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Photo Credit: Donkey Sanctuary
Need ideas for a date in and around Guelph? Whether you want to go old-school with a drive-in movie or go with the times and breakout of an escape room, you are sure to find something to your taste!
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Red Brick Cafe:
Ask anyone in Guelph and they are likely to mention the Red Brick Cafe. “A little bit of Europe in Guelph,” Red Brick boasts, and this feels true as soon as you enter the space. One day you might encounter an art show, the next a live musical performance, but you will always find their delicious any-time-of-day menu. Definitely try the coffee. Details
Play with Clay:
You don’t need an appointment or reservation to have a creative and unique date at Play with Clay. Create your masterpiece and paint it at this Wyndham street studio — or pull a Ghost and get your pottery on together. It’s all up to you and your artistic sensibilities. Details
Mustang Drive-In:
Take it old-school with a drive-in movie and ensure a memorable date. The Mustang Drive-In is currently open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night. If you’re looking for something a little more unique, check their website for the next “allnighter” event where you can test your viewing stamina and watch four films in a row. Details
My Kitty Cafe:
If your date isn’t allergic, taking a trip to My Kitty Cafe on Wyndham St. is a perfect outing. There’s food (ranging from omelettes to ramen to “kitty cupcakes”) as well as a revolving group of cats ready to be adopted to a good home. Details
The University of Guelph’s Arboretum:
Famous for its 400 acres of natural space, the Arboretum at the University of Guelph is the perfect low-key date for a nice day. Woodlands, wetlands, meadows, and free from dawn until dusk — you won’t be bored with the variety of plant and animal life found here. Details
The Donkey Sanctuary:
The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada is exactly what it sounds like, and is a more delightful outing than you might imagine. Though twenty minutes outside of Guelph, the sanctuary makes for a unique date spot. This is a working farm, so pay attention to the hours. You can visit these sweet animals on any Sunday between 10am and 3pm from May to October, or any Wednesday in July and August. DetailsThe Boathouse Tea Room:
Head down to the river for high tea, lunch, or ice-cream at the Boathouse Tea Room. If you’re up for a little excitement, you and your date can even rent a boat and test out your teamwork skills in a canoe, or play it more independent in a couple of kayaks. Details
The Round Table:
The Round Table is Guelph’s first board game cafe and has impressive selection of boardgames as well as a stand-out cocktail menu and delicious milkshakes. Alternatively, go for one of their coffee choices and gear yourself up to win. What better way is there to discover your date’s competitive side? Details\
Rockwood Conservation Area:
Get out and explore mother nature at Rockwood Conservation Area.. Here you will be amazed by the stunning natural wonders – in this one place, you can spot the following towering limestone cliffs, caves and glacial buffs.
Bread Bar:
It’s always good to know where your food is coming from, and Bread Bar allows you to do just that. The restaurant sources their ingredients locally and crafts specialty meals that will be sure to impress both you and your date. The spot is also well-known for a plethora of vegan and vegetarian options for dates involving dietary restrictions. DetailsKaraoke at Sip Club:
There’s nothing quiet as freeing as a good night of baring your soul on stage — right? Take your date down to Sip Club on a Sunday night for some of the highest ranked karaoke in the city. If you or your date really wants to show your stuff, Sip Club also offers an open mic every Tuesday night. Sing on! Details
Elora Quarry:
It’s not every day you get to say you hung out at a Quarry, and although the Elora Quarry is a little outside of Guelph, the swimming and picnicking opportunities should not be missed. The quarry is surrounded by sheer cliffs and luscious greenery and is a fine place to do some mutual sunbathing on a hot summer day. Details
Observatory Telescope:
Bring something celestial to your date by heading to the University of Guelph campus and spending some time with the Observatory Telescope. The viewing season is in the summer and requires pre-booking, but the look at the cosmos will be worth the extra planning. Details
Wellington Brewery’s Sampling Hours:
If you’re into Ontario’s craft beer scene then you’re aware of the brews coming out of Wellington Brewery. Whether or not you’re a connoisseur, Wellington Brewery’s tap room sampling hours occur seven days a week between 11am and 7pm and always feature 12 taps to enjoy. Come for the samples and stay for the cozy atmosphere. Details
AirU Trampoline Park:
What says “fun” louder than “Trampoline Park”? Allow AirU’s indoor Trampoline Park to unleash your inner child. You have to book in advance and either bring or purchase non-slip trampoline socks, but the reward is a date that neither of you will ever forget. Details
Guelph Lake Conservation Park:
Another natural spot for romance, Guelph Lake features a beach, swimming opportunities, fishing, and spots for boating. Open from May to mid-October, you can spend the day there or extend the adventure by booking a campsite online. DetailsAberfoyle Antique Market:
Though it may not sound like the most romantic of dates, antiquing is a great opportunity to find interesting talking (and laughing) points with another person. Aberfoyle Antique Market — located just south of Guelph — is Canada’s largest outdoor antique market. Open every Sunday from the end of April to the end of October, this market might have something that you can both cherish forever. Details
Brunch at 39 Carden Street Bistro:
There’s nothing quite like a weekend kicked off with a mimosa, and you can find that and more at 39 Carden Street, where the brunch runs from 9am to 4pm. Not into brunch? You can also check out their daily snacks and mains menus on their website. There’s sure to be something tasty to agree on. Details
Friday Night Salsa Dancing at Flying Dance Community:
No experience necessary! Get back to date basics with some steamy salsa dance lessons at Flying Dance Community with their weekly Friday Nights Salsa Dance Fix. The first lesson runs from 8-10pm which is followed by social dancing until 1am! Details
Bowling at Woodlawn Bowl:
For a date with a little of everything, you can get your bowl on at Woodlawn Bowl. Featuring dollar games from Sunday through Thursday and an extensive music and video choice list, there will be plenty of opportunities to show off, dance, and play at these lanes. Details
The Kissing Bridge Trailway:
Sure, the name of this trail might be a little on the nose, but there is plenty to enjoy as you explore your chosen segment of the 45 kilometres of beautiful Ontario landscape. Features of the path include the Grand River, the Conestoga River, and the wetlands near Elmira. The relatively flat trail surface makes it easy to stroll, cycle, or even snowshoe with your date. Details
The Guelph Grotto Climbing Gym:
For under $20 a person you can buy a day pass to the Guelph Grotto Climbing gym and make your romantic connection high above ground level. You can even take a lesson together and make this date a recurring experience — after all, there’s an infinity of ways to make it to the top. DetailsBuon Gusto:
For a more refined date, head over to Buon Gusto for a romantic Italian meal. Featuring wood-fired pizza with homemade dough and a warm atmosphere, this spot will have you (and your date) longing to return. Don’t forget to try one of their delightful cocktails. Details
Ghost Walk of Guelph:
Those who get scared together stay together. Keep an eye out for the dates when Ghost Walk of Guelph hosts public walks or email to book your own private spooky tour through the city’s haunted streets. Details
Break out of an Escape Room:
Escape rooms are an increasingly popular bonding activity and — so long as you have patience with your co-escapee — make for an unforgettable date. The Khronos Gauntlet, Exitus, and Fantescapes each offer their own unique experiences. If you get hooked, there are always more adventures waiting. Details
Outdoor Ice Skating:
Instead of waiting for the long Ontario winter to pass, make the most of it with an afternoon of outdoor ice skating at one of Guelph’s public rinks. There are currently twenty-one rinks to choose from, so distance should be no problem. You can find the list of open rinks on the city of Guelph’s website Details
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