The Iron Horse Trail forms the spine of Kitchener’s multi use trail corridor and runs for approximately 5 km between Kitchener and Waterloo.
On this page:
Location
The Iron Horse Trail connects from Ottawa Street in the south, starting near the intersections of Ottawa Street South and Nyberg Street, through to Park Street in the City of Waterloo.
Along its route, it connects to:
- Kaufman Park and Cameron Heights Collegiate on Stirling Avenue
- Woodside Park, Highland Courts Park, Harry Class Pool and Mike Wagner Green at Mill Street
- Victoria Park, and through Victoria Park to Downtown Kitchener
- Raddatz Park at Gage Avenue, and the Transit Hub Trail through Cherry Park
- Catalyst 137 at Glasgow Street
Washrooms
Publicly accessible washrooms are available at Victoria Park during spring – fall. During winter, washroom facilities are located at Jubilee Avenue in Victoria Park.
Amenities
There are lots of benches and resting points along the trails. These provide space for strollers and wheelchairs to get off the trail as well and many have bike racks.
Find play areas at:
- Kaufman Park
- Highland Courts Park
- Victoria Park
- Raddatz Park
- Gildner Green (Glasgow Street)
Find outdoor gym equipment at:
- Victoria Park
- Raddatz Park (opening late 2021)
Find tennis and pickleball courts at:
- Kaufman Park
- Highland Courts Park
There are lots of places to eat and drink along the trail.
History
The Iron Horse Trail is used by more than 250,000 people every year connecting key networks within the City of Kitchener such as the iON Light Rail Transit systems, on and off road cycling routes, parks and open spaces, downtown Kitchener and several neighbourhoods, as well as linking the cities of Waterloo and Kitchener.
The name ‘Iron Horse Trail’ reflects the industrial heritage of the trail, built along the former rail corridor, there are several artifacts of historical interest along the trail that are a call back to the former rail tracks.
The trail also forms part of the Trans Canada Trail, or Great Trail, as it crosses through Kitchener.
The trail is a Multi Use Trail. It is asphalt along its full length and receives year round maintenance, meaning it is kept free of snow and ice in the winter. Multi Use Trails in Kitchener can be used by cyclists and pedestrians, but the trail should not be used by motorized vehicles such as motor bikes or cars.
The trail links residents, communities and businesses and provides an Active Transportation corridor for many people undertake daily trips for work, school or business along the trail. It is also an important recreational trail linking parks and open spaces and helping add to the quality of life of residents of Kitchener.
Trail etiquette
The Iron Horse Trail is one of Kitchener’s busiest trails and so to help everyone enjoy the trail, please always be aware of users around you.
- keep the right side of the trail as you move along it
- keep dogs on leash and remember to pick up after them
- if you are moving up behind people in front (for example, runners and cyclists) please make people aware of your approach – use a bell, or provide a verbal indication (‘on your left’)
- if walking in a group, be aware of others using the trail and give them space to pass
- do not use motorized vehicles (cars, mopeds, ATVs, snowmobiles) on the trail, and respect residents that live along the trail by proceeding quietly – particularly in the early morning or evening.