Victoria Park

Indigenous Peoples Gathering Space: Tsi thatitsyenhayentákwen

Located in the grassed area beside Victoria Park Pavilion, Tsi thatitsyenhayentákwen, the Indigenous Peoples Gathering Space, is a dedicated site for local Indigenous organizations to come together for sacred fires, ceremonies and traditional wellness practices. The first of its kind in a City of Kitchener park space, it is available for booking by local Indigenous groups year-round.

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 about how to access these features of the gathering space, please contact 519-741-2345.

Every Child Matters crosswalk

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.

Children’s shoes at the base of Queen Victoria statue

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. 

Read more about reconciliation at the City of Kitchener.

Splashpad and playground

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:

• partially rubberized play surface
• accessible fitness equipment area with rubberized surface

Swans

Victoria Park has been home to Otis and Ophelia, Kitchener’s beloved swans, for many years. 

Check out our social media pages for updates.

The Boathouse

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.

Events and rentals

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:

• KidsPark
• Ribfest
• Kitchener Blues Festival

Roos Island Music Series

We are excited to kick off the first season of the Roos Island Music Series on the newly renovated bandstand! This free series will 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!

Rent the pavilion

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

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

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

Wi-Fi

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.