Walking tours

We have five walking tours that showcase how you can experience the Earth Sciences in your everyday life in Waterloo Region. We have prepared a script for each of the tours which were originally orated by Peter Russell. Here, they have been presented for your convenience. All you need to do is print the tour program, allot a date and time, and you will have your own personal walking tour to explore Earth Science in the context of Waterloo Region.

Peter Russell Rock Garden tour

• Visit the Peter Russell Rock Garden tour webpage

Rock around Uptown Waterloo

Explore the building stones used in Waterloo on this 2 hour walk.

• View the "Rock around Uptown Waterloo" tour map (PDF)
• View the "Rock around Uptown Waterloo" tour script (PDF)
• Listen to the audio version of the tour (.mp3)
• Use Google Maps for directions to the beginning of the tour in Waterloo

Rock around Downtown Kitchener

Total expected length: approximately 6 kilometres, or 2 hours.

Take a tour around downtown Kitchener and allow yourself to be amazed at the geological history that can be found in such an area!  Kitchener is a city with a rich history. Although it has only been recognized as a city since 1854, its roots may be traced back much further. Ancient rocks may be found in the buildings and surrounding landscape throughout this gorgeous city. 

• View the "Kitchener Rock Walk 2016 - Jane's Walk" tour (PDF)
• View the "Rock around Downtown Kitchener" tour map and script (PDF)
• Use Google maps for directions to the beginning of the tour in Kitchener

Rock around Maryhill

This is an hour to an hour and a half tour to explore the quiet hamlet of Maryhill. The topography of the area has been strongly modified by glacial and post-glacial activity.

Between the cities of Kitchener and Guelph lies Maryhill, a quiet hamlet with an outstanding geological history. The topography of the Maryhill area has been strongly modified by glacial and post-glacial activity. 

Glacial deposits of Pleistocene age, up to 30 metres thick, blanket the bedrock. A gothic St. Boniface Roman Catholic Church, built in the late 1870s, is visible from miles around and is situated on the top of this deposit. At the Church’s side is a cemetery with dozens of old stones and a huge stone wall. We invite you to use our audio tour to explore these fascinating features and more. Come and see how powerful glaciers have changed the natural landscape, and explore the fossils in the stone walls surrounding the church!

• View the "Rock around Maryhill" tour map (PDF)
• View the "Rock around Maryhill" tour script (PDF)
• Use Google maps for directions to the beginning of the tour in Maryhill

GeoTime Trail walking tour

Explore the geological history of Waterloo through the GeoTime trail. This 1 hour walk will give you a better understanding of time and teach you how the landscape and the life on it have changed over time! It is a gorgeous trail and is ideal for any time of the year.

• View the Geotime Trail tour script and map (PDF)
• For more information about the Geotime Trail, visit the City of Waterloo's website
• Use Google maps for directions to the beginning of the tour at Munich Drive in Waterloo