Village of St. Jacobs
The quaint village of St. Jacobs has days' worth of things to do and see! Discover one-of-a-kind craft studios, antiques, fashions, furniture, gifts, home decor, restaurants and cafes in the century village of St. Jacobs. Most shops are open weekdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Sundays, shops are open from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. (except Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.) Winter hours vary. www.stjacobs.com (3.0 km)
St. Jacobs Factory Outlet Mall
Save 50% and more on top brand-name merchandise from manufacturers such as Levi's Outlet, Villeroy and Boch, Royal Doulton and Tootsies Factory Shoe Market. LEGO® maniacs of all ages will find their dream-come-true at the LEGO Creative Play Centre.
Be sure to check out the new stores: Corning Revere Factory Outlet, Cadbury Factory Store, Kodiak Outlet, and Mattel Factory Outlet. Stores open daily except Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Weekdays 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 12 noon to 5 p.m. 519.888.0138 www.embraceyourchange.ca (3.5 km)
St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market & Flea Market
One of Canada’s largest farmers’ markets, vendors sell everything imaginable - from fresh foods to locally handcrafted items. Take a bite into delicious Waterloo County sausages or hot apple fritters! Explore Peddler's Village for home decor, furniture, tools and more.
Picnic areas, pony rides, wandering musicians and barnyard animals can also be found at the market. Open Thursdays and Saturdays all year from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Also Tuesdays, June to Labour Day from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 519.747.1830 www.stjacobs.com/html/shopping-farmersmarkets.html (3.0 km)
St. Jacobs Country Playhouse
Located in the heart of St. Jacobs country, the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse has quickly become a source of tremendous pride for the community. Operating year-round, the 385-seat venue features the turn-of-the-century masonry and heavy-timber character associated with the traditional Mennonite lifestyle. 1.888.449.4463 www.draytonentertainment.com (3.0 km)
Conestoga Mall
While staying with us, visit the newly expanded Conestoga Mall. Located directly across the road from the Destination Inn & Suites, Conestoga Mall offers fine shopping and dining including 30 new stores, a new and expanded food court, the Waterloo Heritage Collection Museum, Spring Rolls and Oliver & Bonacini restaurants, and a Galaxy Cineplex Odeon Movie Theatre. Conestoga Shopping
St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre
Sit back and enjoy a production at this renovated 1867 schoolhouse with marvelous acoustics. Open from June - December. www.draytonentertainment.com (4.0 km)
St. Jacobs Horse-Drawn Trolley Tours
A big, beautiful team of draft horses takes you on a picturesque horse-drawn trolley tour to a nearby Old Order Mennonite farm. Learn about the historical details of the Mennonites and the local area. Tours depart from the Horse-Drawn Trolley Barn 10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and are 1.25 hours. Tickets: Adults $15.00, Children $7.50, under 2 years free. 519.638.5305 www.stjacobshorsedrawntours.com
West Montrose Covered Bridge
The West Montrose Covered Bridge (known as the Kissing Bridge) was built entirely of wood in 1881. It is the second-oldest bridge and the last covered one in the region. The bridge ranks as the region's second most significant heritage bridge structure. It is a distinctive landmark that forms an integral feature of the Village of West Montrose and it is listed as provincially significant bridge. www.woolwich.ca/en/tourism/thingstodo_kissing_bridge.asp (2.0 km)
Wings of Paradise Butterfly Conservatory
At Wings of Paradise, you can take an unforgettable walk among more than 2000 live free-flying tropical butterflies, raised in Costa Rica and the Philippines, as well as among the twelve exotic bird species that fly freely in the Conservatory. Watch bees make honey in our observation honeybee hive, and get an up-close look at other interesting insects.
A tropical paradise, the Conservatory is lushly planted with more than 80 species of tropical plants, including palms, ferns, jasmine, and banana. www.wingsofparadise.com
Doon Heritage Crossroads
Just 12 km from the Destination Inn & Suites, Doon Heritage Crossroads is a living history museum, re-creating a rural village in which costumed interpreters welcome you to the year 1914. Discover an exciting era at Doon Heritage Crossroads, where history is brought to life! Open May through December. 519.748.1914. www.region.waterloo.on.ca/doon (20.0 km)
Waterloo Central Railway
Waterloo’s very own railway is now running! Take in the inspiring sites and journey through Waterloo and St. Jacobs on this tourist train. Operates on Market Days - Tues., Thurs., Sat.
519.885.2297
www.steam-train.org (4.5 km)
Mennonite Story
At the Visitor Centre in St. Jacobs, learn about the Mennonite people and their way of life. Take a multi media journey and browse through an exhibit of photos, artifacts and displays that describe the history, culture and religion of the Mennonites. Group visits can be arranged by appointment. Group rates include a guided tour. 519.664.3518. www.stjacobs.com/html/museum.html (6.0 km)
Enter the Wild World of the African Lion Safari!
The whole family will enjoy coming face to face with more than 1,000 birds & animals. Journey through the safari by car, boat cruise, or railway. See four exciting bird & animal shows and visit Pets Corner. Come and see for yourself what happens in the wild world of African Lion Safari! Allow 4 to 6 hours for your safari, located in Cambridge, Ontario, open April to October. 800.461.WILD (9453) www.lionsafari.com (41.0 km)
Joseph Schneider Haus Museum and Gallery
A dynamic community museum in downtown Kitchener on the edge of beautiful Victoria Park. The heart of the complex is the fine Georgian frame farmhouse built by one of the area's first pioneers, Joseph Schneider, a Pennsylvania-German Mennonite. Discover a local landmark gem and Kitchener's oldest dwelling. Most of museum is handicapped accessible.
519.742.7752 www.ontario-travel-secrets.com/joseph-schneider-haus.html
(9.5 km)
Drayton Festival Theatre
Be entertained by outstanding, professional comedies & musicals in a 1902 opera house, recently renovated for comfort & accessibility. Enjoy music & laughter from May through September - eight shows a week. 33 Wellington Street South Drayton, Ontario 519.638.5555 www.draytonentertainment.com (38.0 km)
Stratford Shakespeare Festival
North America's premier classical repertory theatre presents the plays of William Shakespeare and other classical playwrights, along with musicals and contemporary productions; Beyond the Stage offerings include garden, backstage and costume warehouse tours, enrichment workshops, lectures, music and more.
Youth, senior and family pricing available. Shows play in repertory April 23 to Nov. 9. 1.800.567.1600 www.stratfordfestival.ca (55.0 km)
547 King St. North Waterloo, Ontario N2L 5Z7