All trees are special; however, there is one local tree that captures the imagination more than most. The majestic Wise Old Oak is a Waterloo Region treasure. Thanks to the skill and creativity of carpente, Dustin Quill, it reveals itself to those who are open to adventure.
Waterloo Region has excellent year-round hiking, walking, and biking trails. The Health Valley Trail, formerly known as the Conestogo River Trail, is free to access and connects the Village of St. Jacobs with University Ave. E. in Waterloo. Complete with calming river views, cows and horses grazing in farmers’ fields, and the Wise Old Oak, not to mention delicious food and drink to begin or end your walk in St. Jacobs, it is an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors.
In total, the trail is a 10-kilometre round trip, but a shorter trip can begin at the University Ave. entrance. From there, it’s only 1.5 kilometers to reach the Wise Old Oak. The main trail, starting from St. Jacobs, is stroller friendly. The smaller trail is also accessible, but it is bumpier, and it may be easier to use a baby carrier.
Traditionally, St. Jacobs was a destination for quilt makers, retirees, historians and those in search of delicious Mennonite baking. Founded by Pennsylvania Dutch settlers in the 1830s, many signs of the original village remain: the Jacob C. Snider Mill (1852), the blacksmith shop (1880), the former Dominion Hotel (1852), and the antique market, to name a few.
The first Home Hardware store was opened in 1948 and remains a staple of the main street realtors to this day. Other useful and historic shops to visit include Hamel Brooms, one of Canada’s last corn broom makers.
Over the past several years, the village vibe has shifted to attracting boutique shoppers, street art fans and craft beer enthusiasts. Local icons include Stone Crock Bakery & Market, EcoCafe & Village Roasters, Block Three Brewing, Those Pizza Guys and The Shed by LenJo Bakes.
Plenty of free parking is available in the parking lot off Albert St. at the St. Jacobs trail head, or on the side of the road on University Ave.
Cyclists will find bike parking in St. Jacobs, a designated Ontario by Bike business area, as well as a full bike repair kit at the trailhead.
The Marble Art Quilt, an interactive art exhibit, greets visitors at the St. Jacobs entrance.
Make sure that your bladder is empty prior to departing as there are no washrooms along the trail. There are also no garbage cans. Practice good trail etiquette and leave no trace—that is, please take your garbage with you and keep the route clean and clear. Dogs must always remain on leash.
The trail is part of the world’s longest multi-use year-round trail: the Trans Canada Trail. This coast-to-coast-to-coast recreational route welcomes people to bike, walk, snowshoe, ski, snowmobile, paddle, and even horseback their way across Canada. Each section of the urban and rural trail is managed locally.
Two more trails crisscross and run in tandem with the Health Valley Trail. The 121-kilometre walking and biking Avon Trail stretches from St. Mary’s to Conestogo, and the 2.5-kilometre Millrace Trail dates to the 1850s and was once known as ‘Lovers’ Lane.’ Named for the millrace that provided power to the St. Jacobs gristmill, it guides users to the St. Jacobs Railway Viaduct that was originally built in 1890 for the Grand Trunk Railway.
Let the fresh air, the calming effect of water, and the magic of the forest treat you to a local adventure. All you must do is dress for the weather and take it one step at a time.
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