Although it became a legal statutory holiday in 1894, Guelph did not hold a Labour Day Parade until September 1902.

In winter, children hit the hills with sleighs and toboggans. While those with money joined the Snowshoe and Toboggan Club, others made do with the local hills .they careened wildly down streets and on the sidewalks. Favoured streets included Eramosa, Dublin and Cork.

Whereas Curling was a "gentleman's" game, Hockey was not. It was a rough and tumble sport in which factory and retail workers played against each other in an industrial or city league. Regional or national championships were not common but, in 1933, the Lancashire Felt hockey team became GCHA Champions.

Winter was a time for lower wages. It was also a time for taking to the ice.  The higher classes formed clubs with uniforms and events during the working day or later at night. The working classes had early evening games and played in City or Industrial Leagues.

Winter meant a chance to enjoy the outdoors. However, for many workers, it meant "Winter Wages." Others made a little money by hauling in wood, cutting down trees and harvesting ice.