This is a terrific run combining two Waterloo landmarks: the campus of the University of Waterloo and Waterloo Park. There are also numerous corporate campuses adjacent to the University. We recommend using our map as a guideline, as there are many different paths in these two areas where you might want to create your own route. The Laurel Trail is a multi-use path connecting the park and the university.
University of Waterloo. CC: Victor Vucicevich
Start at the University of Waterloo Visitor Center and enjoy a 2 km loop around the campus of this major public research university known for its science and engineering programs. Then head over to Waterloo Park, which is on the south side of University Ave. (use Seagram Dr.) The park is a lovely green space with numerous paths, recreation facilities, a farm, and a mill replica. Nice combination of wooded & open terrain. A loop of the main paths is ~2 km. Then, get onto the Laurel Trail near the lake to return to the University. This would be a 6-7 km run.
Longer Run: continue on the Laurel Trail for another 1 km to the University Athletic Fields, and then another 1 km along a path to the University of Waterloo Environmental Reserve. This makes for a 12 km run. You can do even more on the paths of the Laurel Creek Conservation Area.
This is a terrific run combining two Waterloo landmarks: the campus of the University of Waterloo and Waterloo Park. There are also numerous corporate campuses adjacent to the University. We recommend using our map as a guideline, as there are many different paths in these two areas where you might want to create your own route. The Laurel Trail is a multi-use path connecting the park and the university.
University of Waterloo. CC: Victor Vucicevich
Start at the University of Waterloo Visitor Center and enjoy a 2 km loop around the campus of this major public research university known for its science and engineering programs. Then head over to Waterloo Park, which is on the south side of University Ave. (use Seagram Dr.) The park is a lovely green space with numerous paths, recreation facilities, a farm, and a mill replica. Nice combination of wooded & open terrain. A loop of the main paths is ~2 km. Then, get onto the Laurel Trail near the lake to return to the University. This would be a 6-7 km run.
Longer Run: continue on the Laurel Trail for another 1 km to the University Athletic Fields, and then another 1 km along a path to the University of Waterloo Environmental Reserve. This makes for a 12 km run. You can do even more on the paths of the Laurel Creek Conservation Area.
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Essentials
University and Park: 6-7 km; Environmental Reserve adds ~4 km out and back
78m (257 feet)
University of Waterloo Visitor Center, or Park/Laurel Trail
Light rail stops: Waterlook Park, Research & Technology Station
Two centrally located multi-use trails connecting Kitchener and Waterloo, as well as key sites and numerous parks. These flat, paved trails are also connectors to other area trails and can be combined for a longer run.
Combine the fields and green space of RIM Park with a 4 km jaunt along the Walter Bean multi-use trail along the Grand River. A pleasant 7.5 loop. For a longer run, connect to the Health Valley Trail off University Ave. adds up to 9 km out and back.
Some terrific trail running options just west of the University. Westside Trails feature 12 km of hilly terrain, and the adjacent GeoTime Trail is a unique 4 km interpretive trail loop illustrating major geological events.
Another pleasant multi-park route in Kitchener, anchored by the historic Victoria Park. A greenway links Victoria Park with several natural open spaces. The full route is 13 km, but can easily be shorter or longer.
A series of paths connect several adjacent parks in the Westmount & Laurentian Hills neighborhoods in South Kitchener, making for a pleasant 'linear park' run. Includes Lakeside Park, Concordia Park, Laurentian Park, and McLennan Park.
A terrific network of multi-use paths for running along the Grand River and Speed River in Cambridge, located 25 km southwest of Kitchener-Waterloo. Includes 5 km along the Grand in central Cambridge, and up to 18 km on the Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail.
A popular visitor destination, known for its Theater Festival. The signature running route is along the Avon River and around Queen's Park. There's also decent running on the area's residential streets and extensive farm roads just outside town.
Great running options in "The Royal City", including paths along the Speed & Eramosa Rivers, wonderful parks, the campus of the University of Guelph and adjacent 400-acre Arboretum with its 12.5 km of trails.
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Essentials
University and Park: 6-7 km; Environmental Reserve adds ~4 km out and back
78m (257 feet)
University of Waterloo Visitor Center, or Park/Laurel Trail
Light rail stops: Waterlook Park, Research & Technology Station
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!