Sometimes the Best Seat Isn’t in the Stadium:
Soccer and Side Quests in Waterloo Region
FIFA World Cup 2026™ is set to bring fans from around the world to Canada this summer, along with the energy, excitement – and yes, the huge crowds that come with it.
But not every fan is looking to celebrate in the middle of it all.
Just one hour beyond the rush of the host city, Waterloo Region offers something different: spaces to explore, places to unwind, and plenty of ways to stay connected to the matches, without the congestion. You can cheer on your team with other football fanatics during the games, then embark on one of many amazing adventures unique to Waterloo Region. Whether you’re a foodie in search of farm-to-table culinary experiences or an outdoor enthusiast looking to connect with nature, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.
Because sometimes the best seat in the house, isn’t actually in the house.
Turn game day into a getaway in Waterloo Region
Here’s how to make the most of your time in Waterloo Region this summer.
Catch the match, your way
Sure, you can watch the games at local bars and restaurants throughout Waterloo Region. You can also take in the matches on the largest outdoor screen of its kind in Canada at the Gaslight District in Cambridge and feel like you’re practically in the stadium! Visit draped in your country’s colours and be part of the outdoor viewing parties throughout the tournament.
(Pro Tip: Foundry Tavern, The French, The Underwing and Pizzeria Motola are right on site at the Gaslight District for tasty food options that go way beyond traditional stadium hot dogs!)
On July 11th, Canada Celebrates the FIFA World Cup 2026™ makes its way to Waterloo Region and it’s sure to be an unforgettable way to celebrate all things soccer! This special fan activation is a free, family-friendly event with live match viewings, football themed activities, cultural programming, music, food and shared moments of national pride. It’s all happening at Carl Zehr Square in downtown Kitchener.
Trade the crowds for open air
Waterloo Region makes it easy to swap crowds for quiet trails, riverside views, and wide-open spaces. Canoe, kayak or tube along the the historic Grand River, take in the views while zip lining at Chicopee Tube Park, or explore the countryside on horseback with Conestogo River Horseback Adventures. Whether you’re chasing adventure or simply looking for a little breathing room between matches, the outdoors have a way of resetting the score.
Find your festival moment
Summer festival season hits its stride in Waterloo Region, with live music, global flavours, and open-air celebrations around every corner. From the rhythms of the Kultrún World Music Festival and Afrovibes Festival to the Sun Life Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival, Cambridge Scottish Festival, the Downtown Kitchener Ribfest and Craft Beer Show, and the Kitchener Blues Festival it’s easy to turn a day trip into a weekend stay.
Keep the whole crew playing
Families looking for a slower summer pace will find plenty of ways to fill the hours between matches. Get closer than ever to more than 1,000 exotic birds and animals at African Lion Safari, ride the rails through Waterloo Region’s Mennonite countryside aboard Waterloo Central Railway, cool off at Bingemans Big Splash, or wander among thousands of free-flying butterflies at Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory. No matter your age, it’s easy to tap into your inner kid here.
Taste what Waterloo Region is made of
Waterloo Region’s farm-to-table food culture shines all summer long, with locally sourced ingredients and seasonal flavours featured on menus across the region. From refined dining experiences to relaxed patios and neighbourhood favourites, there’s no shortage of places to settle in for a memorable meal. Michelin Recommended restaurants Langdon Hall and odd duck | wine & provisions along with local favourites Blackshop Restaurant and Wine Bar, Sole Uptown Restaurant, and Puddicombe House are just a few worth adding to your list. Around here, great food is part of our story.
Our ‘farm team’ is outstanding in its field
While the beautiful game takes centre stage, Waterloo Region’s fields offer more than pitch-side drama. Beyond stadiums and fan zones, you’ll find authentic rural experiences that are uniquely ours.
The Fields & Flavours Trail connects visitors to local farms, markets, and food experiences rooted in the region’s agricultural heritage and creative culinary scene. It’s about more than what’s grown here, it’s how it’s shared—through seasonal tastes, farm stops, and memorable rural experiences.
From open-air farm stands to immersive agritourism, it’s your chance to trade stadium seats for a seat at the table—because sometimes the best seat in the house isn’t in the house at all.
