All About Waterloo
The Region of Waterloo is composed of the tri-cities of Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge, as well as the four townships of Wellesley, Woolwich, North Dumfries and Wilmot in the heart of Southwestern Ontario. Each and every one of these locations is vibrant and unique. The population of the Region of Waterloo is 575,847 (2021 census).
The Region is located less than one hour from Toronto, Canada’s largest city, and a couple of hours from the American cities of Detroit and Buffalo via Highway 401. The area is referred to as Canada's Technology Triangle, because it is defined by an exceptional business base, a diversity of industry, world-class educational institutions and its history of technological innovation.
Transportation
Waterloo Region is one of the fastest growing areas of Ontario. It is connected by high quality transit, cycling and walking trails and the scenic Grand River.
Bus
Grand River Transit (GRT) is the public transit system within the Region of Waterloo. It operates daily bus services, primarily in the cities of Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo.
ION Light Rail Transit
Waterloo Region’s ION light rail transit (LRT) system runs between Kitchener’s Fairview Park Mall and Waterloo’s Conestoga Mall with 19 stops in between. There are plans for an expansion into Cambridge. The ION trains connect passengers to the existing bus system Grand River Transit (GRT) making it easy to travel across the region.
By Air
The Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) is located in Breslau just minutes from Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo. Toronto’s Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is located approximately 45 minutes from the Region.
Rail Access
VIA Rail and Go Transit provide access to the Waterloo Region. VIA Rail runs between Kitchener and Toronto, Guelph, London and Sarnia. VIA runs three trains a day in each direction.
Go Transit connects Kitchener to the Greater Toronto Area.
Government
Waterloo is governed by a Mayor and 7 Councillors.
Emergency Services
Call 911 if you require fire, police, or an ambulance!
Health 811
Phone: 811 or visit: Website
Health 811 is a free, confidential telephone service you can call to get health advice or general health information from a Registered Nurse 24 hours a day 7 days per week. T his is a qualified health professional, who can assess your symptoms and help you decide your best first step. They can help you decide whether to care for yourself, make an appointment with your doctor, go to a clinic, contact a community service or go to a hospital
emergency room. They have also added a new online chat feature.
Where to Stay
Things to See
and DO
Waterloo City Council
Hospitals
and Clinics
History of Waterloo
Transportation
Religion
Childcare
Recreation
Waterloo offers a variety of programs and activities for its residents. For more information on their programs, please visit Recreation and Leisure.
Trails
To view the trails in Waterloo, click here.
Shopping
Conestoga Mall
550 King Street North
Waterloo, ON
With over 130 stores and services, shoppers are sure to find everything they’re looking for.
Fairview Park Mall
2960 Kingsway Drive Website
Kitchener, ON Phone: 519-894-2450
Fairview Park Mall is the largest mall in the Waterloo Region.
Trails
To view the trails in Waterloo, click here.
Shopping
Conestoga Mall
550 King Street North
Waterloo, ON
With over 130 stores and services, shoppers are sure to find everything they’re looking for.
Fairview Park Mall
2960 Kingsway Drive Website
Kitchener, ON Phone: 519-894-2450
Fairview Park Mall is the largest mall in the Waterloo Region.
Attractions
African Lion Safari
1386 Cooper Road
Hamilton, ON
Phone: 519-623-2620
African Lion Safari is a Canadian-owned family business that opened in 1969. Their approach to animal exhibits is different than traditional methods – The visitor is caged in their vehicle and the animals roam free in 5 to 50-acre reserves. With seven large Game Reserves, totaling 750 acres, animals such as lions, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and many more are free to roam in a more spacious environment.
Centre in the Square
101 Queen Street North
Kitchener, ON N2H6P7
Phone: 519-578-1570
For more than 30 years Centre In The Square has played a leading role in showcasing the best local and international performing arts. It is the region’s largest and busiest performing arts centre, staging more than 158 events to more than 150,000 people in 2016. From classical music to rock, Broadway shows to comedy, visitors are sure to find performances that thrill and excite!
Chicopee Ski & Summer Resort
396 Morrison Road
Kitchener, ON N2A2Z6
Phone: 519-894-5610
From skiing and snowboarding in the winter, to bike trails and beach volleyball in the summer,
Chicopee Ski & Summer Resort provides year-round outdoor fun for the entire family!
RIM Park Manulife Financial Sportsplex
2001 University Avenue
Waterloo, ON N2K 4K4
Phone: 519-884-5363
RIM Park is the City of Waterloo's premier 500-acre park and recreation facility located in the Northeast corner of the City. With 18 outdoor sports fields, a multi-purpose recreation building, trails, park land, golf course, heritage and art, RIM Park provides endless opportunities for the community's recreation needs.
The Aud
Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex
400 East Avenue
Kitchener, ON
Phone: 519-741-2699
The Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex is Central Ontario’s premier location for major trade shows, exhibitions, meetings, conventions, concert productions, ice events, indoor and outdoor sports events and championship tournaments. The Aud is a multi-use facility which includes a 5800-seat auditorium, adjoining twin ice pads, a 3200-seat stadium and 1200 seat ballpark.
West Montrose Covered Bridge
Township of Woolwich
The West Montrose Covered Bridge is Ontario’s last remaining covered bridge. Located in Woolwich Township, the bridge has a 198-foot span across the Grand River. Built in 1881, visitors come from all over the world to experience this picturesque and unique bridge. The roof over the bridge protects the large timbers and trusses from the elements; this is also the reason the bridge is still standing after more than 100 years. It is also the reason it is often referred to as “The Kissing Bridge”, as early horse and buggy drivers would sneak a kiss while driving through the sheltered bridge.
