This website uses cookies to enhance usability and provide you with a more personal experience. By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Privacy Policy.
The washrooms near the Pavilion and play area at Victoria Park are closed until further notice.
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 venue for events and weddings.
On this page:
Walk around Victoria Park lake, crossing back and forth over numerous bridges, visit the bandstand on Roos Island, and take in some of Kitchener’s largest park trees in a formal park setting.
In the winter, enjoy outdoor skating on the Victoria Park outdoor ice rinks.
Victoria Park is a short walk away from downtown Kitchener. You can access Victoria Park from:
The Indigenous Peoples Gathering Space, or Tsi thatitsyenhayentákwen (“the place where they set down the fire”), is a dedicated space for Indigenous community members to come together for gatherings, ceremony and sacred fires.
The space is grounded in the teachings of the 13 Moons and the Turtle, which informed its design and layout and was further developed with consultants Amy Smoke and Bangishimo from the O:se Kenhionhata:tie/Willow River Center.
The Indigenous Peoples Gathering Space welcomes Indigenous gatherings, ceremony, and community connection throughout the year. We ask all visitors to respect the cultural significance of this place and help care for it with the same spirit of respect in which it was created.
Firewood is available for the fire area. To ensure the safety of the gathering space and park users, the fire pit and firewood box are locked when not actively in use.
For information on booking the gathering space, call 519-741-2345 or email info@kitchener.ca.
The Indigenous Peoples Gather Space is available to Indigenous community members for Indigenous community gatherings and/or Ceremonial Fires.
When booking, please note that the requested time frame includes setup and cleanup time, as well as the gathering/ceremony time.
To book the space, please call 519-741-2345 or email info@kitchener.ca with your request.
What is included in the booking?
Upon request, various city departments can provide support to the Indigenous community’s access and use of this space, such as the following:
Access to the Pavilion, and the washrooms within, require a separate booking.
Please fill out the rental form for the Victoria Park Pavilion as well.
The public washrooms nearest to the Indigenous Peoples Gathering Space are typically open from April 1 to October 31, from 9 a.m. to dusk. Access to the public washrooms outside of the regular time frame can be requested and coordinated with City staff at the time of booking.
During your visit to Victoria Park, you may notice the thousands of orange footprints painted on the trail throughout the park – or, more vividly, the beautiful orange “Every Child Matters” crosswalk located at the crosswalk at the intersection of Water Street and Jubilee Drive.
The footprints and crosswalk are the result of the passion of Indigenous community members and allies who had a vision to create a lasting tribute to honour the children whose lives were lost in residential schools, and those who still live with the generational trauma caused by residential schools. Read more about this community-led tribute.
In anticipation of the Every Child Matters crosswalk installation and unveiling, a number of children’s shoes were placed at the base of the Queen Victoria Statue. This action was led by the Every Child Matters Crosswalk Committee as a way to visually represent the loss of Indigenous children in Canada’s residential school system, which began in 1831 and did not end until the final school closed in 1996. The shoes were placed as a parallel to the footprints in the park and presented an opportunity and invitation for other community members – Indigenous people, allies and others – to participate in this public acknowledgement in a continued way.
The Every Child Matters Crosswalk received a LoveMyHood Matching Grant from the City of Kitchener.
Behind the Victoria Park Pavilion, you'll find our splashpad and playground. Parking is available in the pavilion parking lot.
These accessibility features are available at Victoria Park:
Victoria Park has been home to Otis and Ophelia, Kitchener’s beloved swans, for many years.
We are deeply saddened to share that Otis, one of Victoria Park’s beloved swans, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2026. He was approximately 19 years old.
Otis has been a familiar and much-loved presence at Victoria Park since his arrival in 2009. He brought joy to countless visitors and helped create special memories for many people in our community.
Ophelia remains in Victoria Park and will be moved to Elora for the winter.
We are grateful for the community’s kindness and care for both swans.
Check out our social media pages for updates.
With over 90 years of history since it was built in 1929, The Boathouse is one of Victoria Park's iconic spaces. Completely renovated and reopened in 2024, The Boathouse hosts live music and serves local food and drinks year-round. Relax for a meal on the unique cantilevered patio overlooking Victoria Park Lake or stop by their takeout window for a quick bite.
The Boathouse facility is owned by the City of Kitchener and operated by Walkinshaw Holdings. For more information on everything happening at The Boathouse, visit The Boathouse website.
Victoria Park Pavilion is a popular wedding and event venue in downtown Kitchener. Visit our event rentals page to learn more.
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:
The Roos Island Music Series is a free series sure to fill Victoria Park with music from many of our community’s incredible artists. Bring a lawn chair or picnic for an afternoon or evening out!
Learn more about the Roos Island Music Series.
Victoria Park has multiple parking options:
These Grand River Transit (GRT) routes stop near Victoria Park:
These washrooms are available at Victoria Park:
Use your own phone, tablet or computer with our free Wi-Fi. Choose the “Kitchener Public WiFi” network and follow the instructions that show up.
A AECOM - Victoria Park Master Plan - Inventory, Assessment & Project Prioritization, 2024
B Dillon Consulting Ltd. - Victoria Park Master Plan - Engagement Summary Report, 2025
C ASI Heritage - Victoria Park Master Plan - Heritage Impact Assessment, Desktop Review, 2026
D Waterloo Regional Police Service - Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Audit, 2026
Contact Us
City of Kitchener
200 King Street West,
Kitchener, Ontario
N2G 4G7
Telephone: 519-741-2345
TTY: 1-866-969-9994
Email: info@kitchener.ca
The City of Kitchener is situated on the traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. We recognize our responsibility to act as stewards for the land and honour the original caretakers who came before us. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who live in Kitchener today.
