, see what virtual programming is available, continue to support however you can, and save the date for their next festival!
Grab a bite to fuel up
With so many trails available in the North End, remember to pause and fuel up! Set out for some brunch at Stacked Pancake House or Uptown Grill. Maybe grab some lunch for a picnic at Riverside Park from Lucky Belly Food Co or Helmand Kebab House.
If you truly want to focus on trying your own hand at culinary delights. Sign up for a class at Natalina’s Kitchen Italian Cooking School.
Winter Wonderland
The North End is the place to be when winter arrives. Snowshoe at Ignatius Jesuit Centre along their trails through the Old-Growth Forest, an ecological restoration project. Hiking is also still available along Guelph Lake Conservation Area’s trails as well as ice-fishing when conditions allow.
The North End is one of many neighbourhoods to explore in Guelph. Enjoy outdoor activities safely, support #GuelphShops, and rediscover the heart of the Royal City as you #ExploreGuelph
