Region of Waterloo AttractionsThe Region of Waterloo is a great place for a break from big city life. Only an hour’s drive west of Toronto, it’s where I go when I want to wash the urban soot from my eyes and fill them with scenes of rural beauty.
Overview The region of Waterloo is home to more than half a million residents but they’re scattered about in several centres in the countryside. The biggest city in the area is Kitchener Ontario, with over 200,000 people, followed by Cambridge Ontario and Waterloo Ontario with about 100,000+ each, and then North Dumphries, Wellesley, Wilmot and Woolich making up the rest. You’ll find the famous village of St. Jacob’s here too. Region of Waterloo offers visitors a nice break from big city life. When I’m looking for a little taste of country driving through rural landscapes and small town quaintness, then I turn to this attractive area. But the scenery and shopping isn’t the only thing going on here. I also enjoy all the tourist attractions like the live theatre, historic museums and art galleries tucked away in the region. Hunting them down has become one of my favourite day-trip projects. Here’s my personal list of Things To Do in the Region of Waterloo: African Lion Safari Ontario (near Cambridge) – This innovative animal park is one of the most unique zoos in Ontario, where the animals roam free and the people are caged in cars and buses. Has live animal shows too (brainy birds and playful elephants!). Canadian Clay and Glass Museum (Waterloo)– The museum part is quite small so unless you’re a real connoisseur I’d skip it. There’s plenty of space but it wasn’t well-used. I wasn’t expecting the Gardiner Museum but still… The gallery/gift shop though is fabulous! Many local and international artists sell their work here. Eye-popping pieces! Worth a visit. Castle Kilbride (Baden) – Okay it’s not a real castle but it’s a marvelous mansion with amazing decorations that you’ve got to see to believe (or should you believe? Hmmm…. See my article for the “mystery” explained). Doon Heritage Crossroads (Kitchener) – Do you love living history museums? Me too. Plan to spend the day here in the “village” exploring restored homes, workshops and gardens of a long-gone era. These historic buildings come from all over the Region of Waterloo. Drayton Theatre (Kitchener area) - Runs 6 theatres in southwestern Ontario including one in the famous Mennonite town of St. Jacob’s. They’re one of the mainstays of Ontario theatre. Not terribly challenging stuff but entertaining. Features sure winners like comedies and musicals like Cats. Gets lots of senior bus tours. Homer Watson House & Gallery (Kitchener) – Watson, who was born in the area in 1855, was one of Canada’s first internationally-recognized painters. He specialized in rural landscapes. His work is still compelling. This house used to be his home and studio and you’ll find many of his paintings here as well as a small community gallery featuring shows by contemporary artists. My favourite part is the wall decoration he did in his gallery. Kitchener Farmers Market – One of the oldest markets in the country. Sells produce, flowers, cheese, baked goods etc and has some good non-chain-type eateries. A nice casual place to brunch on Saturday morning. Chocolatier, craft-producers and more. Joseph Schneider Haus (Kitchener) - Sample the life of an immigrant Mennonite family in 19th century Ontario. McDougall Cottage (Cambridge) – Most house-museums are former mansions belonging to the rich and powerful so this little cottage is a nice change. It belonged to a tradesman and even though it’s not furnished you still get a sense of how it might have been back in the 19th century. The mural on the living room wall is the real highlight of this place! Absolutely charming. Southworks Antique Market (Cambridge) – My sister and I have been here three times and we still haven’t managed to see ALL of the stalls. That’s how big this place is. It’s housed in a former factory. Part of the complex houses an outlet mall and there’s a café there for when you need to rest your weary feet. Village of St. Jacobs – St. Jacob’s is in Mennonite Country and visitors come here to buy the handicrafts (especially quilts), furniture and foodstuffs made by this Old Order religious community. The main street is fairly short but jam-packed with gift shops. There’s a museum devoted to the Mennonite story, a gallery of quilts, a big market selling food and more crafts, an antique market, etc. The market can get really crowded. Wings of Paradise Butterfly Conservatory (Cambridge) – A lovely greenhouse full of live butterflies! Smaller than the one in Niagara Falls but more peaceful because it’s not as busy. Woodside National Historic Site of Canada (Kitchener) - Wander through the boyhood home of Canada's 10th Prime Minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King. Experience middle-class life in 1890s Ontario.
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