ROAMING THE REGION: WATERLOO REGION’S MULTI-USE TRAILS
Recently, I was chatting with a friend about the joy of living in a walkable city. Both of us have lived elsewhere in Ontario and around the world, which led us to compare notes and express delight over Waterloo Region’s trail network.
Yes, there is still much to be desired with regards to public transit and access to walkable amenities in all neighbourhoods. In the context of this travel column, “walkable” is used in an exploratory sense.
As the sun stretches days longer minute by minute through winter’s final act, local trails beckon us to emerge from hibernation at a slow, safe and steady pace.
With nearly 400 kilometres of urban and rural trails criss-crossing the tri-cities and surrounding townships, we are spoiled for choice in Waterloo Region. Local trail networks are perfect for leisurely walkers, joggers, hikers, cyclists, mountain bikers and cross-country skiers. The ideas listed below are a fraction of the opportunities waiting to be discovered.
Wellesley Township
Newly opened in late 2019, the 923-metre Erbhaven Trail in Wellesley Township welcomes mountain bikers to race across eight acres of woodland. In September, work up an appetite and treat yourself to local flavours at the Wellesley Apple Butter and Cheese Festival. Who doesn’t love a bike and a bite?
North Dumfries Township
The Cambridge to Paris Trail in North Dumfries Township is popular with cyclists of all skill levels. A leisurely 18-kilometre trail of fine gravel paves the way for an incredibly fun day trip when you add in pit stops for food and drink. This is a definite Waterloo Region Bucket List travel item once the snow disappears. This trail also connects to the SC Johnson Trail (Paris to Brantford), the City of Cambridge Trails which link up with KW’s Walter Bean Trail and parts of the Grand Valley Trail.
Wilmot Township
Cross-country skiers, snowshoers and winter walkers alike, pack your gear and head to the Petersburg Crown Lands. With more than four kilometres of dog-friendly multi-use trails, this popular spot is great for a breath of fresh air. Parts of the trail back onto private property and dogs may be off leash. Courtesy and collective care for the land help to maintain its appeal.
Woolwich Township
Woolwich is the shining star of township trails. With 10 public multi-use trails and over 100 kilometres to explore, including by snowmobile, it toes the fine line between being a local secret and the hottest spot around. Most famously, Woolwich lays claim to the Kissing Bridge Trailway. While Ontario’s last in-use wooden covered bridge is under repair until the end of 2026, it is a sight to see from the road and the trail is still accessible. To start your outdoor adventure planning, download the Woolwich Trails Map Book.
Cambridge
Cambridge boasts over 50 kilometres of trails, some of which include waterfront views. Running beside the Speed and Grand Rivers, you just may forget that Waterloo Region is landlocked. One such trail is the 10.5 kilometre Grand Trunk Trail. The former railway path follows the Grand River at the south end of Cambridge, revealing mysterious abandoned buildings along the way.
Waterloo
Travel back in time while visiting the Silicon Valley of the North. The GeoTime Trail loop in Waterloo is a workout for the brain and body. With plaques detailing historical geological facts, a sun dial, and possible coyote sightings, this trail will keep you on your toes. Walk in a counterclockwise direction from the “oldest point” on the trail to modern times. Excellent for curious students of any age or those who enjoy multitasking.
Kitchener
The Walter Bean Trail connects Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge with more than 25 kilometres of well-maintained gravel pathways. In warmer weather, find turtles, canoe and kayak launches, and historic spots like the Waterloo Pioneer Memorial Tower which overlooks the Grand River. From the Doon Valley Golf Course to Kiwanis Park, the multi-use trail introduces walkers, cyclists and snowshoers alike to a variety of landscapes and places throughout Waterloo Region.
Please Remember…
As with anywhere you visit, please remember to pick up after yourself and leave these outdoor spaces in better condition than they were found. Some trails have washrooms and garbage bins, while others do not. A few helpful websites with trail details include the city and township websites, All Trails or GrandTrails.ca.
#bike #Cambridge #cheeseFestival #Column #crossCountrySkiers #cyclists #localExploration #mountainBikers #multiUseTrails #northDumfriesTownship #roamingTheRegion #ruralTrails #siliconValleyOfTheNorth #taraMcandrew #urbanTrails #walterBeanTrail #waterloo #wellesleyAppleButter #wellesleyTownship #woolwichTownship
Ken Everett (Ken's Blogspot)
Allpoints
Marc Hurwitz
Yvan
CBC Kitchener-Waterloo
The Community Edition
Alley Stoughton