Explore Waterloo Region

Explore Waterloo Region From cityscapes to countryside escapes, we’re your gateway to all things Waterloo Region.

There’s something magical about exploring a place by bike. The rhythm of the pedals. The breeze in your face. The way th...
04/29/2025

There’s something magical about exploring a place by bike. The rhythm of the pedals. The breeze in your face. The way the world slows down, just enough for you to notice it all.

Cycling through Waterloo Region lets you experience the landscape in a way that feels personal. With over 500 kilometres of trails winding through charming towns, rolling countryside, and riverside paths, every ride tells a different story.

Whether you're a weekend wanderer or a seasoned rider, there's a route here that feels tailor made for you.

Ready to ride? Discover your perfect cycling adventure right here in Waterloo Region: https://ow.ly/XTlT50VuUOy

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Every story in Waterloo Region starts somewhere.Maybe it begins with a warm apple fritter in hand at the farmers market....
04/28/2025

Every story in Waterloo Region starts somewhere.
Maybe it begins with a warm apple fritter in hand at the farmers market.
Maybe it’s a handcrafted pizza served straight from a stone oven.
Or maybe it’s a quiet countryside moment, where time seems to slow down.

These moments shape how people remember the region. This spring, it’s your chance to be part of that memory.

Apply for membership* with Explore Waterloo Region and help tell the story that keeps visitors coming back: https://ow.ly/4YM850VufY8

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*Membership subject to approval.

04/27/2025

🌸 April is closing with wine tastings and wellness talks, and May is arriving with heartfelt theatre and symphonic flair. Whether you're reflecting, running, or raising a glass, there's something fresh on the calendar every day this week.

🎨 Monday, April 28th

🖼️ ‘Near Yet Far’ – Shellie Zhang Exhibition | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
See Shellie Zhang’s thoughtful exploration of diaspora and distance at Robert Langen Art Gallery.

🍷 Spring Tasting Series at Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa | 6:00 PM
Explore the bold, dynamic wines of British Columbia with Sommelier Nikki Does.

💘 Speed Dating at Ernie's Roadhouse | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
12 dates, 2 hours—light snacks and lots of laughs. $35 per ticket.

🏺 Tuesday, April 29th

🏺 Indigenous Histories Exhibits at City of Waterloo Museum | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Explore three compelling exhibitions including “Bi-Giwen,” “Bead the Tract,” and “Killing the Indian in the Child.”

🎶 Family & Friends Preview – Grand Harmony Women's Four Part Harmony Chorus | 7:30 PM
A free community performance before their big contest—light refreshments included.

💘 Single in the City's Kitchener-Waterloo Speed Dating (Ages 35–48) | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Up to 15 dates, with appetisers and an easy post-event match platform at ABE ERB.

🌿 Wednesday, April 30th

🐝 The rare Charitable Research Reserve's Conversations for Conservation: Pollinator Roadsides | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Learn about local pollinator habitat restoration efforts—pay what you can.

🎻 Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony: From the Old World to the New | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Mozart, Brahms, and Dvořák performed by top-tier soloists and the KW Symphony.

👟 Thursday, May 1st

👟 Counterpoint Brewing Company Run Club | 7:00 PM
Join this free and inclusive 5K run, then unwind with a drink at the taproom.

🎭 Marion Bridge at Elmira Theatre Company | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
A touching story of three sisters reconnecting in Nova Scotia.

🎭 Friday, May 2nd

🎭 Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre Presents: Just Friends | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
A charming dramedy exploring the evolution of friendship—and what happens when the lines start to blur.

Goodbye April, hello May. Learn more on our events calendar: https://ow.ly/WeY250VFzN2

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Looking for a scenic escape that feels a world away from the everyday?Tucked within Township of North Dumfries, The rare...
04/26/2025

Looking for a scenic escape that feels a world away from the everyday?

Tucked within Township of North Dumfries, The rare Charitable Research Reserve spans over 900 acres of protected forest, wetlands, and meadowland along the Grand and Speed Rivers. Its trails weave between North Dumfries and neighbouring City of Cambridge, offering visitors a rare chance to explore one of Ontario’s most inspiring conservation sites.

Perfect for nature lovers, bird watchers, and those seeking a slower pace, rare is a gentle invitation to experience the natural world in its purest form.

Plan a visit and see why this hidden gem is worth the drive.

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There’s something special happening in the The Gaslight District this Sunday.The first-ever Cambridge Jazz Festival is t...
04/25/2025

There’s something special happening in the The Gaslight District this Sunday.

The first-ever Cambridge Jazz Festival is taking over Tapestry Hall with a full afternoon of live jazz, great company, and a beautiful venue to match. Whether you're a lifelong jazz lover or simply curious, this is the perfect excuse to spend a Sunday wrapped in smooth melodies and good conversation.

Make a day of it. Wander the district, enjoy the music, and experience just how lively the City of Cambridge can be.

🎟️ Details and tickets: https://ow.ly/ZpeQ50VuVJW

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04/24/2025

🌼 Waterloo Region is ending April in fine form—with workshops, concerts, dancing, and a mystery aboard a train. Whether you're shopping, singing, or solving crimes, this weekend has your name on it.

📚 Saturday, April 26th

🏐 Ontario Volleyball Association Championships (Event 5) | All Weekend
The final weekend!

📖 CFUW K-W 58th Annual Used Book Sale | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
A must for local book lovers! Great deals, even better cause—proceeds support student scholarships.

🐾 Paws on Pavement at Uptown Waterloo Public Square | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Support Kitchener Waterloo Humane Society with pup-friendly activities, nail trims, food trucks, and more.

🎨 Acrylic Landscape Painting Workshop at Copper's Hobbies | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Learn technique and composition with local artist Richard Zajac.

🖼️ ‘Near Yet Far’ – Shellie Zhang Exhibition | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Explore identity and distance at Robert Langen Art Gallery.

🍞 Unlock the Secrets of Sourdough at TWB Co-operative Brewing | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Learn the basics of baking your own tangy, crusty sourdough from scratch.

🍝 Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser at Schwaben Club | 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Enjoy a full dinner and bid at the silent auction—$20 per person.

🚂 Waterloo Central Railway's Mystery Express Train Ride | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Solve a vintage-style mystery on a heritage train ride to Elmira—costumes encouraged!

♦️ Euchre Tournament @ TWB | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
$20 per pair includes drinks. Prizes up for grabs!

🎭 Marion Bridge at Elmira Theatre Company | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Three sisters, one kitchen, and a story that’s both heartfelt and humorous.

💃 IRL Festival's Ceili Irish Dance @ Victoria Park Pavillion | 7:30 PM – 11:00 PM
All ages welcome for an evening of live Celtic music, guided dance, and fun.

💃 Queen Latin Music's Dance Legion 519 | 8:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Monthly salsa/bachata social at Hespeler Legion—intermediate lesson at 8 PM, dancing all night.

🎶 Sunday, April 27th

🎶 Voices in Blossom: K-W Singers Concert | 2:00 PM
A choral concert of sacred and secular spring-themed music.

🎤 Age of Majority Singers Presents – We Seek Connection | 3:00 PM & 7:30 PM
A concert exploring connection through songs by Stevie Nicks, Billy Joel, and more.

🎙️ Rural Ontario Institute and Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program - AALP Leadership Lecture: Imaginative Leadership | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
A bold call to reframe how we lead in uncertain times—includes reception.

Workshops, wine, and waltzing—it’s all on this weekend. Find out more in our events calendar! 👇

🔗 to our events calendar: https://ow.ly/vQ6f50VFvIC

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In the heart of City of Kitchener, spring doesn’t just arrive. It unfolds.Huron Natural Area is where the season takes i...
04/23/2025

In the heart of City of Kitchener, spring doesn’t just arrive. It unfolds.

Huron Natural Area is where the season takes its time. Boardwalks stretch over quiet wetlands, trails weave through meadows and forest, and sunlight filters through pine and cedar as if it’s been waiting for its cue.

You’ll find lookout points where everything slows down, families sharing snacks by the pond, and just enough birdsong to remind you to turn your face to the sun and breathe a little deeper.

Explore more places where nature takes centre stage: https://ow.ly/nhEu50VpOQJ

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04/22/2025

Every trail. Every tree. Every ripple on the water. Each one reminds us that we are part of something greater.

In Waterloo Region, sustainability is a quiet promise. A promise to protect our landscapes, nurture our communities, and build a future that respects the natural world.

From conservation areas and protected greenspaces to partnerships that support carbon reduction and responsible growth, we are choosing a path where nature and progress thrive together.

On Earth Day, we do more than celebrate. We renew our commitment to care.

This is Waterloo Region: https://ow.ly/Vgai50Vucq9

📍Laurel Creek Conservation Area

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Pedal into the sunset! 🌅 Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just rediscovering the joys of two wheels, Waterloo Region...
04/21/2025

Pedal into the sunset! 🌅

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just rediscovering the joys of two wheels, Waterloo Region’s sunset rides are pure magic. Picture gentle breezes, golden hour lighting, and no rush hour in sight. These routes take you from scenic riverside paths to charming trails perfect for unwinding after a busy day. Ready to trade your view for something with more fresh air?

Check out our favourite sunset cycling routes here: https://ow.ly/13sM50VuU4r

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04/20/2025

🌷 Spring is hitting its stride this week in Waterloo Region. From tribute concerts and trivia challenges to guided market tours and moving exhibitions, there’s something new blooming each day.

🎨 Tuesday, April 22nd

🖼️ ‘Near Yet Far’ – Shellie Zhang Exhibition | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Explore identity and diaspora through vibrant, thoughtful works at Robert Langen Art Gallery.

🏺 Exhibitions on Indigenous Histories & Resilience at City of Waterloo Museum | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Three powerful exhibitions including “Killing the Indian in the Child,” “Bi-Giwen: Coming Home,” and “Bead the Tract.”

🎥 FREE Indoor Screening: How to Train Your Dragon | 6:30 PM – 8:40 PM
Bring your own chair and enjoy a classic animated favourite at Tapestry Hall.

✨ Meander: Interactive Sculpture Experience | 8:10 PM – 8:30 PM
Watch Philip Beesley’s dreamlike, responsive sculpture come to life after the film at The Gaslight District.

📚 Wednesday, April 23rd

📦 CFUW K-W Book Sale Drop-Off Day 1 | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Donate used books, puzzles, DVDs, or music in support of local student scholarships (First United Church, Waterloo).

♦️ Euchre Night at TWB Co-operative Brewing | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
No partner needed! Learn to play or join the fun—includes a drink and a shot at a $20 gift card.

🥖 Thursday, April 24th

🥨 St. Jacobs Farmers Market Food Tour | 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Taste your way through Mennonite food traditions and local vendor stories at Canada’s largest year-round farmers’ market with Stroll Walking Tours.

🎸 Bachman-Turner Overdrive: Back in Overdrive Tour | 6:30 PM
Randy Bachman brings the hits—plus April Wine and Headpins—live at The Aud.

👟 Counterpoint Brewing Company Run Club | 7:00 PM
All skill levels welcome for a 5K jog or walk followed by a drink at the taproom.

🧠 Friday, April 25th

🧠 8th Annual Kitchener Knights of Columbus Trivia Challenge at Bingemans | 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Support Tiny Home Takeout and test your team’s trivia chops at this community-driven event.

🎶 Voices in Blossom – K-W Singers Concert | 7:30 PM
A live spring-themed choral performance of sacred and secular music.

🎭 Marion Bridge at Elmira Theatre Company | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
A heartfelt story of three sisters reconnecting in a time of family transition. Opening night!

New week, new vibes. What’s catching your eye? Learn more on our events calendar: https://ow.ly/N6B150VCY4E

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04/19/2025

The frost has melted, the patios are calling, and the trails are flirting with sunlight.

Whether you're gliding down the Grand in a canoe or sipping something sparkly under the shade of a market umbrella, there’s only one rule this spring: unhibernate.

Waterloo Region is waking up, lush and lively. Shake off the winter cobwebs, grab your sunnies, turn your face to the sun, and escape into spring.

Unhibernate with us: https://ow.ly/ly1G50VwVqe

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Shuh Orchards didn’t just grow apple trees. They grew a future.Tucked into Waterloo Region’s countryside, this orchard i...
04/18/2025

Shuh Orchards didn’t just grow apple trees. They grew a future.

Tucked into Waterloo Region’s countryside, this orchard is what happens when patience meets possibility. Apples weren’t the obvious choice for this land. The soil is tough, the wind is sharp. But over time, they found a way to thrive.

In Season 1, Episode 4 of Farm to Fork, Nick spends the day among the trees, pulling bright fruit from branches and crafting a fire-roasted dish that turns simplicity into something spectacular.

The simplest ingredients tell the richest stories.

Watch the full episode for free: https://ow.ly/Tlhj50VuQ7e

Brought to you by Ballinran Entertainment and Bell Canada Fibe TV1.

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04/17/2025

🌷 It’s Easter Long Weekend, and Waterloo Region is blooming with egg hunts, brunches, concerts, crafts, and community fun. Whether you're riding the rails with the Easter Bunny or enjoying a quiet gallery stroll, there’s something sweet waiting for you.

🎉 Friday, April 18th

🏐 Ontario Volleyball Association Championships (Event 3 & 4) | All Weekend
Catch rising stars spike, serve, and block their way to gold!

🏒 Ontario Hockey Federation U18A Hockey Championships | 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Top teams compete at Wilmot Rec Complex.

🏺 Indigenous Histories Exhibits at City of Waterloo Museum | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Explore three meaningful exhibitions on Truth and Reconciliation.

🎭 Cosmic Fishing Theatre Pop!Pop! Theatre for Ages 2–5 | 11:00 AM
Interactive performance for little ones @ Registry Theatre.

🐣 Hoppy Easter at Region of Waterloo Museums & Archives | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Egg hunts, baby chicks, hot cross buns, and spring crafts.

🎭 Choose Your Own Puppetry Adventure | 2:30 PM
Audience participation theatre for kids aged 5+ at The Registry Theatre.

🎺 Brewer’s Brass at TWB Co-operative Brewing | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Live brass quartet—pay what you can.

🎭 TriCity Improv: GREAT Friday | 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
All-female cast takes the stage at Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre.

🐰 Saturday, April 19th

🚂 Waterloo Central Railway Easter Egg-spress Train Ride | 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM
Egg hunt, train ride, and Easter Bunny meet & greet.

🐣 Egg Hunt at St. Jacobs Farmers Market | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Hunt zones open every hour.

🥚 Hespeler Village on the River Easter Egg Hunt | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
A festive afternoon of egg hunting in Hespeler’s charming village core.

🐰 Easter in the Village (St. Jacobs Village Shops) | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Chocolate egg handouts and photos with the Easter Bunny.

🥚 Downtown Cambridge Easter Egg Hunt | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
25+ local businesses offering sweet surprises.

🌼 Uptown Waterloo Easter Egg Hunt | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Music, prizes, and treats across Uptown.

🎤 Taylor Swift Tribute at Maxwell's Concerts & Events | 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Family-friendly sing-along show.

💃 Family Dance Party @ Registry Theatre | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Dance like nobody’s watching—ages 2+ welcome.

🥞 Sunday, April 20th

🍽️ Easter Brunch at Little Mushroom Dining Lounge | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Local, seasonal dishes in an intimate setting.

🍽️ Brunch Buffet at Aqua Lounge & Restaurant Kitchener | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Live cooking stations, face painting, Easter Bunny photos.

🚂 Easter Brunch Train | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
A moving feast through the countryside.

🌌 Kids Space Explorers Theatre Lab | 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Free interactive performance for ages 5+.

🎨 Monday, April 21st

🖼️ ‘Near Yet Far’ – Shellie Zhang Exhibition | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Explore identity, distance, and diaspora at Robert Langen Art Gallery.

🦋 Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory | 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Egg hunts, story time, colouring contests, and insect discovery fun for the whole family.

Eggs, elegance, and Easter trains—how will you celebrate this long weekend? Find out more in our events calendar! 👇

🔗 to our events calendar: https://ow.ly/mkaf50VBLSO

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Spring has officially sprung, and with it comes a long weekend full of pastel colours, egg hunts, and sweet surprises ac...
04/14/2025

Spring has officially sprung, and with it comes a long weekend full of pastel colours, egg hunts, and sweet surprises across Waterloo Region.

Whether you’re spending Easter with little ones or just looking to make the most of the long weekend, you’ll find no shortage of reasons to get out and explore. From hands-on craft stations to family-friendly festivities in town squares and farmyards, there’s something happening in every corner of the region.

So pack your basket, grab your camera, and let the long weekend unfold at your own pace.

See what’s on this Easter long weekend: https://ow.ly/GCos50VuTjQ

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Explore Waterloo Region

Waterloo Region offers a unique blend of modern, energetic urban centres and scenic, rural landscapes to travellers. Known internationally as a hub for technology, Waterloo Region offers a balance between high-tech innovation and preservation of its historic Mennonite and Germanic roots. There is no shortage of things to do and explore in Waterloo Region from a number of attractions and festivals to great outdoor experiences and a lively food and craft beer scene.

Experience the largest Oktoberfest festival in North America or the wonder of St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market — the largest year-round market in Canada. Local produce is so fundamental to our region that it has inspired a culture that is obsessively local and characterized by authentic farm-to-table dining. Taste the difference locally sourced food makes with fine dining at The Rich Uncle Tavern, Borealis Grille & Bar, The Lancaster Smokehouse, and Langdon Hall. Local craft microbreweries and trendy cafes complete the food & dining experience.

Sports enthusiasts will enjoy a wealth of activities, from world class golf courses, great fishing and canoeing, to hiking and cycling along the many trails along the Grand River. While families can plan fun-filled getaways by visiting Bingeman’s Big Splash Waterpark, the exotic world of animals at African Lion Safari, or the lush tropical gardens of Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory.