Walking around Waterloo, you’ve probably noticed the Trans-Canada Trail signs that mark many pathways. You probably also know that Waterloo’s many trails are great for jogging, strolling, and getting around on a bike. It’s summer and you want to get outside, but where to start?
The Iron Horse, of course! A piece of local history, this trail is a particularly scenic section of the Trans-Canada Trail that links Waterloo and Kitchener. It’s flat, paved, and fairly straight because it used to be a section of the Grand River Railway. The route takes you beside the backyards of houses and factories, parallel to major streets but without the exhaust fumes and noise. There are even old artifacts, like industrial machinery, in spots along the trail that reflect its past. After being abandoned, the railway was turned into a convenient pathway twelve years ago. “Iron Horse” was just a nickname given to trains back when they were the latest mode of transportation, and thus the trail got its name.
Although it’s somewhat of a well-kept secret, the Iron Horse Trail does far more than just physically connect Kitchener and Waterloo. It’s used by tons of commuters every day, including chipmunks and deer that live in the various parks it passes though. People walk it just to get away from the city sounds, to grab some bagels and wood oven pizza at the City Café Bakery, or to escape copious construction on a certain campus. Audio files from www.ironhorsetrailstories.ca reveal even more about the trail from the perspective of locals. Apparently there’s a giant patch of fresh (and free) mint somewhere along it, and likely a few ghost stories.
To start on the trail from Waterloo, get to Caroline St and Allen St, just behind the Brick Brewery. You could also start at Waterloo Park and just head down Caroline St. past the Valumart. The whole path is 5.5 km end-to-end, but conveniently at its midpoint is Victoria Park, not too far from downtown Kitchener. This is a perfect place for a romantic/study date, or a nap. It’s also just a great place to be a kid at the gigantic playground (some of which resembles a pirate ship!). If you’re a runner, Victoria Park is an ideal turnaround for a 5km run. If that’s not hardcore enough, make it a 10 km run by turning around at the Kitchener trailhead at Ottawa St. Either way, it sure beats Ring Road.
Whether or not you decide to venture to the Iron Horse Trail, be sure to do some sort of outdoor exploration before the term is up. If anything, the Iron Horse will get you to Kitchener, where there’s lots to do in the summer. Pick a weekend, get out, and go nuts. And if you end up hating it, you can blame me and visit the DC library instead.
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