Book a picnic area in Waterloo Park

Book a picnic shelter, open area or gazebo for your event at Waterloo Park.

Picnic rules: no alcohol, no charcoal BBQs or open fires and no inflatables. You must stay within the site's size limit, or park staff will cancel your booking.


Plan your picnic

Picnic bookings are available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Before you book

  • choose your event date and group size
  • book 1 picnic area per day
  • book at least 5 days in advance – no exceptions
  • book up to 6 months ahead – starting mid-January
  • allow extra time for permits or insurance

Parking and washrooms

  • parking is extremely limited
  • washrooms and water bottle filling stations are available on each side of the park, and at the splash pad

Find parking and washroom info on Waterloo Park map and parking page.

Follow picnic rules

If your group is over the size limit, park staff will cancel your booking.

You must follow these rules:

  • no alcohol
  • no charcoal BBQs or open fires
  • no inflatables or generators
  • clean up your area – use park waste containers

Check all picnic rules before you book.

Use BBQs safely

  • propane BBQs are allowed in rented picnic areas
  • do not use BBQs under gazebo roofs
  • no charcoal BBQs

What you can do:

  • bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks
  • use propane BBQs – not under gazebo roofs
  • set up one 10 ft × 10 ft pop-up tent – no stakes
  • bring pets – keep them on a leash
  • play music at a respectful volume
  • book an approved food truck – west side only with permit
  • use electricity at Servery and Cookhouse picnic areas
  • clean up your area – use park waste containers

What you can’t do:

  • go over the site size limit 
  • bring alcohol
  • use charcoal BBQs or open fires
  • bring inflatables or generators
  • sell food or goods without permits
  • set up large tents or stake structures
  • use confetti, colour powder, nails or tacks
  • block park roads or access
  • leave garbage on your site

If your group is over the size limit, park staff will cancel your booking.

Use the map to find picnic areas, washrooms and parking.

Open the Waterloo Park picnic area map in Google Maps

Compare picnic areas and fees to find the right space.

Prices do not include HST or insurance.

Insurance is an extra fee based on the number of attendees. If you book online, HST and insurance are added automatically. 

Picnic areas, prices and details
Picnic area Fee Details
Cookhouse Picnic Area A

$56.00

  • up to 100 people (13 picnic tables)
  • open picnic area – no shade
  • 7x7 foot hutch with power and water
Cookhouse Picnic Area B

$56.00

  • up to 100 people (13 picnic tables)
  • open picnic area – no shade
  • has power
Farmhouse Picnic Area

$56.00

  • up to 50 people
  • forested – shaded
Hilltop Picnic Area

$56.00

  • up to 100 people
  • open picnic area – partial shade
  • near sports fields
Hilltop Picnic Shelter 

$116.50

  • up to 100 people
  • covered picnic area
  • near sports fields
Harvest Tables 

 $56.00

  • up to 50 people
  • open picnic area – no shade
  • near splash pad
West Gazebo

$77.50

  • up to 30 people
  • covered 
  • near washrooms and road access
  • propane BBQs are allowed, but not directly under the gazebo roof
East Gazebo

$77.50

  • up to 30 people
  • covered 
  • near Silver Lake and gardens
  • propane BBQs are allowed, but not directly under the gazebo roof
Servery

$190.00

  • kitchen prep area only
  • includes stove, fridge, freezer, prep space and sink

Book your space

Choose how you want to book.

Book a picnic area online if you know your event details.

You’ll need:

Pay by credit card. Your total will include all fees, insurance and taxes.

Use our event request form to start your booking, if you:

  • want help confirming availability or choosing a location
  • need support with permits, insurance, or equipment
  • don’t have all the event details yet

Our team reviews requests within 2 business days and will contact you to confirm next steps.

Note: A booking is not guaranteed until we confirm you have a rental permit.

If you prefer to book by phone or have questions, contact the Facility Allocation and Bookings team (FAB) at fab@waterloo.ca or 519-884-5363.

If you book online, your total will include all fees, insurance and taxes.

If you're booking by phone or using the event form, you can pay:


Rent equipment for your event

Add extra equipment to your picnic booking:

  • picnic tables
  • fencing
  • garbage and recycling bins

Add these items when you book online.

If you book by phone or email, our staff will help with rentals.


Check if you need a permit

You may need permits or insurance if your event includes:

  • selling food, drinks or goods
  • being open to the public
  • serving food or alcohol
  • tents or other structures

If you book online, we’ll confirm if you need permits or insurance. If you’re not sure, contact our booking team.

Food and sales

Alcohol

  • serving alcohol requires a Special Occasion Permit or a licensed caterer
  • you must schedule a site visit with city staff
  • alcohol service also requires:

Pop-up tents

Food trucks

  • only allowed on the west side of Waterloo Park
  • must confirm location with park staff 
  • must be licensed to operate in the City of Waterloo

Cancel your booking

Picnic bookings run rain or shine.

To cancel a booking:

  • cancel at least 30 days in advance for a refund
  • no refunds for cancellations with less than 30 days’ notice
  • no refunds for no-shows or bad weather

Contact us to cancel.


Contact us

For help with bookings, equipment or permits, contact the Facility Allocation and Bookings (FAB) team: