Home to several historical landmarks, cultural centres, and annual festivals, including the world’s largest Oktoberfest outside of Munich, Kitchener is a great year-round destination set in the heart of Southern Ontario.
And while there are several things to do in the city, Kitchener is also surrounded by a massive variety of nearby attractions and destinations just waiting to be explored. From breathtaking conservation areas and county towns to national historic sites and living museums, these are the 13 best day trips from Kitchener, Ontario, for an entertaining getaway from the city.
A Quick Look At The 13 Best Day Trips from Kitchener, Ontario
- Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area
- Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake
- Paris Along The Grand River
- Woodside National Historic Site
- Doon Heritage Village
- Port Dover Along Lake Erie
- Picton Along Lake Ontario
- Norfolk County
- St Jacobs
- The Bruce Peninsula
- Algonquin Provincial Park
- Blue Mountain Village
- Canada’s Wonderland
The 13 Best Day Trips From Kitchener, Ontario
1. Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area
Located about a 40-minute drive from downtown Kitchener, the Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area is a great place to escape the city to enjoy the breathtaking natural landscapes of the Niagara Escarpment.
Covering 100 square meters of pristine countryside, the conservation area boasts surreal natural scenery that includes thousand-year-old ancient cedars and ten kilometres of limestone cliffs with designated rock climbing areas, all of which can be admired from five different scenic lookouts.
The conservation area promises fantastic hiking, camping, and photography opportunities, with two of the most popular trails amongst visitors being the Nassagaweya Canyon Trail and Vista Adventure Trail.
2. Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake
Only an hour and a half drive from the city, Niagara Falls is one of the best destinations for a day trip from Kitchener. As the most popular tourist destination in Canada, Niagara Falls is full of fantastic attractions for an entertaining visit in winter or summer.
Along with visiting the iconic waterfall landmark, a road trip to Niagara Falls should include a stop at the Butterfly Conservatory, Bird Kingdom, the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, and Clifton Hill for a great selection of restaurants, haunted houses, and attractions.
Meanwhile, visitors seeking a quieter, more laid-back escape from the city can instead head over to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Set along the shore of Lake Ontario, just down the Niagara River from Horseshoe Falls, this charming community is one of the prettiest small towns in Ontario and promises a soothing escape complete with boutique shops, rolling vineyards, and a relaxing countryside retreat for a fun weekend trip.
3. Paris Along The Grand River
Speaking of charming small towns, people staying in Kitchener don’t need to travel all the way to Niagara to experience one of Ontario’s prettiest communities. While it doesn’t boast the Eiffel Tower of its European namesake, Paris, Ontario, promises a quaint day trip from Kitchener to explore its historic downtown area or take in the sights along the Grand River.
Check out this post for a full list of fun and exciting things to do during your day trip to Paris, Ontario.
4. Woodside National Historic Site
Kitchener has several historical sites surrounding its picturesque countryside, and one of the best places for exploring local history is the Woodside National Historic Site.
Found within the 11.5-acre Woodside National Historical Park, this historic house was once the boyhood home of Canada’s tenth and longest-serving prime minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King, and offers visitors a historical day trip escape from the heart of Kitchener.
From exploring its densely wooded areas to visiting the monumental home itself, this historic site serves as a doorway into Canada’s Victorian era and is not to be missed when visiting the city.
5. Doon Heritage Village
Another great spot for a historical day trip near Kitchener is Doon Heritage Village, which is located just outside of the city and promises a fun day exploring a variety of historical buildings and artifacts.
This living history museum transports visitors through time to experience what life in the Waterloo region was like in 1914. It features 19 unique buildings, including a sawmill, a blacksmith shop, a railway station, and a historical firehall, each equipped with authentic artifacts that tell the story of the region’s past.
While a great destination on its own, the Doon Heritage Village can be paired with a visit to the Woodside National Historic Site for a full-day trip exploring the community’s history without having to drive too far.
6. Port Dover Along Lake Erie
We can’t list day trip ideas from Kitchener without at least mentioning a couple of destinations along the Great Lakes. One such example is the charming beachside community of Port Dover along Lake Erie.
Located about an hour and a half from Kitchener, Port Dover makes for a fantastic lakeside getaway, complete with sandy beaches, delightful restaurants, and inviting boutique shops found along its Main Street.
7. Picton Along Lake Ontario
While it requires an extended three and a half hours to reach, Prince Edward County is one of the most beautiful regions in Ontario and makes for a breathtaking road trip from Kitchener along the shores of Lake Ontario.
Set in the heart of the county, Picton makes for a great base for exploring the area, with several restaurants, attractions, and accommodations perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway.
8. Norfolk County
While it is easy enough to spend the day exploring the beachside community of Port Dover, Norfolk County as a whole makes for some fantastic day trips from Kitchener.
Along with stopping by the Port Dover Lighthouse and community, your exploration of the county should include stops at Long Point Provincial Park, Turkey Point Provincial Park, the Whistling Gardens, and the Backus Heritage Conservation Area.
9. St Jacobs
A former German Mennonite town tracing its heritage back to the Dutch-speaking Pennsylvania Mennonites, St. Jacobs is a charming small town that makes for a great cultural day trip just a 15-minute drive from downtown Kitchener.
Along with offering a quiet small-town retreat just minutes from the city, St. Jacobs features a great variety of attractions for an exciting day trip, including Canada’s largest year-round farmers market, the Waterloo Central Railway, and The Mennonite Story Museum.
10. The Bruce Peninsula
Those looking for a great variety of outdoor activities and breathtaking natural scenery near Kitchener should head north to the Bruce Peninsula. About a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the city, this outdoor haven promises intrepid Bruce Peninsula hikes and some spectacular Great Lake beaches near Tobermory.
Whether visiting for the day or for an extended camping trip, The Bruce Peninsula is one of the most beautiful natural areas for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city.
11. Algonquin Provincial Park
About a three-and-a-half-hour drive from the city, Algonquin Provincial Park is a little further from Kitchener but can make for a great two-day trip or weekend getaway. Covering an expansive 7,653 square kilometres, Algonquin is the oldest provincial park in Canada and promises natural landscapes, world-class hiking, and breathtakingly beautiful kayaking routes.
While it is easy to spend a week or more exploring the park’s backcountry, Algonquin also provides several ways to enjoy a brief day-long taste of the natural area, including single-day tours offered by Algonquin Outfitters.
12. Blue Mountain Village
Blue Mountain Village is a charming European-style village just two hours from the city, making for a fantastic day trip from Kitchener. Offering year-round outdoor adventures, the Blue Mountain offers fantastic hiking and biking trails with beautiful look points.
Meanwhile, throughout the winter, the mountain converts into a world-class ski hill, hosting downhill enthusiasts from around the world.
The village itself is a charming community with cobblestone streets, boutique shops, eclectic restaurants, and inviting attractions, such as the Scandinave Spa.
While the village can be visited as a day trip from Kitchener, the Blue Mountains also serve as a charming retreat for a long weekend getaway.
13. Canada’s Wonderland
Located only an hour from Vaughn, Canada’s Wonderland makes for the perfect day trip from Kitchener for people looking for a thrilling afternoon on the coasters and rides of Canada’s premier amusement park.
The amusement park features a great selection of roller coasters and kiddie rides for guests of all ages, including the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the country – The Leviathan.
Meanwhile, visitors looking to escape the summer heat can head over to Splash Works water park for a refreshing selection of water slides and aquatic attractions.
How To Spend A Day Trip To Kitchener, Ontario
With so much to see and do in Kitchener, you don’t really need to leave the city to have an adventure. Along with visiting the Woodside National Historic Site and Doon Heritage Village, visitors can enjoy an exciting day trip exploring Kitchener itself, with stops at these great attractions and facilities.
- Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery: Kitchener’s Centre of Culture and Arts, with exhibits highlighting the works of both local and international artists.
- Victoria Park: A beautiful open space with walking trails in the heart of the city for escaping the urban sprawl for a picnic or nature hike.
- Huron Natural Area: Set along the southern edge of Kitchener, Huron Natural Area is an extensive protected space with beautiful hiking trails, lookout areas, and playgrounds perfect for exploring local flora and fauna.
- Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum: The largest community museum in Ontario, this must-visit museum features a permanent exhibit exploring the local history of the Waterloo region, along with designated spaces for temporary and travelling exhibits.
- Chicopee Ski Club: Just 15 minutes from downtown Kitchener, this ski club is the perfect nearby alternative to the Blue Mountain Ski Resort, offering world-class winter sports and activities.
