Guelph Civic Museum

Southwestern Ontario


Housed in what was originally an 1854 sandstone convent and extensively transformed in 2012, this attractive museum has attained LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. Within, the museum offers exhibitions, programs and events digging up the history of the city (named after the British royal family's ancestors, the Guelphs). Exhibits are refreshingly inclusive of First Nations' and Métis' histories. The 'Growing Up in Guelph' kids' exhibition makes a happy distraction for little ones.

Hours are extended to 9pm and admission is free on the fourth Friday of the month.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Southwestern Ontario attractions

1. Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate

0.03 MILES

Lording over downtown Guelph is the dominant stone-faced bulk of this basilica and church in the Gothic Revival–style (think England's Houses of…

2. Art Gallery of Guelph

1.18 MILES

More than 7000 works belong to the collection exhibited here in the Raymond Moriyama–designed galleries specializing in Inuit and Canadian art. The Donald…

3. University of Guelph Arboretum

1.84 MILES

Modeled after the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, this stunning microcosm of flora and fauna has 8.2km of paths traversing 165 hectares of…

4. Wellington County Museum

12.71 MILES

A National Historic Site midway between Fergus and Elora, this austere, red-roofed former 'Poor House' provided refuge for the aged and homeless for…

5. Elora Quarry Conservation Area

13.07 MILES

A short walk east of Elora, this superb swimming hole offers seemingly bottomless waters and 12m limestone cliffs. Hormone-fueled teens plummet from great…

6. Elora Gorge Conservation Area

13.21 MILES

About 2km south of Elora is this photo-worthy plunging limestone canyon through which the Grand River seethes. Easy walks extend to cliff views, caves and…

7. THEMUSEUM

13.63 MILES

Though billed as an all-ages museum, THEMUSEUM is geared towards children with loads of sciencey hands-on exhibits, art stations and water features, some…

8. Waterloo Region Museum

13.65 MILES

Waterloo's most modern attraction is this primary-colored local museum with exhibits on the history of Waterloo. Set on 24 hectares, it's the gateway to…