Waterloo

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Waterloo's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Explore Uptown Waterloo
morning
:

Start your day with breakfast at a cozy café in Uptown Waterloo, enjoying fresh local pastries and coffee. Take a leisurely walk around the area to admire the charming shops and murals. Visit the Waterloo Public Square to experience the vibrant community atmosphere.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at a popular bistro offering farm-to-table dishes. Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby Waterloo Central Railway or visit the Contemporary Art Gallery to enjoy local artwork. Stroll through the local boutiques and artisan stores for unique finds.

evening
:

Dine at a well-regarded restaurant featuring seasonal menus and local ingredients. After dinner, catch a live performance or concert at the Perimeter Institute or a nearby theater. End your night with a relaxing walk under the city lights.

day 2
Visit the University of Waterloo and Surroundings
morning
:

Tour the University of Waterloo campus, appreciating its modern architecture and vibrant student life. Stop by the Earth Sciences Museum to learn about local geology and fossils. Grab a coffee at a campus café and mingle with students.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch at one of the university eateries offering diverse cuisines. Visit the nearby Ron Eydt Village farmers market or relax at Waterloo Park. Consider renting a bike to explore the scenic trails around the campus area.

evening
:

Attend a university lecture, art show, or sports event if available. Have dinner at a nearby restaurant frequented by students and locals for a casual vibe. Finish with a coffee or dessert at a popular local spot.

day 3
Discover St. Jacobs and Mennonite Culture
morning
:

Drive to St. Jacobs and start your morning at the famous St. Jacobs Farmers' Market, browsing fresh produce and artisanal goods. Enjoy breakfast at one of the market’s food vendors featuring homemade baked treats. Explore the charming village shops and galleries nearby.

afternoon
:

Have a traditional Mennonite lunch in a local restaurant offering hearty, home-cooked style meals. Visit the Mennonite Story Museum to gain insight into the rich heritage and culture of the community. Take a guided tour or a horse-drawn carriage ride around the village.

evening
:

Return to Waterloo and enjoy a relaxing dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant. If weather permits, take an evening stroll at one of Waterloo’s parks or green spaces. Reflect on the day’s cultural experiences while enjoying local craft beverages.

day 4
Outdoor Adventure in Waterloo Park
morning
:

Begin your day with a refreshing walk or jog along the trails in Waterloo Park. Visit the Waterloo Park Zoo to see the local and exotic animals. Enjoy breakfast picnic-style with delicious treats from a nearby bakery.

afternoon
:

Rent a paddleboat and explore the park’s pond or relax by the water with a good book. Grab a casual lunch at a nearby café or bring a packed lunch to enjoy in the park’s picnic areas. Try out the sports facilities or playgrounds available throughout the park.

evening
:

As the sun sets, dine at a nearby restaurant with terrace seating to soak in the natural surroundings. Experience the gentle evening breeze with a moonlit walk through the park’s pathways. Consider attending seasonal events or outdoor concerts hosted in the park.

day 5
Cultural Day at THEMUSEUM and Local Galleries
morning
:

Spend the morning at THEMUSEUM exploring interactive exhibits and special art installations. Enjoy breakfast at a downtown spot nearby offering fresh and creative menu options. Take your time experiencing the creative atmosphere and educational activities.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at a contemporary café with a focus on sustainable ingredients. Visit other local galleries and artist studios scattered throughout Waterloo to discover emerging artists. Participate in an art workshop or guided tour if available.

evening
:

Dine at a fusion restaurant highlighting international tastes in a cozy setting. Attend an evening cultural event such as a film screening, theater play, or live music session. Finish your day by relaxing at a quaint coffeehouse with ambient live music.

day 6
Tech and Innovation Tour in Waterloo
morning
:

Tour startup hubs and tech campuses, including the Communitech Hub, to get a glimpse of Waterloo’s innovation scene. Start with a tech-inspired breakfast at a trendy café popular with professionals. Attend any open talks or networking events if scheduled.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch at eateries favored by the tech community offering healthy and energizing options. Visit the nearby Accelerator Centre or research institutes to learn about cutting-edge projects. Take a walk in Victoria Park for a change of pace and scenery.

evening
:

Have dinner at a modern, stylish restaurant in Uptown Waterloo serving innovative cuisine. Consider attending an evening panel discussion or tech meet-up event. Wind down with a craft cocktail or locally brewed beer at a nearby bar.

day 7
Explore Local History and Heritage
morning
:

Visit the Waterloo Region Museum to explore local history and in-depth exhibits about the area’s development. Have breakfast at the museum’s café or a nearby bakery. Take a guided heritage walking tour to learn about Waterloo’s past landmarks.

afternoon
:

Lunch at a historic building repurposed as a restaurant offering classic Canadian dishes. Head to the Joseph Schneider Haus National Historic Site to see pioneer life reenactments and heritage crafts. Spend some time exploring quaint antique shops downtown.

evening
:

Dine in a cozy restaurant that highlights local culinary traditions. Attend a storytelling session or heritage-themed event if available. Take an evening stroll through the historic district to admire preserved architecture and ambiance.

day 8
Day Trip to Cambridge and Riverside Walks
morning
:

Drive to Cambridge and enjoy a scenic breakfast at a riverside café in the historic Galt area. Wander through the charming downtown streets, admiring Victorian architecture and local artisan shops. Visit the Cambridge Farmers' Market for fresh local products.

afternoon
:

Lunch at a bistro overlooking the Grand River. Spend the afternoon walking along the river trails or rent a canoe for a peaceful paddle. Explore local parks such as Riverside Park and picnic areas for relaxation.

evening
:

Return to Waterloo for dinner at a lively restaurant featuring regional specialties. Attend an outdoor music event in the warmer months or visit a local pub for live entertainment. End your evening with a peaceful riverside walk to reflect on the day.

day 9
Foodie Exploration in Waterloo
morning
:

Start with a hearty breakfast at a popular brunch spot known for inventive dishes. Visit local farmers’ markets to sample fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal cheeses. Take a food tour to discover hidden culinary gems throughout the city.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch at a café specializing in international flavors or gourmet sandwiches. Attend a cooking class or workshop to learn new skills and recipes from local chefs. Explore specialty food shops and markets to gather unique souvenirs.

evening
:

Dine at an upscale restaurant featuring tasting menus and wine pairings. Consider a food-and-beverage pairing event or brewery tour in the evening. Finish the night with dessert or a cocktail at a trendy spot known for its creative drinks.

day 10
Relaxation and Wellness Day
morning
:

Begin your day with yoga or meditation session at a local wellness center or park. Enjoy a light breakfast featuring fresh juices and healthy options. Take a walk in one of Waterloo’s peaceful botanical gardens or nature reserves.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at a health-conscious café offering organic and vegetarian dishes. Book a spa treatment or massage at one of Waterloo’s renowned wellness centers. Spend time in quiet reflection or reading at a serene park bench or library café.

evening
:

Savor a nutritious dinner at a calm and cozy restaurant. Attend a wellness seminar or participate in a gentle evening fitness class. Wind down with herbal tea or infused water while enjoying a peaceful environment.

Discover Waterloo

Read more in our Waterloo 2025 Travel Guide.

Waterloo Travel Guide