The best gravel rides around Kitchener

Following the Grand River through Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge, the Walter Bean Grand River Trail offers a long, scenic mix of riverside paths, forest segments, boardwalks, and open meadow views. The route connects neighbourhoods, parks, and conservation areas, with frequent access points and well-marked sections that make it easy to walk shorter pieces or cycle longer stretches. Lookouts along the river give excellent views of the water, wetlands, and seasonal wildlife, while paved portions keep the trail accessible year-round. It’s one of the region’s signature green corridors and a reliable choice for peaceful, scenic walking or cycling close to the city.

The Grand River is a major waterway that stretches nearly 280 kilometers through the southern part of Ontario. It winds past farmland, forests, and historic towns before flowing into Lake Erie. There are multiple ways to enjoy what the river has to offer such as hiking long-distance routes like the Grand Valley Trail, or paddling peaceful river stretches with access from several points. Wildlife is also abundant along its banks, making it a great pick for a nature-focused outing.

This trailhead sits at the end of Forbes Street, and has a large parking area, public washroom, and a couple of nice benches with easy access to both the Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail and the Grand River canoe launch. Situated along the banks of the river, it’s a great spot for a lovely picnic and a convenient starting point for exploring one of the trail’s most scenic stretches.

Canadian General-Tower Trailhead is the northern terminus of the Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail, with a large parking area and direct access to the crushed-gravel route. From here, the trail follows the Grand River through beautiful, peaceful woodland, leaving the city behind. There are no facilities here, so plan accordingly before heading out to explore.

This trail follows a mostly flat 18-kilometre former railway corridor along the Grand River, connecting the communities of Cambridge, Glen Morris, and Paris. The fine gravel surface, gentle grades, and picturesque views of Carolinian forest, farmland, and the river make it the perfect route for walkers, runners, and cyclists of all abilities.

The German’s Woollen Mill Ruins are the remains of an 1867 stone yarn and wool mill tucked in the trees along the banks of the Grand River. Abandoned since the 1940s after the rail trail was constructed, its towering walls and arched openings still stand after decades, making it one of the Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail’s most fascinating historic landmarks.

This is a great family park with a variety of easy walking trails, sports fields, a playground and splash pad, and plenty of green space to picnic in the shade. There is ample parking in the middle of the park, or at Breithaupt Centre where you can also find a pool and community events.

This wide packed gravel path takes you on a shady walk through the woods from Breithaupt Park to Union Lane Green. This is a great way to connect to local neighborhoods and get out on an accessible, cool path in the summer.