48 Hours in the Tri-Cities: How to Spend a Weekend in Kitchener, Cambridge and Waterloo, Ontario
Kitchener, Cambridge and Waterloo, along with several smaller communities, form one of Ontario’s most interesting cultural tapestries: the Tri-Cities. The region is often overlooked by many, but we’re here to tell you why you should add it to your Canadian bucket list. There’s always something promising to draw you in here, from museums as varied as the region’s rich past and spacious conservation areas to eclectic restaurants serving dishes made with Canadian ingredients and chic cafes with fresh coffee.
Only have 48 hours in the Tri-Cities? Here’s a two-day itinerary to help you make the most of your time in the region.
Day 1
Explore the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market
Known as Canada’s largest year-round farmers’ and flea market, taking a stroll through the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market is a must on any trip to the area. You’ll find rows of brightly-coloured fruits and vegetables, artisan products, homemade goods, local craft beer and basically anything else you could possibly imagine. If you’ve worked up an appetite from roaming around, opt for mouthwatering tacos from La Abuela, followed by real apple fritters from the Fritter Co. Once you’re all fed, head to St. Jacobs’ Market Road Antiques to explore a wide range of quality vintage and antique gems from Canada and around the world. We guarantee you could spend hours upon hours here.
Dinner and Drinks at White Rabbit Waterloo
Whether you wine and dine at the White Rabbit Public House or the Hop House, it’s new sister restaurant and bar, you won’t be disappointed. Set in a relaxed, trendy atmosphere, the food menu at the White Rabbit Hop House in particular is filled with delicious appetizers, mouthwatering sandwiches served with a side salad, fries or tortilla chips, and six different types of tacos. The White Rabbit knocks it out of the park with its beer and cocktail menu. The list is extensive, so you may want to browse the options before heading out. Note: The St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market is open Thursday and Saturdays from 7am to 3:30pm.
Day 2
Brunch at Korner Kitchen Breakfast and Lunch Eatery
Start your second day in the Tri-Cities with brunch at the modern, bright and spacious Korner Kitchen. With a menu dedicated to serving spectacular dishes, this ever-reliable brunch spot always exceeds expectations. Opt for the waffles topped with house-made chicken tenders and bacon bits or the poached eggs benedict topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers and hollandaise sauce. For a more classic brunch, diners can enjoy eggs prepared exactly how they like them or in the form of a delicious omelette. You can guarantee the Korner Kitchen has something for everybody, and the portions will keep you full for hours.
Admire Butterflies at the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory
One of the best – if not the best – butterfly viewing spots in the Tri-Cities is the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory. Home to thousands of butterflies from all over the world, you’ll encounter over 40 species, most of which come from the Philippines or Costa Rica. As you wander around the conservatory, you’ll also come across numerous exotic birds, such as the Gouldian Finch, German Roller Canary and Pintail Whydah. If you’re an entomophile (or, in other words, someone who likes insects), you’ll find Vietnamese Walking Sticks, Scorpions and Giant African Flower Beetles.