The Kitchener center point is approximately the area of Downtown Kitchener and the area of Kitchener Amtrak Station.
The best time to visit Kitchener is from September through November when the summer crowds have died down and the fall festival season is starting up. Hotel rates tend to be reasonable during this time, but keep in mind that popular festivals and other events can result in rate increases. For instance, Kitchener-Waterloo's Oktoberfest is a must-see celebration. The nine-day event started in 1969 and is considered Canada's Greatest Bavarian Festival. In fact, it's the largest Bavarian festival anywhere in the world outside of Germany, so if you love Bavarian culture and beer, plan your trip for October before Canadian Thanksgiving.
Winters in Ontario are cold and snowy, but if you don't mind the chill, you can save a lot of money on hotel rates during this time. Spring is another great time to visit Kitchener because the crowds have yet to descend on the city and the temperatures are just right for outdoor excursions. Keep in mind, though, that nighttime temperatures can still be chilly, so dress in layers.
While summer comes with increased hotel rates and a mass influx of tourists, Kitchener has a lot to offer during the warm season. Summer is the best time to take advantage of the city's extensive hiking trail system, which consists of hundreds of kilometers of community trails. Mountain biking is also a popular pastime in Kitchener, so be sure to visit one of the city's bike parks for physical activity. If you're here in August, you may also catch the Kitchener Blues Festival in downtown.
If you know where to look, you can save even more money during your stay to Kitchener by taking advantage of discounts. Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Kitchener, for instance, offers special rates for CARP members, AAA/CAA members, AARP members, government employees, and military personnel. Simply book the special rate and present proof of eligibility at the time of check-in. Doing this can save you as much as 20 percent off the hotel's best available rates.
Most hotels also offer their own special packages to help guests make the most of their stay. Crowne Plaza Kitchener – Waterloo offers a number of money-saving packages, including a daily parking package, a family fun package, and a breakfast package. If you're an IHG Rewards Club member, you can also use accumulated points to put toward a free stay.
Special offers and promotions vary from property to property and tend to change with the seasons, but keep an eye out for last-minute deals, early-bird specials, romance packages, and other deals that help your dollars go even further.
Kitchener has a variety of mid-range hotels that give you plenty of value for the money. Best Western Plus Kitchener – Waterloo is a classic accommodation 7 kilometers from Region of Waterloo International Airport. Modern guest rooms provide free Wi-Fi access, work desks, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. Upgraded rooms include separate sitting areas and Jacuzzis. Other amenities include a free hot breakfast, dinner during certain weeknights, an on-site fitness center, sauna, hot tub, business center, and guest laundry facilities.
Located in the city center, Radisson Kitchener Waterloo is conveniently located to provide easy access to all area attractions. You'll enjoy free parking, a lobby café, three on-site restaurants, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a business center. Guest rooms are simple but modern, offering work desks with ergonomic chairs, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, and coffeemakers. Pets are also allowed for an extra fee.
If you've never visited Kitchener before, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which attraction to see first. Located at the Waterloo Region Museum, Doon Heritage Village is a must-see experience for anyone visiting Kitchener for the first time. This charming living history village is open from May through the end of December and presents the public with a picturesque display of what life in the Waterloo Region was like during the year 1914. You'll get to experience authentic clothing, farm animals, historic buildings, and demonstrations, all of which transport you back in time.
THEMUSEUM is a must-visit attraction for families. This museum's permanent collection consists of an animation station, an interactive Construction Alley, a Living Wall, and a Virtual Graffiti Wall. The permanent exhibits alone are mesmerizing for children, but THEMUSEUM also hosts a number of temporary exhibitions, each one educational for the entire family. For live performances, head to Centre In The Square, the city's iconic performing arts venue on Queen Street. Home to the Raffi Armenian Theatre and the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, every show played here is a memorable one.
Exploring Kitchener and the Waterloo Region is a tall order, but it's worth the trip. Whether you're looking for upscale accommodation, a unique bed & breakfast, or a roadside budget lodging, Kitchener offers something for everyone.
Below are reviews of the city of Kitchener, ON from an actual visitor's perspective.
Visited the Ktchener Market and Victoria Park.
Very easy to get around. Traffic is always on the move. No traffic jams like in Toronto!
The ambiance!
Kitchener seems like a great community; easy to navigate and with many excellent restaurants.
The restaurant food was excellent!
Did not see enough of it - but loved the Indigo book store!
Mall is nearby.
The arcade room is awesome.
This visit was for the Concordia Club Oktoberfest. WOW! A great time with great friends! I'm sure other Oktoberfest venues were good but Concordia's Oktoberfest mimics Munich's better than I've seen in the States. Best place to stay in the area! AAA+
We were there for my daughter fastball tourney and they have top notch facilities