Region Background

Step into a diverse collection of vibrant scenes that are sure to feed your body and your mind! Waterloo Region is a unique area where unspoiled nature, booming high-tech industry, world-class arts and culture, bustling urban centres, renowned academic institutions, mouth-watering cuisine, and sports & leisure facilities collide!

Comprised of the cities of Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo as well as the townships of North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot and Woolwich (Home of St.Jacobs Country), Waterloo Region is located just one hour west of Toronto and is easily accessible by road, rail and air (via Region of Waterloo International Airport). Each of the cities and townships has its own character and forms an integral part of the regional mosaic.

Enriched by artists, writers, musicians, theatre performers, and the many nations represented by the multicultural population, the Region offers an authentic and unique ‘high-tech- cultural-culinary’ experience. Typical events like free public lectures on hot topics in physics research, orchestra performances of ‘Loony Tunes’ favorites, shopping for hand-crafted Mennonite furniture and golfing on world-class courses are all a day in the life in Waterloo Region.

The eclectic mix of rural and urban lets visitors to Waterloo Region rediscover their passions and become part of an animated landscape featuring fascinating historic landmarks, wonderful restaurants, farmers' markets, theatres, factory outlets, galleries, colourful festivals, world class golf courses, great fishing, canoeing, hiking and trail-riding along the beautiful Grand River.

Tourism attractions from National Historic Sites to waterparks, skiing, zip-lining, butterflies, lions, and authentic rural experiences promise to keep you engaged. The world's largest Maple Syrup Festival in Elmira, the Cambridge Highland Games,  this year’s ‘NEW’Manulife LPGA Classic, Uptown Waterloo's Busker Carnival, TD Kitchener Blues Festival, Wellesley Apple Butter & Cheese Festival, the International Plowing Festival, and North America's largest Bavarian Festival, "Oktoberfest" are just a few of the many exciting experiences at which you can eat, play and stay.

Waterloo Region boasts a history and culture built by its original European settlers of Mennonite families who migrated from Pennsylvania in the early 1800s. This rich cultural diversity has been shaped by immigration from all parts of the world ever since.

The area is a desirable destination for newcomers due primarily to our prosperous, diverse economic activity, the presence of highly respected learning institutions and leading edge high-tech industries.

Whether you are a sports enthusiast, citizen scientist, arts and culture lover, festival goer, antique hunter, outdoors-person, or natural explorer, you can picture yourself here in Waterloo Region.