PREAMBLE & PHOTOS BY CHRIS TIESSEN
‘URBAN CHANGE IS NOT JUST ABOUT BUILDINGS — IT’S ABOUT MEMORY, IDENTITY, AND BELONGING.’ -CHARLES LANDRY
St. Patrick’s Ward — known fondly as ‘the Ward’ to Royal City locals — has always been a stout-hearted place: plucky, dogged, enduring. This working-class neighbourhood on the edge of downtown Guelph was built on industry and immigration. Once a patchwork of corner stores and family-run shops in step with the steady rhythm of factory life, it still wears its past proudly. You can see it in the ghost signs, the worn brick, the streets that remember.
I’ve called the Ward home for nearly two decades. I’ve watched it shift — first slowly, then with a quiet, undeniable momentum. These days it’s blooming once again, and has become a hot destination for locals, out-of-town visitors, and even tourism media. Cozy bars, indie cafés, upscale condos, international grocers, a climbing gym, a bustling brewery, an elegant distillery — new life is pouring into old bones. Buildings are finding purpose again. Familiar streets are buzzing with fresh energy.
In early April my TOQUE partner Cai and I dusted off our bikes and spent an afternoon and evening tooling around the neighbourhood: americanos here, sandwiches there, a stiff drink in a factory-turned-watering hole, dinner in a recently-expanded beer hall, nightcaps by a hearth in a converted mill. Playing tourist in my own backyard.
This photo essay is one of my love letters to the Ward — a portrait of a neighbourhood in motion, rooted in history, alive with change. It’s about resilience, reinvention, and the quiet beauty of a place growing without losing its soul.
11:34AM – We kick off our sojourn in St. Patrick’s Ward with americanos — sorry, canadianos — at Double Rainbow Café (60 Ontario St). Tucked into a converted garage that also houses Standing Room Only (an atmospheric steampunk-themed ten-seater bar) and Sugo Mercato (more on that in a bit), Double Rainbow has quickly become a neighbourhood staple. Stellar coffee brewed with beans from Hamilton’s Detour Coffee Roasters. Tasty treats by local favourites like Fleetstreets and Laza. And a curated selection of cute giftables — including Bunny Safari pottery and other gems. Oh, and plenty of community vibes too.
12:23PM – Next up: sandwiches at Sugo Mercato (60 Ontario St). Located in the same building as Double Rainbow, this charming little ‘grocer’ is part bottle shop, part bakery, part hot bar — and entirely delicious. Alongside their stacked, crave-worthy sandwiches, you’ll find house-made noodles, ready-to-go meals (think lasagna, chicken parm, meatballs), and a curated selection of Italian pantry staples. It’s the kind of spot that makes you wish you’d brought a bigger tote — and skipped breakfast. Pro tip: bring a friend and split the chicken parm and mortadello sammies.
1:34PM – We pack up the rest of our sandwiches (because they’re that huge and delicious) and bike from Sugo Mercato down to the Eramosa River, following the scenic riverbank trails toward Royal City Brewing Co (199 Victoria Rd S) for afternoon pints — and, eventually, more food. A true community hub, the brewery features a spacious beer hall, a lively summer patio, and a private event space that’s always buzzing. On tap: a solid lineup of tasty brews, including the ever-refreshing ‘Goldie’ pale ale — our fave for sure. The brewery menu leans comfort-forward with shareable plates, hearty mains, and beer-friendly snacks. Next door to the brewery: the Guelph Grotto climbing gym, where all three of my kids grew up learning the ropes.
4:02PM –After the brewery, we swing by A&E Market Deli (460 York Rd) — a brand-new, must-visit European deli with so much unique international fare — and Lost Aviator Coffee Co (404 York Rd) — my go-to spot for splendid, locally-roasted beans.
4:51PM – Our next stop: Bev’s (101 Beverley St, Unit C). Tucked just behind A&E Market Deli and Lost Aviator, Bev’s might be the coolest watering hole this side of Arabella Park Beer Bar — with similarly laid-back vibes and overhead rolling garage doors. Open Wednesday through Saturday, this industrial-chic spot that you’ll miss if you don’t have your eyes peeled is ideal for pre- or post-dinner cocktails and craft pints. While there’s no full menu (it’s not that kind of place), Bev’s does serve a standout shrimp cocktail and occasionally hosts pop-up nights with guest chefs. Pro tip: don’t skip the bathrooms — they’re downright photogenic.
7:23PM – Our final stop of the day: The Ward Bar at Spring Mill Distillery (43 Arthur St S) for a well-earned nightcap. While I go for the ‘Espresso Martini’ (Sleeman & Sons Vodka, Ward Series Coffee Liqueur, cold brew, a dusting of nutmeg) Cai opts for the ‘Traditionally Fashioned’ (a bold mix of Sleeman & Sons Traditional Straight Whisky, spiced liqueur, citrus, maple, egg white, and bitters). We settle in on the front patio, drinks in hand, as the evening light softens and the neighbourhood hums quietly around us. It’s the kind of moment that reminds me why I love this neighbourhood — and why a simple bike ride around the block can turn into a perfect day.
