Forests and Trails

Waterloo Region has many forests, woodlands, parks and trails to explore, both in the cities and throughout our rural areas. For information on recreation opportunities at our local conservation areas, please visit the Grand River Conservation Authority website. Or visit your city or township website for local parks and trails information. 

Regional Forests

The Region of Waterloo owns and maintains 16 Regional Forests and other woodland properties, most of which are open to the public. These are great places to walk, bird watch, and cross-country ski. Mountain biking opportunities are available at the Petersburg Regional Forest.

 

  

Get more information about the Regional Forests that are open to the public, including trail maps and access information.

All of the Regional Forests are managed according to policies and procedures in the Regional Forest Management Plan. For more information, please contact Albert Hovingh. 

Trails

Kissing Bridge Trailway

The Kissing Bridge Trailway is a 45-kilometre trail linking rural communities between Guelph and Millbank. A two-kilometre detour around the site of the former railway bridge over the Grand River will take you to the only remaining covered bridge in Ontario, the West Montrose Bridge. Check out the Kissing Bridge Trailway website for more details about this trail.

Spur Line Trail

The Spur Line Trail runs next to an active rail corridor and is owned by the Region of Waterloo. It connects Uptown Waterloo to the Downtown Kitchener GO train station. It is paved and lighted and has snow removal service in the winter months.
Current Trail Projects
Highway 7/8 multi-use trail crossing (Chandler Drive to Avalon Place)

The Region of Waterloo has initiated this Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA), Preliminary and Detail Design assignment for the planning and design of a Highway 7/8 Multi-Use Trail Crossing between Chandler Drive and Avalon Place, Kitchener. The crossing is proposed to improve connectivity to existing transit services, and to the adjacent residential, commercial and industrial developments.
Iron Horse Trail to Future Transit Hub Active Transportation Connection
The Region of Waterloo wants to improve the cycling and walking connection between the Iron Horse Trail and the planned Transit Hub at the intersection of Victoria Street and King Street, Kitchener.  This study will identify potential alternative routes, evaluate the alternatives, select a preferred route and prepare the preliminary design.  The evaluation will identify the constraints, impacts, costs, and opportunities to mitigate any impacts.  The Region will follow "Schedule B" of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment in accordance with the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act.

 Visit the Region’s Cycling and Walking page for resources like the Region Bike Map that includes bike-friendly trails.

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