Located in the heart of Southwest Ontario, Waterloo Region provides the perfect balance between new and old, rural and urban, nature and technology, classical and contemporary, tranquillity and adventure. This 2-day trip highlights some of our favourite experiences in Waterloo.
DAY ONE
Canoeing the Grand
Start your day exploring Waterloo Region from a whole new vantage point as you canoe, kayak or tube your way along the majestic Grand River. Canoeing the Grand offers iconic experiences that are as scenic as they are peaceful.
Pro tip: Dogs are welcome!
Borealis Grille & Bar
When the lunch bell rings (or hunger calls), treat yourself to a meal in a beautifully refurbished early 19th Century historic schoolhouse. Obsessively local, Borealis is committed to serving locally sourced Ontario quality foods and beverages.
Tried and true: The Old Smokey Burger
Doon Heritage Village
Spend the afternoon discovering what life was like in 1914. Located at the entrance to Waterloo Region Museum, Doon Heritage Village is a picturesque 60 acre living history village featuring knowledgeable interpreters dressed in authentic clothing, historic buildings, farm animals and fun activities for all to enjoy.
Fun fact: Doon Heritage Village frequently serves as a backdrop in films. Anne of Green Gables fans rejoice!
The Lancaster Smokehouse
Dinner sustenance awaits at Lancaster Smokehouse. This family run business serves authentic dishes made with only fresh local produce and premium meats from Ontario farms – it’s the “go-to-spot” for mouth-watering Southern BBQ and amazing experiences, live music and awesome craft beverages!
Bonus: Take a taste of The Lanc home with you – signature sauces, rubs and wood chips are available for purchase.
Entertainment Awaits at Bingemans
Get your game on! With a wide variety of entertainment options, Kingpin Bowlounge features modern lanes with cozy couches, a huge licenced GameworX Arcade and Waterloo Region’s largest outdoor patio for celebrating with victory drinks. Fancy a flick? Visit On the Grand Drive-in to round out the evening’s festivities.
DAY TWO
West Montrose Covered Bridge
Ontario’s last remaining covered bridge, the West Montrose Covered Bridge, is a great place to start day two. Featuring a 198-foot span across the Grand River, the bridge is still used by pedestrians, buggy traffic and vehicles weighing less than three tonnes for crossing the river and was designated a Provincial Historic Site in August 1960.
Conestogo River Horseback Adventure
Enjoy a laid-back day horseback riding next to the scenic Conestogo River. Trail rides are offered year-round, and vary in length from 1, 2 and 4 hours. Alternatively, you can join them for a wagon ride (up to 15 adults per wagon) or a sleigh ride (up to 6 adults) as a great way to get out and enjoy the sun or snow with no horse steering required.
Pro Tip: Road apples aren’t for eating.
Red House Restaurant
Prepare yourself for some tough decisions. Every single one of Chef Dan McCowan’s dishes are to die for, and with frequently changing curry features you’re in for a unique lunch experience. The eponymous Red House located in UpTown Waterloo is the perfect setting for an intimate, relaxed bistro meal.
Known for: Curry dishes. You’ll want to buy a few bottles to take home.
Stroll Walking Tours – Uptown
Tour the town with a neighbourhood stroll hosted by a knowledgeable local guide. With hyper local themes ranging from Mural Arts & the Outdoor Gallery to Fugitive Slaves & Forgotten Soldiers and Historic Waterloo to Famous Families, you’ll enjoy a private walk and talk tour just for your group.
Pro tips: Wear comfortable shoes. Curiosity and questions encouraged.
Graffiti Market
Food, art and technology come together in a one-of-a-kind dining experience at Graffiti Market – home to an innovative restaurant, microbrewery, coffee roaster, bakery and retail market. As the first restaurant in North America to offer Kodisoft Smart Dining Tables, at Graffiti Market you can order your meal right from your interactive table complete with games and other activities to enjoy! The menu offers house-made pastas, rotisserie chicken and other house specialties, while the drink menu includes craft brews created on-site at Red Circle Brewing Co. Save room for a mouth-watering dessert or a tasty treat from the Four All Ice Cream Cone Counter and finish things off with a specially brewed beverage using on-site roasted beans by Red Circle Coffee Co.
