The Waterloo center is approximately the area of Downtown Waterloo and the area of University Of Waterloo.
As with any location in Ontario, the best times to visit are during the spring and fall shoulder seasons. Peak season occurs during the summer months when restaurants, attractions, and parks become crowded not only by tourists, but also by local families. Canadian summers are brief but pleasant, so if you don't mind the crowds or increased hotel prices, June to August can be a wonderful time to visit.
April and May provide a nice sweet spot for visiting Waterloo between the chilly winter and crowded summer. Average highs tend to rest in the 50s or 60s, which is ideal for sightseeing. Temperatures do drop after dark, though, so be sure to wear layers. If you don't mind the chilly nights, you can score a great hotel deal during the spring months.
September through November offers pleasant weather that can't be beat. Hotel rates start to drop at the end of the summer season, but local fall festivals can hike up prices, so be sure to plan your trip well in advance to get the best deal.
If you plan on braving a Canadian winter, expect temperatures in the 20s and 30s from December to March. While biting winds tend to keep the tourists away, you'll still find plenty to do throughout the Tri-Cities. Even better, hotel rates are at their lowest during the winter season.
If you know where to stay, you can save even more money on your trip to Waterloo by taking advantage of special discounts and promotions. Many area hotels, including Holiday Inn Kitchener – Waterloo Conference Center, offer discounted rates to certain demographics. AAA/CAA members, seniors, and government employees can enjoy as much as 20 percent off an accommodation's best available rates. Just be sure to book the special rate in advance and show proof of eligibility at the time of check-in.
Other properties offer their own specials throughout the year. For instance, The Waterloo Hotel offers a weekend special that includes free breakfast, internet access, and free parking, all at a discounted rate that's perfect for a weekend getaway. Special group and event rates are also available at many area hotels.
Waterloo boasts many mid-range hotel options that give you plenty of value for the money. Four Points by Sheraton Waterloo – Kitchener Hotel & Suites is a modern property within walking distance of the Conestoga Mall. The unfussy guest rooms feature bottled water, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, work desks, and microwaves. Upgraded rooms add pull-out sofas and kitchenettes, while suites include separate bedrooms, living areas, or whirlpool tubs. There's a casual restaurant on-site as well as a lounge, fitness center, hot tub, and indoor pool.
The newly renovated Comfort Inn Waterloo is another great option close to the city's universities. The guest rooms are modern and stylishly decorated with coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Parking is complimentary, and there's a currency exchange service on-site for international travelers. You can also experience the hotel's family-style restaurant, which is located adjacent to the property.
Whether you're visiting Waterloo for business or for pleasure, there are a number of nearby attractions worth seeing. The Conestoga Mall is your go-to shopping destination in the Tri-Cities. With more than 130 retail spaces, a food court, and a cinema, it's the perfect place for an afternoon excursion. Not only can you relish in a bit of retail therapy, but you can also learn about local history at the City of Waterloo Museum, which is conveniently located inside the mall by the entrance to the food court.
If you're visiting Waterloo with children, you won't want to miss THEMUSEUM. Ontario's premier children's museum, THEMUSEUM boasts a range of interactive exhibits to keep young minds engaged. The site's temporary exhibits are always changing, providing something new for children with each visit, but the venue's permanent exhibits are also designed to keep kids coming back for more. Express your creativity on the Virtual Graffiti Wall, view the plants adorning the Living Wall, create sculptures in Construction Alley, and hone your stop-motion skills at the Animation Station.
As the only Canadian gallery dedicated to ceramic, enamel, glass, and stained glass, the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery is a favorite among art lovers. The gallery boasts more than 900 items in the permanent collection, which spans five exhibition galleries. Few galleries play as significant a role in the preservation and promotion of Canadian artists' works.
Exploring everything Waterloo has to offer can take some time, but no matter what your itinerary includes, your visit here is sure to be a memorable one. Whether you're looking for a luxury hotel or something more budget-friendly, you can find the perfect Waterloo hotel to meet your needs and budget.
If you are travelling to Waterloo on a tight budget on holiday or a cheeky city break, there are various cheap hotels which can accommodate your basic needs.
The below are the top three hotels in Waterloo offering lowest prices.
HB Guest Home 2, just a stone's throw away from the University of Waterloo provides all guests with spacious and clean rooms. Main amenities include free WIFI and parking. Prices start from as little as $59 per night.
Canada Best Value Inn, located within 15 minute drive of University of Waterloo offers main amenities such as complimentary WI-FI and parking. Every of the 30 rooms has kitchenette as well as balcony. Prices start with as little as $80 per night.
Comfort Inn Waterloo, situated right in the heart of Waterloo provides extensive range of perks such as WI-FI, bar, lounge and laundry service. Every room offers LCD TVs and refrigerators. If you want to be close to city center and enjoy the Waterloos' attractions, then book a room from just $89 per night.
If you are looking for vibrant, stylish and sophisticated hospitality then look no further than two hotels in Waterloo where you can relax and indulge in luxury. The two luxury hotels offer a range of facilities that one can only dream.
Delta Waterloo is an inner city hotel offering contemporary rooms and suites along with technologically advanced conference facilities. For those who want to stay fit while being away, Delta Waterloo provides world class fitness facility including gym and indoor pool. Located in the heart of Uptown Waterloo, you can enjoy stunning scenery, excellent shopping and range of eateries and bars at your door step. Prices start with $198 per night.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Waterloo, located yards away from the attractive village St. Jacobs surrounded by beautiful skiing trails offers spacious rooms equipped with kitchen, LCD TV and complimentary WI-FI. The amenities and services include: fitness and gym facilities, laundry service, gift shop and currency exchange. Prices start with $190 per night depending on the season of the year.
With so much to do and see in Waterloo, there are range of attractions to enjoy for everyone. When choosing your hotel in Waterloo, you need to think what you would like to and whether you mind commuting in case you are in the outskirts of the city. From green areas such as Waterloo Park where you can go for a nice stroll to fascinating museums like Earth Sciences museum where you will find about treasures of out earth.
If you fancy a bit of history, you should pay a visit to the city of Waterloo museum which offers permanent display for the City's Heritage collection.
Going out in Waterloo can be an exciting experience for you and your friends. With dynamics cocktail bars like Elements and glorious pubs like Mcabe's Irish Pub, it is no wonder that visitors are considering Waterloo a great place to go out.
Below are reviews of the city of Waterloo, ON from an actual visitor's perspective.
Smart City I can see they understand wise and ergonomic travel.
We enjoy visiting family and St. JACOBS FARMERS MARKET.
Family
Halibut Fish & Chip
Friendly people, easy to get around, and a good choice of restaurants at all levels.
Have been to Waterloo many times... one of favourite places to visit.. especially the St. Jacobs Market... gets better every time!
A lot to do day and night.
Quaint
We loved our time at St Jacobs Market and were well served for meals at Kelsey's and Boton Pizza
We loved our time at St. Jacobs Market and were well served for meals at Kelsey's and Boton Pizza.
St. Jacob's Market
Everything you need in a community and easy to get around.
Waterloo has an expressway that makes it easier to get around the city.
The antique markets around the city are great!
I enjoyed the rolling hills and landscape, plenty of trees and parks in this city. Getting about on the 7/8 and 85/86 highway system is tricky for newcomers like me.
Nice little town. Farmer's Market was great. We also enjoyed the visit to Picards.