Kitchener 
Experience the outdoors, climb trees, trek the hills or relax at the beach.
Alabaster Acres
There is so much to do in summer. If you are looking for a short getaway from Kitchener-Waterloo Region, we have some suggestions to make the most of your day.
You might like:
- Summer Activities in KW Region
- Nature Attractions & Parks in the Kitchener-Waterloo Region
- This Weekend in KW Region
- Ontario Staycation Tax Credit
A Dose of Nature
Formed many million years ago at the base of an ancient sea, Cheltenham Badlands has a unique red colour as a result of the oxidation of iron. This is a provincially significant Earth Science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI). Walk over the boardwalk and see why this area is considered a geological treasure.
Combine with a visit to the Belfountain Conservation Area for a whole day’s adventure. Stunning waterfalls, a suspension bridge, numerous trails, and incredible views make your visit worthwhile.
For a weekend trip, consider adding Terra Cotta Conservation Area to your itinerary. This is another piece of beautiful gem located nearby with various hiking trails including a portion of the mighty Bruce trail, that runs past a variety of landscapes and diverse wildlife. Participate in nature retreats, education programs, go fishing, birding and more.
Book yourself a glamping tent at Alabaster Acres to unwind and relax. If you are taking along your little ones, they can enjoy a playtime with animals.
Before leaving, do remember to visit Wat Law Veluwanaram Temple, a Buddhist temple.
A Scenic Place
If you love berries, weekend trips and fun then plan your trips to one of the pick-your-own berry and flower farms. Andrew’s Scenic Acres & Scotch Block Winery is spread over 165 acres. The summer months are a great time to visit this beautiful escarpment countryside as the farm offers PYO strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, currants, flowers, pumpkins and apples. Kids can have fun at the playground, check out the animal corral, climb the straw mountain, try the miniature straw maze, go on a corn walk, and more. Tickets to the farm are $15 person plus HST.
For farms to go berry picking, see Places to Go Berry Picking in and Around Kitchener-Waterloo Region
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An Ancient Coral Reef
Located within 2 hours drive from the Kitchener-Waterloo region, Rock Point Provincial Park is a beautiful stretch of land to visit with an ancient coral reef.
Take along your bathing suits and enjoy the sand and pebble beach. For a short hike, try the 2 km Woodlot trail that follows the shore of Lake Erie to a viewing platform overlooking the lake to the sand dunes below.
Exposed fossils of a coral reef dating back to over 350 million years can be seen embedded in limestone shelves along the beach. There are also picnic shelters and playgrounds for kids to enjoy. If you plan to spend the night, there are many campsites available to book.
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A Garden Visit
Incredible floral displays greet visitors at Whistling Gardens.
Summer is the time when beautiful Lillies are in bloom. Check out the Marsh Garden, Rock Alpine Garden, temple garden, and Conifer collection, each of which has an extensive collection of plant and flower species. The garden also has a water theatre synchronized with music. Plan a visit here to see why Whistling Gardens is considered one of the best gardens in the country.
Credit: Whistling Garden
A Memorable Trip
Who doesn’t love the smell of lavender?
Spend a day taking in the fragrances and the purple-hued landscape. Located within easy driving distance, Lochland Botanicals is a great place to experience gorgeous views of the lavender fields. There are many things to do here aside from wandering the field and enjoying the serenity. Enjoy a picnic, attend a workshop or take a historical tour of the farm, catch a demonstration of essential oil distillation and more.
There are secret villages around the farm for the kids to search and discover. In addition to growing lavender, this is also a u-pick flower field where you can make your own bouquet.
Want to check out options nearer to you? There are quite a few lavender fields you can enjoy within a short distance.
A Splashing Fun Time
Summer is the time to play in the water and visit a nearby waterpark.
Near to home is Bingeman’s Big Splash which will bring hours of fun and delight to all.
Farther out in London is East Park Water Park, one of the largest amusement and water parks in southwestern Ontario.
A Romance with the Sun
Take in the sunshine and the sunny flowers with a trip to acres of bright sunflowers fields at Davis Family Farm. There will be many Instagram-worthy moments as you walk 3 km of trails. Check their calendar for sunflower yoga dates and sign up for an incredible yoga experience. On weekends, there are exotic animal demonstrations that your kids will surely enjoy.
Davis Family Farm is located around an hour from Kitchener-Waterloo. For more sunflower fields that you can visit, see our article Sunflower Fields and Mazes in Ontario For a Day Trip.
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All Fun and Play
Binbrook Conservation Area is a great option to go for a short trip filled with fabulous activities.
In addition to the sandy beach, a popular summer attraction, you can also play at the FunSplash waterpark.
The conservation area is also a catch and release fishing “hot spot” that hosts many fishing derbies. There are nature trails, observation platforms, play areas, picnic areas. Go swimming, paddling or canoeing, or just relax and take in the scenic sights.
The conservation area is also an accessible place to stargaze. Hamilton Amateur Astronomers conducts the Annual Public Perseids Meteor Shower Night in August, so keep an eye on their event calendar.
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Explore a Cave
Combine some of the thrilling activities with a trip to Scenic Caves Nature Adventures. From ziplines and caves for your teens to mini-train tours for grandparents and grandchild to fun walks across Southern Ontario’s longest suspension bridge, Scenic Caves Nature Adventures offers year-round seasonal outdoor adventures for all ages.
A Roller Coaster Ride
Nestled beneath the Niagara Escarpment on the shores of Georgian Bay, the Blue Mountains is a vacation destination that can be enjoyed on a day trip or over the weekend. Perfect for a couple’s getaway, girls’ getaway or a family vacation, there have many activities that will keep everyone in your group happy.
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Beautiful Blooms and Marvellous Views
The Royal Botanical Gardens needs no introduction. Scenic trails, acres of gardens, unique cart and cultural experiences, excellent dining, and educational opportunities can be had here. There’s so much to enjoy and experience here year-around.
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Or you can plan a trip to one of the many flower fields in the region and around. Escape the city limits and find yourself on a beautiful farm amidst wild and colourful petals. If you are looking for gardens, here is a list of gardens in the region.
An Enjoyable Getaway
This quaint area in Southwestern Ontario is a great summer destination for a day trip or a multi-day vacation.
Adventure seekers can head to Long Point Eco-Adventures to enjoy a host of adventure activities. Enjoy axe-throwing, kayaking, mountain biking, zip-lining, star gazing, glamping and more here. Check their event calendar for special events before you plan your trip. Once you have had your fill of adventures, head to Turkey Point Provincial Park with a shallow beach that is perfect for the little ones to play. The provincial park also features a 9-hole golf course, playground, hiking trails, picnic shelters, and campsites. Enjoy canoeing, biking, birding, discovery programs and more here.
The nearby Long Point Provincial Park is located within a designated World Biosphere Reserve. The park also has a 1.5 km sandy beach and hiking trails. Visitors can go for fishing and boating in Long Point Bay.
Norfolk County is also home to many award-winning wineries and breweries with many tour companies offering fully guided tours.
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A Trip to the Quarry
If you are looking to spend a day or an afternoon swimming, consider heading to Elora Quarry Conservation Area. This is a popular summer destination. Before you go, make sure to book your tickets for swimming at the quarry. Take in the cliffs and hike the 1 km trail that loops the quarry.
Canada’s largest outdoor freshwater swimming pool at St. Marys is another place where you can go for a dip. Water level permitting, St. Marys Quarry allows you to jump off the cliff into the quarry water. You can also have a fun time at the Super Splash Waterpark during the summer months.
Summer Fun in Guelph-Wellington
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A Relaxing Experience
Get ready to float! This is a fun experience that can be enjoyed right here in Cambridge. You can enjoy a relaxing tubing time or book yourself the more active turbo tubing experience.
Credit: Tubing The Grand
You might like: Places to Go Lazy River Floating or Tubing in Ontario
Soaring Views
Gorgeous views of Niagara Escarpment and ancient cedars welcome you at the Rattlesnake Point Conservation area. There are many hiking trails and great lookout points as well as picnic spots here. Buffalo Craig Lookout point is one of the best lookout spots that you will see and provide you with a birds-eye view of the Niagara Escarpment. The 9.4-km return Nassagaweya Canyon Trail will reward with beautiful lookouts of the Nassagaweya Canyon.
Another popular hike is the Vista Adventure trail. Rattlesnake Point is also a popular rock climber’s destination with three designated sites where experienced climbers can come and take on the towering cliffs. See turkey vultures soar over the escarpment.
Fun Things to Do This Summer in the Region of Halton
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At the Treetop
Have plans to go on a family adventure? Consider heading to Treetop Trekking. There are seven locations to choose from. Climb from tree house to tree house through tall hammocks, nets, and wood bridges! Descend to the ground on slides, play on the obstacle courses, manoeuvre across swaying logs, zip through the park’s forest canopy, and other forest games. They have activities for all ages!
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An Epic Lookout
Many hiking trails run through Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, including Ontario’s Bruce Trail. Dundas Peak at Spencer Gorge Conservation Area is a stunning lookout from where you can see Hamilton Harbour, Dundas and Ancaster. Two scenic waterfalls, the 41-meter-tall Tew Falls and the classic plunge Webster falls will add to the beauty.
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Let’s Go to the Beach
There is no dearth of beautiful beaches in Ontario, but what makes Wasaga Beach stand out is the long stretch (14 km) of freshwater beaches with a most unique coastal dune ecosystem.
Did you know the beach is also a provincial park? Wasaga Beach is divided into six smaller beaches which allows you to choose between the more crowded Beaches 1 or 2 and relatively quieter beaches 4 or 5. If you are taking along your pet make your way to Beach 3.
There are more things to do here than just the beach. Scale new heights with Skydive Wasaga Beach or head to Wasaga Adventure Park for adventures on the ground, while the visitor centre at Nancy Island Historic Site gives you a peek into history. There are many opportunities for canoeing and game fishing along the winding Nottawasaga River.
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Potholes, caves and more
Come here for an easy hike, swimming, fishing, kayaking, and exploring caves, and ruins. Hike the Cedar Ridge Trail to see glacial bluffs, potholes and caves and the ruins of Harris & Co. Rockwood Woolen Mill along the Pothole Trail; both trails run alongside the Eramosa River.
The Rockwood Conservation Area is located under one hour’s drive and you can easily spend a day exploring and having fun at the beach. The Conservation Area can be visited on a day trip. To make a weekend out of it, book one of their campsites.
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A Waterfall Tour
What can beat the beauty of rushing waters and rapids and waterfalls? There are 8 waterfalls to see in Grey County. Use the Grey County Waterfall Tour Brochure to plan your 150 km self-guided driving tour to see and experience all eight!
Hike a High Peak
The Devil’s Glen Provincial Park trail features the highest peak along the Escarpment at 460 meters above sea level.
The lookout platform will give gorgeous views of the entire valley.
See the Bluffs
Nottawasaga Bluffs is a 400-acre conservation area with unique geology.
Come here to take in breathtaking vistas, open meadows, woodlands, caves, towering limestone bluffs, and a peak into the area’s history. The Bruce trail together with Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) trails create a network throughout the Conservation area.
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Catch a Play
Stratford is located just 45 minutes away from Kitchener which makes for an easy afternoon trip. Home to the world-famous Stratford Festival, a trip to Stratford is a treat for theatre lovers. This small town also has many boutique shops, restaurants, museums, and gardens including the popular Shakespearean Gardens, to spend your day.
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Canada’s largest theme park
Visit the first major theme park and the country’s largest theme park located in Vaughan. Scream your way through North America’s largest variety of coasters including Canada’s tallest and fastest coaster – Leviathan’s longest wooden coaster – Mighty Canadian Minebuster and Canada’s first inverted coaster – Flight Deck. For those who love water parks, head to Splash Works, home to Canada’s Largest Outdoor Wave pool, the Whitewater Bay and other thrilling water slides and rides. For young kids, there are kids-themed rides, carrousels, mazes, character meet-and-greets, and live entertainment!
Walk the newest tunnel in Niagara Falls
There are plenty of things to do in Niagara Falls, and you may have gone to the Falls multiple times. But, you might want to visit Niagara Falls once again as a 2200-foot-long tunnel has opened to the public at the Niagara Power Station. You can now take a glass-enclosed elevator to the thrust deck level which is a level below the main floor. You will be able to walk .7 kilometres through a tunnel and see an amazing view of the Niagara River and Niagara Falls.
Credit: Niagara Parks
For more ideas for day trips and weekend getaway ideas for anywhere in Ontario, see: Summer in Ontario
If you want to visit attractions in Toronto –– Things to Do in Toronto – Places to See & Do
