by Bri Mitchell | October 2023
This fall, making Waterloo Region your destination for a friends’ getaway road trip is definitely the right decision!
We have an entire weekend road trip planned for you to take with your nearest and dearest buds to reconnect, relax and take in all the wonder of Waterloo Region.
For this fall wellness road trip, you’re going to want to pack comfy clothes, workout clothes, a couple of dressy outfits, and a cozy pair of slippers. Get ready to indulge in delicious, healthy foods, take it slow and bask in the cooler evenings of fall.
Day 1 – Friday
Start this weekend road trip by checking in to your accommodation for the weekend. A friends’ fall wellness getaway perfectly matches the vibe of staying at a cozy bed and breakfast in the region.
Apple Inn Bed & Breakfast is situated a little outside of Waterloo, in the charming village of Wellesley, Ontario. They can accommodate small friends’ getaways, or groups of up to 10 guests, so don’t worry about having to leave anyone behind!. Breakfast is included with your stay, giving you a lot to look forward to each morning.
Another great bed and breakfast to stay at is Bristow’s Inn. Bristow’s is also a little outside of Waterloo, and located in the picturesque village of Elmira. This inn can accommodate small or large groups, and can squeeze in up to 11 guests if you’d like to book out the whole place for the weekend. They have large indoor and outdoor dining areas, perfect for relaxing or catching up!
After getting settled in for the weekend at your charming bed and breakfast, head to go for a walk in and around the Galt area of Cambridge. Start by heading to Centennial Park for a beautiful early evening view of Cambridge, or plan to take in the sunset from here before dinner. You can also take a walk along one of the Waterloo Region trails, like Mill Creek Trail, and walk up and around either side of the paths along Grand River before heading out for dinner tonight.
Finish up the evening with dinner at The Mule in Cambridge. This is a great place to kick off your friends’ wellness weekend. It’s a Mexican restaurant that offers an entirely gluten free menu brimming with delicious options. Whether you’re looking for tacos or other Mexican bar classics like queso fundido or ceviche, The Mule has everything you need for a fun night out!
Make your way back to your cozy accommodation for the night, and let the cool fall air outside gently guide you to a relaxing sleep.
Day 2 – Saturday
Start your day with breakfast at your accommodation before heading out to meet up for a morning Stroll Walking Tour. You can choose from a variety of tours to take with Stroll, and check out everything from murals and outdoor art to history in Kitchener, Cambridge or St. Jacobs. These guided tours are the perfect group activity and can be booked in advance.
After a lovely morning learning more about Waterloo Region, head for lunch at Cafe Pyrus in Downtown Kitchener. This café in the heart of the city has an excellent menu, created with health in mind. They offer many vegan and organic options on their menu, with delicious sandwiches, salads, burgers and paninis, too.
After lunch, it’s time for the group to be pampered with a trip to the spa! Waterloo Region is home to some incredible spas, perfect for a friends’ getaway weekend. The region is your oyster, as you can’t go wrong with any of these options:
The Spa at Langdon Hall is a luxurious and award-winning spa located in this beautiful country house and hotel. Its spa offers an exercise room, sauna, steam room and whirlpool. You can choose from a selection of treatments to complete your spa getaway, like massages, body treatments and facials. As a guest of the spa, you also have access to their outdoor terrace, 12km of walking trails and their stunning lawns and gardens. Plan to enjoy dinner here before heading home, since their dinner service is famous in the region.
Another excellent spa for this fall getaway road trip is Cocoon Spa’thecary, which just opened in the summer of 2023 after being a popular local and sustainable bath product brand in the region for some time. Their spa offers manicures, pedicures, and facials, making it the perfect spa to visit for a couple of hours of relaxation with friends.
Puddicombe House Spa is another indulgent spa, with excellent options for manicures, pedicures, facials, body treatments and massage. They have several beautiful guest rooms at Puddicombe House, too, if you’re looking for another place to rest your head for the weekend. Definitely don’t leave without having dinner here, since their restaurant is sublime!
Day 3 – Sunday
Wake up feeling rested and rejuvenated – this is a wellness weekend getaway afterall! But the fun isn’t over yet!
After having breakfast at your accommodation, head to Udderly Ridiculous Farm Life for some Goat Cuddles! You heard that right. This incredible farm really cares about their animals, and they have a whole host of alpacas, dwarf goats, pygmy goats and highland cows that you can meet and learn more about. Other fall experiences on the farm include Alpaca Walks, Micro Highland Cow experience, and their Taste of Farm Life experience. Make sure you book your experience in advance ahead of your weekend away to secure your spot.
Udderly Ridiculous also makes delicious, award-winning goat’s milk ice cream, which they sell on site.
After your morning with the animals, head to Sugar Daddies Bakery for lunch in Cambridge. All of their products are Keto-friendly, grain-free, and gluten free. They have an excellent selection of delicious brunch and lunch options, like eggs benedict, french toast and a crispy chicken sandwich. Don’t forget to sample a sweet treat before you go, like their custard tarts, donuts, or famous banana pudding.
After lunch, enjoy more of the scenic trails for another wellness walk in Waterloo Region to catch all of the fall colours as the leaves begin to turn. If you weren’t able to enjoy some of the trails around Cambridge on Friday evening, then this is the perfect time to do so during your visit. You can also make your way towards Kitchener, and walk along the Walter Bean Grand River Trail or Spurline Trail for a hearty few hours of walking in the afternoon. It’s the perfect way to enjoy time in nature and finish off this incredible weekend with your nearest and dearest friends.
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About Bri Mitchell
Bri was born and raised in Ontario. She spent many years living abroad, but returned to the province with a curiosity to keep travelling closer to home.
You can find her canoeing and swimming across Ontario with a craft brew in her hand in the summer, and snowshoeing or curling up with a good book and an Ontarian Pinot Noir in the winter.
She loves writing about travel experiences in our beautiful province and beyond on the websites travelingmitch.com and ultimateontario.com.