Built in the 1920s and rebuilt in 1941, this wooden-body caboose served the Canadian Pacific Railway for more than 60 years. For the past 27 years, it has been – and continues to be – beautifully restored by members of the Guelph Historical Railway Association. Inside is now a railway museum on wheels, reflecting the glory days of railroading in the mid-20th century. As part of Digital Doors Open, watch the video below to learn more about this fascinating site.

Nearly 13 years in the making, this temple is an impressive example of modern architecture built to inspire. It features soaring curved staircases, large skylights, marble walls, open spaces and colourful banners. The building also includes a Punjabi school, an event hall, meeting spaces and a kitchen. Its 1,672-square-metre (18,000-square-foot) hall can accommodate the 500 members of the congregation and can be divided into three separate areas. Watch the video below as part of Digital Doors Open and learn more about this vibrant temple.

The Muslim Society of Guelph bought this former elementary school in 2012 and developed it into a place of worship, community centre, full-time elementary school and a daycare. It can now accommodate up to 600 people in the masjid for special services. In 2021, the congregation planned and developed the land behind the mosque as a public garden and park. As part of Digital Door Open, this virtual tour, talk and displays will help you understand the religion, culture and diversity of Guelph’s Muslim community.

Waterloo Avenue, originally called Market Street, was one of the original entrances to the city of Guelph. As the street developed, it became the heart of the new town’s economy. By the 1850s, the quarries that surrounded Waterloo Avenue were a key part of that economy. The building at 225 Waterloo Avenue was constructed on land owned by David Kennedy, one of the most important quarry owners and a master stonemason. He was one of the original owners of Guelph Limestone, now known as the Dolime Quarry – the longest-operating quarry in the city. Remnants of the quarrying operation can still be seen in the backyard. The house, home of Robert C. Kennedy, was built in 1880 of locally quarried limestone in the neoclassical Georgian style with a centre-hall plan. The home is now being lovingly restored by its present owners. As part of Digital Doors Open, learn more about this beautiful house through the video below.

As part of Digital Doors Open, you can follow along with knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides from the Guelph Hiking Trail Club as they explore the new Radial Line Trail from downtown Guelph to the Arboretum in the virtual tour below. Starting at the Covered Bridge, you will follow the path of the old Guelph–Toronto Suburban Railway. See the new walking bridge, which was funded by the Trail Club campaign, find out about the flora and fauna along the way, and climb the limestone cliffs. You can end your hike by wandering the 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) of trails and explore the amazing collection of trees at the Arboretum. Experience this hike digitally from the comfort of your own home.

According to Gordon Couling (as quoted by local author Cindi Conlon in her book, A Limestone Trio), “Douglas Street provides an unexpected contrast to the spaciousness of Wyndham Street. … The street provides an impressive frame for the vista to St. George’s Anglican Church.” Because of its proximity to the County Court House and related buildings, Douglas Street became the location of many lawyers’ offices. Over the years, that tradition has continued but the addition of the Red Brick Café and other businesses has given the street its character. Because of its picturesque streetscape and collection of heritage buildings, it has become a popular film location and has often been used in the CBC’s Murdoch Mysteries television series. As part of Digital Doors Open, Conlon will take you on a virtual walk in the video below and highlight the fascinating history of the street and its buildings.