A Day in the Park

With more than 365 hectares of parkland in the city, it’s easy to “play the day away” or just relax in one of the 87 parks located throughout the City of Cambridge.  Enjoy a picnic, a game of baseball or soccer, fishing, walking, hiking, bird watching and much more.  For more, call  519-740-4681, ext. 4214.

The Grand & Speed Rivers

The Grand is Ontario’s longest river flowing 300 km throughout Southwestern Ontario.  The Conestogo, the Nith, the Eramosa and the Speed rivers are tributaries of the Grand. Hundreds of creeks and streams flow into the Grand. Spend the day canoeing, fishing and hiking the trails or just relaxing in the beautiful parks situated along  its banks. Call  519-621-2761, www.grandriver.ca

Cambridge Centre for the Arts

The Cambridge Centre for the Arts, located in downtown Cambridge at 60 Dickson St., is a community arts centre providing arts programming through classes, workshops, an art gallery and special events. Admission to the Art Gallery is free. Classes, workshops and events are reasonably priced. Call 519-740-4681, ext. 4376,
www.cambridgecentreforthearts.ca

Cambridge Farmers’ Market

The Cambridge Farmers’ Market is one of the oldest markets in Canada and has been serving the people of this area since 1830.  It is located at the corner of Ainslie and Dickson streets and is open year-round on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.   Free live music, concerts and dances as well as cooking demonstrations and gardening tips are often featured during market hours.  Call 519-740-4681, ext. 4252

www.cambridge.ca 

Idea Exchange

We are very fortunate to have four libraries and three art galleries located throughout the city of Cambridge. All provide us with numerous excellent programs for adults and children. Many of the events and activities are free such as the art exhibits, concerts and children’s programs at the libraries. Various classes and workshops are also offered at reasonable prices. 519-621-0460.. www.ideaexchange.org  

Cambridge Santa Claus Parade

The annual Cambridge Santa Claus Parade is unique because it is held at night, the music and lights create an amazing experience for kids of all ages.  It is one of Ontario’s longest Santa Claus parades. The parade starts at 6pm on Hespeler Rd. at Dunbar and travels north on Hespeler Rd. to Langs Drive.  www.cambridgesantaparade.com

Cambridge Trails

Hike it, Bike it, Like it!  There are more than 50 km of natural and urban trails throughout Cambridge. Many are located along the historic Speed and Grand rivers and feature spectacular scenery.  Backpacking, hiking, or an afternoon stroll and bird watching are some popular activities. Pick up a free Cambridge Trails map at the Visitor and Information Centre at 750 Hespeler Rd., or visit  www.cambridge.ca  519-740-4681 ext. 4275

Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail

Managed by the Grand River Conservation Authority, this trail follows the old rail bed of the Lake Erie and Northern Railway between Cambridge and Paris. It follows the Grand River through 18 km of Carolinian Forest offering spectacular views.  Posts mark each kilometre from Cambridge.  For the more adventurous, the trail links with trails to Brantford and Hamilton. For detailed information and maps, call 519-621-2761 or visit www.grandriver.ca  

Cambridge Sculpture Garden

Come and enjoy the sculptures in the garden at Grand Avenue South and along the river walk in the heart of downtown Galt City Centre. Temporary and permanent sculptures are presented throughout the garden and along the river walk. The garden is always open. Admission to the sculpture garden and event participation is free..  
www.cambridgesculpturegarden.ca

www.cambridgesculpturegarden.ca

Cambridge Sports Hall of Fame

The Cambridge Sports Hall of Fame displays photo galleries and other memorabilia to celebrate the unique sporting heritage of Cambridge. Located in the Cambridge Centre Mall beside the ice rink and food court, it is free for all to enjoy. www.cambridgesportshalloffame.ca

Canada Day Celebrations

Cambridge is host to the nation’s largest Canada Day Parade.  Starting at 1 p.m., the parade travels down King Street from Bishop Street, and ends in Riverside Park.  Enjoy the all-day entertainment at the park featuring a variety of children’s activities, topped off with a phenomenal display of fireworks at dusk.  519-740-4681 ext. 4397, www.cambridgecanadaday.ca

Christmas in Cambridge

Christmas in Cambridge includes many free seasonal events for all to enjoy.  Candyland, Music & Lights in the Village, Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night, A Family New Year’s Eve Party & the CPR Holiday Train are all part of the fun.  Please visit the website or drop into our Visitor Information Centre for a complete list of all that’s happening this Christmas in Cambridge. 519-740-4681 ext. 4277 www.christmasincambridge.ca

Concerts in the Park

Enjoy free live music every summer Sunday at 7pm.  The series runs throughout the summer months and features local musicians and bands performing in the beautiful parks of Cambridge.   Concerts in the Park is brought to you by the City of Cambridge and the Music Performance Fund. 519-740-4681. Visit www.cambridge.ca  for schedule and locations.

Dumfries Conservation Area & Hilborn Arboretum

Located in the heart of the city right across from the Cambridge Centre Mall at Dunbar & Hespeler roads (enter from Dunbar Rd.), this 75-hectare site with flourishing parkland, streams and trails is free for everyone to enjoy.
519-653-4334, www.grandriver.ca

Fire Hall Museum & Education
Centre

The Fire Hall Museum & Education Centre is housed in a magnificent 19th century fire hall located at 56 Dickson St.  The museum is home to the Cambridge Fire Department archives.  It features thousands of photographs, a large equipment inventory, fire truck, model train exhibit, gift shop filled with toys & collector fire engines. Open 9:30 a.m - 12:30 p.m. 519-621-1144.  www.firehallmuseum.ca

FWR Dickson Wilderness Area

This .8 km trail located between Cambridge & Paris is in the shape of a figure 8.  It circles a natural pond and winds its way through meadow and a mature forest. There are two boardwalks built over a marshy area. Bring along sunflower seeds and a camera, a favourite attraction of hikers is feeding the chickadees which will eat right out of your hand. A side trail leads to Bannister Lake. www.grandrivercountry.com

Galt Horticultural Society

Ferguson Cottage, built in 1837 is located beside the Cambridge Sculpture Garden on Grand Ave.  The gardens are beautifully maintained by the Galt Horticultural Society and are open to the public. www.galths.gardenontario.org

Hespeler Santa Claus Parade

For over 30 years the Hespeler Santa Claus Parade has been a favourite family event during the Christmas season. It starts at noon on the first Saturday in December in the Hespeler Village area of Cambridge. Free for all to enjoy! 519-658-4721 www.hespelersantaclausparade.com

Hespeler Village Music Festival

This free festival, held annually at Forbes Park, is a hit with the entire family. The festival showcases both amateur and professional bands, arts and crafts vendors, food, refreshments and much more. The children's program runs from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. featuring clowns, games, bouncy castles and more. 519-740-4681, www.cambridge.ca

Cambridge Celebration of the Arts

Each year on one evening in June, the Cambridge Celebration of the Arts presents a variety of works of art by local artists. This exhibition is free to all and also features kid-friendly and family-centred events. Local restaurants have a variety of foods and beverages available for purchase during the event.  519-740-4681, www.cambridge.ca
 

Outdoor Movie Nights

Thursday nights in August
Free outdoor movies. Event runs rain or shine (inside if raining), so bring your lawn chair, buy some popcorn and drinks at the event and have a fun family night out. Movies start at dusk. Be sure to bring a lawn chair and blanket. 519-740-4681, www.cambridge.ca

McDougall Cottage circa 1858

This granite and limestone labourer’s dwelling is located in downtown Cambridge in the Historic Factory District on the banks of the Grand River at 89 Grand Ave. S. It is open for afternoon visits Wednesday to Sunday, and noon to 5 pm and on Thursday from noon to 8 pm.  Admission is by donation, except for special events. The cottage is closed from late December through early March. Call 519-624-8250  www.regionwaterloo.ca/mcd  

The Ontario Christian Gleaners

Located at 1550 Morrison Rd. The Ontario Christian Gleaners offers an interesting and informative tour. See how 60 volunteers spend their morning producing 30,000 servings of soup to help feed the poor around the world. See volunteers preparing, processing and drying the produce.  Tour is free, donations are welcome.  Call 519-624-8245 or email: [email protected] to plan your visit. For more information visit www.ontariogleaners.org

rare Charitable Research Reserve

Located at the confluence of the Grand and Speed rivers in the historic village of Blair, rare is in the heartland of the Grand River watershed. The 370-hectare (913 acres) property of natural and agricultural landscapes abuts the City of Cambridge, forming Canada’s largest urban green space. To experience rare, you may access trails for a self-guided walk or sign up for upcoming guided hikes and other events. Fees may apply. 519-650-9336 www.raresites.org

Sheaves Tower

Sheaves Tower, sometimes known as the Power Tower, was built around 1876 on Bowman Creek to provide power for the flour mill across the road.  It is a Heritage Site and significant because it represents a unique method of the mechanical transfer of power and may be the only existing example of this early technology.  Located at 91 Old Mill Rd., Cambridge www.wrhf.org

Summer at Civic Square

Experience all sides of the Square! Fun and free events are scheduled throughout the summer for your family to enjoy such as:  Whimsical Wednesdays in July and Outdoor Family Movie Nights in August.  Also enjoy free music, concerts and dancing during Market Hours. 519-740-4681 ext. 4277 www.cambridge.ca

Toyota Plant Tours

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. offers guests a free behind the scenes look at how the Lexus RX350 and 450h are built.  Knowledgeable tour guides will take you on a motorized tram tour right into the heart of the Cambridge facility. Groups and individuals are welcome.  To reserve your tour, call 519-653-1111, ext. 2270, or book at www.tmmc.ca

Whimsical Wednesday

Wednesday evenings in July. Free live entertainment for children of all ages. Event runs rain or shine (inside if raining), so come out and join us for some signing, dancing and fun!. 519-740-4681, www.cambridge.ca