walking is a helpful way to talk about difficult things...
and good things too
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Whether you are a history buff, interested in military history or social issues, there is no disputing the fact that war leaves a lasting impact on a community. Even though World War One wasn't fought on Canadian soil, the effects were still dramatic since the city of Berlin had an existential crisis in the middle of everything, emerging from the war as a changed city - quite literally!
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Berlin to Kitchener 100 Years Ago: Controversial Names & Statues
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 5
2:30 - 4:00 pm
The backdrop is World War One, Berlin, Ontario and the winds of change fan the flames of conflict among citizens and neighbours.
Take a walk through Victoria Park (Willow River Park) and downtown Kitchener to explore a historical controversy over names and a park statue.
This may sound like current events, but this walk travels over 100 years ago in local history to Berlin/ Kitchener during World War One.
Learn about vandalism, unruly soldiers, rioting, and two divisive votes over the city’s name. Find out why a minister was bloodied, a beloved landmark burned, and how Germany’s Kaiser made a ‘splash’ in the park!
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Berlin's Great War Stories
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 13
2:30 - 4:00 pm
The 'Great War' years had a dramatic impact on Berlin, Ontario (now Kitchener).
The Great War ended over 100 years ago in 1918, and was an event that significantly impacted the lives of people living in Berlin, Ontario, which would change it’s city name to Kitchener in the middle of it all.
Learn about World War One through a wide range of stories and people: those who fought bravely and those who bravely refused to fight; some who volunteered and others forced to enlist; others who tried to enlist but were refused; as well as the many women who contributed on the ‘home front.’ Walk through Berlin’s tumultuous four years of war and engage with some lesser-known people and stories from Kitchener’s past.
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A SPECIAL REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY
Sunday November 6, 2022
2:30 - 3:30 pm
If you have attended our popular Mount Hope Cemetery walking tour with Wayne Miedema, you will remember that he often ends the tour at the grave of Pte. Buckam Singh. The discovery of his war medal and military grave in Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, has led the Sikh community to reclaim a forgotten son and Canada to reclaim the story of a war hero.
 Every year, on the first Sunday in November, the Sikh community gathers for a special Remembrance Day Ceremony at the grave site of Pte. Singh, beside the World War One memorial, Linwood Ave (inside the cemetery grounds). The community is welcome to attend.
Pte Buckam Singh, from Punjab India, was wounded twice on the battlefields of France in WWI, and was one of only nine Sikh soldiers allowed to serve with Canadian Forces in WWI.
Learn more about the ceremony, Pte. Buckam Singh and the only military grave in Canada of a Sikh soldier from the World Wars.
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Join TWO more dog-friendly strolls during the PAW-LIDAY Festival hosted by Dog Friendly KW! Use promo code PAWLIDAYSTROLLS to get $10 off these special walks during the Paw-liday Festival in Downtown Kitchener! Walk details & Registration links listed below. |
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Drinking in Berlin's History:
Brewers, Taverns & Saloons!
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 27
2:00 pm - 3:15 pm
A walk through downtown Kitchener reveals the locations and names behind the city’s earliest breweries and establishments where people gathered to socialize over a drink.
Discover the stories of the prohibition era, the brewery that made Canada’s first lager and accusations of tax evasion against local brewers that threatened the whole industry!
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Downtown Kitchener Mural Tour: The Best Posing Spots!
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 26
12:00 pm - 1:15 pm
Let's go find all the Instagram worthy murals to pose with your pup! Just in time for the holidays :)
We'll find all the beautiful murals created by local and international artists - with over 40+ works of art in the outdoor gallery of Downtown Kitchener, I guarantee that I can surprise you with something you’ve never seen before.
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ATTENTION!
Not sure if a walking tour is right for your dog? Check out the Stroll policy for dog-friendly walks & what the environment will be like so you can decide.
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Our Historic St. Jacobs Walking Tour is available for the month of November - every Thursday afternoon and Sunday morning. Pair it with a visit to the Village during St Jacobs Sparkles to maximize your holiday fun and kick start your holiday sparkle! ✨ November 17 - 20 & November 24 - 27, 2022 ✨
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A gift certificate for a Stroll Walking Tour ticks all the boxes:
- environmentally friendly,
- fun hyperlocal experience,
- quick and easy to purchase,
- electronic or personal delivery and,
- quick & easy to use!
Make your Stroll Gift Certificate purchase online or contact us for one of the beautiful printed gift certificates you see above.
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We can't wait to bundle up and Stroll with you in November! And remember...
"There's all sorts of walking - from heading out across the desert in a straight line to a sinuous weaving through the undergrowth. The alert eye looking ahead, picking the footholds to come, while never missing the step of the moment. "
~ Gary Snyder
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All the best,
Juanita Metzger
Owner + Operator
Stroll Walking Tours
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