A Local’s Guide To The Best Things To Do In Kitchener

Kitchener might not always get the spotlight, but us locals know it’s one of Ontario’s most underrated cities in Ontario. It has a vibrant downtown scattered with indie cafes, green space, and hidden street art. Not to mention an abundance of parks for relaxing or trails for hiking.

While Kitchener is not a typical Ontario tourist destination, it is a popular city frequented by parents across the Province who are visiting their college-age children. Kitchener is home to 2 top universities, Waterloo University and Wilfrend Laurier, as well as one of the top Ontario Colleges, Connestoga College. It is also considered to be one of Canada’s top tech hubs.

As someone who has lived and worked in Kitchener for the past ten years, I can tell you that Kichener has so much more to offer than education and technology. In this post, I’ll share some of my favourite things to do in Kitchener so that next time you visit, you’ll also be able to enjoy some of what the city has to offer. In fact, there are so many things to do that you will want to spend an entire weekend in Kitchener.

Once you’ve had an opportunity to spend time exploring all of the things to do in Kitchener, you’ll quickly realize why I love living here.

About Kitchener: A Little History

Kitchener is part of the tri-cities; Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge, but it hasn’t always been known as Kitchener.

What is now known as Kitchener, was settled by German-speaking immigrants in the early 1800’s, and has been known by many different names over the years. Originating as Sand Hill, and then changing to Ebytown, and Berlin. In 1916, during WW1, the name Berlin was re-named as Kitchener amid tensions surrounding the German heritage.

Kitchener is a diverse community. While the German heritage is still evident, there are also strong Poish, Asian, and Ukrainian communities.

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Best Things To Do In Kitchener

Hiking Trails

Finding all of the hiking trails was the biggest surprise when I moved to Kitchener. Over the 10 years I’ve lived in Kitchener, I’m pretty sure that I’ve hiked them all, but a couple stand out as my favourites.

Huron Natural Area:

Huron Natural Area is my go-to when I just need to escape the city noise. It’s a large green space located right in Kitchener and offers over 7 km of hiking trails. All of the trails are easy to moderate and most are accessible which makes it ideal for all visitors.

Kids especially love visiting as there is a small playground which is made from natural materials. They will also have the opportunity to spot turtles in the summer and feed the birds during the winter. This natural area is truly a hidden gem which is loved by the locals.

Homer Watson Park Trail:

The Homer Watson Park Trail is also located within the city, however, it’s a bit more challenging as there are several hills.

This is an in and out trail which spans approximately 5.8 km round trip. This trail follows along the Grand River and is especially beautiful during the Fall.

Live Theatre and Performances

Kitchener is home to a first-rate theatre which features, live music, comedy shows, and musicals. The Centre In The Square is located in the historic district of Kitchener. There isn’t a bad seat in the house, so no need to purchase top-of-the-line tickets. Paid parking is also available on site.

The Museum

The Museum is also located in the historic district and is within walking distance of downtown Kitchener. There is parking available for a fee, but it is limited. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.

Walking Tour of Kitchener’s Historic District

While you’re in the area, I recommend taking a leisurely stroll around Kitchener’s Historic District, where you can enjoy tree-lined streets, as well as Kitchener’s historic homes. Better yet, book a private guided walking tour with a local to learn more about the city’s history and find some hidden gems.

Driver’s Tip: If you’re visiting with young children, there’s a fantastic playground at the corner of Margaret Street and Queen Street. It’s also the ideal spot for a picnic

Search For Street Art

It’s always fun to search for street art and Kitchener is no exception. All of the murals have been created by local artists and are scattered throughout the downtown core. Don’t forget to check out the alleyways 🙂 .

Hockey, Baseball, Basketball

Kitchener has sports galore for the sports lover! We are home to the Kitchener Rangers, a hockey team in the OHL, the KW Titans, Canada’s first not-for-profit professional basketball team, and if you love baseball, we have the Kitchener Panthers.

Kitchener Market

The Kitchener Market is open every Saturday, year-round offering a host of vendors selling fresh produce, meat and dairy. You can also find unique items and gifts made by local artisans. It’s a fun place to wander around, and if you’re lucky you can participate in one of their events.

Coffee Shops and Craft Beer Tasting

Coffee and craft beer lover’s visiting Kitchener won’t be disappointed. Begin your day with a delicious cup of coffee or end the day with a craft beer or two, at one of Kitchener’s many cafes and brewpubs.

Driver’s Tip: If visiting Kitchener by train or without a vehicle, I recommend staying at The Walper Hotel. It’s within walking distance of the train station and all of the above attractions, as well as the primary bus/train hub.

Things To Do In Kitchener With Children

I often get asked “what is there to do in Kitchener with children?”. I admit that since I no longer have young children (I do have grandchildren), I’ve often struggled to answer. I’ve since done some research and I’ve found a few exiciting and fun things to do that children willl love – I’ve even done a couple of them myself 🙂 .

Bingeman’s

If you’re visiting Kitchener with kids or young teens, then Bingeman’s is the place to be. It’s ideal for a family outing, offering arcades, bowling, and swimming and mini-golf in the summer. There is a restaurant on premises and it’s even licensed! But I have to warn you, bring money, as it’s not a cheap outing.

Grand River Rocks Climbing Gym

Grand River Rocks is relatively new to Kitchener, but it has quickly become busy. Climbers of all skill levels will find a climbing wall to suit their needs – even for the little climbers.

Victoria Park

Victoria Park is a large park situated smack dab in the center of Kitchener’s downtown. While it’s definitely geared towards children, adults also love to visit when they need a quiet spot to catch up on reading or just want to take a leisurely stroll.

The park has 2 large play areas – 1 is geared to infants, and 1 is geared towards older children. There are also 2 splashpads which will keep children entertained for hours.

There is a restaurant in the park, but I highly recommend bringing a picnic. There are plenty of tables and the park is large enough that you won’t be piled on top of each other.

For adults feeling the need to get in a gym workout, the park has a stationary bike and stepper so you can get your daily sweat on.

Skyzone Trampoline Park

Skyzone is the ultimate thing to do in Kitchener for kids of all ages. It offers various stages to suit the abilities of each age group. Let your child burn some energy as he or she jumps, climbs, and runs when visiting Skyzone.

To guarantee a spot for your child, tickets should be purchased in advance.

Things To Do In Surrounding Area

St. Jacobs and St. Jacobs Market

Visiting St. Jacobs is by far one of the most popular things to do when visiting Kitchener. While adults, especially women, love it, it doesn’t offer an abundance of things to do if you’re travelling with children.

Even if you have no interest in wondering the streets of St. Jacobs, I still recommend visiting the Farmers Market, which is one of the largest markets in Canada. It’s open Thursday’s and Saturday’s year-round.

Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory

I’ll admit that I haven’t had the chance to visit the Butterfly Conservatory in Cambridge, but many people have told me that it’s just as good as the Butterfly Conservatory in Niagara Falls.

If you’re looking for things to do in, or around Kitchener, when visiting with children, then this is the spot that will offer both and educational and entertaining experience for your young ones.

It’s recommended that tickets be purchased in advance in order to secure your time slot. You can take a chance and just show up. If the time slot is open, you will be granted entrance, otherwise, you’ll miss out on this adventure.

Mini-Golf And Driving Range

Who doesn’t love a good round of mini-golf? Market Sports in Waterloo/St. Jacobs offers 2, 18 hole, mini-golf courses, as well as a driving range. There are also several well maintained beach volleyball courts, which is ideal if you’re travelling with a large group.

There is also a small restaurant, with a limited menu where you can grab a quick bite to eat. Reservations can be made in advance, or you can just drop in on your way by.

Activate Cambridge

Activate is my number one recommendation if you’re visiting with friends or teenage children. The multiple inter-active game rooms will keep you hopping, jumping, ducking, and laughing for a couple of hours as you race against time. I played the games at Activate with my 13 year old grandson and we had a blast. But believe me when I tell you that it’s a workout!

Reservations must be made online. I also recommend signing the online waiver prior to arrival, otherwise you will have to use one of the computer systems at the facility to do so. This will save you precious time.

Festivals And Events

Kitchener is host to the largest Octoberfest outside of Germany, but that’s not all it offers. Here are some other festivals and events for visitors to take part in.

• March: I Heart Beer & Taco Festival
• June: Tri-Pride Summer Festival
• June: Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Festival
• July: Downtown Kitchener Ribfest & Craft Beer Show
• August: Kitchener Blues Festival
• October: Kitchener-Waterloo Octoberfest
• October: Frederick Street Art Walk

How To Get To Kitchener

By Car: Kitchener is located approximately 100 km (62 miles) west of Toronto. If you are driving to Kitchener from Toronto or from the more southern parts of Ontario, you will access Kitchener directly from the 401.

By Train: If taking the train from Toronto, you will depart from Union Station. During peak season, the train departs every 10 minutes. You can download a copy of the train schedule here. The Kitchener train station is not staffed and tickets either have to be purchased online or at a kiosk at the station.

Getting Around Kitchener

If taking the train into Kitchener, you will still have easy access to many of the activities throughout the city. There are the usual city buses with stops scattered throughout the city. In addition to regular bus service, the region also has what’s know as the GRT (Grand River Transit), which is a light rail system which connects Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and St. Jacobs.

Driver’s Tip: If departing Toronto later in the evening, you will be required to transfer to the GO bus in Brampton for the last part of the ride.

Payment for the GRT:

Payment can be made per single use, or you can purchase a single day pass or group day pass (which I recommend).

• Single Use: $4.00 cash fare. Children 6 and under are free (up to 3 children)
• Day Pass: $8.00 unlimited use for 1 day
• Group Pass: $12.00 unlimited use for 1 day for up to 5 people travelling together

There are several ways you can purchase tickets to ride the GRT:

• on the GRT Pay app
• on the Transit app
• on the GRT Pay website
• at GRT Customer Service Centres

For more payment information, schedules, and routes, visit the GRT website.

Top Things To Do In Kitchener: In Conclusion

And there you have it! My local’s list of the top things to do when you’re visiting Kitchener. There’s always something happening in this Ontario city. The best part? The more you explore, the more hidden gems you’ll find, that make Kitchener so special.

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