Kitchener, Ontario skyline: the 24 most iconic buildings and best views in Kitchener

It's been many years since I've been here. It was interesting to see how the people had lived thier lives back then. You seen how they dressed, worked and schooling. We have come along ways since then. But it's nice to see the history they had here along time ago.

Doon Village Heritage is a hidden gem! The historic buildings, costumed staff, and hands-on activities bring Ontario’s past to life in a fun and engaging way. It’s beautifully maintained, educational, and perfect for families or anyone who loves history. Great for School Trips, Family Time and Events. Highly recommended!

i visited the village earlier with my family and we had a blast! it was so interesting to be able to see what the people of the past used to live like! the guides were all very informative and were more than willing to answer any questions they were asked

I’ve loved this place since I was a kid. Since moving out of Kitchener, I’ve brought friends and now my own children here multiple times. It’s really a gem!

So good to do the lantern tour, missed being inside the homes, enjoyed the interaction with interpreters outside & apple cider & shortbread cookie

Went for a kids Halloween event, paid quite a bit of money and it was a huge disappointment. Only two of the little stores in the village were open, there wasn’t much to see at all. It was supposed to be a trick or treating event but my kids got maybe 5 small pieces of candy. Not at all worth it for the price.

The staff are very friendly, so many good things to see here and everything is so well-planned. A good place to bring kids.

Did not actually visit the museum due to it being off season, but this is such a hidden gem of an area in terms of nature. My only concern is the fountain/pond that REALLY needs to be emptied and refilled. Definitely a lot of algae and still water that could be harbouring serious mosquitoes

This is an excellent place to walk or bring a lunch! The building and grounds near it are very well kept. The farther areas near the train tracks are sometimes forgotten about, but the tall grass is good for the bunnies and fireflies. Love this place. BUT please do something about that pond. It's getting so rough, I had a frog jump out with a leather jacket and a switch blade and ask for my phone.

Wonderful place to visit! You can freely roam around to explore every room and take your time admiring the furniture and everything else. The house is well managed and I could even live there )). Staff was very polite and offered us freshly baked shortbread which was delicious.

2025 web shows it is open but it is closed, bathrooms are locked, window shades drawn so you cannot see inside, lily pond has dried up, 10 minutes in trails around property, lovely large picnic area 2022: Beautiful grounds with walking trails, lots of benches to rest & relax, hope it will be open longer hours soon

Very nice place, staff is so nice, the lady staff we met there is very knowledgeable and nice, it is a great historical site to visit.

The staff were very kind and the house was adorable. We enjoyed our visit!

Still not open! Website is incorrect and not updated for years! No bathrooms open Beautiful grounds for a short walk You are not even able to see in windows

Booking with Tanner was perfect very lovely to deal with and accurate with all the details. We had a painting party at the gallery and it was an amazing experience! Our artist, Emily, was friendly, professional, and incredibly patient with the kids, which made the event extra special. The only thing I would mention is that the timing felt a bit short, but overall, the space is beautiful and welcoming. We definitely plan on hosting here again!

As I stepped into the historic Homer Watson House and Gallery, I felt as though I had traveled back in time. The beautifully preserved house and grounds, once home to the renowned artist, offered a glimpse into the past. The gallery itself is a treasure trove of art, showcasing a diverse range of works from a variety of artists. Each piece tells a story, inviting viewers to connect with the artist's vision and emotions. I was particularly impressed by the efforts made to educate visitors about local history. The knowledgeable staff provided insightful commentary on the exhibits, shedding light on the cultural and artistic significance of the region, thanks Katie! It's clear that the Homer Watson House and Gallery is more than just a museum; it's a vital cultural institution that plays a crucial role in preserving our heritage and inspiring future generations.

Charming art gallery in a beautiful building. Great selection of local art on display. My daughter adored the art camp and made so many cool pieces while there. We also love going for the family art events, which are so well organized and fun.

I took the 4 week cozy wheel pottery with Alyssa. She is fantastic but the studio is not organized at all. Our pieces were not bisque fired for our last class (glaze) so we had to fill out forms for them to glaze them. The glaze work is terrible. Every piece has a blob of area completely missing glaze making none of them food safe. This is extremely disappointing. I've taken wheel workshops at other places in KW and I wouldn't recommend coming here.

I recently had the opportunity to visit the Homer Watson Gallery in Kitchener and was thoroughly impressed. The exhibition featuring local artists showcased the best of KW's artistic talent, and learning about Homer Watson's legacy was truly inspiring. My partner and I left feeling motivated and even stopped by the art shop to pick up some supplies for our own painting practices. I highly recommend visiting this gallery and look forward to returning again in the future.

Attended the outdoor art show today at the Homer Watson art gallery. It was a lovely time! Lots of original art with the artists engaging with customers strolling around the property. The inside of the gallery has art installations from the Watson family along with local artists. Definitely worth a view and the grounds are beautiful. Try to make a small donation inside the gallery itself, they ask for $5 but in these times I'm sure they can use a little more!

Today i speak of Homer Watson house, in his time he was described as the Canadian Constable. Some would argue the Group of Seven copied him, some would say he them.Myself I find he is a tad more realistic and somehow brighter. Two of his pieces were purchased by Queen Victoria's man in Canada. I am sure he has an official title. As I have often said small town Canada museums and galleries are the heart and soul of this country. The staff and volunteers here work hard and well to make sure there is always something to ignite interest. I heartily recommend the 1 hour or so drive. May I suggest a Saturday drive and then explore Kitchener and surrounding are.

One of the best farmers’ markets in the area! I visited on the first Saturday of March, and it was buzzing with activity. Get ready to channel your inner shopping warrior—bring cash and your own bags or carriers for the fresh farmers’ market downstairs. You’ll find high-quality produce at great prices. Once you’re done with the shopping part, head upstairs to explore more local vendors and a cozy food court-style area. There were some really interesting local businesses worth checking out. Bolero’s Juice Corner was absolutely amazing. She makes each cup of juice fresh, right in front of you! I got 1.2 liters—she said it would last up to 7 days, but I finished it way before that! A big thank-you to AP Bakery for the excellent customer service. The guy and lady working there were both incredibly friendly and welcoming. But most importantly, you have to try their bread—it’s addictive. And the pecan pie? That’s my forever go-to. All the businesses I visited there were amazing—great food quality and friendly service. It was definitely worth the visit, no matter where you’re coming from. That said, the market management should work on creating a safer environment for shoppers, customers, and visitors.

First visit, a ton of variety with good value. Fruit stalls are plentiful, snacks, home style bakeries, handmade products/crafts and even LIVE music performers. A great spot !

Outstanding deals on produce in Kitchener Farmers Market. Everything is 3-5 dollars. Buying something for such cheap prices gives you happiness in this expensive world of today.

The Kitchener Market is a true gem in the heart of the city, offering a vibrant and diverse experience for both locals and visitors. Known for its rich history and lively atmosphere, the market is a perfect place to explore a wide variety of fresh produce, local goods, and unique artisanal products. Whether you're looking for farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade crafts, or delicious food from around the world, the Kitchener Market has something for everyone. The friendly vendors create a warm, welcoming environment, making it a pleasure to wander through the aisles, try samples, and strike up conversations. The market is also home to a fantastic selection of prepared foods, from savory dishes to sweet treats, making it a great stop for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack. The building itself is spacious and well-maintained, with modern amenities that enhance the overall shopping experience. With regular events and seasonal offerings, the Kitchener Market remains a bustling community hub that brings people together, offering both convenience and charm in one spot. Whether you’re a seasoned shopper or just passing through, it's definitely worth a visit!

Super cool spot to check out on a Saturday morning! Great vendors of all kinds. Stock up on your favourite essentials, grab some yummy food and find new faves! The sauces and spices at organic chefs foods are definitely worth the trip, as well as the sushi triangles from Taste of Seoul 😍 Some vendors only take cash, so come prepared but some do take card!

RateKitchener farmer market, you offer a wonderful selection of fresh produce and artisanal goods. The atmosphere is always vibrant and welcoming, making it a pleasure to shop. I particularly appreciate the dedication to supporting local farmers and producers. Your commitment to quality and community shines through in every aspect of the market. I would highly recommend visiting.

i looooove the kitchener market it’s so awesome. farmer’s markets are so cool to me and every time i go it almost makes me feel like a kid again hehe. lots of great vendors and food outlets!!! definitely worth a visit (or two, or three, or many!)

The sold out Mac and Cheese and Beer Fest was probably the most amazing event I’ve been to in KW. It was my 5th time and as many have pointed out the new pricing model and fewer vendors definitely impact the quality of the experience negatively. I hope there is someone on staff with institutional memory going back to say 2018 who would be willing to recreate that vibe. We will still come back in the future but we hope that the event will go back to the old model of being able to sample more or less all products. In other words I would like to feel stuffed before I ran out of coupons and not have to do mental math which samples I can “afford”. I would be happy to pass this feedback through other channels if those exist.

Had a nice visit! This place is great for 10 and under. Schools bring kids here. However, there are quite a few interesting things for a kid in their early teens. My early teen enjoyed her day! It takes about 2.5-3 hours to do everything in this 3 level museum. There is also a makerspace in the basement; some activities in the basement are extra, and some are free. We paid around $11 to make a kaleidoscope craft that is supposed to add to the kaleidoscope exhibit. It didn't really add much to the exhibit, but it was a good craft to do where she learned to drill with a power drill. It took about 50 min. to make it. It was kind of like a Kiwi kit. My daughter seemed pleased with it. When my kids were young, we got a membership, and it was definitely worth it! Younger kids love the water table! Tip: Make sure you ask when the StarLab Star Show times are. They didnt tell me at the front desk, so we were in the basement of the building in the Makerspace, and we didn't want to leave our craft half done when we heard the announcement, so we had to wait around for the later show time. 2 show times currently: 11:30 & 2:30. Show was 22 min in length. My teen loved the vortex tunnel! Washrooms: Yes, there are washrooms on every level. Their main floor's washrooms had run out of soap though. They had added a lot of water to a dispenser, and there was virtually no soap. The water table was filled with bugs or something. See my pics. Food: There is no food here except slushies in the store in The Museum. There is a vending machine, but it is broken. You are allowed to bring your own lunch here, and there are picnic tables on every level. The main floor has also chairs, high chairs, and a water bottle filling station. Parking: You can park at Duke Street paid Parking Garage and walk directly into the museum from the main level of the garage. This is your best option. You can get 2 hour free street parking near The Museum. Wheelchair accessibility: They have elevators on every floor.

Great experience for our kids to explore and take part in a lot of interactive activities. Exhibit flows well from one to the next - will definitely visit again.

Absolutely phenomenal experience! Today was my son’s very first day at THEMUSEUM day camp, and I honestly can’t say enough good things. From the moment we arrived, the staff were so kind, welcoming, and engaging. The facility itself is incredible creative, vibrant, and full of hands-on learning opportunities. What truly blew me away was how much my son loved it. He didn’t want to leave at the end of the day — which, as a parent of a child who faces some mental health struggles, is amazing to see. It’s not often he connects so quickly with a new place or group, but the environment and staff clearly made him feel safe, excited, and included. Huge thanks to the team at THEMUSEUM for creating such a positive, inspiring space for kids. We’ll absolutely be back you’ve made a lasting impression on both of us! 💛

Was not that busy so kids were able to experience all activities. This museum is more suitable to younger children so if you have mix age groups, may not be the best. Overall, I did enjoy seeing my little explorer having fun!

We visited on a Monday at 10:10am. They open at 10:00. It was empty. We paid $16.99 for seniors, which is 55 and up. She asked to see ID. There’s 4 floors and washrooms on each floor. This place is great for parents with kids. There isn’t much to do for adults. We did the virtual short movie- 9 minutes on the jungle meets the water. There’s 4 movies and some are 13 minutes long. You could spend close to an hour here if you watch all 4 movies. It’s not suitable for people who have vertigo because you can get dizzy. I also liked the immersive room. Kids will really like this room. The gift shop was closed at 11:00 and the employee said to give it another 20 minutes till opening. We did not see the dinosaur or some of the other stuff posted on their website. But I read that they change their exhibits from time to time. There also is no place to get something to eat. There was an area that said lounge with lots of chairs but that was closed. The place has elevators and is wheel chair accessible. There is parking connected to the museum and we paid $7 for 2 hours. We arrived an hour before the museum opened and were shocked to see a lot of homeless people walking around or in groups in front of some stores. And you could clearly some were high on drugs. Very sad. We didn’t feel safe to walk around. So we went into a coffee shop across from the museum. Later we saw a few police cars and some of the people seemed to move to another area. But this museum is worth the visit and we’re glad we did.

Fantastic place for Kids! We drive from Burlington to come here because there’s nothing like this is our area. Lots of space for everyone so never feels busy or cramped even on weekends when we go. Great for a day trip.

We visited Schneider Haus National Historic Site on a Sunday afternoon. The house is 169 years old, and it’s open Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Normally, admission is $7 for adults, $4 for kids (5–12), and free for kids under 4. They also have a family pass for $16 (two adults and dependent kids). We got a library pass, so it was free for us! Parking was easy and free, right across from the museum on Queen Street. It wasn’t crowded at all, and the staff were super nice and welcoming. Photography is allowed inside. Only the main floor was open to visitors — the second floor (through the front door) is just for staff. On the main floor, there’s a kids’ area with lots of crafts and games, and even a birthday party area. It’s a fun little spot for younger kids. If you go left after entering, you reach the old house part — it felt a little spooky! Staff mentioned that all ghost rumours are just fake stories. The rooms are clean, but the lower level was really cold and honestly felt pretty creepy to me. Maybe you’ll feel its normal though :D

What an absolute gem! First time visiting with my four young children and we had a wonderful time. The front portion of the main building is historic with artifacts. The back portion of the building has three new spaces for children to explore, a maker space, and two play spaces. The spaces kept my little ones (ages range from 3-8) engaged for hours and they still didn't want to leave. There are also outdoor spaces and buildings to explore on a tour. The March Break kitchen science experiments were very engaging and we all learned a lot. The staff and volunteers were absolutely wonderful - very knowledgeable and patient. They engaged well with the children. There is a little gift shop and a few snacks and drinks to purchase.

On Sunday, I attended a cheesy bread making class at Scneider Haus. The instructor was friendly. The recipe was easy to follow and really yummy. While the dough was rising, we got to have snacks and explore the historic location. The bread was baked in a historic wood burning oven. We had an amazing time. Would strongly recommend. Great for all ages.

This was one of the first homes built in Waterloo region, by Mennonites from Pennsylvnia in 1816. We went on a Sunday morning, tickets were cheap, and there were no crowds. Inside, the original interior is well preserved with plenty of artifacts, giving a glimpse of daily life back in the day. Several friendly staff members were walking around, offering to give tours and answer any questions you may have about the house's history and the family that once inhabited it. There is no parking on-site, instead it is recommended to park near Victoria Park, and the house is not wheelchair accessible, due to its age.

Really enjoyed my visit here i wish I could remember my guide name because she made my experience memorable. This young lady was so knowledgeable and really explained everything to me and my husband in great detail. I love so much to see someone so passionate about what they do. Appreciate you and thank you!

It was part of Open Doors Ontario 2025. You were able to tour the house and its grounds. As well as ask questions they were individuals on hand to ask questions. Mr. Schneider was the founder of Schneiders meats.

Lovely place to visit. Call ahead of time to ensure they are open.

Constant battle to clean out the mess made by homeless problem. Area could use more petrol as tent city resident coming over from Victoria and Webber screaming and high. Does not make a good impression for visitors visiting the city.

8th June 2025 Sunday I had parked my car in front of my home and went inside the house at near 5:50 pm and at 6:12 pm and officer gave me a ticket his name is K Costello and gave me a parking ticket now on the same road I see one more car parked that car was not give ticket but my car was given a ticket Chevrolet Malibu I complain about it however I don't have time to dispute but city of kitchener is giving ticket randomly to anybody now today I saw a car parked in front of me and inform them nobody dare to give ticket to that car. Are you biases giving tickets to vehicles. If this happens to anyone else please dispute and fight back. Thank you for reading. 🙏

Dear governor I have bought a kitchen sink today. Let no plumber suffer my fate. To the city of kitchener Waterloo. No Indian will say it is as if to all men. Let the government pay a policing service and enforce its law upon the land. That is my decree.

I am writing as a concerned homeowner and resident in the city of Kitchener to express my deep frustration and disappointment regarding a $450 ticket I received this past winter for not adequately clearing the snow from the sidewalk adjacent to my property. Like many residents, I made consistent and sincere efforts to keep the sidewalk clear despite the exceptionally harsh winter we experienced. This past season brought relentless snowstorms one after another, often making it nearly impossible to keep up, especially for those of us who are not physically able to shovel continuously or afford private snow removal services. What adds to the frustration is the lack of municipal support for sidewalk snow removal in residential areas. Although sidewalks are public spaces used by the broader community—not just the property owner—there is no assistance from the city in managing their upkeep during severe weather conditions. Furthermore, I’ve noticed inconsistent enforcement, where some neighbors with uncleared sidewalks did not receive tickets at all. This experience has left me not only burdened financially but also disheartened by what feels like an unfair system. I urge the city to reconsider how it handles sidewalk snow removal enforcement, especially during extreme weather conditions.

Kitchener City Hall, located conveniently downtown Kitchener for all of your city affairs, from permission issuance to paying for your traffic violation tickets ( if this happens.) It has a great architecture design, and the spacious area at front get busy in summer as it gets occupied by many organizations when events like food and music festivals take place in the city. I only wish if they have more security to control some activities that might take place in and around the building. The water fountain is a great work that gives a wonderful view and it's turned to an ice skating spot in winter time!

Edit: How is a 20% over year tax increase acceptable when the city/ Region provides worsening services year after year. This is criminal and nobody gets held accountable! The city of Kitchener is an embarrassment on every level. I would like to know why our street was unnecessarily made 5' thinner to the point a firetruck cannot get down the street with cars legally parking each side. I am making this known for when there ever is an issue, the city is going to be hugely liable. Busses and trucks have already been stuck multiple times with nowhere to go. Residents, if your street is being done, I recommend reaching out to stop and correct this before the failed infrastructure reaches your area. Of course, when reaching out to the city during construction or after the fact, nobody provides a proper answer to these concerns. The people making these mindless decisions never get held liable and we are the ones that lose. Even though it is our money wasted. Do better Kitchener and stop wasting our hard-earned money hiring grossly incompetent people to work on infrastructure design projects way over their head. Nothing against the construction company who was great and when speaking with them, they are stuck constructing whatever the brainless muffs designed.

Great architecture. On "Hero's Reborn" excellent views North & South on King & quick walk West to Victoria park.

First off, the reservations — you have to book a time slot online and pay for tickets ahead of your visit. They clearly state they may turn away walk-ins if it’s busy. Understandable, since the butterfly area is small, and they don’t want to overcrowd it. On the plus side, parking is free and there’s plenty of it. Inside, there’s a small cafeteria and even a little playground for kids. The entrance leads to a small welcome area, and then you pass through double doors into the butterfly conservatory. The space is kept warm and humid for the butterflies — which feels nice on a cold winter day, but on a sunny day I was sweating buckets. There are lots of butterflies, and if you’re lucky one might even land on you. Now the downsides: the arena is very small. You can easily see the whole thing in under 15 minutes. For the size, the ticket prices feel steep. They don’t allow outside food, which is tough considering many visitors are families with kids, and there’s no designated area to sit and eat your own snacks anyway. If you’re a larger family with kids over 2, expect to spend quite a bit between tickets and the cafeteria. Overall, it’s worth visiting once for the experience, but don’t stress if you skip it — you’re not missing a full-day adventure.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Butterfly Conservatory. It was quite easy to tour around the facility. The building is very accessible for people who might require wheelchairs too. The variety of butterflies and birds is quite astounding. I really enjoyed seeing the Nicobar pigeons. I’d recommend the butterfly conservatory for people who might be on a date, also if you’re single it’s a lovely place to visit too.

I recently went to a wedding at the Butterfly Conservation in Cambridge, and it was such a unique and beautiful venue. Being surrounded by butterflies and lush greenery made the whole day feel magical and intimate. It’s such a peaceful setting — perfect for a wedding which is what I was there for. The staff were kind and helpful, and everything felt really well taken care of. It was such a special experience, and I can’t think of a more memorable place to celebrate a wedding.

Such a beautiful and relaxing place to visit! The Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory feels like stepping into a tropical paradise right in the middle of the city. The moment you walk in, you’re surrounded by warm air, lush greenery, and butterflies flying all around you – some might even land on you if you’re lucky! 🦋 It’s not just butterflies either – there are little birds, fish ponds, and some really unique insects to see in the side displays. The whole place is very clean and well-maintained, and the staff are friendly and happy to answer questions. It’s a great spot for kids (they get so excited when a butterfly sits on them!) but also really peaceful for adults who just want to enjoy nature and take photos. You don’t need a ton of time to go through, but it’s such a calming and refreshing experience that you’ll want to stay longer. Definitely recommend this place for families, couples, or anyone looking for something different and relaxing to do in the Cambridge/Kitchener-Waterloo area.

I had a pleasant overall experience, and the staff were very friendly and welcoming, which made the visit enjoyable. The pricing seemed fair, but it did feel a little less worthwhile because of the limited space and the relatively small variety of species available to see. The place itself is quite compact, so it’s best to visit during quieter times. If it gets crowded, the area can feel congested and a bit overwhelming. There are lots of butterflies, although most of them are of the same species, which reduces some of the excitement. Other than butterflies, there are only about ten different types of creatures to observe. There is also a cafeteria on-site, but the menu options are limited, so don’t expect too much variety in food choices.

This will be such a great place for family with kids, or couples. Lovely garden with tons of butterflies surrounding, and if you take a little peak in the bushes, you might spot some little birds under. Me and my friends spent at least 2 hours there, just in an awe.

This is a great place to learn about the life cycle of butterflies and admire them closely. My visit last weekend was my third time around. There is no extra cost for parking and generally, I get the feeling that I was able to see more butterflies than the other version in Niagara Falls. The staff is very friendly and enjoy interacting with those visiting this location.

Quaint little Museum. Some interesting local history. Went during March break around 3 o’clock. They had some cool daily activities that week. Didn’t realize they closed at 4 PM and we were not warned at the front so we had to rush through the museum in about 15 minutes following our 30min planetarium activity with the University of Guelph. Sufficient parking and easy to find otherwise. Great location to grab food down the street.

Fun visit with friends last week on a PD day. It was sad to see very few people here. Inside is a very beautiful exhibit of local Waterloo region history and artifacts. VERY disappointed, though, that the pioneer village has been closed for so long. You are able to walk around and see the outside of the buildings, but that's about it. These days, this generation needs to know how people lived back then, before technology. We need immersive history lessons and displays. I hope the village opens again soon.

such a great place to learn about Waterloo, sad to see that there wasn’t that many people visiting on a weekend. tickets are discounted for UW students! would love to visit the heritage village when it opens next year ☺️

Is a great place for kids to have birthday parties, tours and learn about Waterloo history. It’s important for us to have heritage of the region celebrated and this place does it very well in a beautifully designed building and exterior Martin house and town centre. Lots to do and see. Won’t be disappointed.

Well maintained museum of Waterloo Region history. It was very quiet on Civic Day Monday. Great place to visit no matter how long you lived in the region. Unfortunately the doon village ground is closed for the summer.

Very inviting exhibitions, I really liked how they are designed to grab a visitor's attention. The video installation about immigration experiences and the Hazel wheel became my favorite pieces

The Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum is a standout destination for photographers who appreciate architecture, history, and storytelling through space and design. As the largest community museum in Ontario, it offers a compelling mix of modern exhibits, heritage structures, and vibrant visual contrasts that make it a rewarding site to explore with a camera. The museum’s architecture itself is a work of art — sleek, contemporary, and filled with natural light. Its glass façade reflects the surrounding greenery and shifting skies, while inside, clean lines and open layouts create beautiful compositions that highlight both form and function. Photographers interested in architectural detail will find plenty of inspiration in the interplay between glass, wood, and steel throughout the building. Beyond the modern design, the museum connects directly to Doon Heritage Village, a meticulously restored early 20th-century living history site. This outdoor area is a treasure trove of photo opportunities: dirt paths winding between period buildings, heritage gardens, wooden barns, and costumed interpreters who bring the past to life. Each corner feels authentic and atmospheric, especially in the soft light of morning or golden hour. Inside the museum, exhibitions explore the story of the Waterloo Region through artifacts, interactive displays, and vivid installations. Low-light photography skills can be put to good use here, capturing the textures of old machinery, the glow of display lighting, or intimate details of historical objects. Throughout the year, the museum hosts seasonal events — from vintage festivals to holiday celebrations — that add lively, candid photographic subjects. The mix of architecture, landscape, and human presence makes it equally suitable for wide environmental shots and close, story-driven portraits. For photographers, the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum offers more than just visuals — it’s a dialogue between past and present, structure and story. Whether you’re capturing the minimalist modernity of the main building or the rustic charm of the heritage village, it’s one of southern Ontario’s most visually and historically rewarding locations.

Went to their clay workshop and glass workshop. Both were amazing and the atmosphere was calming. The staff who was hosting the workshop was friendly and answered all questions and concerns for first-timers. I love that they do events every week, very fun experience for everyone in Waterloo region :)

We were greeted by the friendliest greeter ever! The gallery was bright and airy and the sculptures were worth the drive from London.

Thanks to all the generous donors. Free admission to view beautiful artwork packed into a spacious intimate gallery.

We had an amazing time at this clay & glass gallery, admission is free and there are 4 exhibits. Super friendly staff welcomed us, and you can tag along for a tour where each artpiece's history and meaning is intricatedly explained. The gift shop is expansive and filled mostly with glasswork from artists all over Canada, however we did not manage to find a piece under $30. There is also a clay classroom at the back where you can learn to make your own pottery if you sign up.

Very impactful exhibits! It was my first time and enjoyed the visit. I was particularly moved by the works of Irene Frolic and Lauren Nicole Rice.

This is a fantastic little gallery. My daughter came here for a weeklong camp and she had a great time. The staff was friendly and encouraging, provided guidance, but also gave a lot of freedom to create whatever they wanted. At the end of the week, the kids got to bring in their family to show off what they had worked on, which was nice. There's a nice gift shop too, with a lot of beautiful pieces you can bring home, though they are pricey, as you would expect. Great place for a short visit, or to sign up kids for art camp.

We decided to visit the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery one of the weekends just to explore Canadian history. It was one of the best decisions we made. The "entry was free". And the exhibition or the collection was amazing. We loved observing the Art pieces. There is a huge collection of contemporary Canadian ceramics and glass art. The gallery showcases a wide range of works by Canadian artists working in these mediums, including functional pottery, sculptural ceramics, and glass art.

It is a small heritage house that will be interesting for kids and adults alike if they are interested in the history and how people used to live in the past. There are a lot of everyday objects (kitchen equipment!) and handmade furniture, quilts and embroidery to look at. It gives a feel of how a Mennonite home looked like in the XIX century.

A great museum where you can learn much about the history of the Brubacher family, the Mennonites and Waterloo.

Great location at the end of the street, behind a building - parking lot. The building is a beautiful heritage house! Inside very cozy and nice - rock walls in the basement, brick floor, fireplace. First floor is full with heritage objects including embroideries, quilting, rags, furniture, kitchen stuff and books! Friendly and very helpful host! Thank you!

Very old and very nice 👍🏻

It was beautiful and you enjoyed the soul-refreshing air

Booked a tour here had a wonderful time seeing all the old artifacts.I think the children enjoyed the garden more though

Brubacher House was interesting and lots of historic information about the Mennonite community in the 1800's.

Bingemans: Gift of Lights was a fun outing, especially for the kids since they had a blast pointing out all the colorful displays and shouting out their favorites. We went on Christmas Day, and it was surprisingly not crowded, which made the whole experience more enjoyable. We could stop the car and take our time admiring the lights without feeling rushed. But yeah, you’re not allowed to get out of the car, which makes sense for safety, but it did feel a little restrictive at times. Now, here’s where I’m a bit unsure! Was it really worth the $36? The entire drive-through took only about 10-15 minutes, and while the lights were pretty and festive, it wasn’t exactly mind-blowing. I was expecting it to last longer or maybe have more unique features to make the price feel justified. If you have kids, they’ll definitely enjoy it, and it’s a nice way to add some Christmas magic to your day. For adults, though, it’s more about the experience with your family than the lights themselves. If you’re looking for something quick and festive, it’s worth a try, but don’t go in expecting a huge production.

Disappointing and Unhygienic Stay – Left a Day Early I recently stayed in one of the cabins at Bingemans Park, and unfortunately, the experience was overwhelmingly negative. What was meant to be a relaxing camping getaway turned into a frustrating and uncomfortable ordeal—not only for my family but also for two other families who joined us based on my recommendation. Cleanliness & Condition of Cabin: The cabin reeked of dog urine upon arrival—an overpowering and unpleasant smell that made it nearly impossible to spend time indoors. The floors were visibly dirty; even after two rounds of cleaning with Lysol wipes, the cloths came away black with grime. This was especially distressing as I was traveling with a 9-month-old baby who needed a clean space to crawl and play. Customer Service: I called the front desk to report the situation, only to be told, “I’ll have them bring you an air freshener.” That was the extent of their response—no follow-up, no offer of alternative accommodation, and no staff sent to inspect the site. The dismissive attitude was unacceptable and completely unhelpful. Logistics & Communication: Upon check-in, we weren’t given a map or directions to the cabin. We also didn’t receive all the keys for the three sites we had reserved. We only realized this after driving to the site and then had to return to the front desk—a frustrating and avoidable delay. Facilities & Maintenance: The windows had no screens, so we had to choose between extreme heat or dealing with insects inside. The outdoor picnic table was broken and unsafe, with warped and splintered benches. There were no washrooms nearby—a crucial detail that was not made clear during booking, and an especially difficult issue when traveling with young children. Overall Experience: The conditions were so bad that we decided to cut our trip short and leave a full night early.

I read lots of mixed reviews. We didn't have any issues while there. The things that need to be worked out weren't super noticeable to our family. The only thing that should Mayne be improved is lighting. At night it is a very dark walk to the bathrooms (we stayed in the cabins) and there wasn't near enough garbage around the place I feel. But we kept our garbage and dropped it off when full so again not a huge deal.

Beautiful location, nice water park & mini golf. We enjoyed our trip very much. The staff are so friendly and polite. Also welcoming.

Not impressed with the camping side of Bingemans. If you’re from out of town, don’t arrive even a second before 2pm for your camping spot. They will not let you in. They say it’s because they’re cleaning the campsites , however we knew our site wasn’t booked for several days prior. There’s garbage and wrappers completely littered everywhere and my toddler stepped on a decomposing squirrel that was in the middle of our site. So not that thorough of a clean. You don’t receive a physical map or instructions on what to do before you enter the water park. The map online is completely misleading. The water park is WAAAAYYY farther than it appears on a map and you’re walking up an extremely steep hill the whole time. We learned to just drive around to the Boston pizza and walk over through there Don’t plan on your kids sleeping in if you’re coming here. We camped in the 400 section and there was a loud day camp of children who were yelling and screaming since before 8am. I’m not blaming the kids, they’re excited…. But things like this we should be told about especially when we call to ask if there’s anything we should know. I never would have thought there would be screaming kids HOURS prior to the water park opening. If I was able to post a video with the screaming we could hear from inside the trailer I would. They do not prioritize people who spend a lot of money to camp here (almost doubled on weekends) The extreme noise in the early mornings. No showers on the campground (you go to the parking lot everyone has access to - showers smell of human feces) it’s frustrating. They nickel and dime you for absolutely everything . Do a day pass instead. Positives: The teens who work here are extremely nice. It’s nice that this place hires Canadian youth. The kids had fun at the water park, arcade, and play place.

site was large and the power and water were nice! not the most private spot but we were there fur the park, so it didn't really bother us...staff friendly and helpful.

UPDATE: They did take responsibility for everything and gave a full refund with a 15% off voucher if I ever decided to stay there again. Just wanted to be fully up front that they are taking responsibility, and outlined the steps they are taking to resolve the issues. Rented 2 container cabins for 3 days because they had A/C. Well both containers units were not working, just blowing hit air. Every time we called for help, they acted like they didn't know there was an issue but sent teenage house cleaners to look at it. Finally gave a portable unit the second day, but it kept tripping the breaker after 10 minutes so had nothing. All our food was spoiled, even dry food as it was sweltering hot in the containers. My roll on deodorant melted. Toothpaste was runny. Crackers, bread were all soggy, marshmallows were melted and stuck together. The only reprieve from the heat was in the water park ir pool. This was the worst, most stressful vacation ever! We found out on the 3rd day while packing to leave, that none of the containers had functioning A/C units. How can you continue renting tin cans in heat wave with no A/C? Kids were miserable, wasted our only weeks vacation this summer, lost a lot of money, will never go back again!

The stores are good. Mom and pop stores seem to be flourishing in an era of big box stores. You have what you need for an area of the city. Waterloo region which Kitchener is part of decided years ago to go with sections of the city stores are placed within walking distance. Going away from only having one area of the city people can go to shop. In doing so lowering the cost to drive throughout the region. The Highland area is one example with the basics located nicely for the neighborhood.

Extremely busy plaza. Postal Service inside Convenience store, Oma Foods, Hair Salon, Pharmacy and a few Shawarma and Middle Eastern restaurants/takeout. On the other side, Domino's Pizza and friendly neighbourhood bar!

Everything all in one place!! 2 grocery stores 2 convenience stores of pharmacy dollar store a pet store a water place and ethnic food places plus a Baskin and Robbin and a tim Hortons! A jewelry store and a tailor and a hair dresser! They also have on of the coolest dispensarys with an awesome staff!!

One person on at 5:00 is not great for a dinner rush.

Very Good parking facilities are available Almost all facilities are available including food and all other amenities. Good place to hangout.

I place an order on the 3rd of April You called me about a problem with your computer I had to reorder I was told I would only be charged once yet I have two amount on my card please remote the one.Harveys on Westmount

Yeah I took my girlfriend here to go get her nails done

Not what it used to be. Only 5 stores open. All the big name shops are no longer there because a huge part of the mall is boarded up and undergoing construction. The whole upstairs area is gone so no fudge or ice cream for me today. 😭😭😭 Feel bad for the remaining stores. There was little to no foot traffic on a Saturday afternoon which should be a busier time. If the remaining stores are what you’re looking for then you may find something you like. Otherwise it’s not worth your time. We were in and out it about 10 minutes. Washrooms at the end of the hall were decently clean though.

Great place to eat. Ask for Arthur. Fantastic service, friendly, quick and attentive. Made our perfect evening even better. Wings were awesome, the crafted beer was excellent and very cold.

Went on a Tuesday, mid June. MAYBE third as many vendors as a Saturday outside. All inside vendors were open. On the PLUS side, lots of easy parking and NOT crowded, easy to move around. Good veggie and plants selection.

Was here a couple of weeks ago with a friend and was hoping for a good shopping experience. As mentioned by other reviewers, the place is under renovations so only 5 shops are open. My friend did not find any deal but I was able to snag quite a few excellent bargains! This, I think, is quite normal for shopping at outlet stores and had nothing to do with whether the store has good bargains. Sometimes we just luck out … to find the right style, right colour, right price… part of the hunting fun!!! Both of us had a good time looking and trying on stuff. I gave this a 4 stars as i do think the place was so much better before when there were lots more stores.

It was better years ago. Many of the best stores are gone now. It's not worth a trip just to shop here, but if you're already in town, you have nothing to lose.

As the name suggests, there must have been an outlet mall in the past, but when we went there just last Saturday, the building was almost empty. Except two stores - one of footwear and the other of ladies clothing - all the other businesses deserted the mall. Also, there was no other customer in either of the stores, and unlike outlets, the prices were high- nowhere near those at outlets. In contrast to the abandoned outlet mall, the farmers' market across the street was swarmed with people. The immense area was bustling with hundreds of vendors selling a variety of items and lots of individuals. No, there is no outlet mall anymore, so if you are looking for one, in order to avoid disappointment, do not be misguided by the name.

Was there on a Saturday. The place was full of people. There's a huge space for parking but finding a spot is a bit tricky. Big market outdoors. Lots of vegetables and fruits. A fantastic experience for weekend trip in the summer.

We have been coming to the Huether Hotel for years in beautiful Uptown Waterloo. There is plenty of free parking in a nearby parking lot for the weekend. The menus were dirty and damaged; it would be far better if they were laminated so the stains can be cleaned. Their Legendary Wings are absolutely fantastic! The hot sauce definitely had heat but more importantly flavour. The Dry Cajun rub seasoning was absolutely fantastic! The Caesar Salad tasted good but is nothing special because the dressing is store bought. The same can be said for their fries and onion rings. Their Stroganoff Schnitzel was absolutely delicious; well seasoned but unfortunately they forgot to put the sauekraut on my plate and I didnt notice until after I devoured it. Maintenance needs to be done on some if not all of their chairs because the one we had was very wobbley. The background music was at a perfect level that you could still enjoy it and have a normal conversation. The Huether is an iconic institution in our community and we will continue to support them. If you are looking for good pub food and good atmosphere this is the place for you.

When you combine modern luxury with 150 years of history, you get a family-owned masterpiece that has served as the pinnacle of hospitatility for 3 generations. And that's exactly what The Huether Hotel (59 King St N, Waterloo, ON N2J 2X2) is. Currently a Lion Brewery’s outpost in a former hotel combining a restaurant, coffee shop, pub & live jazz venue, this was truly the perfect place to spend my Thanksgiving weekend! Hoping to keep up with the fall vibes, I ordered a pumpkin pie slice and a matcha latte. The slice of pumpkin pie had a perfectly flaky, golden-brown crust that provided a satisfying crunch with each bite. The filling was creamy and smooth, with the perfect balance of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, giving it a warm, spiced flavor without being too sweet. Topped with a dollop of whipped cream, it melted in your mouth, leaving a cozy, autumnal aftertaste. The matcha latte made the meal even better. Velvety and rich, with a vibrant green hue that hinted at its freshness, the beverage had a delicate balance between the earthy, slightly grassy notes of the matcha and the creamy, steamed milk, creating a soothing and energizing blend. The light froth on top added a touch of elegance, with a gentle sweetness that paired perfectly with the spiced pumpkin pie. Combined with the ambience provided by the smooth jazz and over a century of history, the meal was truly memorable, despite the day being otherwise ordinary. To hear more about this review, follow us @eatinontario on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, & LinkedIn✨🤩🙏

Went for lunch at Barley Works and the weather was nice enough to sit outside. The hotel has an elevated patio with a view in Uptown Waterloo. Service was friendly and prompt. Overall, things could be a bit cleaner but it's what you get for the price and setting. Food is decent and goes well with the drinks. I recommend the Italian soda they have right now! The lavender and vanilla one was delicious and refreshing.

They have everything a student needs! WiFi, outlets and good food. They have a large breakfast menu so I would come here for maybe brunch. The cranberry lemon muffin was served warm (get it with butter) and the we also got the roasted veggie sandwich. Staff was super nice and the place has a nice “vintage hotel” vibe going on. Would definitely come again.

Visited with some friends to play pool and had a great time. They have multiple pool tables where you can either pay by the hour ($10) or by the game using a coin system ($2 per game). The service from the bar was exceptional even filling my water bottle two times while we played! Thank you!

Been going here for over 30 years. Still amazing. The food, the atmosphere, the beer.. hope they get the downstairs opened back up, and offsale beers.

I ordered the burrito and fries. My partner had the fishwich and onion rings. Both sandwiches were very greasy; the fishwich slid apart when picked up. The burrito had melted cheese on the outside and was too soggy to pick up, so I had to use a knife and fork to eat it. Onion rings were undercooked. The fries were good.

Love the museum on campus! My son learnt a lot about mining, with the mining tunnel, mining A-Z as he's a Minecrafter, also lots about miners, dinos as well as lots of interactive games. He loved the dynamite demo and the end of the tunnel which a school staff friendly introduced him to. Highly recommend 👍

Our third visit. Free to roam at Waterloo university. Our kids stumbled upon this exhibit a couple years ago. Very basic and vast array of rocks. Beautifully displayed. Precise origin explanation. Easy to walk around. Food nearby. Free visitor parking. We visited three times, mid week. Pictures of other things happening.....

Free entry (not many people mention this) - no need to buy any tickets. Nice cosy, ambient museum in the heart of University of Waterloo. Has cushioned chairs to sit, washrooms, water station to drink, cafe on the first floor (has tables and chairs)etc. Fossils, rocks, a mine, minerals etc can be found here some of which donated by many across the globe (see photos). If you have kids, bring them with you as it’s educational. I was filled with wonder looking at all those fossils. I don’t know why I missed this museum the past 3 years.

Great place to bring the kids. Not super big, but free admission and some really cool exhibits. Really a hidden wonder at the university.

Although it isn’t a huge museum it was very interesting. The kids especially enjoyed the topography map. The mine shaft was almost missed as it is tucked away at the back but we were happy we found it. Of course the dinosaurs were the highlight.

Attended the Gem& Mineral Show. Event was free. The event is dedicated to geosciences from water, groundwater, fossils minerals to rocks that host them. Excellent minerals collections and staff are dedicated to explain and make geosciences accessible to all. The set up to show groundwater dynamics and potential contamination was an excellent display.

This has to be the best free natural history museum I have been to. Their collection of minerals, fossils and even local mining history is fantastic - worthy of university of waterloo. I don't get the other reviewers complaining about parking and signage. This is not a tourist attraction for masses. It's a department building at a university that also has exhibits for their subject. If you are interested in science, and like to learn, this is a great way to spend 1-2 hrs

Great experience in Kitchener Waterloo watching the Rangers take on Ottawa. Hockey truly lives here and learning more about the team is great. Tickets are reasonable for Post Secondary Students looking for something new. The former Memorial Cup Champions of the Ontario Hockey League is alive and well.

Great history filled arena Watched the Kitchener Rangers vs Windsor Spitfires OHL game. What an energetic crowd!

Kitchener memorial auditorium is one of the best place for hockey and ice skating shows and recently I have visited for KW wine and food show and moreover lots of shows take place at this location and it's managed by the City of Kitchener. Once a ticketed guest has been scanned into an event, there will be no in-and-out privileges and no re-entry will be permitted after exiting a designated door. This no re-entry policy is in effect for all ticketed events, including all Kitchener Rangers home games, KW Titans home games and other special events. Guests with emergencies will be assisted by Aud Staff at the top of the main stairs on a case-by-case basis. Lots of free parking.

Went to meet the band Filter before the show and the concert overall was great!! All the staff I encountered were very nice !!!

Great arena awesome food. fun to see the rangers. Also good parking

We were there for the annual Jehovah's Witness Convention. We have been many times and it's a great place.

Nice and big, very well maintained and nice and cool inside on a very hot day

Everyone is so nice in this library. If you have a problem .....they will help you all they can!!! You can order books and they will take time to listen to you!! When you walk in it's always Good Morning Debra.Do you need any help! It's a pleasure going there💗

Recommended: Update: there are new self checkout stations my family and always go to the library. It's a wealth of resources and knowledge. We even go to libraries in other cities we visit. Preston idea exchange is our favorite. We feel at home there and know a few of the librarians by name. We go there in the summer when it's hot with no place to go and cozy up there in the winter when it's too cold outside. We always borrow movies and books from here. It has a seed library, gardening tools, unusual things you can checkout, a community garden, programs for all ages, activities for children and a safe fireplace. The staff are always eager to help you and answer questions.

Beautiful and comfortable library to pause and read, feel rested and i spired, including an amazing art gallery to visit. Highly recommend to this inclusive space in Preston!

There is free, on street parking out front, otherwise you can park at the free lot across from King St Baptist church (entrance off of Dover st.). A very good community library and space. We enjoy borrowing movies and books. They have a few computers that can be used by those with a library card. It is fully wheelchair accessible too.

This is a very nice library but the staff make it so much better! There are many free classes for children, as well as weekly drop in playtime for all ages which are all very fun for the kids and quite engaging. I take my little one to the "baby and me" class and she absolutely loves it. Molly does an amazing job with the program, and always makes everyone feel so welcome and comfortable

The library and staff are nice, but the noise from kids yelling, screaming and running around makes it impossible to do any kind of reading or work. I understand there's a space for kids at the front, but there's absolutely no separation from the rest of the building so you can't escape the noise. I think quiet reading/activities should be encouraged instead of disturbing the rest of the patrons. The librarians need to step in when noise reaches a certain level.

The biggest thank you in the world to Molly for everything she does!! Molly, who runs the children's programs at Idea Exchange Preston is such an incredibly kind, warm, and welcoming human!:) Molly invited my daughter and I in to the Baby and Me classes, and we're so grateful to have been able to attend! We look forward to going each week as there are always great songs, a story, a sensory activity, and sometimes even a craft! All of the other parents are lovely and it was so nice for my daughter to socialize with the other kids and have new things to play with. Molly makes everyone feel welcome, she is such a lovely person<3 Thank you Molly so so very much. From: Emily and Ellie<3

evolv1 provided the perfect backdrop for our recent networking event. Its environmentally conscious design not only created an inviting atmosphere but also aligned seamlessly with our commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. The open and supportive approach by The Cora Group makes this a premier venue for events that bring people together to exchange ideas and drive positive change. Thanks so much!

Great building. Nicely done. Very eco friendly. Building was part of the doors open Waterloo in the past.

It was great to learn about Evolv1's features and practices through this informative tour! ... Thank you very much for this impactful experience!

A very beautiful eco friendly building in Waterloo. Hope to see more of it around.

nice architecture. liked greenery