September 2024
Remember the books you used to read as a kid where you got to choose your own story ending? You chose the pathway the story’s protagonist would take – and that ultimately determined how the story would end.
You may be an adult now, but the opportunity to choose your own adventure still exists! This time, it’s not in story form – you actually get to live out the adventure by choosing a fall Experience Package that appeals to you as you get ready to take your fall road trip to Waterloo Region!
Ready to choose from your 4 adventure options? Here we go!
1. Fall Family Fun Experience
In this adventure, you and your family will spend time getting back to your roots – your rural roots, that is! Start at Snyder’s Farm – where farmtastic fun grows! There’s a corn maze and pumpkin patch to explore, petting zoo, play area, plenty of photo opportunities – and a hayride where your kids can help catch the elusive Corn Bandit! From there, it’s time to fuel up with a visit to Four Fathers Brewing. This craft brewery and taproom was founded by 4 dads, so they’re all about being family-friendly! And, when it’s time to turn in and relax for the night, Homewood Suites in Cambridge is just a short drive away.
2. Frights & Flights Experience
If your idea of adventure involves chills and thrills, this is the option for you! Start off by fueling up for your night at Waterloo Brewing (where craft brewing got its start in Ontario). The taphouse menu offers something tasty for everyone, and their craft beers and ciders may help fuel your bravery for the next part of the adventure! Head across the street to Bingemans for Screampark – where horror and gore reign supreme! Featuring 6 terrifying attractions, you can make your way through all of them – but will you?? After a good scare, you have 2 options for your stay. Continue the frightful fun with an onsite camping experience at Bingemans, or head to the historic Walper Hotel (where, local folklore has it, ghosts are also known to stay!). Pleasant dreams!
3. Haunted Harvest Experience
Here’s another option for thrill-seekers. This adventure starts with a meal at The Mule in Cambridge, where their Mexican-inspired menu is prepared in a 100% gluten-free and peanut free kitchen. Now that your hunger for food has been taken care of, it’s time to feed your inner fear-seeker! Snyder’s Farm may be family-friendly by day, but at night it takes a dark turn as it becomes Fear Farm! Experience 7 legendary outdoor haunts including the new Woodsboro Asylum, and a haunted hayride through corn fields and forests. It’s Canada’s largest haunted farm and its spooky thrills just may keep you up all night! However, if you’re brave enough to try and sleep, this adventure includes a stay at the Walper Hotel (and hopefully the ghost of its founder – Abel Walper – doesn’t keep you up as he roams the halls!)
4. Autumn Romance Retreat Experience
This adventure invites you and your partner to enjoy all the best parts of fall, in a region you will experience it best. Shop for fall’s fresh bounty at the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market – Canada’ largest indoor/outdoor year-round market. Pick up locally sourced produce to take home or enjoy freshly prepared foods onsite – including their famous apple fritter! Next, enjoy fall’s colours with a heritage train ride through the region’s Mennonite countryside aboard Waterloo Central Railway.
A trip to Downey’s Apple Farm is next, where apple picking, pumpkin bowling, hayrides and a corn maze are all on the itinerary! After surrounding yourself with Waterloo Region’s farms and rural spaces for the day, indulge in a culinary experience that celebrates local food. Choose between Borealis – where supporting local is more than just a tagline, they put it into practice in each area of their restaurant. Or choose Langdon Hall, where you’ll experience award-winning cuisine, exquisitely prepared by one of Canada’s most celebrated chefs, Jason Bangerter. After a busy day, it’s time to relax with an overnight stay at the trendy Delta Hotel in Waterloo.
These are just some of the adventures to experience in Waterloo Region. And with this choose your own adventure, you don’t have to choose just 1 ending: choose as many as you’d like and plan several storybook stays so you can enjoy all that fall offers in Waterloo Region!