Your Waterloo Region Summer Cheat Sheet:
Classic Stops & Curious Finds
by Tara McAndrew, Travel with TMc | July 2025
As a born-and-raised local I may be biased, but visitors to the beautiful Waterloo Region are in for an absolute treat this summer. With a mix of urban and rural outdoor activities, a world-class arts scene, fascinating history, a jampacked festival schedule, and delicious food and drink from every corner of the world, I promise you’ll want to extend your stay before you arrive! Use this Waterloo Region Summer Cheat Sheet as your “bingo” card to plan your trip.
Classic Stops
Let’s start with the Classic Waterloo Region must see, do, and taste ideas.
Vintage Trains, Apple Fritters, & Stroll Walking Tour in St. Jacobs
Have you even been to Waterloo Region if you haven’t visited the St. Jacobs Farmer’s Market? This is the place to be on Saturdays. Wander among the numerous local indoor and outdoor vendors, enjoy the market musicians, and fill your KW tote bag with all sorts of goodies to share with friends back home or to enjoy on a picnic during your visit.
During the summer months the market is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 8am until 3pm and Saturdays from 7am until 3:30pm. Go early to avoid the heat and crowds or arrive towards closing to secure great deals. This year the Market is celebrating 50 years of gastronomic excellence, so keep an eye on their Instagram for fun events.
Must Try: Lil’ Donuts is a personal fav. I’ve been savouring these pop-in-your-mouth cinnamon delights since childhood. Definitely bring home a bag of Ray Woodey’s Craft Chippery chips. They’re made right in front of you, are perfectly crispy, and bursting with flavour. My go-tos are the All Dressed and Backyard BBQ.
Local Tip: Book a Stroll Walking Tour for a full-sensory experience as you learn about the market and local Mennonite traditions. Pssst. They start the tour with the famed Fritter Co. apple fritters!
Train enthusiasts need to check out the vintage Waterloo Central Railway’s unique time-travelling ride. The Heritage Hopper winds its way through beautiful Woolwich Township on a railway line that’s been running for nearly 150 years. The day pass allows you to hop on and off at your leisure, including stops at the market and in St. Jacobs.
Must Try: Check their calendar for Heritage Hopper Fun Days to add to the experience.
Dinner & a Movie Under the Stars
One of the simple pleasures of warmer weather is relishing those long summer nights. What better way to relax and unwind than to have someone else cook dinner and then watch a free movie under the stars?
Hop on a Neuron bike or scooter and head to Uptown Waterloo for dinner at any one of the flavourful international restaurants. Once your tastebuds are satisfied, make like a local and walk or ride over to Waterloo Park’s Bandshell with your blanket, snacks, and food donation for a family-friendly film hosted by local indie theatre, Princess Cinemas.
Movie Dates: July 17, 24, August 7, 14, 21 @ sundown (arrive between 8:30pm and 9pm)
Must Try: Champa Kitchen is a family-owned authentic Lao, Thai, and Vietnamese restaurant with generous servings that will warm you from the inside out. Abe Erb serves refreshing local beer with a side of history. For rocking vegetarian dishes and the best atmosphere on King Street, hit up The Jane Bond. Return for their boogie tunes after the movie. That disco ball dance floor pops!
Local Tip: While you’re in Waterloo Park, make time to head out on the path along Silver Lake. You’ll come across amazing fountains, scenic views of Silver Lake at the sandy beach area under the blue beach umbrellas, and light-up teeter totters for kids and adults!
Bike Trails, Mystical Trees, & Patio Pints
The unsung hero of Waterloo Region’s public transit system is its extensive trail network. Don’t worry about bringing your own bike – River City Cycle Rentals has you covered with e-bikes to road bikes and everything in between. They’re located beside the short but mighty multi-use Iron Horse Trail that connects Kitchener and Waterloo through midtown’s Belmont Village. I highly suggest a stop at Arabella Park for a colourful patio pint before getting dessert to go from Winnie’s Gluten Free Bakery, The Sconery, or Lady Glaze Doughnuts.
Serious mountain bikers, get amped. The Hydrocut Trail is one of Ontario’s best and it’s right here in Waterloo Region. Leisurely cyclists who enjoy history, nature, and food stops will adore the smooth and easy ride along the Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail. The most magical trail lies in St. Jacobs along the Health Valley Trail where you’ll delight in discovering the mystical Wise Old Oak.
Local Tip: If you’re short on time and really want to see the Wise Old Oak, start from the University Avenue end of the trail for a quick 1.5 km loop.
Speaking of exciting and delicious trails, the brand new Fields and Flavours Trail is a fantastic way to dig into the rural side of Waterloo Region and explore the county’s bounty. I’ve got my eye on the farm-to-table Perth Farmhouse Winery where they offer wine and cider tastings, as well as interactive farm experiences.
Curious Jaunts
Waterloo Region has loads of fantastic events like the Kitchener Blues Festival, Waterloo Busker Carnival, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, and the Christkindl Market, but did you know it’s also home to a Guinness World Record holding cinema, an abandoned Cold War era bunker, and an infamous cryptic gravestone?
Plug these 3 spots into your Google Map and check out the quirkier side of Waterloo Region!
Record-Breaking Mini Cinema
Cambridge’s Gaslight District seamlessly merges past and present in Canada’s version of a piazza. Picture this: century-old limestone foundry buildings surround a state-of-the-art interactive outdoor theatre venue, restaurant patios, and gathering space.
With free community events like concerts and family movie nights and vibrant public art, it’s no wonder that Stratford’s Little Prince Cinema opened its brand new second world record-breaking location in Cambridge’s exciting entertainment centre. Gather 11 of your favourite people and book a private film event at the new Cambridge Little Prince Micro Theatre or attend a ticketed public screening.
Must Try: All popcorn and cotton candy flavours are made in-house, some of which are quite experimental.
An Abandoned Bunker and a Cryptic Gravestones
History junkies must add the abandoned Cold War era bunker (known as MEGHQ-FREEPORT) to their list. Currently it’s closed to the public, however it’s worth a visit to scope out the outside. After snapping a few pictures of this unique structure, why not enjoy the nearby Grand River by canoe or meander along the Walter Bean Trail that winds through the Tri-Cities and Woolwich Township?
Local Tip: Pack a picnic for your time on the Grand River with gourmet treats and the most impressive sandwiches from Vincenzo’s. My personal favourites are Whittaker’s Peanut Butter Chocolate and a scoop or 3 from local gelato maker, Christopher’s.
Next on this list of curiosities is the mysterious and cryptic Bean Tombstone at Rushes Cemetery in Wellesley. After cracking the code on the shared epitaph for two of Samuel Bean’s wives (yes, you read that correctly!), you’ll surely have worked up an appetite. Head to the nearly 200-year old Heidelberg Restaurant & Tavern for a hearty Pennsylvania Dutch (German) meal, a game of shuffleboard, and a tune from the 100-year old player piano.
From Safari to the Sky
There’s only one place in Canada where giraffes peer in your car window, a steam engine replica guides you through a 16-hectare nature reserve, and monkeys can be spotted from a leisurely boat ride – and that’s at African Lion Safari, located just outside of Cambridge! The cat’s out of the bag – families have been visiting this memorable attraction since 1969. Part world-renowned animal conservation centre, water park, and game reserves, a day spent at African Lion Safari with the kids is the bee’s knees!
You know what I’ve wanted to experience since childhood? A hot air balloon ride. Imagine riding in the colourful canvas floating across the sky instead of seeing it from the ground below. What an epic way to create core summer memories! With Sundance Balloons you can experience that once-in-a-lifetime awe right here in Waterloo Region. Sunrise and evening flights are approximately an hour long. Celebrate that special milestone or book it just because you only live once!
Extend Your Stay
Now that your Waterloo Region travel bucket list is overflowing, let’s check out all the best places to stay on your weekend away.
Without a doubt, the best hotel in Waterloo Region is the historic Walper Hotel. Beautifully renovated in 2016, this beloved downtown establishment understands that great hospitality lies in the details. They even make their own honey! It’s an ideal accommodation if you love being in walking distance to restaurants, parks, public transit, and trails. Travelling with pets? They’re welcome too. Even if you don’t rest your head here, make sure to pop in and enjoy a cocktail at their restaurant, TWH Social, or join for high afternoon tea.
For rustic charm and modern amenities, book a weekend stay at Under The Whispering Pines in Cambridge’s scenic Blair Village. Choose between the Main or Coach House and don’t forget to bring your bathing suit for the backyard pool. With wood-burning fireplaces, lush green space, and a ‘whimsical bar’ called the Twisted Kilt, it’s the perfect setting for romance and rejuvenation.
Travellers who prefer access to kitchen and laundry amenities, have numerous Airbnb options. There’s this cozy coach house, a heritage studio, this sun-filled studio bachelor, a larger basement walkout with patio and fireplace access, or this modern minimalist loft, to list a few.
Seekers of a truly relaxing countryside experience will adore Puddicombe House in New Hamburg. With an on-site restaurant and spa, your accommodation will be a mini vacation within your weekend away!
Cheat Sheet Complete!! Hope you have fun as you get out and explore Waterloo Region!