Welcome to Waterloo Region — the crossroads of innovation and tradition.

Imagine a place where you can glimpse into the future through the cutting edge of technology or back in time to horse-drawn buggies. Imagine the excitement of big-city life with world-renowned festivals and attractions, and yet being close enough to escape into the stillness of the surrounding countryside.

It’s all here. #ExploreWR

With a population of over half a million, Waterloo Region is made up of three vibrant cities — Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo — and four pastoral townships: North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot and Woolwich. Each and every one of these locations add opportunity for us to share with you how we work and interact with each other.

Take a moment and choose the excitement of bustling urban centres with unique restaurants and microbreweries to sample, or the slower pace and old-world charm of the surrounding countryside. No matter what your mood, Waterloo Region has it for you to explore.

Building on a strong heritage of connecting communities and bringing family and friends together, Waterloo Region has an astonishing array of festivals and events throughout the year. Take part in the intoxicating atmosphere of the Blues Festival, the oom pah pa of the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest — the largest celebration of Bavarian heritage outside of Germany — or settle into the old world way of rural splendour with Elmira Maple Syrup Festival.

Plunge into adventure at exciting local attractions including Bingeman’s Big Splash waterpark and the exotic world of animals at the African Lion Safari, or take a quiet stroll amongst thousands of free-flying butterflies in the lush tropical gardens of the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory.
With our KW Symphony, live music and ballet performances, you will be ale to dig into cultural treasures or perhaps exploring the majesty of the Grand, a Canadian Heritage River, with paddling, hiking trails, camping, and world-class fishing is more your speed?

No visit to the Region would be complete without experiencing the wonder of the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market — the largest year-round market in Canada. With hundreds of vendors, some Old Order Mennonite, the market comes alive with the sounds, scents and colours of the rural landscape.

With the Region of Waterloo International Airport offering non-stop daily service to Calgary, and weekly service to Orlando — as well as one-stop connections to over 250 cities in 40 countries — the world is well within reach, but you may just choose to settle back into a horse-drawn sleigh ride or a relaxing trolley tour of a Mennonite farm.

It’s all here to explore as new-age meets old-world in Waterloo Region!

Visit Explore Waterloo Region’s events calendar for a list of upcoming events, festivals, sight-seeing adventures, and more! Sort by date, create your itinerary, and purchase tickets right on the site!

• ACCOMMODATIONS– Find hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts, and camping options for your stay in Waterloo Region.
• ARTS & CULTURE– See historic sites, cultural festivals, and gardens to visit during your trip or take a historic train ride!
• ATTRACTIONS & ENTERTAINMENT– Plan a family-friendly or adult only getaway that is sure to keep you entertained!
• FOOD & DRINK– Experience the dynamic food and drink scene in Waterloo Region, including great craft breweries!
• LIVE ENTERTAINMENT– Take in theatre, performance art, and more.
• MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES– Explore the region’s history and unique exhibits.
• OUTDOOR RECREATION– Take in the abundance of scenery with many sport and recreational activities, or adventure down the heritage designated Grand River.

…and more!

What’s the buzz? Get the inside scoop in the Local Buzz section of explorewaterlooregion.com! Find lists on everything from great patio locations to family-friendly things to do, as well as interesting articles about the history of the region.

Did you know? Waterloo Region an hour and a half from Niagara Falls, less than one hour from Toronto, 45 minutes from Stratford, and is located right off Highway 401.