About Guelph
Guelph and Wellington County have a rich and interesting history. Pride in that history can be seen in the downtown core of Guelph through buildings and the various monuments dedicated to the history makers of Guelph's past. Wellington County keeps its historical traditions alive and welcomes all to come and celebrate their roots. You can experience the story of Guelph and Wellington County through walking tours, museums and festivals.
Guelph was founded in 1827 by John Galt of the Canada Company. The Scotsman, John Galt has been described as an adventurer, novelist, dramatist, biographer and empire-builder. Guelph officially became a town as of January 1, 1879.
The name Guelph has a special significance, it was the family name of the Dukes of Bavaria and through alliance with the Hohenstaufens came to be the surname of the British Royal family when, in 1714, George of Hanover became George I.
Tradition relates that John Galt, or one of his companions, laid his outstretched hand on a tree stump and predicted that the streets of the new town would radiate from a central point such as his fingers radiated from his palm. It is true that the main streets of downtown Guelph do follow such a pattern, but which came first, the legend or the plan, remains in doubt.
About Fergus
Fergus Stone Heritage Houses
Fergus is very well known for its wide variety of older houses, from the late 1800's. Come and talk a walk through Fergus, formerly known as "Little Falls". More on Fergus' old and 21st century real estate.
Fergus Market
Located on the banks of the beautiful Grand River, a Canadian Heritage River, this market is a must for shoppers and culture lovers alike. The market is housed in one of the most architecturally significant buildings in Fergus, Ontario: the historic Beatty Brothers Farm Implement Manufacturing building, that was built in the early 1870's. Now Fergus Market has many specialty merchants and restaurants. More on Fergus Market.
Theatre On The Grand
This Grand Theater is located downtown Fergus, on St. Andrew Street. It is a 300-capacity concert hall, and has frequent musical and theatrical productions.
Elora Cataract Trailway
The Cataract Trail is a 47 kilometre stretch of trailway. It leads from Elora, through Fergus, Belwood, Orton, Hillsburgh, Erin, and Belfountain to Cataract. The Elora Cataract Trailway is owned by the Credit Valley and Grand River Conservation Authorities and is managed by them in cooperation with the Elora Cataract Trailway Association.
About Elora
The Village of Elora is set in one of the most picturesque areas of Ontario, and is well known for the spectacular Elora Gorge on the Grand River. Now tucked within the boundaries of the amalgamated municipality of the Township of Centre Wellington, Elora's charming village atmosphere remains unchanged. Elora's closest neighbour, Fergus, is only a short distance away. The village's warm, inviting setting makes shopping and dining a memorable experience, as do its many cultural events, outdoor attractions and activities, including the Grand River Raceway which sits on the outskirts of the community.
Scottish stonemasons built the village of Elora along the Grand River and the spectacular Elora Gorge in the heart of Ontario 's farmland. More than a hundred years have passed, and little has changed. The stark limestone architecture and natural beauty of the 80-foot gorges of the Grand and Irvine Rivers are the perfect setting for this jewel, with its historic charm and appealing village core.
The Elora shopping experience is unique, with gift shops and studios in century-old buildings. Dining choices range from casual riverbank picnics to elegant dinners in a sophisticated atmosphere. Those with artistic inclinations can "dabble in the arts" at the Elora Centre for the Arts or at the Wellington County Museum & Archives. The famous Elora Festival, garden tours, an early fall studio tour, and a sparkling nighttime Santa Claus Parade make tempting return visits a must!
Elora's attractive surroundings are more than skin deep. Outdoor enthusiasts can bike, hike, swim or "tube" down the Grand River on a rubber inner tube. Try horseback riding, a horse-drawn buggy ride, hot air balloon rides, surrounded by the some of the most incredible scenery in southern Ontario . Plan a winter visit to cross-country ski, or for a weekend of Christmas shopping free of city crowds. Bring a camera to capture cherished memories and beautiful scenery.
Elora...a short distance away from the hustle and bustle of city life and yet it feels like a world away.