A university city in Southern Ontario known for its tech innovation, with over 1,000 startups and major research centers. Home to the largest Oktoberfest outside Germany.
Waterloo sits in Ontario, Canada, where you'll find scientists working on quantum computing at the Perimeter Institute, students filling the cafes around two major universities, and families enjoying the animal farm at Waterloo Park. Each October, the streets fill with lederhosen and polka music during North America's second-largest Oktoberfest celebration, while the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery displays contemporary art in a modern building downtown.
Getting Around Waterloo
The ION light rail runs every 10-15 minutes from 5am to 1am between Waterloo and Kitchener. Your journey starts at Conestoga Mall in north Waterloo and ends at Fairview Park Mall in south Kitchener, passing through the university district and Uptown Waterloo. Grand River Transit buses connect with the light rail at major stations, and you can use the same ticket for both services.
Universities and Innovation
More than 50,000 students attend the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University. At the University of Waterloo's Velocity program, entrepreneurs work on their startups without paying fees or giving up equity. Next door, physicists at the Perimeter Institute study quantum mechanics and space-time theories. This concentration of research talent has attracted tech companies like Google and BlackBerry to open offices in the city.
Parks and Green Spaces
You can walk through 45 hectares of paths in Waterloo Park, stop to see sheep and llamas at Eby Homestead, or play sports on the open fields. During summer, swim in the reservoir at Laurel Creek Conservation Area or walk along the Grand River trails at RIM Park, which extends across 200 hectares with soccer fields, indoor ice rinks, and walking paths.
Cultural Venues and Events
Browse through 900 ceramic and glass artworks at the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, the country's only museum dedicated to these art forms. Street performers take over King Street during the Busker Carnival each August. In October, more than 700,000 people join the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest for nine days of German food, music, and dancing. From June through August, free concerts happen weekly at Waterloo Public Square.
Weather and Activities
Summer temperatures reach up to 30°C (86°F), while winters drop below freezing from December through March. Plan your skating at the public rinks for winter months, and swimming at Laurel Creek between June and early September. Spring (April-May) brings rain and mild temperatures, making it ideal for visiting indoor attractions. Fall colors peak in October, coinciding with Oktoberfest celebrations.
