Waterloo, which is part of Canada’s Technology Triangle, combines technology, knowledge and education, finance and insurance, and manufacturing to create an innovative and global reaching community.
While known internationally for its innovation and technology, Waterloo with its population of 131,000 (including students), still maintains that small town feel.
Grand River Transit (GRT), operated by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, provides public transit services in and between the cities of Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge. Approximately 85% of GRT buses are wheelchair accessible. Grand River Transit (GRT) operates the specialized transit service MobilityPLUS to provide transit services to those in our community who are unable to physically access conventional GRT bus services.
In addition to the many local routes, GRT operates GRT iXpress routes. These are designed to transport riders along the fastest, most efficient route with fewer stops along the way. Grand River Transit has a satellite hub in Waterloo at the Conestoga Mall Terminal, 550 King St. N.
Waterloo commuters have access to Go Bus Services through the Wilfred Laurier Go Bus station at 75 University Avenue West, or the University of Waterloo Station at 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo. This includes Bus service to Guelph, Acton, Georgetown, Brampton and a variety of stations within Toronto including to Union Station.
Train service with Via Rail or bus service with Greyhound Bus Lines is supported from stations in Kitchener.
The Conestoga Parkway and Highway 8 connect Waterloo with Kitchener, Cambridge, Highway 7/8, and Highway 401, the major east west route that traverses southern and eastern Ontario.
From Waterloo, residents can access Toronto’s “Lester B. Pearson International Airport, Hamilton’s John C. Munro International Airport, and the Waterloo Regional Airport.
Residents of Waterloo have access to a range of medical facilities including the Grand River Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital in Kitchener. These facilities offer a full range of primary care facilities and medical and surgical services. This includes Centers of Excellence in Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Thoracic Surgery and Respirology, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Ophthalmology and Urology, as well as cancer and critical care, paediatric, mental health and medical imaging services.
The latest addition to the Waterloo healthcare network is the Medical Centre at The Boardwalk on Ira Needles Boulevard. This state-of-the-art medical facility houses physicians, specialists, nurses and technicians, as well as integrated medical experts such as an independent pharmacy, laboratory, medical imaging specialists and other medical clinics.
In Kitchener, the Waterloo Region and Waterloo Catholic District School Boards operate a host of elementary and secondary schools to respond to the changing needs of families with children. There are also a number of private schools that operate in Waterloo.
Waterloo is the proud home of the University of Waterloo (UW). The University of Waterloo has been ranked Canada’s most innovative university for the past 21 consecutive years and boasts the first and largest co-op education program in the world.
Wilfred Laurier University also is based in Waterloo. Wilfrid Laurier University has an internationally recognized Business and Economics School, as well as a broad range of arts and science programs. Within an hour’s drive of Kitchener, residents have access to a full range of other universities and community colleges.
Waterloo also boasts being the home to a number of world class think tanks and research institutes including The Perimeter Institute of Theoretical Physics, the Centre for International Governance Innovation, and the Balsillie School of International Affairs.
Whether you are looking for a career change, wanting to update your skills or fill your leisure time, a certificate, degree or Continuing Education at the Waterloo Campus of Conestoga has something that will interest you. This includes a range of programs related to skilled trades and culinary arts training, as well as academic upgrading, English Language Studies and career-focused programs.
The City of Waterloo has a vibrant arts and cultural scene. Throughout the year, there are festivals and special events, theatre, dance, live music, clubs, artwork, galleries, museums and much more for all to enjoy. Rural country settings are just minutes from town complete with a thriving Mennonite community.
Waterloo residents, students and visitors can enjoy over 60 kilometres of cycling lanes and 150 kilometres of trails for jogging, hiking or just taking the dog out for a stroll.
Waterloo’s parks offer a range of amenities including playgrounds and sports fields, skate parks and & splash pads. The Laurel Creek Conservation Area is also a popular place to relax and enjoy the outdoors including swimming, windsurfing, rowing, camping, hiking and bird-watching, just to name a few.
From the one of a kind boutiques and shops on King Street in the Uptown community of Waterloo, and The Shops at Waterloo Town Square to a trip to Conestoga Mall, and the Boardwalk Centre, shopping enthusiasts in Waterloo have plenty of choice. During the summer, you can visit the Uptown Market, a boutique farmers’ and crafters’ market, for fresh produce, cheese, meat, nuts, crafts, and much more.
Check out the full range of events and activities at: Explore Waterloo Region or We are Waterloo
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