Kitchener-Waterloo, ON
Outside our condo building.
I usually take the Iron Horse trail from my condo to Victoria Park. The stars of the park are swans Otis and Ophelia, who inhabit the lake during the warmer months. This is a very pretty park, with many monuments and memorials (which have caused controversary in recent years). The clock tower from the former city hall was relocated to the park in 1975. It’s home to an ice rink in the winter and to festivals, such as the infamous Ribfest, in the summer. There’s even an outdoor gym, kids’ playground and splash pad. Rita loves watching the geese and squirrels, and sometimes we even watch the cargo train noisily trundle past.
McLennan Park has the nicest dog park in the city. It’s a nice space for humans to walk around while their dogs play, and even has some thickets for the dogs to explore. The wood chip surface means it’s available all year round. Beyond the dog park, take a walk up the hill towards along the Laurentian Trail to Laurentian Park. On your way back, detour up to the viewpoint. Rest assured, it’s not the best view you’ve seen, but it’s nice to add in a bit of an uphill effort!
The Walter Bean Grand River Trail goes for 25km but there are plenty of nice sections if you want a regular sized walk! We have joined it from Kiwanis Park and from off Zeller Drive, but I recommend heading to Kuntz Park for a bit of a history lesson while you’re at it! The Pioneer tower was built in 1920s to acknowledge the Mennonites who arrived from Pennsylvania in the 1800s, the “Waterloo Pioneers”. Head to the Betzner Farmstead across the road (follow the signs to Clarica Lookout) to see the remains of the pioneer’s accommodation – the driveshed has been renovated and is privately owned! Follow the signs to the Grand River Trail to enjoy the wide gravel path alongside the river. This section passes through Doon Valley Golf course but it’s all very clearly marked. There are a couple of bridges on the route, over the river and then the 401 (shortly after this, we turned back). It’s a peaceful, easy to follow walk.
Waterloo Park is a must-see when in Waterloo. The park spans. over 100 acres, with trails navigating open greens and the newly refurbished boardwalk across Silver Lake. There are lot of interesting things to see, like the old school house and the fun piggy playground. If you visit during the summer months, you can say hello to the alpacas, donkey and miniature horses. Or in the colder months, explore the Wonders of Winter walk-through light show. Don’t miss Santa’s elves in their workshop!
Bechtel Park is a great spot for a forest walk, followed by a few laps of the dog park. Rita particularly loved keeping an eye out for the squirrels, and cooling off with a dip in the river.
Waterloo has the luxury of a Grand River CA right in the city. Featuring multiple trails, camping spots and the reservoir for water activities, Laurel Creek is the ideal spot to escape the city for an afternoon.
Walking Tour We joined the free Murals and Outdoor gallery Walking Tour, operated by Stroll Walking Tours and funded by DTK as part of their 2022 Summer Kick-Off weekend. We had previously joined one of Juanita’s tours in St Jacobs so were excited to get the opportunity to explore a little closer to home with her! She presented Kitchener to us with fresh eyes, pointing out murals old and new. For example, there is a collaborative piece “The Condor and The Eagle” on Halls Lane created by both local indigenous peoples and a group from Chile. She also brought to our attention the outdoor art gallery created by the city in response to covid, to allow artists to exhibit their work in a safe outdoor way. This initiative has continued and the artwork is refreshed every few months. A lot of the murals were created to brighten up the dingy alleyways and encourage community gatherings and events. Some good ones to check out are those by Chilean Pamala Roja who invited passers-by to help her finish painting her mural celebrating diversity within the community, and Stephanie Boutari who creates bright kaleidoscopic patterns. Since then, Juanita has greatly expanded her selection of tours, including dedicated “dogs welcome” dates.
Stay While Rita and I have our own pad on King Street, my parents stayed at pet-friendly Delta Hotel, and of course Rita had to visit to give her seal of approval! Up to two pets are welcome for a fee, crated pets may be left unattended, and they hint at treats upon arrival! It’s much fancier and roomier than expected from the outside, and is in a convenient spot, right next to Waterloo Park with a short walk to Uptown.
Eat We visited Borealis in the summer and ate outside on their patio. My first impression was it was a strange location, amongst outlet stores and fast food chains, but don’t be fooled. With a farm-to-table ethos, there was lots of delicious fare on the menu. Not kidding, all the staff members dropped what they were doing and came out to meet Rita!
@borealis_grill
KW’s newest dog friendly patio, Arabella Park has a been a firm favourite with the locals since 2016. They operate with small kegs and change the beers up weekly, also offering wine, and their truck chips are the perfect sharing dish! Play a game of cornhole whilst enjoying your beverage, or simply take in the bright mural painted by local artist Stephanie Boutari.
Café Pyrus Outpost is the ideal location to stop for refreshments whilst walking the Spurline trail. It’s a small hut with outdoor picnic tables covered by an awning and very dog friendly, with complementary treats and fresh water.
Other fantastic dog-friendly patios include Four All Ice Cream and Waterloo Brewing, bought over by Carlsberg in 2022!
Shop Gifted Waterloo is extremely welcoming to dogs! All doggy visitors get their photo taken and posted on their Instagram, and receive a bespoke “Dogs of Gifted” sticker. The products on offer in the shop are one of a kind; works of local artists, tasteful souvenirs, jewellery, a kids section and, of course, a dog-themed section!
Other dog-friendly stores include Harmony and Wordsworth’s, as well as inside the Shops at Town Square. And be sure to pay a visit to Terrible Toby’s and book a session with local pet photographer Victor Rose.
Coffee Camellia Bake Shop: Alisha, originally from Ballymoney in N. Ireland, went to extra effort to ensure the inside space of her bake shop was dog-friendly, upon opening in 2022. Rita and I visited one cold November morning with our friends Victor and Link. Both pups received an immense number of cuddles and inordinate amount of attention. Vegan, gluten-free or nut allergy friendly, you are most certainly catered for by the in-house bakery.
Dog Friendly KW I couldn’t write a Kitchener-Waterloo post without mentioning Dog-Friendly KW. Founded by Justine and Mackenzie in 2020, this growing team regularly organises dog-friendly events. So far, Rita and I have attended pack walks, St Pawtrick’s Day, Howl-lowe’en, and Summer Pooch parties, the Pawliday Festival, a bingo night…..so much! They have been valuable opportunities in making friends in the community. Other events include “Pups and Poses” outdoor yoga classes and a pop-up Sniffscape experience. AND they have a podcast and publish quarterly guides on dog-friendly happenings in the region, run giveaways and dish out useful advice. Be sure to check out what’s on before you visit!
