Originally settled by German immigrants in the early 19th century, Kitchener is one of three cities that make up the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and promises plenty of historical landmarks and lush natural areas just waiting to be explored.
Whether visiting for its iconic Oktoberfest celebrations or as a fun weekend getaway, these are 13 fun things to do in Kitchener, Ontario, from travelling back in time at the Doon Heritage Museum to uncovering hidden views along the Grand River.
A Quick Look at the 13 Top Things to Do in Kitchener
- Visit the Doon Heritage Village & the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum
- Go for a Walk Through Victoria Park
- Tour the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery
- Check Out the Kitchener Market
- Take a Stroll Through the Huron Natural Area
- Catch a Show at the Registry Theatre
- Enjoy a Day on the Grand River
- Visit the Chicopee Tube Park & Chicopee Ski Resort
- Tour the Schneider Haus National Historic Site
- Play a Round at the Rockway Golf Course
- Visit the Woodside National Historic Site
- Go on a Bar Crawl
- Partake in the Seasonal Festivals
The 13 Best Things to Do in Kitchener, Ontario
1. Visit the Doon Heritage Village & the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum
The Doon Heritage Village is one of my personal favourite spots in Kitchener and is a great way to explore the city as it was in the early 20th century.
Set just outside of the city, the Doon Heritage Village is a living history museum that transports guests back to a traditional 1914 community of the region. The village spans 60 acres and is home to 19 unique buildings, including a railway station, a historical firehall, a blacksmith shop, and a sawmill.
While visiting the village, be sure to head over to the adjacent Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum to explore over 12,000 years of the area’s history through a series of exhibits, galleries, and exhibitions.
2. Go for a Walk Through Victoria Park
Opened to the public in 1896, Victoria Park is the first and oldest park in Kitchener and has become a popular attraction within the city for visitors looking to enjoy the quieter appeal of its natural setting.
Just a short walk from downtown Kitchener, Victoria Park encompasses about 11 hectares of beautifully preserved natural area, complete with flowerbeds, trees, and an iron bridge that dates back to the park’s initial opening at the end of the 19th century.
Visitors can take a stroll along the several walking trails, weaving their way through the park or pack a lunch to enjoy a quiet lakeside picnic.
3. Tour the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery
The Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery is the best spot for exploring the more culturally artistic side of the city and showcases beautiful pieces highlighting both local Canadian and international talent.
The gallery works in partnership with a group of other facilities that share and exchange their work through each other’s exhibition halls, ensuring there are always new and exciting pieces to enjoy whenever you visit.
4. Check Out the Kitchener Market
Open Tuesdays through Saturdays throughout the year, the Kitchener Market is one of the oldest and longest-running farmer’s markets in Canada and is a must-visit stop along any tour of the city.
The Kitchener Market is home to a variety of vendors throughout the week, with additional outdoor stalls joining the complex every Saturday. Along with shopping for local produce, the market also holds frequent community events. So be sure to check out their upcoming calendar before visiting.
5. Take a Stroll Through the Huron Natural Area
Home to 250 acres of meadows, streams, wetlands, and forests, the Huron Natural Area is the most extensive conservation area near Kitchener and is one of the most surreal outdoor spaces for escaping the city.
The area boasts over 7 km of trails and boardwalks that weave their way through the park’s various habitats teeming with abundant wildlife. The area is open throughout the year and promises plenty of natural beauty should you visit in the summer or winter.
6. Catch a Show at the Registry Theatre
There are several venues in Kitchener where you can catch live performances. And while the biggest and most famous venue is the Centre In The Square, the Registry Theatre is a great option for catching inexpensive performances during your stay in the city.
You can check out the Registry Theatre website for tickets to any upcoming shows.
7. Enjoy a Day on the Grand River
The picturesque Grand River cuts its way along the eastern edge of Kitchener, and it would be a shame to visit the city without exploring its breathtaking waterways.
Throughout the summer months, the Grand River is filled with canoes, kayaks, and tubes as visitors look to escape the heat while exploring some of the region’s most diverse ecosystems.
Those looking to float their way along the river can find watercraft rentals at Canoeing the Grand. Along with offering kayak and canoe rentals out of Kitchener, Canoeing the Grand also offers shuttle services to the launching zones to several of the best water routes.
8. Visit the Chicopee Tube Park & Chicopee Ski Resort
When visiting Kitchener in the winter, you have to stop by the Chicopee Ski Resort for some of the best skiing in Southwestern Ontario. The resort features 11 different runs ranging in difficulty, offering great slopes whether you are a beginner or a pro.
For those looking for a more casual downhill experience, the adjacent Chicopee Tube Park offers plenty of family-friendly fun along its tobogganing hills.
Alternatively, you can also visit during the summer months, during which time the ski slopes are converted into a natural space for mountain biking, hiking, and rock climbing.
9. Tour the Schneider Haus National Historic Site
The Schneider Haus National Historic Site is the oldest historical monument in Kitchener, which is saying something considering the numerous historical sites already featured on this list. As the oldest existing home, the Joseph Schneider Haus is a must-stop along any historical tour of the city.
Like the Doon Heritage Village, the Schneider Haus Historic Site is a living history museum where costumed performers act out the traditional lifestyle of the community’s early 19th-century inhabitants throughout its five outbuildings and two spacious garden areas.
10. Visit the Woodside National Historic Site
If you are planning a visit to the Schneider Haus, you should also stop by the Woodside National Historic Site. While not quite as old, this historic home was built in 1853 and served as the abode for numerous tenants, the most famous of whom was William Lyon Mackenzie King.
The man who would go on to become Canada’s Tenth Prime Minister lived in the building with his family during his childhood between 1886 and 1893. William Lyon Mackenzie King is widely regarded as one of the most successful prime ministers in Canadian history, making this a must-stop landmark.
Modern visitors can explore the past prime minister’s boyhood days along a series of audio-visual presentations throughout the Victorian home before embarking on a soothing stroll through its beautiful surrounding gardens and 11.5-acre forest.
11. Play a Round at the Rockway Golf Course
There is without a doubt plenty of history to explore in Kitchener. But did you know that the city is also home to one of Ontario’s best public golf courses?
Designed by Stanley Thompson and first opened in 1935, the Rockway Golf Course is a complete 18-hole par 70 course with breathtaking fairways and welcoming greens. The course offers plenty of challenging holes and a relaxing atmosphere for a fun day out on the tees, whether you are an enthusiast or a complete beginner to the sport.
12. Go on a Bar Crawl
Home to Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo, Kitchener and its sister city are home to a bustling university community. As such, one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local party scene is to go on a bar crawl.
Whether through an organized event or a self-guided crawl, there are several great bars and breweries you have to check out. Sample local craft beers at Descendants Beer & Beverages or Innocente Brewing Company, or head over to the Starlight Social Club to dance along to live bands and DJs.
13. Partake in the Seasonal Festivals
One of the biggest draws of visiting Kitchener is that there is always something going on in the city. Home to the world’s largest Oktoberfest celebration outside of Munich, I highly suggest visiting Kitchener in the fall.
During the traditional Bavarian festival, the whole city comes to life with beer and food tents and plenty of live musical performances throughout the community.
There are several other seasonal events that make visiting during other times of the year equally as exciting, including the Kitchener Blue Festival, the Christkindl Market, and the Downtown Kitchener Ribfest & Craft Beer Show.
