by CuratedKW | July 2024
Are you ready for an exhilarating adventure that takes you from the heart of Kitchener to the charming village of St. Jacobs, with some incredible stops along the way? Join us for River City Cycle’s new Pedals and Pints package – a delightful journey of biking, beer tasting, and beautiful scenery. With three route options, we couldn’t resist the longest one to St. Jacobs Village – a 30 km ride filled with fun and excitement! For those looking for different experiences, there are also shorter routes available.
Starting Point: River City Cycle Rentals
Our adventure began at River City Cycle where they set us up with top-notch bikes and mapped out a scenic route for us that we loaded on a GPS app. We had the option to choose between e-bikes or commuter bikes, and we opted for the commuter bikes. With our helmets on and spirits high, we were off!
First Stop: Victoria Park and Abe Erb Brewing
Our first destination was the bustling and historic Victoria Park. We walked our bikes through the busy park, soaking in the beauty and vibrant atmosphere as the KW Multicultural Festival was in full swing. Our first brewery stop was Abe Erb Brewing, where we enjoyed a refreshing beer flight on their inviting patio. The variety of flavours set the perfect tone for our journey.
Onward to Innocente Brewing
Before setting off for our next stop, we took some time to explore downtown Kitchener. We discovered some amazing street art and cool neighbourhoods we’d never seen before, adding an extra layer of fun to our adventure. Back on our bikes, we peddled our way to Innocente Brewing in Waterloo. Here, we indulged in some of their delicious sour beers while engaging in a few friendly games. The lively atmosphere and unique brews made for a memorable experience.
Through the Health Valley Trail
Next, we hopped onto the Health Valley Trail. Despite encountering a few muddy and buggy spots, the trail was worth every pedal. We met the majestic Wise Old Oak and saw horses grazing and cows cooling off by the water—a serene and picturesque segment of our journey.
Final Stop: Block 3 Brewing and Those Pizza Guys
Our last stop was Block 3 Brewing in St. Jacobs. Here, we made new friends and refueled with mouthwatering pizzas from Those Pizza Guys. The “Return of the Mac” pizza is a must-try! We also grabbed some refreshing non-alcoholic drinks to compliment our meal. The combination of savoury pizza and crisp, flavourful beer was the perfect ending to our tour.
Return to Kitchener
With our bellies full and spirits lifted, we made our way back to Kitchener, already reminiscing about the wonderful day we had.
Route Options:
Iron Horse Trail: 15 km, 2.5-3.5 hours
DTK South: 20 km, 2.5-3.5 hours
St. Jacobs Village: 30 km, 3-5 hours
Tour Details:
Price: $79 for commuter bikes, $99 for e-bikes
Includes: 3 beer tastings, one meal
Essentials: Dress for the weather! Pack sunscreen, a backpack, bug spray, layers, sunglasses, water, and wear activewear
Pedals and Pints is one of the many thrilling Experience Packages being launched with Explore Waterloo Region – visit explorewaterloo.ca/experience-packages to discover other exciting adventures!
Happy exploring!
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Written by CuratedKW – Waterloo Region’s go-to source for the best food, deals, and fun adventures! We’re two sets of sisters, Tegan & Alyana Versolatto and Shirley & Cindy Luu, who are passionate about everything this vibrant region has to offer. From incredible restaurants to unique businesses and exciting events, we love showcasing all the amazing experiences Waterloo Region has to offer – and beyond. Join us as we explore and share the fun!