by Brent Colmer | August 2024
If you’re looking for a place that combines small-town charm with big-time fun, look no further than Waterloo Region.
Specifically, let’s talk about Downtown Cambridge. Picture this: a day filled with exploration, delicious food, and ideal accommodations. Sounds perfect, right? Well, buckle up, because I’m about to take you on a journey through our recent adventure in this delightful corner of Ontario.
First stop, we had to check out the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory. Imagine walking into a tropical paradise where butterflies flutter around you like confetti at a parade. It felt so warm and was like stepping into a piece of paradise, surrounded by flying butterflies of all shapes, sizes and colours. It’s a magical experience that makes you question, is this real life? Not only are there tons of butterflies but there are small birds and a full display of insects to explore such as stick bugs and tatarantulas. The conservatory is home to thousands of butterflies, and it’s the perfect place to start your day with a touch of nature’s beauty. We even got to watch as a butterfly emerged from the chrysalis and took its first flap of it’s wings!
Next, we headed to Downtown Cambridge. This area is a treasure trove of unique shops, Insta-worthy murals, and charming streets. Exploring on foot allowed us to really take in what the downtown has to offer. We spent hours wandering around, popping into little boutiques, and snapping photos of the vibrant street art. Each mural tells a story, and it’s like walking through an open-air gallery. If you’re a fan of street art, this place is a goldmine. We stumbled upon the Downtown Cambridge Flower Market and soon discovered that this area is home to many events throughout the year.
We were feeling a bit peckish so we made our way to Monigram Coffee Roasters. Let me tell you, their breakfast croissant sandwich hit the mark! The buttery croissant was filled with the perfect combination of bacon, lettuce and I opted for roasted red peppers instead of tomato. I ordered a dirty chai latte and it might have been one of the best warm beverages that I’ve had in a long time. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes you want to move to Cambridge just to have it every morning. The staff and service was great too! I can’t forget to mention the selection of coffee and tea either. Absolutely top-notch. It’s the kind of place where you can sit back, relax, and watch the world go by. They have lots of seating inside and outside but we decided to take our meals outside to enjoy the sights and sounds of the area.
After fueling up, we took a leisurely stroll to the Cambridge Sculpture Garden. This hidden gem is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. The sculptures are fascinating, and the garden itself is beautifully maintained. It’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy some quiet time surrounded by art and nature. We discovered a huge and I mean huge Oak Tree where we sat under and captured some cute photos! Our walk continued along the famous Cambridge Pedestrian Bridge. The views from the bridge are stunning and walking along this bridge just felt peaceful. It’s one of those places where you can just stand and take in the beauty of the city. The bridge is an iconic landmark, and it’s easy to see why.
When it was time to rest our weary heads, we headed back to the Cambridge Hotel and Conference Centre. We stayed in the Presidential Suite, and let me tell you, this room was a perfect home away from home. The room was spacious, impeccably clean, and the bed was the most comfortable thing I’ve ever slept on (it was like sleeping on a cloud!) Our room had a Nespresso machine, a mini fridge and a kitchenette. The hotel itself is charming and has a warm, welcoming atmosphere. I could tell it had been renovated and seeing how clean and well designed the hotel was made us happy!
For dinner, we didn’t have to go far. The Bruce Craft House, located within the hotel, served up a fantastic meal. The menu is diverse, and everything we tried was delicious. They’re known for their birria. Tender cuts of beef are marinated and slow-cooked to perfection for 16 hours. You can have ramen or poutine with the birria but we opted for their birria tacos. Trust me when I say this, you need to try it! We also ordered the lemon + herb roasted chicken, it was served with quinoa risotto and crispy honey glazed brussels sprouts in a lemon and herb sauce.
The next morning, we went back to The Bruce Craft House for a hearty, hot, breakfast buffet. I was impressed by the variety of offerings but would certainly encourage you to try the peach yogurt parfait if it’s there! It paired well with my potatoes, sausage and fruit.
So, if you’re planning a road trip and looking for a place that offers a mix of adventure, relaxation, and charm, Downtown Cambridge in Waterloo Region should be at the top of your list. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
