by Lori Straus
Kitchener, part of Waterloo Region, is my hometown. Even when I lived in other cities, I was always happy to return. In this blog post, I’d love to introduce you to beautiful hiking trails and historic sites you can visit in and around Kitchener.
West Montrose Covered Bridge
Perhaps the most photographed bridge in Canada (although I can’t prove that), the West Montrose Covered Bridge in Woolwich Township is the last covered bridge in Ontario. Built-in 1881, it crosses the Grand River. Although its roof has protected the bridge’s timbers and trusses from the weather over the years, several improvements have been made to it. However, according to the Township of Woolwich By-law 60-2007, “…the form of the bridge designed by John Bear has been largely retained.”
The bridge is also often called the Kissing Bridge, because travellers crossing it in their buggies could sneak in a kiss or two before emerging on the other side.
The bridge received its designation as a Provincial Historic Site in August 1960 and is also listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places.
Walter Bean Hiking Trail
This hiking trail runs 17.4 km along the Grand River in Waterloo Region, from Woolwich Township through the cities of Waterloo, Kitchener, and Cambridge. With an elevation of only 423 m, it’s easy to walk for almost anyone, though some areas are a little rocky and uneven.
You can walk, cycle, rollerblade, or cross-country ski along the Walter Bean Trail, with a beautiful view of the Grand River all the way. Trees cover many parts, giving you ample shade on even the brightest days.
Doon Heritage Village
Located in the south of Kitchener, as part of the Waterloo Region Museum, Doon Heritage Village is an open-air museum, where you can relive 1914 Waterloo Region (called Waterloo County back then). What I find extra special about this outdoor museum is that many of the buildings were moved from their original locations from in and around Waterloo County to the museum to be preserved:
- Petersburg Grand Trunk Railway Station (1856)
- Peter Martin House (circa 1820)
- Shantz Barn (1810)
- Detweiler Weavery (circa 1845)
- dry goods and grocery store (circa 1830)
- tailor shop and post office (circa 1870)
- sawmill (not mentioned)
- McArthur House (circa 1835)
- Seibert House (circa 1850)
- Sararas-Bricker Farm (circa 1840)
- Bricker Barn (circa 1845)
- Freeport Church (1861).
Several other buildings in the open-air museum are reproductions.
A Wonderful Day Trip
You can easily combine all these attractions into a day trip to Waterloo Region. View the West Montrose Covered Bridge in the morning and refuel at a local café. Drive to RIM Park in Waterloo, where you’ll find a lovely loop as part of the Walter Bean Hiking Trail. Grab lunch wherever you choose and then drive down to Doon Heritage Village, grabbing lunch along the way.