10 Ways to Spend the May Long Weekend Outdoors
in Waterloo Region
by Cora Kuehl | May 2026
The May long weekend is the unofficial kickoff to summer, and there’s no better place to welcome it than Waterloo Region.
Think peaceful campgrounds under starlit skies, early-season rounds on lush golf courses, slow paddles on the Grand River, and hikes along winding forest trails. Waterloo Region is where outdoor adventure meets easygoing charm. It’s the kind of place where a long weekend turns into something memorable—and you don’t have to go far to find it.
Inspiration for your Long Weekend escape in Waterloo Region
Family Fishing Fun
Lyndon Fishing Pond is a seasonal, family-friendly pay-to-fish pond where visitors can catch fresh rainbow trout in a relaxed outdoor setting. It’s perfect for a fun afternoon with kids! Their value fishing pack includes admission for 4, four fish (that are cleaned and packed for you!), worms, food to feed the fish, and even a snack for you!
Bloom Fest at Shuh Orchards
Bloom Fest at Shuh Orchards is the perfect spring event! The apple trees at Shuh Orchards are in full bloom and ready for your instagram-worthy moments! This farm outing blends blossoms, food, music, and outdoor fun that’s perfect for couples, families or anyone looking to soak in the season.
Hit the Links: Golf in Waterloo Region
Waterloo Region offers a wide range of public golf courses set in scenic surroundings, catering to everyone from beginners to seasoned players. With options spread across Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and the nearby townships, it’s an accessible destination for a relaxed round or a more challenging game.
Paddle along the Grand River
Canoeing the Grand is an outdoor outfitter in Kitchener that lets you rent canoes, kayaks, tubes, and rafts to paddle scenic stretches of the Grand River, with shuttle services for drop off and pick up. It’s a popular way to experience the region at a relaxed pace while enjoying nature, wildlife, and a peaceful river setting.
Picnic with Alpacas
The Alpaca Lunch Picnic at Udderly Ridiculous Farm Life puts a fun twist on a classic summer picnic. Think relaxed outdoor dining featuring locally-sourced bites (including a scoop of Udderly Ridiculous goat milk ice cream!), combined with curious alpacas casually wandering over to see what you’re up to. This is just one of the many farm experiences at Udderly Ridiculous, including the new Tower of Goats Discovery Trail where you can explore the farm at your own pace!
Grapes, Goats and Good Times
The Sip & Graze experience at The Perth Farmhouse is a slow, scenic countryside outing where you enjoy a beverage flight while wandering the farm and spending time with the goats. This experience includes a generous graze box, making it an easygoing mix of tasting, snacking, and relaxing in a beautiful countryside setting. You can also book a Goat Social or the Bubbles and Brunch experience that blends genuine farm hospitality with the beauty of nature.
*Insider’s Tip: Udderly Ridiculous Farm Life and The Perth Farmhouse have teamed up to provide a unique overnight farm experience that blends relaxation with meet and greet animal opportunities! Be sure to book quickly as these experiences are very limited!
Trails worth following
Waterloo Region features a vast, connected network of hundreds of kilometers of urban and rural trails that link its cities, towns, parks, forests, and river corridors. These multi-use paths are popular for walking, cycling, and exploring nature, offering everything from easy city strolls to scenic countryside routes through conservation areas and green spaces.
*Pro Tip: You’ll find the #WiseOldOak on Woolwich Township’s Health Valley Trail!
Pitch a tent
Laurel Creek Conservation Area is just minutes away from Uptown Waterloo, Kitchener and St. Jacobs, making it a great home base for your long weekend explorations! Laurel Creek offers seasonal camping in a scenic setting, with access to beaches, hiking trails, and a lake for paddling.
Bingemans Camping Resort in Kitchener is a large, family-friendly campground that is situated along the Grand River. They offer tent, trailer, and cabin sites. More than just camping, guests also get direct access to on-site attractions including indoor play areas, mini golf, and other entertainment options for a full resort-style experience.
Open-air shopping, local flavour
Canada’s largest year-round market – the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market – gets even bigger at this time of year when all of the outdoor vendors return! You’ll discover everything you need to fire up the perfect long weekend BBQ, all in one stop. From locally sourced meats and fresh veggies to just-baked desserts and more: this is the easiest (and tastiest) way to stock up for a long weekend that calls for good food and great company!
A Fireworks Finale
End your long weekend on a high note as the New Dundee Community Fireworks return for another unforgettable year! Enjoy an evening packed with excitement, mouthwatering food trucks, local vendors, lively music, and fun rides for all ages. The celebration kicks off Sunday, May 17 after 4:30 PM at the New Dundee Community Centre, leading up to a spectacular fireworks show that lights up the night sky and wraps up your long weekend in Waterloo Region with a bang!