Guelph

The Royal City is a more appropriate term for this place. A British Development Firm, Canada Company, chose Guelph as its headquarters. The city was founded on the Feast Day of the patron saint of England. It was named in honor of the descendants of the ancestral family (Guelph) of the reigning British emperor- George IV, the Hanoverians.As soon as you enter the city, take a minute to buy yourself a map. The first thing you will notice is the city's unique layout. The city has been designed in the shape of a lady's fan. Many streets join together to form triangles to resemble the segments of the fan.Situated at the intersection of Highways 6 and 7, this fan lies majestically in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. The city stands witness to the spectacular convergence of the River Speed flowing in from the north and the Eramosa River flowing in from the east. Together they flow southwest. This little combination is a gem in a million. Be sure to take time out to enjoy this marvelous scene of Mother Nature at work. You will fall in love with it a once. A picnic at the bank or at the numerous thick chasms is not a bad idea.

In fact, most recently, the city government has taken steps to preserve and maintain the natural environment, especially around and near the banks of the rivers, to allow wildlife to flourish through the prevention of natural habitats. The Riverside Park beside the Speed River offers excellent sights of the watercourse and the flourishing ecology. A stroll in the evening or a sunset picnic is perfectly quixotic for a young couple on a honeymoon. Other than the admirable surroundings, the natural sounds of the flowing waters and the wildlife that flourishes around it sets the stage for a serene day out to think things through or just to escape from the hurried pace of life. The prevalent cleanliness and a low crime rate together contribute to the city's status as Canada's best places to live in: the city was ranked among the 10 best places to live in Canada by Chatelaine magazine and fourth in 2007 by Moneysense.

Weather should be the least of your worries. The city enjoys moderate climate in both summer and winters; so any time is the right time for a trip to this watery heaven. You might be taken by surprise by the strong summer winds though for the city is situated at the Lake Breeze Front.A lot of the cities natural attractions are located along or near the banks of the rivers or the various creeks that flow out of them. Each one deserves a visit. However the best time of visit is during the autumn. The colorful reflection of the autumn sky in the Speed River is a sight to behold. The wonderful blend of shades of green, red and amber will take your breath away. You will be amazed by the shades and blend of crimson and pink at the footbridge at Riverside Park in an autumn sunset. While there, face north and enjoy the breath taking view of yellow trees against a clear blue sky. The red trees at the Fork are another treat to treasure. The trees appear to be red lollipops in a white background.

Other than the natural sites, the city is also affluent in its arts heritage. There is always an exhibition at the McDonalds Stewart Arts Center of regional, international and national artists. The River Run Center is the city's foremost performing arts arena with three halls that play host to both dramatic and music arts. For artifacts, be sure to visit The Bookshelf Ebar Art Space. It functions as the city's alternative art center.To encourage the education of arts among the youngsters, The Guelph Youth Music Centre operates as a permanent facility. It accommodates for rehearsals, classes as well as performances by local youth arts patrons.To promote filmmaking and media arts, the Ed Video Media Arts Center holds scheduled programs to encourage and promote media arts among the masses.

The people of Guelph love their music. As a result, various artists have sprung up from this city. Renowned names include Royal City, King Cobb Steelie, Jim Guthrie, The Constantines, Elbow Beach Surf Club, The Barmitzvah Brothers, Green Go, Flashlight Brown, the Kramdens and The D'Urbervilles.