by Dog Friendly KW | July 2024
Visiting Waterloo Region with your dog is now easier and more exciting than ever. While Kitchener was recently the first city in Canada to officially be certified under the Better Cities for Pets initiatives from Mars Petcare, you can bet all three cities and four townships of the region are ready to welcome your four-legged family members!
Dog Friendly KW has pulled together an assortment of itineraries to provide some inspiration for your visit. Are you looking for a list of dog-friendly locations across the region to plan your perfect trip? The team at Dog Friendly KW has spent a few years collecting the countless dog-friendly places you can visit with your pup across Waterloo Region in useful guides that are updated seasonally.
Are you a lover of the outdoors, packing sunscreen wherever you go? Do you prefer the drama of city life, and being pampered while enjoying the finer things? Are you a culture buff, immersing yourself in the unique histories of each place you visit?
No matter what you love, there are endless activities for you and your dog to enjoy. You can customize the perfect itinerary to your interests, making sure you get to do everything you’re hoping to. Conveniently for all of us, Waterloo Region has it all.
What will you be getting up to?
For the Outdoorsy Pups
Get up early from your overnight accommodations, spend a cool morning on the trails, and then head to a casual patio or brewery to finish off the afternoon.
The region has plenty of dog-friendly hotels as well as Airbnb stays. Do you want to spend the night under the stars instead? You can most certainly find the perfect campsite in a nearby conservation area.
Start your day off bright and early. After a quick and light breakfast, you can head to one of many trails, spending the morning under a cool canopy of trees. Head to Huron Natural Area, Petersburg Bush, or Elmira Lion’s Lake Trail for some of the best sights for you and your pup.
Do you love being on the water more than being on the trails? Waterloo Region has plenty of rivers to keep you going with the flow. Head to one of many launch points along the Grand and Speed Rivers to spend your morning in your kayak or canoe and keep an eye out for snapping turtles, herons, and deer. If you are looking for a guided experience, check out Canoeing the Grand.
When you’ve had your fill of all the sights of nature, it’s time to pick a local brewery with a lively patio. TWB Brewing, Rural Roots, and Wavemaker are just some of our favourites, but we always love when we find a new brew on the block like Schooner Street Brewing!
Finish off your day with some casual places for tasty eats on the patio with your pup. We recommend Graffiti Market, Arabella Park, Scran & Dram, or Willibald Farm Distillery & Brewery.
For the Doggy Divas
Sleep in just a little longer in the comfiest of beds, start your day in a perfectly matched outfit that you show off on your way to grab a coffee, and then shop ‘til you drop!
For those of us who love an upgrade, you can book an overnight stay at the Courtyard Marriott in St Jacobs or Homewood Suites in Cambridge. These pet-friendly accommodations are not just an upgrade for you – your pooch will be pampered too!
When you’ve got your outfit picked out for the day, head to a spot like Eco Café in St. Jacobs, Camellia Bake Shop if you’re in the north end of the region, or Monigram Coffee Roasters if you’re staying in Cambridge. You can order some of the finest beans, luscious lattes, or tantalizing teas at any of these spots. Grab some delectable pastries for some quick energy before you start your fun-filled day.
If you’ve chosen to visit the shops in St. Jacobs, you’ll be pleased to know most locations in this lovely little village are dog-friendly. You’ll especially love Change Lifestyle Apparel and Spoil the Dog Bakery!
Alternatively, if you’ve selected a visit to Downtown Galt for your shopping experience you’ll be pleased to visit the many dog-friendly shops you’ll find there including Juniper Artisan Collective and Witty & Co.
As the afternoon slips away with shopping bags in hand, maybe you’ve decided you’ll be dining in Downtown Cambridge? Thirteen Food & Beverage has a lovely dog-friendly patio with great eats. If you’re up for a drive to Downtown Kitchener, TWH Social or Odd Duck will also provide you (and your dog!) with an exceptional experience.
If you love the liveliness of urban life, be sure to visit Dog Friendly KW’s event schedule. We’re always hosting an assortment of events in Uptown Waterloo, Downtown Kitchener, and Downtown Cambridge. You’ll also find a list of community based events that are dog-friendly in the Dog Friendly KW community guides.
For the Cultured Canines
Stick to your precise schedule, collect some historical knowledge, absorb the unique artwork placed around the region, and hang out with like-minded people until you’ve had your fill.
Waterloo Region is brimming with history waiting to be rediscovered. If you’ve delved into the history of prohibition, the stories of Indigenous Peoples, or the developmental background of the region, you’ll love this itinerary the most.
Book your stay at The Walper Hotel in Downtown Kitchener. Built in 1893, this hotel offers a rich history that you can pair with some of the coolest art experiences. Don’t forget to ask about their new “Very Important Pup” package, complete with special treats, a fun dog toy, a bowl for food and water, and a special plush dog bed!
Just outside of the Walper’s doors, you can take on a self-guided tour of the DTK Art Walk – it comes with an all-new art walk guide! Do you like a bit more structured? Stroll Walking Tours occasionally offers dog-friendly walks.
If you’re someone who wants an authentic cultural experience based on the roots of the Kitchener-Waterloo area, visit Concordia Club and transport yourselves to Germany for your meal!
Want to add an extra twist of culture to your visit? Come during one of the many festivals hosted across the region. The Kultrun World Music Festival, hosted by Neruda Arts, occurs annually in July and aims to highlight an international roster of musical talent.
If you prefer cooler weather to pair with argyle sweaters and oxford shoes (and maybe some lederhosen or a dirndl), come during KW Oktoberfest in October! Dog Friendly KW also hosts DOGtoberfest to make sure both you and your dog can get in your fill of ziggy-zaggys!
No matter what you decide to do, you can have an action-packed and fully-customized visit to Waterloo Region with your four-legged best friend! Be sure to tag @dogfriendlykw in all of your posts so we can see you out on your adventures with your pup! And don’t forget to check out the Dog Friendly KW Community Guides for more places to visit with your pup!
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Mackenzie Drinkwater and Justine Sparling are the humans behind Dog Friendly KW. Friends for almost twenty years, these two love to scout out new places to take their three dogs (Willa, Alydar and Marshall) on adventures.
They are always working to grow and educate the local dog friendly community through their podcast (locally produced by Midtown Radio), Instagram and the Dog Friendly KW Business Guide.