Guelph, Canada 🇨🇦
#1263
43.533239, -80.261587
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Guelph is a city located in south-central Ontario, Canada, known for its vibrant community and rich cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 135,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 CAD ≈ 0.73 USD; Major banks include Royal Bank of Canada, TD Canada Trust, and Scotiabank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable; Guelph has high-quality municipal tap water. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, North American Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Rogers, Bell, Telus and Freedom Mobile, with prepaid SIM options available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common payment types include debit and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard), and mobile payment apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include rental apartments, shared housing, and Airbnb; average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is around CAD 1,300. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely in stores and restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo are popular for short-term rentals. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Guelph Youth Hostel offers budget lodging at approximately CAD 30 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Cornerstone Community Centre offers coworking facilities and networking opportunities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Borealis Grille & Bar, known for its great atmosphere and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Guelph Chamber of Commerce holds regular networking events and workshops. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Guelph's Newcomer Centre organizes social events for international residents. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available in Guelph. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Biking is popular; bike-sharing services like Guelph Bike Share exist. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Port Stanley Beach, approximately 1.5-hour drive away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Canada operates regional flights from nearby airports. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | WestJet and Air Canada for international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to Highway 401, a major route for travel in Ontario. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Guelph Central Station is the main hub for train travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | City of Guelph transit system offers day and monthly passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | GO Transit operates routes linking Guelph to Toronto and Kitchener. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Guelph General Hospital, offering a variety of healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Breathe Yoga offers classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | GoodLife Fitness and Movati Athletic are popular options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Coin-operated laundromats are available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and SkipTheDishes are widely used for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Poutine, a Canadian dish featuring fries, cheese curds, and gravy. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Fresh from the Farm offers vegan options and local ingredients. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dieppe Bakery is famous for its pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Guelph Farmers' Market offers local produce and goods every Saturday. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon.ca delivers to Guelph; local options like The Book Store also exist. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Instacart allows for grocery delivery from local stores. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Downtown Guelph has a vibrant bar scene, especially along Macdonell Street. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Royal City Brewing Company produces locally crafted beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wooly, offers a selection of local wines and craft beers. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | During events, food trucks appear at the city's festivals. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Karma Indian Cuisine provides a range of international flavors. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate is a key historical site. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Art Gallery of Guelph showcases local and international artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Guelph Civic Museum offers insights into the city's history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. George's Anglican Church is a notable religious establishment. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Guelph Festival of the Arts takes place every September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Downtown Guelph features numerous cultural venues and galleries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The River Run Centre hosts various performances and shows. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Guelph Farmers' Market offers local produce and crafts every Saturday. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Hillside Festival features local and international musicians annually. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Guelph features various murals and public artworks around downtown. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Cooking School at the Guelph Farmers' Market offers workshops. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Macdonald Stewart Art Centre features both contemporary and historic art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | TheOld Guelph Post Office is a beautifully preserved historic site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Home to the Guelph Mercury and the famous Guelph Maple Leaf. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Guelph Lake Conservation Area offers hiking, fishing, and swimming. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The closest national parks include Rondeau and Point Pelee, about 2 hours away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Guelph Trail System includes over 50 km of trails for biking and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Eramosa River offers beautiful walking trails and scenic views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Guelph Lake is a great location for birdwatching, particularly during migrations. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Guelph Lake has designated areas for bonfires in the summer. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | FedEx and Canada Post have reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Apple and Android repair services are available at local shops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have ping pong tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Guelph Public Library offers ESL and language learning programs. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Guelph Public Library is a great place for reading and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers provide resources and activities for locals. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming venues host tournaments and open gaming nights. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are nearby casinos, such as the Grand River Raceway, about 30 minutes away. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 4,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CAD 160,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 3,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CAD 128,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 3,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CAD 216,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CAD 168,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CAD 256,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 2,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CAD 192,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% in Ontario for corporate tax. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% for non-residents. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Canada has a progressive tax system with personal income taxes based on gross income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Up to 54% in Ontario for high earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is 5%, with Ontario's provincial sales tax of 8% making it 13%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Canada imposes strict rules on foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on the property's assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically around 1.5% to 2% on the transaction value. |