Admissions and Guidelines

Hours

Admissions

Membership

Getting Here

Parking

Photography

Food and Beverage

Gift Shops & Souvenirs

Accessibility

Tips & Conduct

Hours

Regular Business Hours: Wednesdays to Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
Summer Hours: July - September 6 - Monday to Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Doon Heritage Village is open: July 1 - September 6 - Open Monday to Sunday from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Extended Fall Hours: Due to popular demand Doon Heritage Village will be open for select Saturdays through the fall - September 12, 19, 26, October 3, 10, and 11

Holiday Hours:
Family Day - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
March Break - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Good Friday - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Easter Monday - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Victoria Day - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Canada Day - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Civic Holiday - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thanksgiving - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Labour Day - Closed
Remembrance Day - Closed
Christmas Day - Closed
Boxing Day - Closed
New Year's Day - Closed

Regular Business Hours: Friday and Saturday - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday 12 to 5 p.m.  
Summer Hours: June, July, and August - Friday, Saturday, and Monday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday 12 to 5 p.m. 

Holiday Hours:
Family Day - Open for special event only
Good Friday to Easter Sunday - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Easter Monday - Closed
Victoria Day - 12 to 4 p.m.
Canada Day - 12 to 5 p.m.
Civic Holiday - 12 to 5 p.m.
Labour Day - Closed
Thanksgiving - 12 to 4 p.m.
Remembrance Day - Closed
Christmas Eve - Closed
Christmas Day - Closed
Boxing Day - Closed
New Year's Eve - Closed
New Year's Day - Closed

Regular Business Hours: Wednesdays to Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
Summer Hours: July - August - Monday to Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Holiday Hours:
Family Day - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
March Break - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Good Friday - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Easter Monday - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Victoria Day - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Canada Day - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Civic Holiday - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thanksgiving - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Labour Day - Closed
Remembrance Day - Closed
Christmas Day - Closed
Boxing Day - Closed
New Year's Day - Closed

The Region of Waterloo Archives are accessible by appointment only. If you are interested in conducting research, please email us at archives@regionofwaterloo.ca to discuss the details of your research and to make an appointment to access the collections and/or library. 

Admissions

Admission includes access to the museum galleries.

  • Adult (18-54) - $15
  • Senior (ages 55 and over) - $10
  • Student (ages 13-17 and/or with student ID) - $10
  • Children (ages 5 to 12) - $8
  • Children ages 4 and under - Free
  • Family/Small Group (up to 4 people) - $30
  • Family/Medium Group (up to 6 people) - $40
  • Family/Large Group (up to 8 people) - $50
  • Travel Trade / Motor Coach Tour Group Rate - 10% discount on General Admission
  • Companion / PAL Program - No charge per purchased admission for companion or support person 

(all rates plus HST)

Admission by donation to the Cottage.

Groups

To inquire about a private group tour (of 8 or more), please email us at McDougall@Regionofwaterloo.ca

Admission includes access to the museum galleries.

  • Adult (18-54) - $8
  • Senior (ages 55 and over) - $8
  • Student (ages 13-17 and/or with student ID) - $6
  • Children (ages 5 to 12) - $5
  • Children ages 4 and under - Free
  • Family/Small Group (up to 4 people) - $20
  • Family/Medium Group (up to 6 people) - $30
  • Family/Large Group (up to 8 people) - $40
  • Travel Trade / Motor Coach Tour Group Rate - 10% discount on General Admission
  • Companion / PAL Program - No charge per purchased admission for companion or support person 

(all rates plus HST)

Membership

Membership offers huge savings with unlimited admission to all Region of Waterloo-owned and operated museums for the whole year! 

Single Annual Membership only $40

Family Annual Membership only $70
(covers two adults and their dependent children 17 years and younger)

Community Membership ($60/year + HST)
New for 2026, the Community Membership is available for charitable organizations and registered not-for-profits to purchase on behalf of their organization, and can be shared openly within their organization. Proof of charitable and/or non-profit status is required to purchase this membership.

(all rates plus HST)

Full Membership Details

Getting to our sites

Address
10 Huron Road, Kitchener, ON N2P 2R7
GPS Coordinates: N 43 24' 03.24  W 80 26' 09.39 
Google Map - Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum

Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum is located in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. The museum is 3 km north of Highway 401 at Interchange 275, on Homer Watson Boulevard, or 5.7 km south of the Homer Watson Boulevard Exit on Highway 7/8. Directional signs are located on both Highway 401 and Highway 7/8. Follow the blue and white "M" (for Museum) signs along Homer Watson Boulevard.

Public Transit

Grand River Transit provides frequent bus service within walking distance of the museum, connecting to the ION light rail, seven days a week.

Address
89 Grand Avenue South, Cambridge, Ontario, N1S 2L7
Google Map - McDougall Cottage Historic Site

The Cottage is a 15-minute walk from the Ainslie Street Transit Terminal bus station.
ShapeA bus stop is located around the corner from the Cottage at the south intersection of Grand Avenue South and Cedar Street. 

Address
466 Queen St. S., Kitchener, ON, N2G 1W7

The museum is accessible by transit routes 1, 2, and 8 and is a short walk from Victoria Park and downtown Kitchener.

Google Map and Directions

GPS Coordinates
43°26'41.4"N 80°29'39.2"W

Parking

Parking at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum is quick and easy - and best of all, it's free! Please note that parking is limited. We encourage you to consider carpooling, especially during peak hours/events, to help with parking capacity and the environment. 

E-Charging Station 

Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum offers an e-vehicle charging station in in the main parking lot, available during regular museum hours. Charging is $1 per hour and is offered through Chargepoint. 

Using the Station  

  • To activate the station, payment must be made by Chargepoint card, Chargepoint digital wallet ID, or credit card (Tap to Pay type cards only) – cash is not accepted. 

  • Fees are incurred as long as the EV is physically connected to the charging station, regardless of if the vehicle has reached full charge capacity 

  • EV drivers experiencing technical issues with the equipment should contact the Chargepoint Customer Support team at 1-888-758-4389 or support@chargepoint.com  

  • EV drivers should move their vehicle to another spot once charging is complete to allow other EV drivers to use the station 

View this Parking Map to see where parking is available around the cottage. 

Parking is available free of charge on Queen Street across from the museum. 

Photography

Personal Use Photography 

Photography is allowed for personal use only with hand-held equipment. Photography must be non-disruptive to other visitors and staff. The use of tripods, monopods, lights, etc., is not permitted. Photography in special exhibitions is permitted unless otherwise indicated. Signs will be posted in galleries where photography restrictions apply.  

Professional Photography 

Professional photography is allowed on the museum's premises; however must be discussed with staff prior to visit to reduce disruption to general visitors.  

Rights and Reproductions 

Photography is permitted for personal use only with hand-held equipment. Personal photographs may not be published, sold, or otherwise distributed for commercial purposes. Visitors may post images from their museum visit on personal social media sites, provided there is no profit involved. 

Collection Digital Image Requests 

Digital photographs of objects in the museum's collection are available for commercial and publishing use. A reproduction fee applies.  

Food & Beverage

Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum

There are a limited number of snacks available at our snack cart located in the gift shop. Visitors are welcome to bring in their own food and drinks to enjoy at the bistro tables, a picturesque seating area that overlooks the Peter Martin Farm and Petersburg Railway Station), or outdoors on the patio (weather permitting). Please note that food and drinks are not permitted in the galleries. 

Schneider Haus

Schneider Haus has a limited number of snacks available at the front desk. Please note that food and drinks are not permitted in the historic buildings. 

Gift Shop & Souvenirs

Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum

In the gift shop at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum, you'll find an interesting collection of locally made items, old-fashioned toys and games, nostalgic treats, decor, gift ideas, and items crafted right here in Doon Heritage Village. Our items change with the seasons and complement our current exhibits. 

Our gift shop is a favourite spot to shop for unique gifts and décor. The gift shop is open during regular museum hours; museum admission is not required to shop in the gift shop. 

Schneider Haus

In the Schneider Haus gift shop, you’ll find an impressive assortment of local hand-crafted items, old-fashioned toys and games, and nostalgic treats – a beautiful complement to our National Heritage Site and changing exhibits! Find that perfect gift for every unique occasion and season. 

Join our membership program to receive a 10 percent discount in the gift shop!

Accessibility

The Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum is accessible for visitors with disabilities. Upon arriving at the Museum, please ask for our Guide to Visitors with Disabilities to learn about all of the Museum's services.
Most of the historic buildings in Doon Heritage Village are accessible, although our gravel pathways and roadways may pose a barrier for some people. All-terrain wheelchairs are available on loan, free of charge, at the admissions desk on a first-come, first-served basis.

When visiting Doon Heritage Village, we recommend that individuals with manual, non-motorized wheelchairs have someone available to push/help with their wheelchair.

Please note that the width of some door openings inside the historic buildings may limit access for people with motorized scooters and wheelchairs; entry door widths are listed in the Guide to Visitors with Disabilities.

Service animals are always welcome at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum.

The Region of Waterloo maintains TTY access for people who are deaf or have difficulty hearing at 519-575-4608.

PAL Card

For some people with disabilities, it is necessary to have someone's help to participate in recreation and leisure activities. The Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum honours PAL - the Personal Attendant for Leisure card.

The Cottage is partially accessible and has accommodations that can be requested.

  • Mobile ramp to access the main rooms of the Cottage.
  • McDougall Cottage does not offer a wheelchair accessible washroom.
  • The outdoor space has narrow walkways.
  • Interior steps may be a barrier to people with mobility impairments.

The main floors of the historic buildings and Discovery Space are accessible. The grounds and pathways may be a barrier to those with limited mobility. Schneider Haus does not offer wheelchair accessible washrooms.

The Region of Waterloo Archives offers accessible features, including close proximity to transit, accessible bathrooms, a convenient first-floor location, and a barrier-free entryway

Tips and Conduct

In the interest of safety and security for our staff, visitors, buildings, and collections, the following practices are observed at Region of Waterloo Museums and Archives:

  • Pets, except for service animals, are not permitted. 
  • For First Aid or lost and found articles, please ask for assistance at the admissions counter.
  • Please leave your valuables at home or secure them in a locker located near the museum's admissions counter. The Region of Waterloo assumes no liability for items left in the museum's coat room or unattended.
  • All persons entering the Region of Waterloo Museums and Archives are subject to video surveillance.
  • Children 13 years of age and under must be accompanied by a person who is at least 16 years of age.
  • Food, beverages, and chewing gum are not permitted in exhibit galleries or historic buildings.
  • Region of Waterloo Museums and Archives requires that shirts and footwear be worn at all times.
  • Please do not touch artifacts or items located behind barriers.
  • All visitors are asked to refrain from running, shouting, and generally disruptive behaviour.
  • Using profanity, obscene or abusive language is not permitted.
  • Rollerblading, skateboarding, and cycling are not permitted.
  • Visitors are not permitted to smoke inside the museums or any historic building, and must be a minimum of 9 metres away from entrances.
  • Do not pet or feed our farm animals - they may bite.
  • Large umbrellas, Nordic walking poles, tripods, and monopods are not permitted in exhibit galleries or historic buildings.
  • Pens, indelible markers, and paint are prohibited in the galleries and historic buildings.
  • Selling or attempting to sell, distribute, or solicit any goods or services to other guests or staff is not permitted.
  • The Region of Waterloo Museums and Archives reserves the right to amend these restrictions. Special exhibitions may have additional restrictions.
  • Admission is subject to compliance with applicable laws, bylaws, regulations, and facility rules (collectively the "Rules").  Failure to comply with the Rules may result in non-admission or expulsion, or immediate revocation of membership. 

  • Visitors must inform staff at the Guest Services reception counter immediately should a child become lost or separated from their guardian(s).
  • Strollers are permitted in exhibit galleries and historic buildings; however, wagons are not permitted.
  • Please do not carry children on your shoulders. Some areas of the museum and historic buildings have low ceilings or low-hanging light fixtures.
  • Please do not place or hold children over fencing that secures our farm animals.