Waterloo, Ontario is centrally located in the heart of southwestern Ontario. The town, along with nearby Kitchener serves up dynamic nightlife, fabulous restaurants, world-class cultural facilities, and family-friendly amenities and destinations. Combined, the two cities have 200 kilometres of community trails, premier sports fields, Olympic-sized ice pads, swimming facilities, and plenty of golf courses. Waterloo is a mecca for the arts and culture enthusiast with galleries, studios, museums and festivals at every turn. Waterloo is also home to two colleges, the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University.
Things to do in Waterloo
African Lion Safari
African Lion Safari has more than 1,000 exotic birds and animals, including lions, tigers, zebras, monkeys, giraffes and rhinoceroses, roaming freely in a 303-hectare (750-acre) drive-through park. Among the denizens of the North American reserve section are bison, elk and deer. Other highlights include the Elephant Swim, Birds of Prey Conservation Centre with its breeding and rehabilitation facilities, Pets' Corner, African Queen boat tour, a scenic railway tour, three bird and animal shows, Jungle Playground and Misumu Bay Wet Play. Visitors may drive their own cars along the 10-kilometre (6-mi.) trail or take the guided safari tour bus for an additional fee. If driving, visitors must remain in their cars with doors and windows closed Call (519) 623-2620 for more information.
1386 Cooper Rd., Cambridge, On N1R 5S2
Brubacher House Museum
Brubacher House Museum, on the University of Waterloo campus at Columbia St. and N. Campus Rd., was built in the Pennsylvania-German Mennonite style. The restored 1850 structure is furnished in period, and its rural surroundings have been preserved. A 10-minute audiovisual presentation gives insight into early settlers' methods of barn raising and quilting. Call (519) 886-3855 for more information.
200 University Ave. W., Waterloo, On N2L 3G1
Earth Sciences Museum
arth Sciences Museum, on the University of Waterloo campus in the Centre for Environmental and Information Technology, displays natural history exhibits, including rocks, gems, minerals and fossils. Fossil exhibits include examples of Albertosaurus and Parasaurolophus, a T-rex head and dinosaur eggs. A rock garden has stones from across Canada. Hands-on exhibits also are featured. Call (519) 888-4567 for more information.
200 University Ave. W., Waterloo, On N2L 3G1
Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery
Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery, in the Centre in the Square at 101 Queen St. N., displays contemporary and historical Canadian and international art. Exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, drawings, photography, prints and video change every 8 weeks. The gallery has a permanent collection of 4,000 works, including pieces by Pablo Picasso and the Group of Seven. Workshops and lectures are scheduled throughout the year. Guided tours and food are available. Call (519) 579-5860 for more information.
101 Queen St. N., Kitchener, On N2H 6P7
The Arboretum
The Arboretum is on the campus of the University of Guelph. From Gordon St. travel e. onto College Ave., s. on East Ring Rd., then e. on Arboretum Rd. Featured on 165 hectares (408 acres) are marked trails; thematic gardens, including English, Italian, Japanese and wildlife gardens; and more than 3,000 labeled trees and shrubs. Horticultural collections include dwarf conifers, roses, rhododendrons and lilacs. Brochures for self-guiding tours are available at the information kiosk near the main entrance. Call (519) 824-4120 for more information.
East Ring Rd. & Arboretum Rd., Guelph, On N1G 2W1