Whether you are in the mood for a haunted winter walk or would prefer something a little more light-hearted like watching a movie, going to a theatre, catch a live concert, Wellington County has you covered. With its rich history, diverse geography, and many cultural attractions all you have to do is bundle up and pick an activity from this list that appeals to you.

Winter Fun in Guelph – Wellington: Events, Festivals and Outdoor Adventures

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Events & Festivals

Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet®

Experience the enchanting world of Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet® with stunning choreography, costumes, and a captivating score that transports you to Prince Edward Island’s rolling hills. Details

Sunday, January 14, 2024 | 2:00 PM

River Run Centre, 35 Woolwich St, Guelph

Splash’N Boots

Join the renowned children’s entertainers, Splash’N Boots for a joyful musical celebration perfect for the whole family! Details

Sunday, January 21, 2024 | 1:00 PM

River Run Centre, 35 Woolwich St, Guelph

The Jim Cuddy Band

Enjoy an unforgettable evening with Canadian music legend Jim Cuddy and his band featuring a treasure trove of iconic songs that have become part of the Canadian soundtrack, with special guest Devin Cuddy opening the shows. Details

Friday, January 26, 2024 | 7:30 PM

Fergus Grand Theatre, 244 St Andrew Street West, Fergus

Winter Birdwatching At The Arboretum

Explore the fascinating world of birds during a stroll through The Arboretum, where you’ll discover how resilient birds endure the cold season, observe northern visitors, and have the chance to borrow binoculars while learning or honing your birding skills. Be sure to dress warmly for this activity! Details

Saturday, January 27 or Sunday, February 4, 2024 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

The Arboretum, 200 Arboretum Road, Guelph

Almost, Maine By John Cariani

In this romantic comedy filled with playful and surreal moments, relationships undergo transformations as strangers form friendships, friends become lovers, and lovers find themselves as strangers once more. Details

February 9 – 25, 2024

Guelph Little Theatre, 176 Morris Street, Guelph

Walking Through the Fire

Witness an inspiring collaboration between acclaimed First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists and the three-time JUNO nominees and Canadian Folk Music Award winners, Sultans of String, as they unite diverse musical traditions to promote unity and respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls for action. Details

Thursday, February 1, 2024 | 8:00 PM

River Run Centre, 35 Woolwich St, Guelph

GrandWay Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre: The Great Gaspé

Join Mick Faraway in “The Great Gaspé,” set in 1922 New York, as he narrates his first impressions of his privileged neighbor’s friends, offering a vivid contrast to his own modest lifestyle. Details

Saturday, February 3 & 10, 2024 | 5:30 PM- 9:00 PM

Fergus Grand Theatre, 244 St Andrew Street West, Fergus

Guelph Storm

Cheer on the hometown team and enjoy a game of hockey with Guelph Storm. Details

Sleeman Centre, 50 Woolwich St, Guelph

Kinderconcerts

Park Eatery Kinderconcerts provide interactive symphony performances for children under five, featuring members of the Guelph Symphony Orchestra who share classical music, stories, and timeless fairytales, fostering an enriching, hands-on experience with active audience participation. Details

The Lion and the Mouse | Saturday, February 3, 2024 | 9:30, 10:30 & 11:30 AM
The Sword in the Violin Case | Saturday, March 23, 2024 | 9:30, 10:30 & 11:30 AM

River Run Centre, 35 Woolwich St, Guelph

The Trews – House of Ill Fame 20th Anniversary Tour

Don’t miss Canadian rockers The Trews as they celebrate their platinum-selling debut album, House of Ill Fame, by performing it in its entirety along with other hits and fan favorites. Details

Saturday, February 10, 2024 | 8:00 PM

River Run Centre, 35 Woolwich St, Guelph

That’s Amoré! Date Night Pasta Making

Steve D’Alimonte from Piccolo Farm Organics is conducting an authentic pasta making experience this Valentine’s Day, where you’ll learn the art of making fresh pasta in a romantic setting, complete with a glass of wine. Details

Wednesday, February 14, 2024 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

10C Shared Space, 42 Carden St, Guelph

Elliott Tree Farm Maple Syrup Experience

Enjoy Elliott Tree Farm’s Maple Syrup Experience, which includes entry to the Maple Syrup Museum of Ontario, all-you-can-eat pancakes with bacon and sausage, and a walk to the sugar shack to witness maple syrup being made while tasting maple taffy, sugar, sap, and syrup. Details

Weekends, February 17 – April 7, 2024

Elliott Tree Farm, 9467 Erin East Garafraxa Townline, Hillsburgh

Coldest Night of the Year

The Coldest Night of the Year is a winterrific family-friendly walk in support of local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness. Details

February 24, 2024 | 4:00 PM

Guelph CVI, 155 Paisley Street to Hope House Guelph, 10 Cork Street East, Guelph

Kilt Skate at the CW Sportsplex

Tartan up and enjoy some skating, hot chocolate and shortbread, and of course, the sound of the bagpipes. Details

Sunday, February 25, 2024 | 4:30 PM

Centre Wellington Sportsplex – 550 Belsyde Ave. E., Fergus

Paw Patrol Party With Marshall & Rubble

Join the PAW-SOME Party with Marshall and Rubble on Monday, March 11th, where kids can dance, play, take pictures, and have fun with the pups. Details

Monday, March 11, 2024 | 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Tiny Town Children’s Discovery Centre, 66 Arrow Road #Unit D, Guelph

An Act of the Imagination

See a comedic mystery thriller by Bernard Slade, a gripping British who-done-it involving a successful mystery writer whose life takes an unexpected turn when his wife approves of his new, adulterous romance novel. Details

March 3, 9, – 10 15 – 17, 2024

Century Church Theatre, 72 Trafalgar Rd, Hillsburgh

Erth’s DINOSAUR ZOO LIVE™

Experience the remarkable Erth’s DINOSAUR ZOO LIVE™, where lifelike, life-sized dinosaurs come to life through special effects and puppetry in an educational and unforgettable journey through time. Details

Monday, March 11, 2024 | 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM

River Run Centre, 35 Woolwich St, Guelph

Mozart Requiem at the Basilica

Shrouded in mystery, infused with theatricality and poignancy, Mozart’s powerful Requiem remains beloved by audiences more than two centuries after its first performance. Details

Sunday March 24, 2024 | 3:00 PM

Basilica of Our Lady, 28 Norfolk St, Guelph

Attractions & Outdoor Adventures

The Mole Hill at Centennial Park is a popular tobogganing destination. While youngsters slide down the hill, the adults can walk the trails or take the dog to meet some new furry friends at the onsite leash-free park.

North of Guelph, the Ignatius Jesuit Centre’s Old-Growth Forest Project is a 5km network of hiking and cross-country skiing trails in a diverse natural area along the Speed River; passing through the old Jesuit settlement ruins.
Located in front of City Hall, the Market Square Skating Rink is open all winter long. The skating time currently is limited to 45 minutes to ensure everyone gets time on the ice.

Market Square skating rink; The City of Guelph

If winter hiking is your passion join the Guelph Hiking Trail Club. Join other hiking enthusiasts for a variety of organized hikes and get updates on hiking trail closures.
The Wellington County Museum, also known as the Poor House is considered to be one of the most haunted places in Wellington County. This former homeless shelter may just be spooky enough to see from the outside, but if you dare, step inside the museum to learn more about the history of Wellington County.

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Take a self-guided tour through the University of Guelph. Although the university itself was founded in 1964, many of its buildings go back to the beginning of the 20^th century. For example Macdonald Hall is the University’s oldest residence building, dating back to 1903.
Love skiing? The Guelph Nordic Ski Club maintains some of the finest ski trails in the area. Enjoy over 10 km of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing.
The outdoor Guelph Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday. Almost two centuries old, it is considered one of the most active and vibrant markets in Southern Ontario and offers a gorgeous view of Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate.
Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate is an iconic Gothic Revival church in the heart of Guelph. Resembling the famous Notre Dame in Paris, the church’s construction began in 1847 and was completed in. Centrally located, the church can be seen from multiple vantage points. Get up close to see the splendor for yourself or visit the Church’s virtual tour.

Basilica – Shrine of Our Lady Immaculate

Love outdoor scavenger hunts? Try Geocaching. Hundreds of geocaches are hidden all around Guelph and in the surrounding areas. Hidden places, interesting facts, and souvenirs along the way are waiting to be discovered with this free app.
Stretching between Woodlawn Rd E and Speedvale Ave E, Riverside Park is the most popular park in Guelph. During the winter months, the natural skating rink is open weather permitting. The leash-free dog area and the trail running along the Speedvale River are popular amongst pet owners.

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Another top-ranked park according to local residents, is the Eramosa River Park. In the winter, you’ll see the ducks waddling on the ice sheets along the Eramosa River Trail and if you are up for a longer adventure this trail connects to the Guelph Radial Trail.
The Eramosa River Trail passes through many landmarks in the city of Guelph. One of these landmarks is the lattice covered bridge. Constructed in 1992, it’s one of only 2 remaining covered bridges in Ontario.
Guelph Off-Road Bicycling Association is a group devoted to preserving, maintaining, and even increasing the trail network in the Guelph area. Join the Club by visiting their website to participate in club rides and get updates on trail conditions.

The City of Guelph

Silvercreek Trail that runs through Guelph has paths for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing.
Rockwood Conservation Area is maintained by Grand River Conservation Authority year-round. Visitors can hike and snowshoe the trails that traverses caves and ruins.

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In the winter months Guelph Lake Conservation Area is open for hiking. Grand River Conservation Authority season pass will grant you access or you can pay at the honorary box located at the gate.

Located in the town of Minto, the 12km White Junction Trail is maintained in the winter and has hiking trails for all skills levels.
The University of Guelph Arboretum covers 400 acres next to the main campus. The area is devoted to the preservation of woody plants and has many walking trails, woodlands, wetlands, and meadows.

The Arboretum, University of Guelph

Another symbol of local railway heritage is the Palmerston Railway Pedestrian Bridge. It was originally built to allow school children a safe passage over the tracks to get to school. Now it’s a scenic lookout.
Fletcher Creek Ecological Reserve is an abandoned quarry that is now a wetland and home to foxes, groundhogs and other animals. During the winter you can see and hear many birds as you hike the trails of this reserve.

Discover the picturesque towns of Elora and Fergus. Visit the ruins or enjoy a spa treatment or dinner (limited seating) at the Elora Mill with a gorgeous view of the rushing river underneath.