10 Fun Things To Do In St Jacobs | Historical Tours, Markets & Hidden Gems

While it is quite small, there are many things to do in St Jacobs, Ontario. This quaint village is in the township of Woolwich, just outside the city of Waterloo.

You might know other places in the Waterloo region, like Cambridge and Kitchener, but those hardly compare to St. Jacobs’ small-town charm. The village is a mix of past and modern-day life and has many stories to tell.

Keep reading to discover the best gems in the village.

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Last Updated: June 6, 2024

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Things To Do in St. Jacobs, Ontario

While St. Jacobs may have started as a small town, today, you will discover an extensive list of activities steeped in the village’s history. 

Visit the railway station to travel back in time, stop by the Mennonite Museum to learn about the local religious community, or hike to the Old Oak Tree.

Pop over to St. Jacobs Country Tourism Center and pick up a brochure to help you plan your route and create a must-see list. They can offer recommendations and provide you with the most important St. Jacobs tourism highlights based on the time of your visit.

Whether you visit the present or the past, St. Jacobs will welcome you with open arms (and an excellent theatrical show).

Bag a Bargain

At St. Jacobs’ markets, it’s out with the old and in with the new (to you). You cannot miss the many markets in this Waterloo village, including farmers’ markets, flea markets, and antique markets.

St Jacobs Farmers’ Market is Canada’s biggest year-round farmers’ & flea market. Here, you’ll find some good treats, crafts, and fun little knick-knacks every Thursday and Saturday.

Stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables from the local Mennonite farmers or sample some meats, cheeses and maple syrup. You can also pick up some fresh ready-to-eat meals like falafels and sushi to keep up your energy levels. At the flea market, shop for vintage clothing items and accessories.

If your idea of the perfect getaway revolves around fun and unique shopping opportunities, consider staying at one of the hotels near St. Jacobs Market.

The St. Jacobs Antique Market features over 100 trade booths. Hunt for great finds like estate jewellery, vintage furniture, records, or collectables. With so many antiques in St. Jacobs to discover, you’re bound to find something suited to your taste.

Go Down Memory Train On Board The Waterloo Central Railway

Waterloo Central Railway has been running since the 1800s. While we don’t need locomotives today as much as in the 19th century, this historic railway still makes for a fun ride. The railway offers rides through the village, allowing you to see the many St. Jacobs attractions, including the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market, in a new and fun way.

Board the train at the stop by St. Jacob’s Market District and take a round trip to Elmira and back.

Watch a Show At The St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre or St. Jacobs Country Playhouse

St. Jacobs loves the arts and has not one but two theatres. The St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre offers a lively cabaret-style approach to classical theatre. It is quaint and has a table seating for only 100 guests, so arrive early.

The St. Jacobs Country Playhouse is much bigger and displays traditional Mennonite architecture. The red and green theatre is in the heart of the Market District and has a peaceful courtyard. It gives you the option of pre-ordering your drinks to skip the line and head straight to the live show.

Spend Time at Snider Memorial Park

For those interested in the history of St. Jacobs, Ontario, we recommend visiting Snider Memorial Park. Here in the park, you will find an obelisk monument dedicated to Elias Weber Bingeman Snider (often referred to as E.W.B. Snider) for his essential contributions to Ontario’s publicly-owned “Hydro” network that we all know and rely on today.

Grab a bite at Jacob’s Grill

If you’re interested in the best places to eat in St. Jacobs, Ontario, we have you covered! Grab a bite at Jacob’s Grill for a tasty meal paired with their carefully selected wines and local craft beers. For something sweeter, sip on their seasonal cocktails in the Big Tent. Their menu features filling meals like burgers and pizzas with a few gluten-free options.

Enjoy Baked Goods from Stone Crock Bakery

Stone Crock Bakery produces family-recipe-approved baked goods. Buy freshly baked bread or sink your teeth into a delicious ‘monster’ cookie. There’s also a Stone Crock restaurant if you need something more filling. This is a great option to fuel your day trip to St. Jacobs, Ontario.

Down a Brew at Block Three Brewing

Block Three Brewing Co. is a local brewery in the area established in 2013. They focus on small-batch artisanal beers that exhibit their craftsmanship.

One of the fun things to do in St. Jacobs for beer lovers is to visit their tasting rooms, where you can try samples and see how they create their beers. They dabble in all craft beer styles and also sell coffee from the ECO Café.

Enjoy your drinks on one of their two outdoor patios. After, purchase your favourites from the tasting at their bottle shop to enjoy at home.

If you’re in the area around October, take a short drive to attend the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest. It’s one of the biggest Oktoberfests in North- America.

The Mennonite Story

Learn about the local Mennonite community of St. Jacobs at  The Mennonite Story Museum. It hopes to share the religious group’s history, faith and culture with the world.  

Since opening its doors in 1979, guests have had the opportunity to take guided tours of the countryside and meet the Mennonite people. The museum also has virtual displays, short videos and film presentations of the community’s history and culture. 

The museum and tours are open from 13:00 to 17:00 Monday through Saturday and from 14:00 to 17:00 on Sundays.

Get Swept Away at Hamel Brooms

The last corn-broom manufacturer left in Canada, Hamel Brooms is a must-see shop in St. Jacobs.

A trip to a broom manufacturer might not be the first on many people’s lists, but it is an exciting look into what goes into the daily craft we often take for granted.

They’re not all about brooms and bristles. Pick up a few garden or home décor pieces while you’re there. You can find real cast irons, stained glass, and gifts to spruce up your home.

Take a Hike along Health Valley Trail

Health Valley Trail runs along the Conestogo River from the village of St. Jacobs to Waterloo. It is 2.4 kilometres long and suitable for all hikers.

Feel the burn in your legs and the crunch under your feet as you walk through the mixed terrain. It is well-maintained and great for hiking, running, and cycling. You can even go cross-country skiing and snowmobiling for fun winter activities in Ontario. 

Walk a bit further to Waterloo Region to find the secret Wise Old Oak. The fantastically carved tree looks like a forest elder from a fantasy movie.

Places Near St. Jacobs, Ontario

In addition to the many things to do in St. Jacobs, there are also interesting attractions to explore in the surrounding area. These stops are a short drive away, making them a perfect day trip if you stay in the village.

Take a Drive to The Kissing Bridge

For those willing to head slightly out of the city, a trip to West Montrose Covered Bridge (Kissing Bridge) is one of the best things to do in Waterloo’s region. Located in Woolwich, Ontario’s last remaining covered bridge spans 198 feet across the Grand River. 

West Montrose Covered Bridge was built in 1881. The picturesque bridge has seen many travellers over more than 100 years. It received its nickname Kissing Bridge because early horse and buggy drivers would often sneak in a kiss when riding through it.

Visit Elmira

It’s only a short 10-minute drive to Elmira, the largest municipality within the Woolwich Township of Waterloo Region, right on its northern border with Wellington County. You’ll find the country’s largest concentration of Old Order Mennonites at St. Jacob’s and Elmira.

Elmira is home to the acclaimed Elmira Maple Syrup Festival, renowned as the planet’s premier event celebrating maple syrup. Since its launch in 1965, tens of thousands of visitors have attended this beloved family-friendly occasion, which features exciting attractions such as sugar bush tours, a bustling outdoor mall offering an array of local food and crafts, a craft show, the Mayor’s Maple Syrup Contest, and of course, pancakes topped with genuine maple syrup.

In 2000, the Guinness Book of World Records listed the event as the world’s largest single-day maple syrup festival, making it noteworthy.

Final Thoughts: Things to Do in St. Jacobs

Whether you’re interested in antique shopping or learning more about the St. Jacobs Mennonite community, this village is a fun weekend getaway. Don’t forget to explore the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market for fresh produce and other local vendors. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply someone looking for a relaxing escape, this quaint village is a must-see destination.

FAQ

Are there accommodations in St. Jacobs for a weekend stay?

If you’re wondering where to stay in St. Jacobs, you’re in luck. Despite being a small village, there are several options for hotels, inns, bed & breakfasts, and Airbnb rentals in town and the greater surrounding area. Some popular hotels include Courtyard Marriott, Hampton Inn, and Homewood Suites.

When is St. Jacobs Market open?

The St.  Jacobs Farmers Market is open year-round on Thursdays (8 AM to 3 PM) and Saturdays (7 AM to 3:30 PM). During the summer months, it also opens on Tuesdays. The antique market in St. Jacobs, called St. Jacobs Market Road Antiques, is open seven days a week from 10 AM to 6 PM.

For other St. Jacobs shopping opportunities, consider stopping by the Outlet Mall:

• Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 7 PM
• Saturday, 9 AM to 6 PM
• Sunday, 11 AM to 6 PM