Victoria Park opened in 1896, making it our oldest park. Some of the original features remain, including an iron bridge, flower beds and hundreds of trees and shrubs. The park is also home to a historic pavilion, which is a popular event and wedding venue.

On this page

  1. COVID-19 updates
  2. About Victoria Park
  3. Location
  4. Parking and transit
  5. Washrooms
  6. Splashpad and playground
  7. Swans
  8. Events
  9. Rent the pavilion

COVID-19 updates

City of Kitchener parks and trails remain open for walkthrough access, outdoor amenities are closed

Ontario is in a state of emergency and under a stay-at-home order. This is in addition to the current provincewide shutdown.

The Province of Ontario has added further restrictions to the stay-at-home order, including the closure of outdoor amenities such as: 

  • Courts (tennis, basketball and pickleball)
  • Golf courses and driving ranges
  • Soccer fields and multi-use fields (includes frisbee golf)
  • Baseball diamonds
  • Skate parks and BMX parks (e.g. McLennan Park)
  • Outdoor fitness equipment
  • Picnic tables and shelters

Residents are encouraged to remain at home with exceptions for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services, for exercise or for essential work.

If you plan to enter a city-owned park, trail or open space in Kitchener, please follow these guidelines:

  • Parks remain open for walkthrough access. Please do not gather in parks. 
  • Maintain a physical distance from other people of at least two metres or six feet, except for members of the same household.
  • Masks are strongly recommended.
  • Only visit with people in your household.
  • Share the space on a trail – keep your visit short and try to avoid busier times
  • Keep moving – try to keep moving to let others also use the trail
  • Walk in your own neighbourhood
  • Leave if the park is crowded
  • Keep your dog on a leash when not using off-leash dog parks.
  • Wash or use hand sanitizer before eating or drinking and upon returning home.
  • Please only park in designated parking areas.
  • Be mindful of what you put in garbage bins. Only throw out what is required in the designated garbage bins.

Under provincial guidelines, bylaw enforcement will enforce gatherings of those not living in the same household. If you notice gatherings larger than five people outdoors or groups not physical distancing, please call 519 741-2345.

To help ease parking congestion at McLennan Park, a temporary one way system has been implemented. Traffic should enter the park from Block Line and exit onto Ottawa Street. Please park in designated parking bays and, if parking is full, park in the Lions Arena parking lot.

About Victoria Park

Walk around Victoria Park lake, crossing back and forth over numerous bridges, visit the band stand on Roos Island and take in some of Kitchener’s largest park trees in formal park setting.

In the winter, enjoy outdoor skating on the Victoria Park outdoor ice rinks.

Location

Victoria Park is a short walk away from downtown Kitchener. You can access Victoria Park from:

  • the Iron Horse Trail
  • Gaukel Street
  • Joseph Street
  • Jubilee Drive via Park Street, Courtland Avenue or other surrounding streets
  • Schneider Avenue
  • Roland Street

Get directions on Google Maps.

Parking and transit

Victoria Park has multiple parking options:

  • lot on Jubilee Drive near Devon Street
  • lot on Jubilee Drive near David Street
  • on-street parking on Schneider Avenue
  • lot on Schneider Avenue (for pavilion)

These Grand River Transit (GRT) routes stop near Victoria Park:

  • route 1 on Queen Street South
  • route 20 on Park Street South
  • route 204 on Queen Street South
  • Victoria Park Station for ION light rail transit on Charles Street West

Plan your trip with GRT’s trip planner.

Washrooms

These washrooms are available at Victoria Park:

  • accessible men's and women's washrooms on Jubilee Drive at David Street
    • available year-round
    • open seven days a week, from the morning to dusk
  • men's and women's washrooms near the Pavilion and play area
    • available between May and November
    • open seven days a week, from the morning to dusk

Splashpad and playground

Behind the Victoria Park Pavilion, you'll find our splashpad and playground. Parking is available in the pavilion parking lot.

Swans

Victoria Park is home to Otis and Ophelia, Kitchener’s swans. They live in the park during the summer, and travel to Stratford for the winter.

Check out our social media pages for pictures and updates on Otis and Ophelia.

Events

We host events at Victoria Park during the summer. Check our events calendar to find an upcoming event.

Some popular events at Victoria Park include:

  • Cruising on King Street
  • Ribfest
  • Kitchener Blues Festival

Rent the pavilion

Victoria Park Pavilion is a popular wedding and event venue in downtown Kitchener. Visit our event rentals page to learn more.