Since moving to downtown Kitchener in 2001, I find myself absolutely smitten with the Iron Horse Trail. This unique, paved pathway is an inner-city trail system that connects downtown Kitchener to Uptown Waterloo through spectacular treed areas, quiet neighbourhoods, bustling city streets and some industrial spaces.
Running from Ottawa St. in southern Kitchener to Erb St. in northern Waterloo, this trail is easily accessible for walkers, wheelchairs, baby strollers, bikers and runners alike.
The 5.5 km trail opened on Oct. 5, 1997 on anabandoned section of the Canadian Pacific Railway. It is part of the Trans Canada Trail.
As a regular user of the trail, I believe that the trail is an inclusive landmark utilized daily by folks traveling to work or school, cross country runners, bikers, those training for hikes/walking events and leisurely walkers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, one could even see cautious people on a date sauntering side by side.
Memories of the trail span to my time as a young parent navigating life and the trail system as a biker. My family was active and always looking for ways to expand our energy.
Back in the day, my husband, three children and I would bike from Willow River Park out to Waterloo Park and beyond. Our kids were consistently excited to spend a day riding the trail and playing in the playgrounds found in both Willow River and Waterloo parks . Exploring the city on bikes led to a positive feeling of activating fitness and being connected to the land.
As a lifelong runner, in my early 50s I decided to try my legs at running marathons. The Iron Horse Trail was the most natural place to run; listening to Queen’s ”Another One Bites the Dust” and Tokyo Police Club’s ”Wait Up” helped the miles fly by.
Knowing all the turns and corners of the trail led to a familiar feeling of peace and comfort. Some of my longer runs included starting at Willow River Park, running along the trail into Uptown Waterloo, heading through Waterloo Square and across King Street onto The Spur Line.
People on the trail tend to be friendly and approachable. While on a run one day, I stopped to wait for the traffic to clear on Victoria Street. A fellow runner was standing beside me. I decided to start up a conversation—turns out this friendly fellow was a marathon runner; we jogged together chattingfor a few kilometers.
Traffic usually stops for trail users at all major roadway crossings. A slight wave from a walker will encourage traffic to respectfully yield to those crossing the road.
As a present-day retired individual, I love meeting new and old friends for a hike on the trail. A typical jaunt for me includes meeting up at Willow River Park and walking along the trail, circling around the condos, getting back on the trail and stopping for a coffee either at Vincenzos, Tim Horton’s, Graffiti Market, Belmont Village or The City Cafe.
The trail is accessible year-round, but especially beautiful to walk on from April to December. Snow is cleared and maintained by The City during the winter months; if you wear a decent pair of boots with treads, you will have no problems walking safely.
You can access the trail from many points including the parking lot near Dill St. at Willow River Park, City Cafe on West Ave., or Waterloo Town Square in Waterloo.
I love the Iron Horse Trail. From the canopies of colourful trees created in the spring to the icy, fresh snow trodden trails in the winter, this trail has something to offer everyone.
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