Waterloo campus and city

University of Waterloo sign with Dana Porter library in the background

A community of curious, collaborative, innovative and entrepreneurial problem-solvers and leaders

The University of Waterloo is located in Southern Ontario, in the city of Waterloo, 100 km west of Toronto. We have over 30 senate-approved research centres and institutes across all six faculties. 

Our campus is home to state-of-the-art research and teaching labs, media labs, collaborative spaces, and some great coffee! Our Environment building is LEED platinum certified and one of Canada’s greenest buildings with a living wall, green roof, and solar panels.

Campus map

Waterloo's campus map is an interactive tool that allows you to find buildings, as well as parking, transit, and places to eat. Want to find out more about what's on campus? Join us for a campus tour with Justine Salam, PhD graduate in Global Governance. Justine tours the campus and highlights graduate student spaces and resources at the University of Waterloo.

Graduate studies campus tour

Remote video URL

Discover the city

Waterloo is among the top 20 startup ecosystems in the world. Often referred to as Silicon Valley of the North, we are home to some of Canada's largest tech companies, global think tanks, and innovation hubs. Our city has an entrepreneurial spirit that continues to propel us in the creation and development of new ideas.

Food, festivals and culture

Not only is Waterloo home to an array of startups and tech giants, we have a vibrant food scene, from farmer's markets to incredible craft breweries and always-expanding international culinary options. On the arts and culture front, you can check out live performances at Centre in the Square, fine arts at the free Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery and the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery, to classes at Button Factory Arts. Plus, we're just a 45-minute trip from world-renowned theatre at the Stratford Festival.

With over 1,200 festivals and events throughout the year celebrating everything from food to music to culture, there's always something to do in Canada's most diverse city!

Nature and green space

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, take a paddle down the Grand River, hit the slopes at Chicopee Ski Hill, or enjoy a couple hours of skating on one of Waterloo's many outdoor rinks.