The best road cycling routes around Wilmot

Columbia Lake is a shallow, man-made lake designed as part of a stormwater and wetland system on the University of Waterloo campus. The water is generally still, with large sections of reeds and marsh around the edges rather than open shoreline. It’s not used for swimming or boating, but it attracts plenty of birdlife, especially around the quieter sections. The level can fluctuate depending on rainfall, so it can look different throughout the year.

This is the north end of RIM Park and the end of the Walter Bean Grand River Trail section, but there’s no parking available here. If you’re planning to walk this route, you’ll need to park at the main RIM Park parking area that is located on Park Road. It’s a common point of confusion, so it’s worth planning ahead.

Running alongside the trail, the Grand River is the main backdrop for this entire section. For much of the route, you’re walking right beside the water, with open views in some areas and more filtered glimpses through trees in others. The river moves steadily here, and you’ll often see birds along the banks or on the water. It’s part of a much larger river system that flows south across the region toward Lake Erie, adding a quiet sense of scale to an otherwise easy, local walk.

This section of the Walter Bean Grand River Trail follows a wide, easy path alongside the Grand River, making it more of a relaxed walk or run than a traditional hike. The trail is mostly flat, with a mix of paved and gravel surfaces, and stays close to the water for much of the route. You’ll move between open parkland and shaded sections through trees, with occasional views of the river. It’s part of a much longer trail system that runs through the region, but this stretch is especially accessible and easy to follow.

The Walter Bean Grand River Trail has its northern terminus here at Kiwanis Park and runs for over 25 kilometers to Doon Valley Golf Course in the south. It follows the river through many parks and neighbourhoods along the way and is a great link between opposite sides of the city.

Formerly known as the River Ouse, the Grand River flows through Ontario before emptying into Lake Erie's northern shore. Here, on the edge of Kitchener, its riparian area is full of wildlife, including a wide array of birds that can be quite active, thus making it a great bird watching spot.

Often called the “jewel of the city,” Waterloo Park blends natural trails, open lawns and multi-use pathways with an impressive mix of facilities for all ages and interests. The park features three paved trail systems (including the Iron Horse and Trans-Canada trails) for walkers, runners and cyclists. The park also features sports fields, a skate park, and a summer splash pad. Families and nature lovers can explore Silver Lake’s boardwalk, Victorian-style gardens, picnic shelters, and the city’s oldest log schoolhouse tucked into the green space.Whether you’re here for a short neighbourhood walk, a scenic bike ride, an energetic skate session or a relaxed picnic by the lake, Waterloo Park delivers something for everyone in a lush, urban-forest setting.

Tucked within the heart of Waterloo Park, Silver Lake invites you to slow down and linger by the water’s edge. With its wide boardwalk circling the shore, display fountains, and gently sloping lawn that meets the lake, it’s a tranquil setting for a walk, bike ride or a lakeside break.