Do you ever find yourself struggling to come up with things to do? Whether it be with your significant other, your children, or your BFF, these ideas should keep you entertained and inspire you to try something new (all while remaining vegan + vegetarian friendly).
- For the Adventurous: Climbing at Grand River Rocks + food at the Wooden Boat Food
Start your day at Grand River Rocks for some climbing or bouldering. You can rent your gear if you’ve never done it before. Once your arms are all pumped, head over to the Wooden Boat Food Co for some Vietnamese cuisine. They have a tempeh vegan banh mi on the menu. Sit outside at one of the picnic tables, or pop over to Short Finger Brewing for a pint of beer.
Tips: Wooden Boat is only open Thursday – Saturday each week – so plan accordingly!
Price: $30-40/person (cheaper if you’re a Grand River Rocks member – you’ll get into the gym for free AND you’ll score a discount at Wooden Boat when you flash your member card)
2. For the Strategic Board Game Fanatic: Sunday Brunch at Show and Tell + games at Adventurers Guild
Head on over to Show and Tell for lattes, coffee or their vegan light Sunday brunch fare (times/info about this is always changing, so check out their Instagram for updates). Move on to the Adventurers Guild (about 10 steps away) for all you can play board games for $5/person.
Tips: Take the LRT downtown to avoid scrambling for parking!
Price: $15/person if you indulge in brunch
3. For the Nature Lover: Picnic + Hike at Huron Natural Area
Huron Natural Area is a nature oasis within the city limits. Explore the extensive network of trails and stop at one of the designated picnic tables for lunch or dinner. Pack yourself a selection of vegan crackers and cheese (which can be purchased at Fiddleheads, Coven Market in J&P grocery or Full Circle Foods). Queen St Commons also has plenty of take away options that are picnic friendly – baked goods, sandwiches, and unique salads.
Price: FREE (except all of the money you’re inevitably going to spend on vegan cheese if you’re anything like me)
4. For those with a sweet tooth: Iron Horse Trail Walk + Ice Cream @ Graffiti Market
Take a stroll down the Iron Horse Trail – stop for some Geocaching or catch some Pokemon along the way (depending on what you’re into). Make your way to Graffiti Market and take in some beer from Red Circle Brewing Co or some ice cream from Four All at the scooping counter inside. Four All always has one vegan option available whether it be an ice cream flavour or sorbet.
Tips: Sections of the Iron Horse Trail have been closed throughout 2019 – be sure to check info with the City of Kitchener before starting your adventure.
Price: $5/person (unless you want beer…)
5. For the Nostalgic: Meltwich + Arcade Games
Hit up Meltwich in University Plaza for a vegan grilled cheese (also lots of options for the non-vegans in your life) and then move over to play some old school arcade games at Pin-Up Arcade Bar. Meltwich uses Violife cheese on all of their vegan sandwiches (which is the superior vegan cheese in my opinion). This bar is a total blast from the past with an overwhelming number of old school pin-ball machines + lots of other games. They are also licensed and serve beer and cider. Note: there is a cover charge to play unlimited games.
Price: $15-20/person (not including alcohol)