In the city of Waterloo, you'll find yourself in the company of dreamers, entrepreneurs, and creatives – not to mention cool coffee shops, trendy restaurants, cultural events, and local experiences you can't have anywhere else.
Young at heart
From its local scene to its startup culture, Waterloo has a youthful energy that's been shaped by and for students.
With 50,000 students, two universities and a college, and one of the youngest populations in Canada, the area has tons of restaurants, shops, and services geared toward students.
Flourishing founders
As a key source of talent in the Toronto-Waterloo Corridor, Waterloo is part of the third-largest tech cluster in North America.
Some of the most innovative companies in the world are just steps away from campus. Whether your interests lie in marketing, business development, or software development, everything you need to launch a business or kickstart an exciting career is right here.
More core to explore
The interconnected cities of Kitchener and Waterloo are like one big city. People distinguish between the two by calling one "uptown" (Waterloo) and the other "downtown" (Kitchener).
There are more than 400 restaurants, shops, and boutiques; and Uptown is home to several festivals each year.
Things to do in Waterloo
Explore the nightlife
With so many students in Waterloo, there's no shortage of entertainment and nightlife to satisfy your sense of fun. Get into the excitement of our vibrant café and restaurant scene or head into Toronto, Canada's entertainment epicentre.
Popular spots in Waterloo include Phil's Grandson's Place, Molly Bloom's, and Morty's Pub.
Grab a bite to eat
As residents flock from all over the world, the region's growing international culinary scene keeps getting better and better.
Right beside our main campus, the University Shops Plaza is filled with restaurants that offer food from many different cultures.
For locally-grown food and fresh-baked goods, check out the St. Jacobs Farmers' Market and Kitchener Market.
Immerse yourself in art and culture
From live performances at Centre in the Square to fine arts at the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery to classes at Button Factory Arts, it's easy to get your regular dose of arts and culture. Plus, we're just a 45-minute trip from world-renowned theatre at the Stratford Festival.
Get a breath of fresh air
Living in Waterloo Region means easy access to nature, with parks, trails, and natural areas all near campus.
Throw a Frisbee at Waterloo Park, hike the trails at Laurel Creek Conservation Area, paddle down the Grand River, hit the ski slopes at Chicopee, or enjoy skating on the outdoor rink in Uptown Waterloo.
Attend festivals and events
The area's 1,200 annual festivals and events include Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, the largest celebration of its kind outside of Germany. Enjoy food and beverages, and dance the night away!
Events throughout the year celebrate everything from food to music to culture. Check out the Multicultural Festival, Movies in the Park, Kultrun World Music Festival, Winterloo, Kitchener Bluesfest, and Christkindl Market, to name a few. There's no shortage of activities in Canada's most diverse city!
Shop 'til you drop
Conestoga Mall is a 15-minute ride away on the ION rapid transit. With over 130 stores and services, you can get all that you need such as clothing, food, gifts — and your movie fix, too!
For a change of view, visit Fairview Park Mall in Kitchener. Shop for popular brand names and other national stores at the biggest mall in Waterloo region!
Learn more about things to see and do in Waterloo Region.
Small city, big personality
What Waterloo lacks in size, it makes up for in heart. With a vibrant and diverse community, there's a place for everyone and lots to do. Waterloo is one of the safest cities in Canada.
How to get around Waterloo Region
Living in a mid-sized community makes exploring every corner of Waterloo safe and easy.
Your student card (WatCard) gives you effortless access to public transportation, including local Grand River Transit buses and light rail transit (ION).
With frequent service and free WiFi on board the ION, getting from place to place is quick and comfortable.
Want to see family, visit friends, or catch a major league sports game? Toronto and surrounding cities are just a bus or train ride away.
You can purchase bus tickets and board at stops right on campus. The VIA Rail train station in downtown Kitchener also connects to nearby cities and is accessible by public transportation.
Learn more
- Support for student entrepreneurs
- Have fun on campus. Join some of our 200+ clubs and teams!
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