Winter is here, and there’s no better way to embrace the season than with a road trip to Waterloo Region.
There are miles of trails waiting for you to ski, snowshoe or stroll along – and our local restaurants and attractions provide a warm welcome when you’re ready to head inside!
Whether you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping outdoor fun, cozy culinary experiences or charming antiquing adventures, Waterloo Region has it all. Use these three road trip ideas to send your winter wanderlust into high gear!
Snow Thrills & Cozy Chills
Start your day by heading for the hills – where you’ll not only get the best views of Waterloo Region, you’ll also have the most outdoor fun!
Chicopee Tube Park features a 900-foot hill where you fly down the snowy slope in a specially designed tube! Your 90-minute tubing pass allows you to get in multiple runs that you can do on your own, or as a group. Getting back up the hill for your next ride is easy using the magic carpet conveyor lift.
Next, head to Chicopee Ski for an afternoon of skiing or snowboarding. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, these slopes promise hours of winter fun. With new state of the art upgrades including new snow making equipment, LED lighting, a new quad chair, and two new covered surface lifts, Chicopee is entering it’s 90th anniversary season in style!
After a day packed with adventure, treat yourself to a delicious dinner – this region is known for inspired farm to table cuisine! Enjoy a warm après ski beverage at Martini’s. Fresh pasta and hand stretched pizzas will make your mouth water at del’s Italian Kitchen. If you’re looking for a great steak, smokehouse specialties and an innovative menu, the Charcoal Steakhouse offers everything you’re looking for. The best part? All of these restaurants are just minutes away from the hills!
End your day with a cozy overnight stay, where you can relax and recharge for another day of winter thrills. Check out the newly renovated DoubleTree Hotel, Homes2Suites by Hilton, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kitchener or the new Courtyard by Marriott Kitchener.
Savour the Diversity in Downtown Kitchener
Kitchener is a bustling hub of cultural richness. In fact, in 2023 the city was named the most culturally diverse city in Canada. This February and March you can experience the city’s cultures, cuisines, and communities with the DTK Traveller’s Tour.
Now in its second year, the DTK Traveller’s Tour a month-long celebration held at the Kitchener Public Library (Central Library) every Sunday from 1–4 p.m beginning February 16th, and continuing through March 9th. Each week highlights the food, music, and traditions of a different region complete with complimentary food samples from Downtown Kitchener restaurants. There’s also live entertainment and music and family friendly activities. Best pf all, the DTK Traveller’s Tour is easy on your wallet because it’s a free event! No tickets or RSVPs are required—just bring your appetite and curiosity!
(Insider Tip: If the food samples at the DTK Traveller’s Tour leaves you wanting more, check out all of the Dining and Takeout options in the city’s core – there’s sure to be a menu for whatever foods you’re craving!)
Your curated cultural exploration continues with a visit to one (or more!) of the galleries and museums you’ll find in Kitchener. Discover exhibits that tell the story of Waterloo Region, fun and interactive displays the entire family will enjoy, as well as contemporary and historical art exhibitions.
After indulging in the culinary and cultural wonders of Kitchener, return to the historic Walper Hotel for a luxurious overnight stay. This charming boutique hotel combines timeless elegance with modern comforts, offering the perfect retreat after a day of exploration. Wake up refreshed and ready to uncover more of what Waterloo Region has to offer.
(Insider Tip: To sample more of the flavours of Waterloo Region, Stroll Walking Tours offers its weekly St. Jacobs Market Food Tour – a guided journey through Mennonite food, culture and history, tasting the best local vendors at the famous St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market!)
Antiques Roadshow: A St. Jacobs Winter Adventure
February is a busy time for antiquing in St. Jacobs, and there’s no better way to experience it than with an Antiques Roadshow-style road trip!
Begin with a winter antiquing tour through the charming village of St. Jacobs. Explore the bustling antique markets and quaint shops filled with timeless treasures and one-of-a-kind finds. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply enjoy browsing, the variety and quality of antiques here are sure to impress.
(Insider Tip: Be sure and stop into Artefacts Salvage and Designs and Hamel Brooms – both shops are a must for vintage and antique enthusiasts!)
Then, it’s time for a quick 3km drive down the highway to the St. Jacobs Market District where you’ll find the 20,000 square foot indoor destination that is Market Road Antiques. This antique mall features over 100 antique dealers under one roof. You’ll find quality furniture, glassware, tools, estate jewelry, collectibles, art and books, vintage clothing, toys, and more. Get an even better deal during their Winter Warm Up sale – featuring special discounts throughout the month of February!
After a day of discovering vintage gems, savor a delicious meal at a local restaurant. The warm and welcoming ambiance of St. Jacobs’ eateries provides the perfect setting to relax and reflect on your finds. Enjoy all things lively and local at the Stone Crock Pub (and pop by Stone Crock Bakery to sample delicious time-tested recipes that are baked fresh daily!). Dine in an outdoor dome at Village Biergarten. And raise a glass to celebrate your vintage finds at Block Three Brewing, where great things come in small batches!
After a full day of vintage exploration, you’ll be happy to know that a relaxing night’s sleep is just minutes away. Choose from a hotel stay or spend the weekend at a local Bed and Breakfast – either way you can curl up and relax after a busy day of shopping!
Plan Your Winter Escape
Waterloo Region offers something for everyone this winter. Gather your group, pack your bags, and hit the road for an unforgettable winter road trip in Waterloo Region!
Check out the Local Buzz for even more road trip inspiration!