Hiking Trails in Kitchener, Ontario – A Complete Guide to all Kitchener Trails

Are you looking for fun things to do in Kitchener? Ready to check out some of the amazing hiking trails in Kitchener? We’ve got you covered! There are so many Kitchener parks and trails waiting to be discovered! In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about hiking in Kitchener! 

The focus of this guide is on the hiking trails in Kitchener, but there are many other community trails, forests and parks you will find that connect throughout the city. If you are hiking with kids or wanting to bike the trails in Kitchener, we’ve also included notes on whether each hiking trail is stroller or bike friendly.

Kitchener Hiking Trails

1. Huron Natural Area

Distance: 2-10 km loop

Huron Natural Area is Kitchener’s largest natural space. The park includes a natural playground, lakes, boardwalks, forest hiking trails, meadows and bogs. There are 7 kilometers of marked hiking trails here along with many other established, but unmarked footpaths. There are also some amazing trails just outside the park boundary that connect with the park trail system.

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Parking:
– Parking lot and street parking on Trillium Drive
– Street parking access from Parkvale Dr, Birttania Cres and Woodbine Ave
– Trail access from Strasburg Rd (across from Huron Heights parking lot)

Stroller Access: paved loop from parking lot and some other trails (check signs for terrain)
Bike Access: some trails (all trails with experience)

Insider Tip: Check out the footpaths that aren’t marked on the main map. If you enter from the Strasburg Rd access, there is a boardwalk over a small pond where you can see lots of birds year round. Take the path to the left as soon as you cross over the boardwalk and then turn left a bit further up for a beautiful wooded trail just outside the park boundaries!

2. Schneider Creek Trail

Distance: 5 km loop

This loop is part of an incredible system of Kitchener trails with lots of options for exploring. The 5km loop from the Marguerite Ormston Trailway parking lot starts by walking East, through Willowlake Park, across Old Mill Rd and past the Old Mill ruins in Schneider Creek Park. The trail then continues alongside the Grand River with views of Pioneers Memorial Tower. After climbing a huge hill, turn left to loop back to the parking lot by hiking through the forest, across Mill Park Dr and through the many trail options in the Doon Regional Forest.

Parking:
– Parking lot off Homer Watson Blvd at Marguerite Ormston Trailway
– Street parking on Old Mill Dr

Stroller Access: first 2 km only
Bike Access: first 2 km (all trails with experience)

Insider Tip: Instead of turning left at the top of the big hill, you can continue straight or turn right to add the Homer Watson Park Trail to your hike (3km one way).

3. Homer Watson Park Trail

Distance: 3 km one way

This is a beautiful section of trail that starts off along the Grand River and then goes through Homer Watson Park and Schneider Creek Greenway, all the way to Manitou Dr. From Mill Park Dr to Wilson Ave you can either hike along an accessible pathway or a more rugged dirt path that meanders down by the river.

Parking:
– Parking lot and street parking on Huron Rd at Mill Park Dr
– Parking lots at the end of Wilson Ave and off Wabanaki Dr

Stroller Access: yes
Bike Access: yes

Insider Tip: Take the side trails down to the Grand River for beautiful views along the river bank. There are lots of beautiful side trails in Homer Watson Park, including some down by Schneider Creek.

4. Strasburg Creek Community Trail

Distance: 1-5 km loop

This system of trails, located between Strasburg and Biehn Dr, is perfect for playing and hiking! There are so many creeks, bridges, ponds and trails to explore!

Parking:
– Street parking access from Rush Meadow Cr, Rush Meadow St, Marl Meadow Dr and Kilkerran Cr
– Multiple trail access points along Strasburg Rd

Stroller Access: no
Bike Access: with experience

Insider Tips: If you enter from Strasburg Rd, between Rush Meadow St and Rockcliffe Dr, you can loop through the entire system of trails and then exit by walking along the edge of the large cornfield to the new section of Strasburg Rd.
Make sure to check out the beautiful boardwalk at the Kilkerran Cr entrance.

5. Otterbein Park/Lackner Woods/Natchen Hill

Distance: 2.5 km loop

Despite having no official name and the fact that the parking lot is not marked on Google, this is one of the most amazing hiking trails in Kitchener! Here you will find beautiful creeks, pine groves and multiple trail options. This area includes parts of the Walter Bean Trail and the Grand Valley Trail.

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Parking:
– M.R. Good Family Trailway parking lot at the end of Otterbein Rd

Stroller Access: no
Bike Access: with experience

Inside Tip:  To hike the 2.5km loop, walk back out of the parking lot, turn left and continue up the gravel road away from the river. When the road turns left, take the trail straight ahead and continue uphill into the forest. For the most beautiful trails, turn left at each main fork. You will eventually make your way to the gravel trail by the Grand River leading back to the parking lot.

6. Woolner Trail to M.R. Good Family Trailway

Distance: 4 km one way

The Walter Bean Trail and Grand Valley Trail run parallel between these two points. You will find flat accessible terrain along the Walter Bean Trail whereas the Grand Valley Trail offers rugged hiking closer to the Grand River. This section can be made into a nice 8km loop by hiking the Walter Bean Trail one way and the Grand Valley Trail the other way.

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Parking:
– Parking lot and street parking at the end of Woolner Trail
– Parking lot at the end of Otterbein Rd
– Street parking access from Stillwater St and Old Zeller Dr

Stroller Access: on the Water Bean Trail
Bike Access: on the Walter Bean Trail (some sections of the Grand Valley trail are very steep and narrow here)

Insider Tip: If you are looking for a more adventurous hike, stick to the trails closest to the river.

7. Pioneers Memorial Tower to Schneider Park

Distance: 5 km one way

This is the most rugged section of the Walter Bean Trail in Kitchener. The remote trail winds around Deer Ridge Golf Course right along the Grand River and then crosses under Highway 8.

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Parking:
– Parking lot off Lookout Ln at Kuntz Park
– Parking lot off King St at Schneider Park

Stroller Access: no
Bike Access: with experience

Insider Tip: When the water is low enough, there is a beautiful rock beach along the shore of the Grand River (across the river from Wabanaki Dr).

8. Kolb Park to Riverbend

Distance: 6 km one way

This hike, which is part of the Walter Bean Trail, starts along the Grand River and passes a few small lakes on the other side. There is a gorgeous section of forested trail as you enter into Bingemans Park. The trail goes through Bingemans Park and then turns back onto a forest trail just to the left of Marshall Hall. Don’t be alarmed by the skeletons here, this is part of Bingemans’ scream park trail. After that, the trail continues uphill where you can enjoy some amazing views of the Grand River from up high. 

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Parking:
– Parking lot and street parking at the end of Centennial Ct
– Economical Insurance Trailway parking lot off Riverbend Dr
– Parking along the way at Stanley Park Optimist Natural Area and at Bingemans Kitchener near Marshall Hall

Stroller Access: yes (lots of hills between Bingemans and Riverbend)
Bike Access: yes

Insider Tip: There are some dirt trails off to the right about 1km before you reach Riverbend that are worth checking out. The trail leading to the right as you near the intersection of Shirley Ave and Riverbend Dr leads right down to the Grand River and is actually marked on Google Maps as “Grand River Views”. There is also a dirt trail to the right as you near the KW Humane Society that leads down to the river. This is a very steep trail, but there are ropes if you need assistance. If you stay on this trail and hike right along the Grand River, you will come to a rope swing just before you reach Riverbend.

9. Steckle Woods

Distance: 2 km loop

This quiet trail goes through a beautiful mature forest right in the middle of the city! There are many different trails winding through the forest and one large loop around the outside. 

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Parking:
– Parking lot off Bleams Rd with 2nd lot further up the driveway
– Trail access from Homer Watson Blvd and Bleams Rd

Stroller Access: no
Bike Access: with experience

10. Lakeside Park

Distance: 1.5 km loop

The Lakeside Park Kitchener trail loops around a beautiful lake in the centre of the city and is perfect for a nice walk, beautiful views or a picnic. There are flat, accessible trails along the West side of the lake and dirt trails on the East side. There is a sketchy bog trail connecting the two trails on the North side of the lake (depending on water levels). To avoid the bog, you can hike just outside the forest along Belmont Ave for a short stretch.

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Parking:
– Parking lot behind the water treatment plant at 20 Greenbrook Dr (take the driveway past the fenced-in back building and turn right, into the parking lot)
– Trail access from Queens Blvd and Belmont Ave

Stroller Access: on the West side
Bike Access: on the West side (with experience on the East side)

Insider Tip: If you want to add to your hike, continue across Greenbrook Dr down through Concordia Park (0.5km one way) or across Stirling Ave through Metzinger Park (0.5km one way).

11. Idlewood Park Natural Area/Dom Cardillo Trail

Distance: 2-5 km one way trails

The Dom Cardillo trail goes straight through this Natural Area with lots of beautiful forest trails leading off on either side. There is a main side trail leading West, crossing River Rd and eventually going to Kenneth Ave or Idlewood Dr (small side trail loop). Another main side trail goes East, towards Old Chicopee Dr, with lots of small side trails through the forest to explore.

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Parking: 
– Street parking access from Kenora Dr, Kenneth Ave, Idlewood Dr, Thaler Ave and Old Chicopee Dr

Stroller Access: yes
Bike Access: yes

Insider Tip: You can take the Dom Cardillo trail South, across Old Chicopee Rd, and hike all the way to Chicopee. If you take the Dom Cardillo community trail North and cross Ottawa St, you will come to the Stanley Park Conservation Area.

12. Monarch Woods Park

Distance: 2 km loop

This is a beautiful forest trail looping around Henry Strum Creek with side trails throughout the park.

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Parking:
– Street parking access from multiple points along Stoke Dr
– Trail access from Fischer Hallman Rd

Stroller Access: yes
Bike Access: yes

Insider Tip: Join with surrounding trails to make an even longer hike!

13. Doon Loop – Pinnacle Hill Natural Area and Topper Woods

Distance: 8km loop

This fun loop connects multiple trails and forests in South Kitchener. To start your hike, cross Pioneer Dr and walk East, towards Old Carriage Dr. Take the path on your right, just after Schneider Creek. The trail follows along Schneider Creek for 1km through Schneider Greenway. You will then walk along Doon Village Rd and rejoin the trail at Doon Public School. Next, wind your way through the beautiful forest at Pinnacle Hill Natural Area, exiting at Windrush Trail. Cross over Forest Edge Trail and continue hiking through Topper Woods. After you leave the forest, walk along Doon Mills Dr and turn left on the path before Doon Creek. Make your way through Doon Creek Natural Area, where you will find many long boardwalks. The trail then turns right, onto Tilt Dr (an old road converted to a large multi-purpose trail). At the end of this trail, make you way through the Upper Doon Heritage District along Tilt Dr and Doon Village Rd. Take Bechtel Dr back to the parking lot on Pioneer Dr.

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Parking:
– Parking lot at the Pioneer Park Community Center on Pioneer Dr
– Multiple street parking access points

Stroller Access: some (not through Pinnacle Hill Natural Area or Topper Woods)
Bike Access: yes (with experience through Pinnacle Hill Natural Area and Topper Woods)

Insider Tip: If you don’t have time for an 8km loop, the trail can be broken up into smaller sections by parking along the street and hiking out and back. Hike Pinnacle Hill Natural Area or Topper woods for a more rugged forest hike or hike through Schneider Greenway or Doon Creek Natural Area for a more accessible trail.

14. Breithaupt Park

Distance: 3 km figure-eight loop

From the main parking lot there are 2 sections of trail. The North East loop takes you through a gorgeous forest with lots of hills. However, this section is near the Expressway and can have a  lot of traffic noise. If you take the South West loop, there are lots of trail options through the forest that continue on the other side of Union St.

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Parking: 
– Parking lot off Union St (near splash pad, playground and large open field)
– Street parking at multiple access points on Margaret Ave, Cardinal Cr, Edwin St, Valewood Pl, Maplewood Pl and Union St

Stroller Access: in North East section (lots of hills)
Bike Access: with experience

15. Borden Wetlands

Distance: 2 km one way

This is a nice trail through a forest and bog. You can make this hike into a loop if you walk along Fischer Hallman Rd around the bog.

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Parking:
– Street parking access from Cotton Grass St, Copper Leaf St and Bush Clover Cr
– Trail access from Fischer Hallman Rd

Stroller Access: no
Bike Access: with experience

16. Trillium Trail

Distance: 1.5 km loop

This pretty trail loops through the forest at the back of the Williamsburg Cemetery. The trail has sections of wood chips, gravel, and pavement and features historical farm artifacts along the way.

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Parking:
– Parking lot in the North West corner of the cemetery, behind the back building.
– Street parking access further along community trails on Shady Glen Cres, Seabrook Dr and Falling Green Cres

Stroller Access: yes (jogger stroller)
Bike Access: yes

Insider Tip: Park along Shady Glen Cres and add 1km of hiking through the forest before the Trillium trail.

17. Stanley Park Conservation Area

Distance: 2 km one way

This is a flat trail with a beautiful forest on one side and backyards on the other. It is a great place if you’re looking for nice walks in Kitchener.

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Parking: 
– Parking lot at the Stanley Park Community Center on Ottawa St
– Street parking access from Rothsay Ave, Carson Dr, Forfar Ave, Manchester Rd, Niagara Rd and River Rd

Stroller Access: yes
Bike Access: yes

Trail Systems Through Kitchener, Ontario

1. Walter Bean Grand River Trail

Distance: 35 km one way

The Kitchener section of the Walter Bean Trail goes from Blair Road to Kiwanis Park. The trail continues South into Cambridge and North through Waterloo. The trail mainly follows along the Grand River and, except for a few sections, is very accessible. We will be releasing a guide for the Walter Bean Trail, including maps and everything you need to know – Coming Soon! (Subscribe via email to be notified when new posts are up)

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Some sections of the trail are stroller and bike friendly.

2. Grand Valley Trail

Distance: 26 km one way

The Grand Valley Trail travels 250km through Ontario from Port Maitland to Alton. The Kitchener section goes from New Dundee Rd near Robert Ferrie Dr and to where Victoria St crosses the Grand River. This trail, which is marked with white blazes, meanders throughout the city along different trails and streets. Check out http://www.gvta.on.ca/ for more information.

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Some sections of the trail are stroller and bike friendly.

3. The Great Trail (formerly Trans Canada Trail)

Distance: 17 km one way

The Great Trail travels all the way across Canada and goes North/South through Kitchener. It connects with different trails throughout the city including the Walter Bean Trail, Homer Watson Park Trails and the Iron Horse Trail. The Great Trail also follows quite a few roads as it makes its way through Kitchener. Check out https://thegreattrail.ca/ for more information.

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Stroller Access: yes
Bike Access: yes

4. Iron Horse Trail

Distance: 5.5 km one way

The Iron Horse Trail goes from Rockway Gardens to Victoria Park and then to Waterloo Park. This is a nice paved city trail.

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Stroller Access: yes
Bike Access: yes

5. Laurentian Trail

Distance: 3 km one way

The Laurentian Trail goes from Fischer Hallman Rd to Homer Watson Blvd following the hydro cut through Kitchener. This system of community trails goes through lots of small parks and playgrounds and passes through McLennan Park.

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Stroller Access: yes
Bike Access: yes

6. Ira Needles to Victoria Park Trail System

Distance: 7 km one way

This system of trails starts at Resurrection Park and then crosses over/under the train tracks into Lynvalley Park passing by a creek and playgrounds. The trail continues through Monarch Park and then makes its way through Filsinger Park and the Henry Strum Greenway to Victoria Park.

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Stroller Access: yes
Bike Access: yes

Insider Tip: Park on Resurrection Dr, just South of Resurection highschool, and pass the pond on the West side. Take the tunnel under the train tracks to see some of the best graffiti in the city!

Kitchener Parks

1. Victoria Park Kitchener

Distance: 1.5 km loop

Victoria Park has some of the most beautiful manicured walking trails in Kitchener. The trails loop around a lake, gardens, bridges and open spaces. This park also has one of the biggest Kitchener playgrounds and a splash pad.

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Parking:
– Parking lots off Schneider Ave, Dill St and Jubilee Dr
– Street parking nearby

Stroller Access: yes
Bike Access: yes

Insider Tip: There are many great festivals held here throughout the year to check out.

2. McLennan Park Kitchener

Distance: 2 km loop

McLennan Park is one of the newer parks in Kitchener, Ontario. It is an open space park with walking trails around the many park amenities. This park features a large playground, splash pad, fenced dog park, skate park, bike park, volleyball courts, basketball courts and picnic areas. In addition, McLennan park has the only downhill mountain bike trails in Kitchener and a huge hill (Mt. Trashmore) used for tobogganing in the Winter! 

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Parking: 
– 3 parking lots along Mclennan Park Gate (entrance from Ottawa St or Block Line Rd)
– Street parking access from Blackhorne Dr, Roseneath Cres, Laurentian Dr and Shea Cres
– Trail access from Ottawa St and Strasburg Rd

Stroller Access: yes
Bike Access: yes

Insider Tip: Check out the trails leading to the top of the hill for great views of the city!

3. Kiwanis Park Kitchener

Distance: 2 km loop

Here you can find hiking trails through forests, fields and along the Grand River. Kiwanis Park also has the best dog park in Kitchener, a playground, volleyball courts, an outdoor pay swimming pool area and a canoe launch at Marsland Landing.

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Parking:
– Parking lot off Kiwanis Park Dr

Stroller Access: yes
Bike Access: yes

Insider Tip: Continue South along the Grand River to hike more of the Walter Bean Trail

Hiking Maps and Apps

One of the easiest ways to find your way along local trails is tracking your progress on a trail app. We reccommend you download the AllTrails app to locate new trails and find your way as you go! Google Maps is also a great app to find parking and locate your position while hiking. Wifi is available on all of the hiking trails in Kitchener so you can easily access your apps while on the trail!