WATERLOO REGION: WHERE PASTORAL PLEASURES MATCH URBAN DELIGHTS
If you’re yearning for a peaceful country atmosphere interspersed with city sophistication, look no further than rural St. Jacobs and adjacent Kitchener-Waterloo.
It is a two-for-one experience! Not only can visitors travel through pristine farmland and enjoy the bounty, but all ages will also savour the sophistication of a “top-tech” urban hub.
ST. JACOBS
TO MARKET TO MARKET
Arrive early at the renowned St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market & Flea Market (www.stjacobsmarket.com). Canada’s largest indoor/outdoor farmers’ market attracts thousands each week. Look for apple fritters, handmade pretzels, authentic tamales, jerk chicken and other Waterloo County treats. Take a horse-drawn trolley ride or hop onto an historic steam locomotive to see the countryside (www.stjacobshorsedrawn tours.com; www.waterloocentralrailway.com).
A STEP BACK IN TIME
Take a stroll down memory lane at Market Road Antiques, located in the Market District with aisles of vendors selling thousands of treasures. Don’t miss the nearby historic Village of St. Jacobs where unique shops sell pottery, handmade brooms, ladies fashions, gifts and décor (www.stjacobs.com). To learn about the first Mennonite settlers, visit The Mennonite Story (www.mennonitestory.com). Wander through the Village and nearby Market District. There are many places to enjoy a bite to eat or stop for a meal.
Thirsty folk will enjoy a brew at the Block Three Brewing Company (www. blockthreebrewing.com). Or, book a unique “Co ee Tasting” session at EcoCafe (www. ecocafestjacobs.com).
ACTIVE EXPLORATIONS
Perhaps travel this picturesque region on a guided two-day Mennonite bike and paddle adventure. Start your “Path Less Travelled” excursion with a behind-the-scenes tour of the St. Jacobs Market. Then hop on a modern touring bike to cycle along picturesque back roads and pastoral byways.
On day two, paddle by canoe or kayak along the famous Grand River. Highlights might include a visit to an Old Order Mennonite farm or a sampling of the region’s renowned craft beer. Enjoy a nal picnic by the West Montrose Covered Bridge. It is Canada’s oldest intact covered bridge (www.grand-experiences.com).
KITCHENER WATERLOO DINING DELIGHTS FOR ALL APPETITES
At Marbles Restaurant, chefs serve locally sourced ingredients in an historic livery stable. Savour soups, vegan delights or Thursday seafood nights. Top it o with Bourbon Pecan Pie (www.marblesuptown. com). For cheerful family feasts, Taco Farm delivers Mexican-inspired cuisine. Their tasty tacos enlivened the kids’ edition of TV’s You Gotta Eat Here (www.tacofarm.ca). At Red House bistro, Chef Dan McCowan creates award-winning cuisine—such as lamb spaghetti (www.redhouseuptown.ca).
ART AND SOUL
At the unique Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery (www.theclayandglass.ca), delight in artistic ceramics and stained glass. Examine a series of dioramas that tell the story of glass. Be sure to visit the gallery’s superb gift shop. Over 100 Canadian artists have contributed ceramics, stained glass and jewellery for sale.
FESTIVAL FARE
In early April, join crowds in nearby Elmira to celebrate the maple syrup festival (www. elmiramaplesyrup.com). In mid-August the TD Kitchener Blues Festival presents rollicking rhythm and blues on multiple stages (www.kitchenerbluesfest.com). The most popular celebration of all, however, is the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest extravaganza in mid-October. It is the world’s secondlargest Oktoberfest celebration after Germany. As they say, Willkommen. Or even better, Prosit! (www.oktoberfest.ca).