Built in 1941, this wooden-body caboose served the Canadian Pacific Railway for more than 40 years. For the past 23 years, it has been restored by the Guelph Historical Railway Association and is now a railway museum on wheels, reflecting the glory days of the mid-20th century. Locomotive 6167, built in 1940, was used as a passenger and freight train.

Guelph’s only example of modern classicism, this building retains original exterior decorative details. At first, it housed the post office and other federal departments. When the post office closed in 2005, the art deco interior was restored, along with the original bronze doors, stained-glass windows and plasterwork. Today, it is home to Guelph’s social services division as well as apartments.

Built in 1879 of local limestone in the Italianate style, the Guelph Waterworks Engine House and Pumping Station supplied a reliable water source to fight fires and supply good-quality drinking water in a growing city. Details in the window openings, the Matthew Bell-carved stonework, and curved brackets supporting the gable roof were all restored in 2020.

This is a magnificent example of modern architecture, built to inspire worshippers — with soaring curved staircases, open spaces, marble walls and large skylights. This impressive feat of architecture also features a Punjabi school, an event hall, meeting spaces and a kitchen. During Doors Open, enjoy lunch while you learn about the cultural connection between Sikh faith and food.

The Muslim Society bought this former elementary school in 2012 and developed it into a place of worship, offices, community hall, library, classrooms and a daycare. Tours and displays will help visitors understand the culture of Guelph’s Muslim community. And, during Doors Open, enjoy a free lunch and learn about the cultural connection between the Muslim faith and food.

Designed in 1882, this building first served as Alexander Bain Petrie’s pharmacy. It incorporates the remaining pieces of the former Western Hotel. The building is one of only three remaining buildings in Canada that were erected before 1890 with stamped galvanized iron façades. The building is also home to the Brothers Brewing Company, which will be part of your tour.

John H. Sleeman founded this brewery in 1851 and began a dynasty whose descendants are a part of Guelph's history. Today’s modern brewery building not only showcases the brewing process and its sustainable practices, but it also tells the history of the Sleeman family through memorabilia that you will explore in the museum (no brewery tours, but samples available).

The single-storey section was the original building of Allan’s Mill, constructed in 1835 with locally quarried limestone. Now the Ward Bar, it was restored in 1979 by the Woods company and retains its original floor, fireplace and windows. The three-storey section, restored by Fusion Homes and John Sleeman, houses the distillery's barrels, Douglas fir fermenters and copper stills.

Built in the Second Empire style, The Sovereign stands as an interesting neighbour to The Petrie Building. The fourth-floor mansard roof, ornate dormers and corner turret create an impressive presence. The third-floor ballroom was originally used by the Oddfellows, whose symbols survive on the ceiling of the now-restored offices of Williams & McDaniel Property Management.

Four dramatic lakes, which originate from the ice age, are hidden gems in Guelph. Short hikes — starting from the south end of the parking lot for Pearson Park, led by the Guelph Hiking Trail Club — will explore a couple of these lakes and their surrounding biodiversity. The terrain, which is relatively flat, makes for easy hikes for the whole family.