Seek the “Grand” Outdoor Experience this summer in the Waterloo Region of Ontario

Waterloo, Ontario (in red)

WATERLOO REGION, Ont. – If you’re beginning to plan that perfect summer getaway for the whole family, the Waterloo Region is the destination of choice for the best outdoor summer fun with activities and attractions to please everyone.

“The nice thing about having your family vacation in the Waterloo Region is not only all of the fantastic outdoor activities available but how you can make it as slow paced or as jam packed as you want,” said Tracey Desjardins, General Manager, Waterloo Regional Tourism Marketing Corporation.

Camping at Bingemans puts the vacationing family right in the centre of all the fun with the Big Splash Waterpark just steps away for the kids and the Glen Ridge golf course a quick stroll for the adults. The campground is also situated on the Grand River, which winds through the Waterloo Region. Canoes and kayaks can also be rented for a leisurely paddle down the slow moving river to see a different side of the area.

“In addition to the wonderful natural vistas that canoers and kayakers will see on the river, we also have an extensive hiking and biking trail system for beginners or experts. The Waterloo Region may be known for its booming tech industry, but the region has a tremendous amount of natural beauty and green space to experience,” said Desjardins.

Chicopee Ski and Summer Resort offers a wide variety of summer activities including a single track trail network that runs through its 165 acre property for a total distance of 7km. In addition to the trails, Chicopee also features a variety of low rope, climbing wall and high rope features nestled in the woods overlooking Chicopee’s ponds.

Those looking to check out the more wild side of the outdoors should be sure to visit African Lion Safari, which has been a landmark tourist destination in the Waterloo Region for over 40 years. African Lion Safari will let you get right up close to wild animals from around the world. See lions, giraffes, cheetahs, rhinos and much more on the Safari Tour Bus or in your own vehicle.

If you’re looking to take a break from the outdoors but don’t want to miss out on more natural wonders, the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory is home to thousands of freely flying butterflies. The 25,000 square foot facility includes a 10,800 square foot indoor tropical garden featuring thousands of butterflies from all over the world, and over 100 different varieties of tropical plants, waterfalls, streams, reflecting pools, tropical finches, Chinese painted quail and red-eared slider turtles that all call the Conservatory home.

“Summertime in the Waterloo Region offers so many choices for families looking to get away from the city and connect with the outdoors. The great thing about the Region is that you can spend all day outside enjoying the sights, but spend the evenings enjoying the culinary and cultural offerings that the Region is known for,” said Desjardins.

Adding to the already flourishing cultural scene of the Waterloo Region is the newly announced 500-seat theatre facility which will begin construction in September in the historic neighbourhood of Galt. The Dunfield Theatre Cambridge will operate year-round and include Drayton Entertainment’s programming as well as myriad community events. The inaugural season is expected to launch in early 2013.

Finally, for anyone looking to add a little mystery to their Victoria Day weekend, stop by the 19th Annual K-W Spring-Summer Psychic Fair at Bingemans. From May 18th to 21st you can get your fortune revealed to you by one of the many psychic readers, mediums, seers or healers.