Kitchener Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Guelph featuring a city, a fountain and a statue or sculpture
Kitchener
Kitchener which includes street scenes
Kitchener which includes a park and a bridge
Kitchener which includes street scenes

Hundreds of parks, Mennonite pioneer houses and one of the largest Oktoberfests in North America make this city just outside of Toronto worth visiting.

Head southwest through Toronto’s surrounding farmland to reach the extensive twin cities of Kitchener and Waterloo. Kitchener is the southernmost of the pair and features an array of parks, museums and historical sites. Once known as Berlin, Kitchener has a rich German heritage. Visit a heritage German house and try a local pilsner at the city’s fun-filled Oktoberfest.

Kitchener is known for its lush green spaces. Find nearly 220 parks in this leafy city, including golf courses, nature preserves and urban parks. During the winter, ski within the city limits at the Chicopee Ski and Summer Resort.

Victoria Park is Kitchener’s centrally located park. This park dates back to 1896 and its clock tower is one of the city’s essential heritage structures. The tower stood atop the now-demolished old city hall. Visit nearby Kitchener City Hall to see the modern civic building. Take the Iron Horse Trail by foot, bicycle or on horseback from Victoria Park into Waterloo Park, the main park of Kitchener’s twin city.

Learn about the history of Kitchener’s settlement and development at its interesting museums. The Joseph Schneider Haus is a history museum located inside the city’s oldest house, which was built in 1816 by a German Mennonite pioneer. Tour the interior to see period furnishings and German-Canadian folk art in the exhibition space. The Waterloo Region Museum provides details on the rest of Kitchener’s history, including the First Nations people who once lived here and the city’s prosperous manufacturing industry.

Visit Kitchener in October to see the city embrace its German heritage in one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in North America, attracting hundreds of thousands of people each year. The 9-day festival culminates with Canada’s much-loved Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Drive an hour or take a 3-hour bus ride out of Toronto to reach Kitchener. Surrounded by farmland and dotted with idyllic green spaces, Kitchener is a peaceful respite from urban Toronto.

Where to stay in Kitchener

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Saint Jacobs

You'll enjoy the museums and riverfront in Saint Jacobs. You might want to make time for a stop at St. Jacobs Scoolhouse Theatre or Maple Syrup Museum of Ontario.

Saint Jacobs
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Elmira

Elmira is well liked for its festivals. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Township of Woolwich area, you might plan a trip to Maple Syrup Museum of Ontario or West Montrose Covered Bridge.

Elmira
Kitchener featuring signage

Downtown Kitchener

While visiting Downtown Kitchener, you might make a stop by sights like Kitchener Market and Centre In The Square.

Downtown Kitchener
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Rockwood

Travellers like the parks in Rockwood, and Rockwood Conservation Area is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Rockwood
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Ayr

If you're spending some time in Ayr, Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area is a top sight worth visiting.

Ayr
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East Galt

While East Galt may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like McDougall Cottage and Cambridge Sculpture Garden.

East Galt
Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo by IHG
Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo by IHG
4 out of 5
105 King St E, Kitchener, ON
The price is ₹8,870 per night from 31 May to 1 Jun
₹8,870
₹10,424 total
includes taxes & fees
31 May - 1 Jun
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Kitchener. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,152 reviews)
"Staff were the highlight for sure! The sheets were soo soft!"

Reviewed on 20 May 2025

Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo by IHG
Comfort Inn Cambridge
Comfort Inn Cambridge
2.5 out of 5
220 Holiday Inn Dr, Cambridge, ON
The price is ₹7,274 per night from 25 May to 26 May
₹7,274
₹8,548 total
includes taxes & fees
25 May - 26 May
Stay at this eco-certified hotel in Cambridge. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Close to my business"

Reviewed on 22 May 2025

Comfort Inn Cambridge
Quality Inn
Quality Inn
2.5 out of 5
2899 King St E, Kitchener, ON
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹6,249 per night from 15 Jun to 16 Jun
₹6,249
₹7,344 total
includes taxes & fees
15 Jun - 16 Jun
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kitchener. Enjoy free parking, a 24-hour front desk and a business centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,254 reviews)
Short stop
"Just had quick stop all polite and promt"

Reviewed on 20 May 2025

Quality Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Residence & Conference Centre - Kitchener Waterloo
Residence & Conference Centre - Kitchener Waterloo
2 out of 5
99 Conestoga College Boulevard, Kitchener, ON
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Kitchener. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.2/10 Good! (513 reviews)
Review
"It was great!"

Reviewed on 16 May 2025

Residence & Conference Centre - Kitchener Waterloo
Boardwalk Homes - Executive Townhomes
Boardwalk Homes - Executive Townhomes
4 out of 5
University Ave. & Fischer-Hallman, Waterloo, ON
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Waterloo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions St Jacobs Farmers Market and Waterloo Visitor ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (17 reviews)
Great stay
"It was a very comfortable stay. The property was clean, new and very conveniently located. The host was very communicative and helpful. I would stay here again next time."

Reviewed on 1 Dec 2024

Boardwalk Homes - Executive Townhomes
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Kitchener

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Top destination
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Cities near Kitchener