Six free things to do in the Waterloo Region

1. Explore Waterloo Park

Waterloo Park is a beautiful green space that offers something for everyone. If you love nature, start by wandering through the Victorian gardens filled with vibrant flowers and peaceful pathways. Be sure to visit the animal farmstead, where you can spot chickens, goats, and other adorable creatures. For those who like to stay active, Waterloo Park has plenty to keep you entertained. Hit the baseball diamonds for a quick game, test your skills at the cricket pitch, or show off some tricks at the skatepark.

The park comes alive during special events like Wonders of Winter, a holiday light festival that transforms the park into a sparkling wonderland, and Movies in the Park, a summer favorite where you can enjoy films under the stars. Waterloo Park is located just south of Waterloo campus and is basically in the backyard of Claudette Millar Hall (CMH), one of the residences at Waterloo. It's a great place to take a walk, go for a run, toss a frisbee around, or even take that special someone on a date. Whether you’re there for a casual stroll, a picnic, or some outdoor fun, Waterloo Park is a must-visit.

2. Stroll through Uptown Waterloo

The city of Waterloo is home to the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, and Conestoga College, so you could definitely say that this is the city for students. Uptown Waterloo is just two stops away from campus by ION light rail and has a unique vibe with tons of cool places to see and explore. You can go for a casual stroll to take it all in or bring some money to buy a treat along the way. Take a walk down King Street, where you’ll find a variety of cozy cafés, local boutiques, and eye-catching public art installations.

Even if you’re just window shopping, the vibrant atmosphere makes it a great spot to spend an afternoon or evening. Be sure to stop by Waterloo Public Square, which hosts free events year-round. From live music performances to community celebrations, there’s always something happening. In the winter, the square transforms into an outdoor skating rink surrounded by twinkling lights. Keep an eye out for colorful murals and street art that showcases the talent and creativity of local artists.

3. Join festivals and events

The Waterloo Region is known for its festival scene, and the best part is that many of these events are free to attend! Oktoberfest, one of the area’s most famous celebrations, features fun parades, cultural displays, and traditional German music. Even if you’re not indulging in the delicious food and drinks, the atmosphere is totally worth experiencing.

There are tons of free performances for music lovers at events like the Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival and Kitchener Blues Festival, where world-class musicians take the stage to entertain the crowd. In the winter, the Christkindl Market in Kitchener gives you that holiday feeling with live music and festive decorations. There’s a festival for every season and every interest, so make sure to stay updated on coming events.

4. Visit St. Jacobs Farmers' Market

The St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market is a place where you can shop for organic and local groceries and products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, quality meats and cheeses, locally produced maple syrup, honey, preserves, baking, crafts, housewares, wearables, and more.

Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market is a great spot to soak up the local vibes. As Canada’s largest year-round farmers’ market, it’s always buzzing with energy. Every year, I visit the market with my housemates, and we buy all the produce we need to make homemade soup. We spend the afternoon together making all sorts of recipes and put it in the freezer so that we have dinner made with fresh, local produce all year round. It's one of my favourite bonding experiences and a great way to take a break from studying.

5. Hike the trails at Huron Natural Area

If you ever need a break from the chaos of school or just want to recharge, Huron Natural Area in Kitchener is the perfect spot. It’s got over seven kilometers of trails that take you through beautiful wetlands, forests, and open meadows. Whether you’re into hiking, birdwatching, or just taking a breather in the fresh air, this place is perfect. The trails are super easy to follow and work for all fitness levels, so it doesn’t matter if you’re a pro hiker or just there for a chill walk.

Along the way, you’ll find interpretive signs that share interesting facts about the local ecosystem, which adds a nice touch if you’re curious about the environment. There are also picnic areas where you can relax and take in the scenery. If you visit in the fall, the changing leaves make the landscape look especially stunning. It’s a sight you don’t want to miss!

6. Dive into the region's history

If you’re a history buff, or just curious about the past, the Waterloo Region is full of fascinating historical sites to explore. Stop by the Schneider Haus National Historic Site in Kitchener, where you can learn about 19th-century pioneer life through interactive exhibits. You can also take a walk along the Grand River, a designated Canadian Heritage River. Along the way, you’ll find informational plaques and public art installations that share stories of the area’s Indigenous history and early settlers.

Know where to look

There are so many great things to do in the area and there’s always new things and events popping up. With a large chunk of the area's population being students, the city caters to this demographic with lots of free and cheap activities. To stay in the know, check the websites for Kitchener and Waterloo often, and be sure to follow your favourite local spots on social media. CuratedKW is a great way to stay up do date as well, with all the best food spots, fun things to do, and deals on their website. You can also browse The Waterloo Chronicle for the latest on what’s going on around town through their up-to-date event listings. Explore, have fun, and make the most of everything Kitchener-Waterloo has to offer!