Five Free Activities to do in Kitchener/Waterloo This Winter

Written by: Claire Bisch

Low on cash and looking for a way to fight the winter blues? Here are five free things you can do to enjoy this winter in Kitchener-Waterloo.

1. Skating

There’s no better way to embrace the winter than lacing on a pair of skates. You can find free skating all over the region, both indoors and outdoors. 

Outdoor skating is located on Carl Zehr Square and the Kitchener City Hall from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, weather dependent. You can also find free indoor skating at the Aud and other local arenas on specific days, as well as paid skating at most arenas.

Check the schedule for upcoming indoor free skates:

No skates? Not to worry! You can borrow hockey skates and figure skates for both kids and adults at the Waterloo Public Library,  at both the McCormick and Eastside branches for up to three days at a time. You can also find skates at the Kitchener Public Library.

Check out these links for further information about skate rentals: WPL Skates and KPL Skates

2. Kitchener Market

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Kitchener Market this wintertime! Whether it's yummy food or local artisans, everyone will find something they love at the market.

Open year round, the market runs from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday. In the winter, the market is fully indoors in the covered parking lot off of Eby Street. There are about 80 vendors selling a wide variety of products, including baked goods, eggs, cheeses, meats, fish, flowers, honey, produce, prepared foods, and specialty vendors. Even If you’re not looking to spend money, the market is still a fun place to visit and explore.

Click here for more information.

3. Winter Walking Trails

Winter is a great time to get outside and explore, and Waterloo Region offers lovely trails that are perfect for appreciating the beauty of the season. 

Running over 25 kilometres along the Grand River, the stunning Walter Bean Trail connects from the north of Kiwanis park to the south of Doon Valley Golf Course. There is no winter maintenance, so it provides a good hike overlooking the glassy, frozen river.

Click here for more information.

Are you looking for an easier, more local hike? Walk along the Iron Horse Trail, which runs five kilometres between Waterloo and Kitchener. There is year round maintenance, ensuring the trail is free of snow and ice in the wintertime.

Click here for more information.

4.  Clay and Glass Gallery

Are you hoping to expand your artistic horizons? Check out the Clay and Glass Gallery to explore their unique collections and exhibits.

Right now, visit to see their current three exhibits: “Fruits,” which runs until May 18th, and “Painting With Clay” and “In the Outside,” which both run until May 25th. 

The Clay and Glass Gallery also offers different workshops and classes that you can pay for throughout the year.

To learn more, visit their website. 

5. Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery

Do you love fine art? Then the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery is for you! Admission is free, and you can check out the different year-round exhibits. 

Currently, they have three exhibits visitors can view. The exhibits are “SOS: A Story of Survival Part III - The Planet,” which runs until March 9th, “A Broken Planet,” which runs until March 30th, and “Miles Rufelds: Salvage Archives,” which runs until May 25th. 

The Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery also offers free workshops for youth and teens throughout the year.

Check out this link for more information.

These are just some of the ways you can make the most of this chilly season. Be sure to check out these fun, free, and local activities this winter!