Are you looking for a fun-filled day exploring the great outdoors in Kitchener, Ontario? Look no further! In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the must-see spots in the city that are perfect for nature lovers, history buffs, and foodies alike.
Huron Natural Area
Let's start with one of Kitchener's most beautiful natural spaces, Huron Natural Area. This 265-acre park is located on the western side of the city and is a stunning forest land, consisting of rolling meadows, hills, wetlands, and walking trails. Here, you can enjoy the great outdoors while taking in the diverse flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for beavers, muskrats, turtles, and many other animals. The park also offers a range of activities throughout the summer, including group outdoor exercise activities, picnic areas, washroom facilities, and playgrounds.
Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum
Just east of Huron Park Natural Area, you'll find the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum. The museum consists of two main exhibits, one of which changes throughout the year. The current Aboriginal exhibit explores the contributions of the Aboriginal people to the Waterloo Region, while the other highlights the region's water and how it has developed throughout the years. Here, you'll also find the first Toyota Camry that rolled off the line out of the Cambridge Toyota manufacturer.
Doon Heritage Village
Conveniently located beside the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum is Doon Heritage Village, a living history museum. With over 60 buildings, including woodworking, the post office, and many houses, the museum harks back to the early 20th century. People dressed up in costumes of the era will give you a great idea of what life was like during that time in the Waterloo Region.
Best Cafe in Kitchener
Next, stop by Nova Era for a delicious treat in downtown Kitchener on King Street North. They offer a range of delicious pastries, including the Berliner or Berlin ball, and their lattes are a must-try.
Schneider Haus National Historic Site
This house is one of the oldest buildings in the Waterloo Region, built by Joseph Schneider himself back in 1816. Located in the heart of downtown Kitchener, this beautiful, well-preserved house harks back to the Mennonite population that first settled the land here in the early 1800s. If you are here in Kitchener, it's a beautiful little slice of history to check out.
Homer Watson Park
Named after Homer Watson, a Canadian landscape painter, this park covers over 336 acres of walking trails and forests. It offers great views of the Grand River and the Victoria Park golf course.
Victoria Park
This park is located conveniently right downtown Kitchener and has a New York Central Park vibe to it. Built around 1896, it's an essential part of Kitchener, covering just over 59 acres in size. There are several outdoor activities here, such as splash pads, playgrounds, and many trails. Victoria Park Lake is also a must-see, and it's home to many festivals and events that happen throughout the year.
Woodside National Historic Site
This site is home to the former longest-serving prime minister in Canada, William Lyon Mackenzie King. The house was built in 1853, and King's parents bought it in 1886. This was his childhood home during the time he did move to Ottawa later on, but Woodside will always be his family home. Today, the house is a museum that has been restored to its original look back in the 1890s.
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