Waterloo

Located about 100 km west of Toronto in Southern Ontario, Waterloo is the smallest of the three municipalities in the Waterloo Region. It is in the traditional territory of the Attawandaron (Neutral), Anishnaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Pioneers arrived in the area from Pennsylvania in the early 1800s, many of which were Mennonites fleeing the American Revolution (a religious group of people known for their simplicity of living, similar to the Amish). As such, there is still a strong Mennonite community in the region today. St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market brings hundreds of vendors together year-round to sell produce, baked goods, crafts, and more! If you are academically inclined, there are two prominent universities in the city, Waterloo and Laurier, and the city boasts a thriving technological and electronics presence. Here, you will also find the Perimeter Institute of Theoretical Physics, at which you can attend lectures and immerse yourself in the dynamic research atmosphere! There are 5 major parks in the city, including RIM Park, Waterloo Park, Betchel Park, Lexington Park, and Laurel Creek Conservation Area. These parks offer up amazing, diverse recreational activities and extensive hiking trails, many of which follow the Grand River along the east side of the city.