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The Boathouse, located at 116 Gordon Street, Guelph, Ontario, is a single-story wood frame recreational facility that was constructed beside Speed River around 1930. It was built for Edward Johnson, a well-known opera singer. Since its construction, the Boathouse has been used not only to shelter boats, but it has also served as a concession stand, a dance hall, and a Navy Cadet Headquarters. Currently, for more than 130 years, the Boathouse has been used as a primary venue for aquatic recreation in Guelph.
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1800s
It is believed that the first boat house was constructed in 1876 by a Mr. O Coulson. In 1879, Edward McKeague opened a boat rental business operating out of the boathouse and by 1885, William Johnson, the uncle of opera singer, Edward Johnson, took over as manager of the boat house. The boat house was dependent on the Gow dam forming a pool of water in the river.
In 1895 the Speed Canoe Club was formed and met in a hall every Thursday evening above William Johnson’s boat house. The members canoed a mile and a half up river to Victoria Park and returning at midnight, they formed an armada, locking arms and canoes together, singing together until they reached the boat house. During William Johnson’s proprietorship of the boat house, the Speed Canoe club was one of the most active social and sporting organizations with a membership of 250 people between 1895 and 1900.
1900s
The 1930 model of the Boathouse was not the first structure of its kind to be built. Historically, Guelph’s first Boathouse was built in 1876. At this time, James Johnson, father of famous tenor Edward Johnson, was the manager of the boat rental business located at the Boathouse. In 1885, management duties shifted to James’s brother William, under whose leadership the Speed Canoe Club was created. Located on Speed River beside the Boathouse, the Speed Canoe Club is considered to be one of Guelph’s most active social and sporting organizations, and to this day it continues to be a popular venue for boaters and aquatic enthusiasts alike. The Boathouse was used by the Navy League of Canada during World War II, serving as the main headquarters for the Sea Cadets until 1993. At that point, the building had fallen into disrepair. The Sea Cadet unit relocated to new quarters on Cardigan Street, and the city announced its intention to demolish the building and level the land in order to create more parking spots for the Guelph Lawn Bowling Club.
However, some residents argued that the building should be preserved as an historic structure. Restaurateurs made a deal with the city to restore the heritage structure in exchange for a long-term lease at nominal rent. A newer addition at the rear, which had been storage space when the Sea Cadets occupied the building, was demolished, leaving only the 1930s structure.
2000s to present
In June 2011, The Boathouse celebrated two significant milestones. The first was its declaration of 135 years since it was founded, and the second was its celebration of 15 years since its reopening as an ice cream parlor and tea room.
The popularity of the Boathouse is commonly attributed to its ambience as a non-chain restaurant. A small, independently operated business, it is not uncommon to see the owner chatting with visitors making all feel welcome and frequently answering questions about the Boathouse.
In celebration of the Boathouse's double milestone, owner Brenda Tremblay openly discussed her commitment to the Boathouse. In 1997, renovations to restore the historic building totaled $100,000, and an enticing 10-year rental agreement with the City of Guelph was reached.
Today, the Boathouse is used as a tea room. Open daily, the Boathouse serves not only ice cream cones and yogurt smoothies, but it also features a full menu offering fresh, light lunches.
Menu and additional features
The Boathouse offers a variety of wraps, salads and small entrees for under $11 a plate. Open from 9am to 4pm for service, The Boathouse serves up great vegetarian options, healthy choices, all made with fresh food. The Boathouse is also available for evening rentals for special occasions.
Ice cream parlour
Serving up 16 ever-changing flavours day-to-day, The Boathouse features a parlour serving ice cream from Maypole dairy. Within its menu, The Boathouse offers ice cream cones, milkshakes and yogurt smoothes.
The tea room
Available for enjoyment within the Boathouse is a quaint and sophisticated tea room offering over 30 varieties of loose and herbal teas to choose from. Also available is a Boathouse Exclusive Blend and exotic white teas.
Canoeing and kayaking
Run by Speed River Paddling Inc., canoe and kayak rentals are available through The Boathouse. Open Tuesdays to Sundays 10am to 7pm and closed for the winter season, canoes and kayaks are available for rental at the user’s leisure.
Canoe rates are $15/hour on weekdays and $18/hour on weekends. For added convenience, there is also a $30 half day rate (2–5 hours) and a $40 full day (5+ hours) rate.
Additionally, kayak rates are $12/hour on weekdays, $15/hour on weekends, with a $25 half day rate (2–5 hours) and a $35 full day (5+ hours) rate.