Our City

Guelph - The Royal City

Guelph is a city located in southwestern Ontario, Canada and is known for its strong sense of community, beautiful natural surroundings, and high quality of life. It has a population of about 140,000 people. The city was named after the Duke of Wellington’s family, who were of Welsh descent, and the name “Guelph” is derived from the Welsh word for “well-born.” The city is often referred to as the “Royal City” due to its long and storied history.

Guelph has a strong and diverse economy that is driven by a range of industries, including manufacturing, technology, and education. The city is home to a number of major companies and organizations, as well as a number of educational institutions, including the University of Guelph and Conestoga College.

What Makes Guelph Special

Educational Institutions

Guelph is home to several educational institutions, including Conestoga College, which has campuses in Guelph, Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo

The University of Guelph is also located in the city, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of disciplines. Both Conestoga College and the University of Guelph are highly regarded for their academic programs and research initiatives, and both institutions offer a range of support services and resources for students to help them succeed in their studies. 

Additionally, there are many other educational institutions located in the surrounding region, including community colleges, trade schools, and private career colleges, which offer a range of certificate, diploma, and degree programs in a variety of fields.

Ease of Access

Guelph is easily accessible from several nearby cities and towns, including Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, Elmira, Elora, and Fergus.

By Car: All of these cities and towns are easily accessible by car from Guelph, as they are located within a short driving distance within approximately 20 to 30 minutes. There are several major roads and highways that connect Guelph to these locations, including Highway 401, Highway 8, and Highway 7.

By public transportation: Guelph is also well-connected to these cities and towns by public transportation, with a network of buses and trains operated by the local transit agency, Grand River Transit. These transportation options can be a convenient and cost-effective way to travel between Guelph and these nearby locations.

Toronto Pearson Airport and Waterloo Airport are also easily accessible from Guelph by car, with travel times of approximately 1 hour for to reach Toronto Pearson Airport and 20 minutes to reach Waterloo Airport. These airports are well-connected to Guelph by major roads and highways, and there are also options for public transportation, such as buses and trains, that can take you to and from these airports.

Job Opportunities

Guelph is a welcoming and diverse community that offers many job opportunities for new immigrants, international students, and people moving from other cities and provinces. The city has a strong economy, with a variety of industries that provide employment for people with a range of skills and experience.

One of the major industries in Guelph is manufacturing, and there are many companies in the area that hire workers in this field. Other important industries include agriculture, education, and healthcare, all of which offer a variety of job opportunities.

In addition to these industries, there are also many service-sector jobs available in Guelph, including jobs in retail, food service, and customer service. These types of jobs are often a good option for international students and new immigrants who are looking for part-time or casual work while they are studying or getting established in the community.

New immigrants, international students, and people moving to Guelph from other cities and provinces may also be able to find work with local businesses and organizations that are looking for employees with specific skills and experience. Many of these organizations have programs and initiatives in place to support the hiring and integration of new immigrants and people moving to the area.

Attractions

Guelph is a vibrant and welcoming city with something for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, nature, sports, or the arts, there are plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. Some of the top attractions in Guelph include:

  1. University of Guelph Arboretum: This beautiful botanical garden covers over 400 acres and features a variety of plant collections, including trees, shrubs, flowers, and herbs. It is a popular spot for walking, picnicking, and photography.

  2. Guelph Farmers’ Market: Located in the heart of downtown Guelph, this market features locally-grown produce, baked goods, crafts, and more. It is held every Saturday morning from May to October.

  3. Guelph Civic Museum: This museum is located in an 1882 courthouse and features exhibits on the history and culture of Guelph and the surrounding area.

  4. Riverside Park: This beautiful park is located along the Speed River and features walking trails, a skatepark, a playground, and a splash pad. It is a popular spot for picnics, barbeques, and outdoor concerts.

  5. Guelph Art Gallery: This contemporary art gallery features exhibitions by local, national, and international artists, as well as workshops and events.