10 Fun Things to do in Cambridge – For Singles, Couples and Family

Are you a newcomer in Cambridge, Ontario or you are planning to visit? This article will guide you on a number of fun things to do in Cambridge. The city of Cambridge was formed in 1973 through the amalgamation of four separate towns.

As a result, it became a city with loads of history and charm. Cambridge is a culturally rich city with lots to see and do. It is home to historic landmarks, cultural attractions and natural sights, making it appealing to all. Unfortunately, tourism is not big in the city, though it is a lovely place to visit.

This article will help you navigate this stunning city and showcase the best places to visit in Cambridge like hidden lane ways, beautiful hikes, and delicious one-of-a-kind restaurants. No doubt, you will find something you love in Cambridge.

Where is Cambridge located?

Cambridge is a city in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, located at the confluence of the Grand and Speed rivers.

There are three sub-regions of Cambridge: Galt, Hespeler and Preston and the Grand River conveniently traverse through all three. Each of these areas has its own unique flair with something for everyone to enjoy.

What is the population of Cambridge?

With a population of nearly 141,000 residents, including 25,000 students. Cambridge is situated about 100 kilometres west of Toronto in the Region of Waterloo alongside the marvellous Grand River. English is the most popular language in use in Cambridge.

Additionally, in terms of religion, Christianity takes the lead among the population, followed by no faith and no response, and small followings of various religions including Muslim and Hindu among others.

Neighboring Cities near Cambridge, Ontario

There are three popular and historical cities near Cambridge, they include:-

Kitchener

The journey time between Kitchener and Cambridge is around 36 min and covers a distance of around 16 km. This includes an average layover time of around 9 min. Kitchener’s most well-known landmark is Victoria Park, the site of major outdoor events in the downtown area. It is home to annual festivals, has growing cultural institutions and offers great shopping experiences.

Toronto

Toronto is known for its multiculturalism, sports, and unique landmarks, such as the CN Tower. This bustling city features various cuisines, architectural mixtures, and a long history. Cambridge  82 km Toronto.

Guelph

Guelph is a beautiful city that is known for its limestone architecture, dynamic culture and high standard of living. In fact, it has been voted as one of the country’s best cities to live in. The distance between Guelph and Cambridge is 21 km.

Things to do in Cambridge, Ontario For Singles, Couples and Family

Oh, Cambridge or shall we call it “little Europe”? Whether you are looking for old historical buildings, a sunset walk through European-inspired walkways or a delicious bite to eat, Cambridge has you covered.

#1. Immerse yourself in fashion

You cannot call yourself a fashionista without visiting the Fashion History Museum. This is the place to fully immerse yourself in fashion. The museum opened its doors in 2004 and today has over 10,000 garments and accessories in its collection. Some of these date back to the 1600s!

As well as displaying historical pieces, the museum also features a Canadian contemporary designer collection. It also holds special exhibitions.

#2. Go hiking

There are over 20 kilometres of hiking trails in Cambridge, all of which are well-maintained. Put on a good pair of shoes and spend a day hiking.

There are woodland trails, riverside trails, parkland trails and pond trails. Chose the scenery you like the best and start walking. Trails are either stone dust, asphalt or natural, although there is a boardwalk and an urban trail as well. None of these trails are strenuous, but all are scenic.

#3. Enjoy the outdoors

Any outdoor lover, no matter what age, should spend time at the Shade’s Mills Conservation Area. This large park has so many activities to offer that will please anyone.

Swimming, canoeing and sport fishing are the most popular things to do here. The park also has 12 kilometres of trails that are great for both hiking and cycling. A great thing about the Shade’s Mills Conservation Area is that there are things to do year round. Visit in the winter and go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or ice fishing.

#4. Be surrounded by butterflies

There are thousands of butterflies from all over the world living at the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory. There are also birds, plants and bugs to look at. Wander around the conservatory and surround yourself with butterflies. There are over 40 species of butterflies and moths living here, most of which come from the Philippines or Costa Rica.

Numerous exotic birds can be seen at the conservatory, like the Gouldian Finch, German Roller Canary and Pintail Whydah. If you like bugs, check out the Vietnamese Walking Stick, Scorpion or Giant African Flower Beetle.

#5. Gaze at art

This can be done at three separate galleries within the city; the Queen’s Square Gallery, Design at Riverside Galley and Preston Gallery.

All of these have their own focus and collections. Both the Queen’s Square Gallery and Preston gallery focus on contemporary art, having collections by local artists. They both also have special exhibitions.

The Design at Riverside Galley focuses on architecture and design, displaying tapestries, wall hangings and furniture. There are also special exhibitions here, with the theme being architecture or design.

#6. Go on a picnic

There are plenty of areas in Cambridge where you can enjoy a lovely picnic. There are even designated picnic shelters, some of which are open air. One of the most popular places for a picnic is Riverside Park, which has four picnic shelters. It also features hiking trails, playing fields, tennis courts and a splash pad.

#7. Shop at the market

The Cambridge Farmers’ Market has been going strong since 1837! It is open all year on Saturday mornings, as well as on Wednesday mornings from June to September.

Shop at the market for fresh or prepared foods, both of which are fantastic for a picnic. There are both indoor and outdoor venders, though the outdoor area is of course only open in the summer. Buy fresh baked goods, delicious cheese, deli meats, or fruits and vegetables. You can also relax and have a coffee or shop for handmade bath products.

#8. Look at sculptures

Do this while walking along the historic Grand River and admiring the magnificent 130 year old oak trees. The Cambridge Sculpture Garden is a must. It is 100 per cent free to enter the garden and admire the sculptures and the natural setting that they are in. There are four permanent pieces and always a few others that rotate throughout the year.

The Cambridge Sculpture Garden features local artists, as well as national and international ones. It also hosts numerous shows.

#9. Take an art class

Learn how to make pottery, draw realistic figures, sew or quilt. The Cambridge Center for the Arts even offers ballroom dancing classes. The center has a number of great classes, all of which are drop-in, which is great for holidaymakers. They also have a baby grand piano that can be hired by the hour, though this must be booked in advance.

When you are finished your class, wander around the Cambridge Center for the Arts and admire its exhibits. No exhibitions are permanent, so you will have the opportunity to see some great artwork in a variety of art forms.

#10. Go to the theater

Like its namesake in England, this Cambridge also has its fair share of theaters. All theaters are open year-round and offer a variety of shows. The Dunfield Theater is the largest with 500 seats, showing everything from Broadway musicals to comedic plays. It even has live music shows.

The Cambridge Community Players is a smaller theater that focuses on local productions. If you are travelling with the kids, head to the Cookies and Kids Family Theater.

Where to Stay in Cambridge during a tour?

If you plan on spending some time in Cambridge, you’ve got lots of options. There are special places for singles, couples and family. Here are some of the places you can stay during a tour in Cambridge, Ontario.

Cambridge Hotel & Conference Centre

You can find typical hotel chains like Best Western, Hilton, and Sheraton in Cambridge, but for an independently owned and run experience with the reliability of a franchise try the Cambridge Hotel & Conference Centre.

Its restaurant, The Bruce Craft House, is known for its menu of locally crafted beers and its fresh breads, bagels, and pizzas baked daily in its stone fired oven. It’s so popular, it inspired a food truck appropriately titled The Bruce Caboose.

The Walper Hotel

Cambridge is one of three municipalities that make up the Tri-City region of Ontario, along with Kitchener and Waterloo. Expand your experience with a stay in Kitchener’s historic Walper Hotel, originally constructed in 1893 and suffered a fire, it is now newly renovated and a popular wedding venue.

Langdon Hall

No visit to Cambridge is complete without a trip to Langdon Hall, a gorgeous full-service retreat built in a former summer estate from 1902. Even a weekend stay wouldn’t be long enough to do everything that Langdon Hall offers including wine tastings, cooking and cocktail demonstrations, archery, historical tours of the property and gardens, croquet, an outdoor pool, nearby trails, and one of the top 25 spas in Canada ranked by the Spa Industry Association of Canada.

Where to Eat in Cambridge?

Cambridge Mill

Cambridge has a long history of manufacturing and industry, and the Cambridge Mill brings this history into the current moment. Located in a restored five-story 19th -century mill sitting beside the Grand River, the restaurant has one of the best views in Cambridge along with a mouth-watering, farm-to-table menu for dinner, lunch, and brunch.

Little Louie’s Burger Joint and Soupery

For a local favorite greasy spoon, look no further than Little Louie’s Burger Joint and Soupery. This diner takes burgers seriously, with a rotating daily burger special — if you’re lucky, you’ll nab a lobster burger before they sell out, or the Buffalo Wing burger, topped with an actual chicken wing — and a weekly selection of soups and milkshakes.

The Old Marina Restaurant

The Old Marina Restaurant and Gift House is the definition of small-town charm. Its cozy, unpretentious décor matches the handcrafted artwork and crafts that it offers on sale, along with its food and drink menu, which is known for the Puslinch Burger (a mess of beef, bacon, and cheese).

But best of all, it looks out onto the picturesque Puslinch Lake, a favourite for water skiers in the summer and snow mobiles in the winter. A meal at the Old Marina feels like a visit to your favourite cottage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people live in Cambridge?

Approximately, about 141,000 residents, including 25,000 students lives in Cambridge, Ontario.

Cambridge is a city in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, located at the confluence of the Grand and Speed rivers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Whether you are single, a couple or a family, the beautiful city of Cambridge in Ontario, Canada has a lot to offer you.