Recreation & Outdoors

If it's the outdoors you prefer, Kitchener offers over 100 kilometres of community trails that are suitable for walking, jogging, biking or walking the dog. The Iron Horse Trail that was formerly a railway in 1914 passes right through the heart of the downtown core in Victoria Park, an ideal spot for a picnic.

Victoria Park

Kitchener is proud to boast of over 2,000 acres of parkland and open spaces. One of the most picturesque parks, Victoria Park, is nestled just a short walk from City Hall in the heart of downtown on either side of Courtland Avenue between Victoria Street South and Queen Street South. This 59-acre site is a haven of tranquility for residents and visitors alike.

The park includes:
• Park setting that includes a small lake, beautiful rose gardens, flowering shrubs, mature trees.
• Picnic Shelters and picnic tables throughout the park.
• A playground that excites all ages, with restrooms close by.
• Soccer and football field, along with multiple open spaces for a game of Frisbee.
• 2 horseshoe pits, shuffleboard.
• A great splash pad for the young ones that opens July & August.
• A bandshell where local entertainment is offered.
• The Boathouse Restaurant - enjoy dinner overlooking the lake with live entertainment.
• The pavilion — a fully licensed banquet hall with stage. Suitable for special events, weddings and little theatre productions.
• Free parking.
• In December, the park is a "Christmas Fantasy" as the trees, bridges and buildings are decorated with thousands of colourful lights.

Clock Tower in Victoria Park

The park is home to a restored clock tower — built in 1924 — which once crowned Kitchener's former City Hall. It remained standing until 1973, when the building was demolished. The tower is 36 feet in height and weighs 75 tons. It is capped by a copper dome and large flagpole. The clock tower bell, equal in size to the Liberty Bell of Philadelphia, was purchased by the Berlin (later renamed Kitchener) town council in 1876 from a New York firm. It first rang from the tower of the town's firehall, then was moved to City Hall in 1924 where it stood between the pillars of the clock tower until demolition occurred. The bell and clock tower were then retired to a city yard. Each stone was numbered with the hope that the tower would someday be re-assembled. After years of planning, re-construction took place in 1995. The clock's four faces were re-built, the mechanism was repaired and the base was accurately reconstructed. This venture was made possible by a variety of volunteer expertise and donations from public and private sectors. This historic site is located at the park's Gaukel Street entrance.

Outdoor Winter Rinks

Each winter, once the cold is here to stay, City staff creates two outdoor rinks in Victoria Park. One of the rinks is set aside for shinny hockey while the other is for skating only. Both rinks are lit until approximately 10 pm. So, bring your stick, skates and helmet and enjoy a friendly game of pick-up hockey.
For information, call 519-741-2382.

Downtown Community Centre

Noon hour fitness — Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 12:10–12:55 pm, downtown residents and employees can take part in fitness classes at the Downtown Community Centre.
35 B Weber Street West
519-741-2501
www.kitchener.ca

Noon hour pick-up basketball — Take a break and come play co-ed pick-up basketball at the downtown community centre. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30am to 1pm.
35B Weber Street West
519-741-2501
www.kitchener.ca

Rockway Golf Course

Located in the heart of Kitchener within minutes of downtown, this fully mature course offers a challenge to golf enthusiasts of all skill levels. The beautifully landscaped 18-hole, par 70 course features fairways lined with mature trees along with a new chipping and putting complex that opened in 1998. Rockway Golf Course offers outstanding services and facilities for tournament groups of all sizes.

625 Rockway Drive
Tee-off time, 519-741-2949
Tournament or social event booking or enquiries, 519-741-2583
www.kitchenergolf.ca