Thanksgiving weekend in Waterloo Region comes with a little extra flavour.
There’s steam on the rails, schnitzel in the streets, fresh fruit in the countryside and plenty of ways to embrace the best bits of fall. Whether you’re planning a long weekend getaway or looking for a memorable day trip, here are a few ways to make the most of Thanksgiving weekend in Waterloo Region.
Climb aboard a steam-powered adventure
There are train rides, and then there are steam train rides.
This Thanksgiving weekend, Waterloo Central Railway’s historic No. 9 locomotive is back on the rails, taking passengers through Waterloo Region’s colourful countryside. Recently returned to service after years of restoration, this 1923 steam engine brings a little extra to the journey: the hiss of steam, the rumble of the rails and, on October 11, a special run-past opportunity for the perfect fall photo.
Choose from the steam-powered Heritage Hopper on October 10, a Thanksgiving Steam Excursion on October 11, or settle in for a Thanksgiving Dinner Train on October 12. Whichever you choose, this is one fall outing where the journey really is the destination.
Celebrate Oktoberfest, Waterloo Region Style
In Waterloo Region, Thanksgiving weekend is more schnitzel and less turkey!
That’s because Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is in full swing, and Thanksgiving weekend is prime time for getting into the Gemütlichkeit. Downtown Kitchener’s Willkommen Platz transforms King Street into a lively Bavarian village from October 9–11, with live music, German food, a Biergarten and family-friendly fun.
Then, on Thanksgiving Monday, join the thousands of spectators who will line the streets for the K-W Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade, a colourful Waterloo Region tradition featuring floats, marching bands and plenty of festive spirit.
Taste fruits you didn’t know could grow here
Think you know what grows in Ontario? Silver Creek Nursery might have a surprise or two in store for you.
Part of the Fields & Flavours Trail, Silver Creek is hosting its annual Fruit Tasting Open House on October 9 and 10, inviting visitors to sample tree-ripened fruits, including rare and unusual varieties that are difficult to find at the grocery store. It’s a delicious way to celebrate the harvest, with a few unexpected flavours thrown in for good measure. BTW – this event is great for both your taste buds and your wallet, as there’s no admission charge!
Go looking for something a little woolly
Butterflies aren’t the only creatures stealing the spotlight at the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory this fall.
During Woolly Bear October, the conservatory’s tropical oasis gets a little more caterpillar-centric with family activities, crafts and fascinating woolly bear facts. Over Thanksgiving weekend, you can explore the conservatory, meet some of its flying residents and keep an eye out for one of nature’s cutest little weather forecasters.
Woolly bear hunt? Thanksgiving tradition? We see no reason why not.
Make a day of it on the farm
If your ideal Thanksgiving weekend involves pumpkins, corn mazes, farm animals and plenty of fresh air, Waterloo Region has you covered.
Snyder’s Family Farm in Bright is open Thanksgiving weekend with its pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayride and more than 25 farm attractions. In Waterloo, Benjamin Tree Farm is in the middle of its fall pumpkin season, with farm activities, a corn maze, animals, playgrounds and plenty of pumpkins to take home.
(Insider Tip: Looking for even more pumpkin patches and corn mazes? Find your fall fix in Waterloo Region.)
Make a long weekend of it
Why squeeze all of the Thanksgiving fun into one day? Afterall, it’s a long weekend, perfect for slowing down and exploring more. Find a place to stay, settle in and turn a day trip into a weekend worth savouring in Waterloo Region.