When was the last time you took a walking tour around Queen’s Square in downtown Cambridge and soaked up the history?
In my 40 years living in Cambridge – the last 13 of those years in West Galt – I am now convinced that the square at the west end of the Main Street bridge is the most historic crossroads of the city.
There are other walking tours you can enjoy in Cambridge and Kitchener, but I’m fond of Queen’s Square.
Queen’s Square where Galt’s founder, William Dickson, and his son planned the village’s western gateway, welcoming visitors on foot, on horseback in stagecoaches, for community fairs, sports, stage shows, and movies; and political gatherings, church services, and parades.
Who remembers the Queen’s Hotel, Scott’s Opera House, and the early Galt arena on the Square?
Trains rumbling down the middle of George Street to the big factories along Grand Avenue?
Did you learn to swim at the YMCA pool – or do you splash in the Gore Centennial fountain on hot summer days?
Do you gather silently on the Square every November, shoulder to shoulder with thousands of your neighbours, for Remembrance Day services around the cenotaph?
They’re all what I’ve learned is part of nearly two centuries of history that Queen’s Square is built on.
They’re all part of walking tours I’ve hosted around the square.
Queen’s Square Walking Tour
My next tour is Saturday, September 26, for a 60-minute walking tour around the square. I’m leading the 10:30 a.m.walk, organized by the Cambridge Public Library at the Queen’s Square branch.
It’s set to start at 10:30 a.m. at the Queen’s Square branch. There’s no cost, but you must register in advance to join the tour at: events.cambridgepl.ca
And bring along your stories about the square to share with your neighbours. The more I talk with people, the more history I learn about the square.
Last I checked, the Queen’s Square walking tour is full, taking names for a waiting list.
Here are other walking tours I’ve heard of in autumn 2026 in Waterloo Region.
Cambridge Walking Tours
The Dark Side of Galt Evening Walking Tour – Every Friday in October, 6:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. starts. Hosted by McDougall Cottage Museum. – $31.45
Women’s Herstory Tours by Stroll – Cambridge – Thursday, October 1, 2-4 p.m. or Saturday, October 24, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. – $37.10
Preston History Walking Tour. Saturday, October 10, 10-10:30 a.m. – Starts at Preston branch of Cambridge Public Library, 1.5 km loop. Register in advance. Free
Kitchener Walking Tours
Bloody Berlin Walking Tour – Every Thursday & Saturday in October – $33.85
Women’s Herstory Tours by Stroll – Kitchener – Saturday, October 3, 10 a.m.-noon, Thursday, October 15, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. – $37.10
Pioneer Tower Grand River Trail Hike – Saturday October 15th, 10-11:15 a.m. – Free