- “Gwelf”, not “Gelf”!
Known as the Royal City, Guelph is recognized for its charming downtown and rich natural landscape. The city embraces a blend of heritage and modern amenities, creating a welcoming environment for all visitors. With an extensive network of parks, trails, and green spaces, as well as unique cafes and local shops, there’s always something to explore. One highlight is the Guelph Farmers’ Market, held every Saturday—one of the city’s oldest and most cherished community spaces, where locals and visitors alike can enjoy fresh, locally sourced food.
- Best Campus Food in Canada
Did you know that the University of Guelph is consistently ranked as having the best campus food in Canada? With a strong commitment to sustainability, many of the ingredients used in campus dining come directly from local farms and gardens. Whether you’re looking for fresh, locally sourced meals or a variety of international cuisine, you’ll have no shortage of great dining options to fuel your LABash experience!
- Our Campus Architecture
Image: Carolinh Do, H.L. Hutt Building
Once you make your way onto campus, you’ll find a fascinating mix of architectural styles that will keep you engaged:
- Gothic Revival: Macdonald Hall
- Classical Revival: Macdonald Institute
- Brutalism: McLaughlin Library, University Centre, Lambton Hall
- Queen Anne: Massey Hall
From historic buildings to modern design, the University of Guelph’s campus offers an inspiring backdrop for this year’s LABash.
- Our Events
With just a few months until LABash 2025, we’re gearing up for an unforgettable conference centered around our theme, Reimagine. This year’s lineup will feature:
- Over twenty educational sessions covering a diverse range of topics in landscape architecture.
- Guided tours of the Toronto waterfront, led by City of Toronto planners and representatives from Waterfront Toronto, showcasing past, present, and future redevelopment projects along one of Canada’s most iconic waterfronts.
- How It’s Made tours offering a behind-the-scenes look at the production of landscape site furnishings from Green Theory and Hauser and play structures made by Earthscape. Get an insider perspective on the custom design and manufacturing processes behind the tools and products you’ll be specifying in future projects!
- LABash Nights – unwind after a full day of learning at our networking events, where you’ll have the chance to casually connect with students and professionals over drinks and great conversation, including Land8 “Happy Hour”!
- And so much more!
- Keynote Speakers
The 2025 LABash Conference promises to be an inspiring event, with a powerhouse lineup of keynote speakers–Naomi Ratte, Matt Williams, Virginia Burt, and Tom Ryan (pictured left to right)–who will engage in influential dialogues on Indigenous perspectives, land-based teachings, and the evolving role of landscape architects. These thought provoking presentations will inspire the next generation of designers and spark meaningful conversations that bridge the gap between students and professionals. The conference offers a fresh lens to explore design, culture, and the environment by addressing some of the most crucial issues shaping the field today.
- Strengthening Your Network
Left: Maya Schmeler, Landscape Architecture Courtyard; Right: Kelsey Moore, Landscape Architecture Building Exterior
LABash isn’t just a conference; it’s a community. This is your chance to expand your network across Canada and the U.S., meet your future professional employers, and form connections that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re seeking mentorship, career opportunities, or like-minded peers, LABash is the perfect setting to strengthen your ties within the field.
Don’t Miss Out!
2019 UGA LABash
LABash 2025 is shaping up to be an incredible event filled with inspiration, education, and unforgettable. Make sure you’re part of it! Check out www.labash.org for more details and stay tuned for upcoming announcements. We can’t wait to welcome you to Guelph!
Image: ASLA
Interested in hosting a future LABash Conference in 2027 or beyond? Apply here.
Published in Blog, Cover Story
