Spring seems to be arriving at last, and that is a good thing because it is just about time for the start of Guelph Arts Council’s annual walking tours.
The guided tours, offered on selected Sundays between April 27 and October 19, trace Guelph’s heritage through its architecture, its people, and the stories that contribute to this City’s unique character.
There are five tours, each of which explores a different area of historic Guelph. Where Guelph Began encircles the original Market Square area of almost 24 acres laid out by John Galt in 1827, and includes the sites of many of Guelph’s first buildings. Downtown Walkabout covers Guelph’s current downtown. The Slopes of the Speed explores the Speed River, where many of Guelph’s largest and most distinguished historic homes are located. Altar and Hearth covers the area west of downtown and includes several historic stone churches and many historic homes representing a variety of architectural styles. Brooklyn and the College Hill focuses on one of Guelph’s early industrial sections on the south side of the Speed River, as well as the area that developed around the Ontario Agricultural College.
All tours start at 2pm from different locations. They take about two hours to complete and cost $3 per person. Tour booklets are available for $5 each at the Guelph Arts Council office and several other retail locations.
For tour dates and other information, contact the Guelph Arts Council office at 147 Wyndham Street North, Suite 404, Guelph, or phone (519) 836-3280; Fax (519) 766-9212; email gac@sentex.net; or visit the website guelpharts.ca/guelphartscouncil.
