Located an hour west of Toronto and known as the Royal City, Guelph is a vibrant community of 118,000 people and ranked among the top ten places to live in Canada. Situated on the Speed and Eramosa Rivers, Guelph is in one of the strongest economic regions in the country, The Royal City is rich in culture, architecture, parks, riverside green spaces and home to the world-renown University of Guelph.
Surrounded by picturesque Wellington County, known for its rolling hills and good farmland, agriculture is an important component to this region. Both Agriculture Canada and the Ministry of Agriculture (Ontario) have chosen to locate here. In 2009 Guelph was named one of the country’s smartest communities. It has also been recognized as the safest city and Canada’s volunteer capitol.
Arts and Festivals
Guelph is the home to much art, music and live theatre. The River Run Centre and Guelph Little Theatre offer performing arts for all tastes year round. The Jazz Festival in April and The Hillside Festival in July ensure regular outdoor live celebrations of music. And of course the University of Guelph’s Arboretum is a free facility for all, offering internationally recognised horticultural collections, walks, guided tours, educational programmes and a unique dinner theatre setting.
Just east of the City two picturesque villages of Rockwood and Eden Mills offer a real sense of community. The Rockwood Conservation Area has a northern rocks and woods feel and is a great place to paddle your canoe or picnic.
Fergus and Elora
Just north of Guelph, the Town of Fergus is located on the Grand River, a Canadian Heritage River. Famous for its fine limestone houses and the annual Fergus Highland Games and Scottish Festival where the clans gather, this town of about 10,000 offers a choice of homes, from newer housing options to vintage properties and a downtown that invites you to chat with the merchants and linger in the cafes and pubs along the river. It is home to North America’s largest “Show and Shine” truck show, the Highland Rugby Football Club and the annual Antique and Classic Car Show.
If you are looking for a community with a rich cultural life, interesting architecture and rugged natural beauty, just west of Fergus you’ll find the enchanted Village of Elora nestled along the banks of the Grand and Irvine Rivers. With 80 foot limestone cliffs the Elora Gorge welcomes nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Downtown you will find old world charm and century-old buildings with studios, galleries,and upscale boutiques for some retail therapy.
The 47 kilometre Cataract Trail, Elora Racetrack and Slots, The Elora Festival and winter concerts for classical music lovers, annual writers’ festival and studio tours add to the vibrant village lifestyle.
Whatever your passion, sport, music, theatre or wheels, Wellington County has the lifestyle for you. All you need is the expert realtor to find your dream home next door to your dream facilities.
Call Bonnie today, to discover where you want to live.
