Cambridge is a beautiful city situated in southern Ontario, about 100km west of Toronto. This beautiful city is a day trip from Toronto, and there are many places to explore and things to do in Cambridge, Ontario. Whether you’re alone, with a friend, or with your family, visiting a place like Cambridge in Ontario is the best decision, as it has something for everyone to enjoy.
This stunning city is famous for its visit to downtown Cambridge, historical sites, amazing food, and historic walking areas. So, in this blog, I will tell you about all the things you can do there to have a great time.
1. Spend a Day at the Grand River
The Grand River is best known for spending a day having a picnic or trying local foods. The river flows through the region of Downtown Cambridge. You can enjoy the river by going down the stairs to get a closer look, but the view from above is also exquisite.
2. Visit the Churches
Centrally located in downtown Cambridge, the four churches cannot be missed. The Central Presbyterian Church, a lookalike of Notre Dame Cathedral, transports you in time. Gothic in nature, the visit to this architecture should be a must on your list.
Grace Bible Church is also located right across, with the same architectural style making the visit worthwhile as one can enjoy both churches with little distance to travel.
3. Go to Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory
You can see various tropical plants, birds, and animals. And if you are a butterfly lover let me tell you there are 40 species of butterflies and moths. Most of which belong to the Philippines and Costa Rica. Seeing these exotic birds while visiting Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory is a must. You can also visit the cafe and shop from the gift store to complete the trip.
4. Experience the Theatre Art
The experience of the theatres of Cambridge is something I wouldn’t miss during my vacation for sure. Theatres such as Dunfield Theatre, The Hamilton Family Theatre, and The Cambridge Community Players theatre come up with plays and various shows all year round.
- Dunfield Theatre– The 500-seat theatre showcases a variety of shows, from Broadway Musicals to Comedic Plays, with occasional live music shows.
- The Hamilton Family Theatre– It is also a 500-seat theatre facility located along the Grand River. It is situated near fantastic dining, a good shopping area, and beautiful architecture to make the visit worthwhile.
5. Spend a Day Hiking
Hiking trails are a must-do activity when visiting Cambridge. However, I recommend using hiking shoes in these places to make your hiking safe and comfortable. This is a different experience especially if you want to get out of that smartphone and enjoy the world a little bit. You can enjoy Cambridge’s outdoors and view many animals, providing for an unforgettable experience.
- Grand Trunk Trail– This is the best for those who love biking and hiking trails. You can enjoy nature and the beautiful birds and see beautiful sites while walking the wooded forest trails.
- Mill Run Trail– Famous for trails, Cambridge has another route known as the Mill Run trail, connecting Hespeler and Preston. You can enjoy a nice relaxed walk, run or bike with friends and family; all while enjoying the Cambridge sights of bridges, water dams, and trees from Riverside Park.
- The Linear Trail– Located in the town of Preston, the trail runs along the Speed and Grand rivers. It is easy to follow and has good access to the rivers with gorgeous views of plant life, birds, and wildlife.
- Paris Rail Trail– The trail is popular among bikers and runners, from the Cambridge trailhead at one end to the Paris trailhead at the other. But the thing to remember is that the trail remains busy during the day, so plan accordingly.
6. Enjoy a Picnic
How can one miss the enjoyment of a picnic when visiting a park? Cambridge has a variety of parks to spend a day having a nice winter walk and enjoying a breeze afterward. The experience of being surrounded by such scenic nature is undoubtedly one of the best things if you ask me.
- Mill Race Park– I recommend you visit it with family and friends to spend an afternoon. This Park alongside the Grand River is one of the good photo stop points as one can click beautiful pictures of the river with the church in the background.
- Riverside Park– It has a lot to offer as one can enjoy different outdoor activities here. It is the best place for sports lovers as it has the best public tennis courts and soccer fields. It is widely appreciated by those who love mini trails. Riverside Park hosts the annual Cambridge Rib Fest every summer.
- Sheave Tower– Located in the small town of Blair at the edge of Cambridge. The place is famous for its trails and historical structures. It is a little hidden gem that shouldn’t be missed. One can visit the building and have a family picnic afterward.
- Churchill Park– The Park features good soccer fields, a large children’s playground, and a good spray pad. It is also known for some of the best sledding hills in the city. It’s a perfect place to visit with kids and family. One can take a nice evening walk to end the day.
7. Enjoy Shopping
A trip to a new location would be incomplete without some shopping. Shopping cannot be left out of my list because the Cambridge Smart Center is available for a pleasurable shopping experience. Farmer’s Markets like Hespeler Village Market and Cambridge Farmer’s Market are well worth a visit.
- Cambridge Farmers Market– All bakery food lovers must visit the Cambridge Farmers Market. Famous for its delicious baked goods and fresh meat. You can buy delicious cheese, fruits, and vegetables too. All in all, one must visit the Cambridge farmer’s market.
- Hespeler Village Market– You will find local food and artisan crafts in this market, one of Cambridge’s two seasonal markets. It is located in downtown Hespeler, and one must visit and support local businesses.
- Cambridge Smart Centre– Cambridge shopping is incomplete without a visit to the Cambridge Smart Center. It has a wide variety of stores with Walmart across the mall. It also features an ice rink, and one can take skating lessons.
8. Indulge in Cambridge History
Knowing the history of a place is a must when visiting a new city. For me, I just love to know the people’s background, their old traditions and culture. So, I always visit the museums.
- Mcdougall Cottage– It is a well-preserved cottage and a part of the area’s museum system. It also hosts various events, and the tiny quilt contest is a must-attend event. The Cottage is now an interpretation centre honouring Cambridge’s rich Scottish ancestry.
- Fashion + History– If you love Fashion and want to know its history in Cambridge, you must visit the Fashion History Museum. There are 10,000 garments and accessories in the history museum. The design pieces have a touch of history as well as contemporary essence. Some things even are as old as the 1600s.
9. Cambridge Food
Trying the food of a place can tell a lot about its culture. Tasting and having the local cuisine of any business is a must. So, I suggest you go to famous restaurants and bakeries.
- L.A Franks– Your visit to Downtown Cambridge will be incomplete if you don’t visit the famous L. A Franks. The place sells the best hotdogs, onion rings, burgers, fries, and ice creams. The big greasy burger meal is a must-try.
- Dee’s Bakery– In West Galt, Dee’s Bakery is famous for its mouth-melting butter tarts. Available in a wide variety of flavours such as caramel, raisin, chocolate, and vanilla, the bakery is a must-visit.
- Reid’s Candy & Nut Shop– For the chocolate lovers out there, this candy and nut shop is a must-visit. The place is famous for its delicious chocolates. This family-run store is a gem for the locals and has a wide variety of nuts, candies, and chocolates for all occasions, from birthdays to anniversaries of your loved ones.
- Barnacle Bills– For the Fish and chips lovers out there, these are for you. They sell the most delicious fish and chips you can enjoy while taking an evening walk into the downtown core.
- Fiddle & Firkin– One of the top pubs in the area, Fiddle and Firkin, is known for its food, drink, and live music. Do a visit to enjoy the Cambridge nightlife.
- 4 Fathers Brewing Co.– If you are a beer lover, you must visit 4 Fathers Brewing Co. You can expect a fine dining experience in this brewery cum restaurant with ping pong tables and high bar tables.
- Rhythm & Brews– Another beer spot, Rhythm & Brews, is popular among locals for its great ambiance, good service, and lovely beers.
10. Queen’s Square
Surrounded by two beautiful Cathedrals and a library; you must visit Queen’s Square if you want to sit, relax, and enjoy the fountain. One can have a picnic or enjoy the best coffee places, such as the Melville Cafe or Grand Cafe.
11. Langdon Hall
Langdon Hall is best for those who love to visit historical sites. The site provides complimentary wine tasting for wine lovers and delivers the famous Cambridge spas. The hall is also used as a wedding venue with its amazing history hence can be considered for spending a relaxing weekend.
12. Shade Mills Conservation Area
If you love the outdoors, I recommend you visit the Shade Mills Conservation area, where anyone can enjoy a wide range of activities such as swimming, cross-country skiing, and sports fishing. There are many biking trails to enjoy a bike ride and hiking trails of about 12 kilometres for a good hike. Play areas and beautiful beaches are the few other available amenities to enjoy.
13. Cambridge Sculpture Garden
Located on the banks of the Grand River, the Cambridge Sculpture Garden is known for its 130-year-old oak tree. Situated across from Hamilton Family Theatre. It holds art shows and children’s art programs too. The place has four permanent pieces showcased.
14. Galt Collegiate Institute
The beautiful stone building is one of Ontario’s oldest operating high schools with a very rich history. It is characterized by a green copper roof which can be seen from downtown and the river. The building has two beautiful towering pillars and is known to be haunted. Do visit and see for yourself.
15. Love a Round of Golf?
Cambridge is also known for its outdoor activities, such as Golf. Galt Country Club and Deer Ridge Golf Club are best for golfing. Galt, the oldest and Ridge, voted the best, are equally famous among golf lovers.
16. Famous Cambridge Festival
Cambridge does not fall behind in terms of hosting festivals every season. I must say Cambridge fun is incomplete without having an experience of Cambridge Festivals.
- It showcases the rich history and cultural heritage of Cambridge beautifully.
- The Christmas in Cambridge series, held throughout December, is very popular. It includes parades, live entertainment, food tastings, and outdoor ice skating.
- Cambridge offers Cambridge Fall Fair, a four-day event for fall.
- Visitors can enjoy the Cambridge Tour de Grand and Cambridge Arts Festival.
- Forbes Park Music Festival and the Cambridge Scottish Festival also entertain during summer with different events.
Even though the place is not high on tourism, places like Cambridge need their fair share of appreciation. The site provides a variety of things to do, from hiking to activities such as golfing and canoeing. One can do these activities and enjoy them when visiting Cambridge, Ontario. Cambridge is less explored and should without a doubt fall onto your list of places to visit.
Last Updated on April 15, 2024 by Pragya Chakrapani