Canada Day means many different things to people in our community. On July 1, Guelph Museums & Culture presents a variety of diverse and inclusive experiences at various locations throughout the city to provide opportunities for learning and reflection, community gathering, and summer celebration, contributing to community vibrancy and a sense of belonging for all.

Time and Place For Reflection

Guelph Civic Museum – 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Museum exhibitions open; admission by donation
Special giveaways while supplies last

11:00 am A Guided meditation Guided meditation with Alpa Acharya: Immerse yourself in a guided meditation that helps develop unconditional love and a deep state of connectedness to each other and our surroundings, culminating in a feeling of containing the entire universe within us. Together, we will acknowledge and become familiar with our infinite consciousness, understand our relationship with the universe, and experience ourselves as the source of unconditional love. Weather permitting, the activity will take place outdoors on our patio and will begin with light stretching and breathing exercises, followed by a 30-minute guided meditation.

12:00 pm Dots to Mindfulness with Roxana Bahrami: Explore mindfulness through dot painting. Local artist Roxana Bahrami will lead participants in creating small mandalas as a way to explore self-expression, practice mindfulness, and develop new coping skills. No experience is necessary, and all supplies will be provided. Limited spaces available; first come, first served.

3:00 pm Pipe music and storytelling by Rene Meshake: Ojibwe elder Rene Meshake will guide participants through an intimate experience, sharing his enchanting flute music and Anishnaabe stories along with the inspirations behind his music and art.

Gather in the Garden

McCrae House National Historic Site – 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Museum open; admission by donation

Tea service at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. Reservation via Eventbrite is  required.

Splash Into Summer

Market Square – 10:30 am to 7:30 pm

Wading pool open.

Afrobeats recorded music.
Family-focused activities (bubbles, sidewalk chalk, art making)
Bahamas Junkanoo Legends rush 2:30 pm

Pop-up Picnic in the Park

Norm Jary Park – 12 noon to 1:00 pm

Neighbours are invited to bring their lunch, and we’ll bring lemonade, treats, and entertainment.
Bahamas Junkanoo Legends rush at 12:15 pm

Pop-up Picnic in the Park

Jubilee Park – 5:00 to 6:00 pm

Neighbours are invited to bring their dinner, and we’ll bring lemonade, treats, and entertainment.
Bahamas Junkanoo Legends rush at 5:00 pm

Cinema in the City: Turning Red

York Road Park – 8:00 to 11:00 pm

Bring your lawn chairs and snacks, we’ll bring the family-friendly movie.
About The Movie: A thirteen-year-old girl named Mei Lee is torn between staying her mother’s dutiful daughter and the changes of adolescence. And as if the challenges were not enough, whenever she gets overly excited she transforms into a giant red panda.