Your night out deserves better than the typical
[1] Play a board game
It’s the golden age of boutique board games. Buy one yourself, rent or borrow one from The Dragon or the Guelph Public Library, or meet with fellow tabletop-gaming lovers at one of Guelph’s board game cafés, The Boardroom and The Round Table. Take the next step and create your own adventure in Dungeons & Dragons or Pathfinder.
[2] Escape
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Downtown Guelph now has three different escape rooms where you and your friends can test your puzzle-solving mettle. Fantescapes and The Khronos Gauntlet both draw on sci-fi and fantasy in their rooms, while Exitus’s offerings include a Canadiana room for Canada 150.
[3] Climb rocks
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Rock climbing rocks and the Guelph Grotto is the place in town for both beginners and old hands. Students can join the University of Guelph Climbing Club and scale the climbing wall in the Athletics Centre, which will feature a new bouldering cave starting this September.
[4] Explore virtual reality
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This is a thing now. Not only can you sample various VR sims and games at the Public Library downtown, you can visit a dedicated VR arcade called Ctrl V, where you can play on your own, book a private party, or join a virtual dodgeball league.
[5] Explore actual reality
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Guelph’s parks and trails are beautiful, especially in the warmer months when you can get an ice cream at the Boathouse at the base of Gordon hill and wander along the Speed River. During the winter, Goldie Mill Park and the Trans Canada Trail make a stirring walk, with icicles glistening on the barren hedges. Campus has its own scenery — be sure to explore the Arboretum.
[6] Throw axes
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Axe-throwing is also a thing now. Riot Axe and Guelph Axe Throwing are the main destinations if you and your friends want to heave a blade or two. The Royal Garrison also offers archery and swordfighting.
[7] Go to a show
Guelph has a rock-solid indie music scene. Follow concert series like GAIN Music, Kazoo!, and Place For Bands; keep tabs on venues like Ebar and Silence; or binge at local festivals like Hillside and Kazoo! Fest. CSA Noon Hour Concerts bring great acts to the UC. If live music’s not your thing, check out a show by the Theatre Program or comedy nights at The Making-Box or Jimmy Jazz.
[8] Drink coffee
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Downtown Guelph has almost as many coffee shops as it does residents. The place for a truly exceptional brew is Planet Bean, but Balzac’s, The Common, and Red Brick each have their charms.
[9] Watch something awesome
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It’s also a golden age of television and cinema. For viewing at home, Netflix is the tip of the video-streaming iceberg. Other options include Fandor and Mubi for art-cinema, Shudder for horror, and Crunchyroll for anime. For the newest big screen treats, Sunday Cinema on campus has you covered, but also check out Guelph’s local independent cinema, The Bookshelf. Finally, if you’re feeling nostalgic you can check out the Mustang Drive-In.
Photo by Alora Griffiths/The Ontarion.