Weather-permitting, there are a number of outdoor ice rinks in Guelph that are open to the public during the winter, as well as a few indoor rinks that are open year-round.
Market Square
Market Square, located outside of City Hall, is a popular spot plucked right out of a rom com. During the day, it is crowded by families and first-time skaters but by after dark, it can be quite a romantic spot for a late-night skate date.
Community rinks
There are also a number of community-built ice rinks that pop up around the city, including the somewhat legendary Wolfond Park rink and, for the first time this year, a new rink in the south end’s Colonial Drive Park to accommodate for last year’s shutdown of the unauthorized rink off of Summerfield Drive.
Indoor arenas
Public skating can also be found at indoor rinks, including the University of Guelph’s Gryphon Centre, the West End Community Centre, the Exhibition Arena, and the Centennial Arena. Free skating times are posted on the City of Guelph website.
Though many of Guelph’s popular festivals take place during the warmer months of the year, there are a few annual events that keep the celebrations going through the winter.
Parade of Lights
Not too far from Guelph, the Rockwood Farmers’ Santa Claus Parade of Lights turns ordinary farm equipment into illuminated shuttles of holiday cheer.
Stay Out of the Mall
If you would rather listen to some great Canadian music than brave the shopping crowds, Stay Out of the Mall is holding its 15th session at eBar on Dec. 15 and 16.
Sparkles in the Park
Riverside Park lights up at night with Sparkles in the Park from Dec. 17 to 31, an annual display of Christmas lights and attractions topped off with a fireworks show on New Year’s Eve.
Hillside Inside
After deciding that a summer Hillside wasn’t enough, Hillside Inside has been a winter staple for the Guelph music scene since 2008. This year’s lineup will perform at venues throughout the downtown core from Feb. 10 to 12.
If you’re looking for something to keep you on your toes, getting outdoors or going to a game is the perfect way to get your adrenaline going this winter.
Recreational hockey
Recreational hockey runs in the Gryphon Centre most weekday afternoons from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., and starting this year, access is free. The new fitness and recreation website has a schedule of all the activities free for students.
The Guelph Storm
Guelph’s junior hockey team hosts a game at the Sleeman Centre at least once a week. Heading to the rink on a Friday night is a great alternative to those late-night bar lines.
The Frosty Mug
The Frosty Mug is the Gryphons men’s hockey team’s annual winter homecoming game, hosted at the Sleeman Centre on Jan. 19. The game opts for a downtown location to fit more people in the stands. There’s free stuff, lots of cheering, and good hockey.
Once exams are over and you have a bit of time to relax, but you still want to keep your mind and body active, here are some low-stress high-fun ideas to keep you on the go.
Tobogganing
With the amount of hills in Guelph, the whole city has the potential to be a giant tobogganing theme park. However, in the event that the City does not decide to close all of its streets down for such a practical and brilliant idea, here are a few of the best hills in Guelph to get your sled on: Scottsdale Hill, Moe/Mole Hill, Westwood Public School, and the Guelph Country Club.
Hiking
Guelph is home to a series of trails with varied terrain that are perfect for a morning or afternoon hike. Guelph Lake, the Arboretum, and Preservation Park are some popular spots to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. Not too far away, the Rockwood Conservation Area and Starkey Hill offer a more challenging winter hiking experience.
Gaming
If you haven’t been to one of Guelph’s new board game cafes or escape rooms, now is your chance to gather some friends and see what goes on at The Boardroom, The Roundtable, Fantescapes, Exitus, or the Khronos Gauntlet. If you prefer retro video games, Pablo’s has some classic arcade games, or stop by the newly opened Afterlife Video Game Lounge.
One of the best ways to defrost from the biting cold of a Canadian winter is sipping a good hot chocolate—but not all drinkable chocolate beverages are made equal. Here is a list of some of our favourites.
Eric the Baker
Despite its limited indoor seating, Eric the Baker is always packed with people in the winter, especially with the Market Square skating rink right across the road. Try this super fresh hot chocolate with one of Eric’s famous croissants.
York Rd Kitchen & Chocolate Bar
A little ways from downtown, York Rd Kitchen & Chocolate Bar offers something a little different with their Mexican spiced sipping chocolate. For what is essentially a few tablespoons of melted chocolate with an added kick, this small but mighty treat goes a long way.
The Common
The Common keeps their hot chocolate simple by using steamed organic chocolate milk. If you find rich hot chocolates topped with whipped cream and sprinkles too much to handle, this is a smoother and lighter alternative.
The Cornerstore
With a generous portion size, The Cornerstone delivers on a nice and creamy, yet still chocolatey beverage that fills you up like a full meal.
Guelph is a mid-sized city made up of small-town gems. Getting a taste of the local culture can be as simple as tucking into a book at a cozy café, but there’s also a whole city to discover beyond the downtown core.
Pub crawl
Many of Guelph’s culinary touchstones have a cozy atmosphere perfect for colder evenings. Check out the Albion, the Woolwich Arrow, or the Shakespeare Arms for quality pub-grub and warm fireplaces.
Galleries and museums
Discover some local history at the Guelph Civic Museum or the McCrae House. If you’re interested in more contemporary art, stop by the Boarding House Gallery or Renann Isaacs. This is also the perfect opportunity to check out the current exhibits at the Art Gallery of Guelph before they switch over in the new year.
Brewery tours
What’s more festive than drinking a thimble-full of eggnog and then going on a brewery tour because you just remembered that you don’t like eggnog? Guelph has a number of local breweries—like Royal City Brewing Co., Wellington Brewery, Sleeman, and Stonehammer—just waiting to be explored.
Farmer’s Market
Guelph’s Farmer’s Market runs year-round and it’s the perfect place to hunt for some seasonal local ingredients for your holiday feasting—or just pick up some homemade goodies from one of the vendors and save on the cleaning up.
Keeping the oven running and the baked goods flowing is one way to keep your house warm this winter. Try something new this year or stick to the old faithful recipes you know and love.
Gingerbread decorating competition
Channel your inner Betty Crocker with a friendly gingerbread decorating competition. Try baking the gingerbread from scratch and getting creative with shapes and sizes, or buy the pre-made, pre-cut gingerbread houses or people and spend more time creating your sugar-coated masterpiece.
Family recipes
Dig out some old family recipes—the ones that are yellowing with age and coated with a dusty thin layer of flour. Follow the step-by-step instructions, or, if you’re lucky enough, learn from the best and plan a baking day with relatives.
Wine and cheese
Invite some friends and family over for some light snacks and warming wine. Try your hand at being a sommelier and pair wines with cheeses and other small snacks.
Potluck party
This is an obvious favourite at this time of year since it divides up the effort of throwing a party so that it’s not too much work on any one person. Make sure to create a list and have people sign up so you don’t end up with a lot of salads and no desserts or you may find yourself rethinking some friendships.
Exams will finish just in time for a steady stream of holiday movie marathons on TV. If you’re tired of watching the same movies every year, here are a few suggestions that might get you out of your festive film rut.
Paddington
Though it is technically not a holiday film, Paddington is sure to bring out the same warm and fuzzy feelings. After his home is destroyed by a storm in the Peruvian rainforest, Paddington, an impossibly charming talking bear, searches for a new home in the bustling metropolis of London.
Love Actually
This ultimate holiday romantic comedy comes complete with a star-studded cast. Filled to the brim with charm, this film will put you in the mood for the holidays and remind you that the most important gift to give is love, actually.
Gremlins
This ’80s Christmas classic is as funny as it is horrifying. The movie is oozing both holiday cheer and over-the-top violence. For those looking for a different type of yuletide movie, Gremlins might just fit the bill.
Just Friends
Ryan Reynolds stars in this holiday tale of having a second chance at romance. If Reynolds singing ’80s classics in a fat suit isn’t appealing enough, the movie hides a pretty decent feel-good story under its slapstick humour.
For those days when you just can’t bear to face the cold beyond your front door, stay home and cozy up with a few lazy day essentials.
Blanket
Warm beverage
Holiday playlist
Lap dog or cat
Ugly sweater
Good book
Festive snacks