With almost a thousand followers on Twitter, Guelph's Begging Bear is certainly one of the more vocal members of the Guelph statuary community. Dressing up the bear to advertise community events, or just because you can, is a big part of life in Guelph. Particularly for the University of Guelph students. We're always curious as to how he'll be dressed when we walk or drive by. Located at the bus stop at the Art Gallery of Guelph, the Begging Bear is highly accessible and loves taking selfies with anyone who wants one. And unlike Justin Bieber, he never says no!At Hillside
The Hillside Festival is often ranked among one of the top ten music festivals in the country. Every year thousands of festival goers flock to the island at Guelph Lake to listen to live music over a three days weekend at this multistage venue. Now in its 32nd year, Hillside has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a one day free event in Riverside Park that promised an "11 hour celebration for all the ages." In addition to being one of the top festivals in the country, Hillside is also praised as one of the greenest music festivals. Every year, over 1200 people volunteer their time to work tirelessly to help keep the conservation area clean and tidy for everyone's enjoyment.Painting Pottery at Play with Clay
Located in St. Georges Square, Play with Clay has become a fixture among downtown Guelph. It's a popular place for people of all ages. At any given time, you can find children's birthday parties, grandparents with their grandchildren, and couples on dates. They have hundreds of unfinished pottery items to choose from, that you then paint however you want. The friendly staff take care of the glazing process and you pick up your art a week later. Want to do more? Play with Clay offers pottery classes for adults, and pottery camps for teens and children.Playing a game at the Round Table
Relatively new to the Royal City, the Round Table Gaming Tavern is quickly becoming a hot spot. With a library of over 300 games, the Round Table has games for everyone, regardless of what you enjoy playing. No tavern would be complete without food and drink, and the Executive Chef has you covered. With unique, geeky twists on classics snacks, such as Shredder's Nachos or the Dark Side Brownie, you won't go hungry while you try to win at Monopoly, Settlers of Catan, or whichever game suits your fancy. So come, sit, eat, and drink, as you enjoy an evening of fun and merriment. And be sure to snap your #Guelphie with Kilgharrah, the resident dragon!Enjoying the splash pad at Market Square
The splash pad at Market Square is a multi season venue. In the winter it doubles as an ice rink. In the summer months, the splash pad is a great place to beat the heat. Grab some ice cream from Sweet, or Gelato from Planet Bean, kick off your shoes, and wade through the cooling waters. You'll feel much better!
At Ribfest
Ribfest is one of Guelph's most popular festivals. Every August, for three days, Riverside Park is transformed into Ribberside Park. Vendors from across the province turn up with their smokers and custom sauces to compete in various categories that the public votes on. In addition to the ribs, there is also a classic car show and an entire lineup of musicians to entertain you while you eat. It's the yummiest three days at Riverside, by far!
At one of the many festivals
Guelph plays host to many festivals besides Hillside. There's the Dance Festival (which is coming up this weekend), the Jazz Festival, and Guelph Music Fest, to name a few. The festivals in Guelph and the surrounding area are a great way to get out into the community, meet new people, or volunteer your time. There's a festival out there for everyone!At Movie Night in the Square
While enjoying the sun at Guelph Lake
The conservation area at Guelph Lake has both day use, and over night use facilities. The warm sandy beaches are perfect for sandcastles and to dig your toes into, while the cool water of the lake will be refreshing on a hot summer day. Located only a five minute drive north of Guelph, the Guelph Lake conservation area is the perfect place to take a summer #Guelphie!
With a donkey from the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada
Located just south of Guelph, lies the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada, a quiet farm that is home to almost 100 donkeys and mules, as well as several goats, and at one point, a llama! As this is a working farm, the sanctuary is only open on Sundays May 1 to October 30, and on Wednesdays in July and August. Still, there is lots to see and do! Be sure to stop by the on site learning centre to learn about all the care and work that goes into keeping these gentle animals happy and healthy, as well as the difference between a donkey, mule, and a hinny! You can also take the opportunity to brush the animals. And they'll never say no to a #Guelphie!We want to know: Where is your favourite place in town to snap a #Guelphie? Let us know in the comments, and share your pictures with us, using the #Guelphie hastag!
