St. Jacob's Market — Photo courtesy of Ben BabcockRecognized as the "World's Top Intelligent Community" back in 2007, the city of Waterloo is located a mere two-hour drive from Niagara Falls. As you embark on your journey to Waterloo, you'll soon realize why it's known for technology and excellence. Home to the head offices of RIM (Research in Motion), the highly acclaimed University of Waterloo and the business-minded Laurier University, there are certainly no shortcomings when it comes to academia in Waterloo.
You may be wondering why you'd want to spend the day in a city that's filled with students and industry. It's as simple as this: if a city is known for its universities, it most likely means there will be a load of restaurants, activities you wouldn't find in a smaller city and adventures on and off each campus. It's the idea that each university enables a city to boom economically, and that is just what the vibrant, quaint city of Waterloo has done.
Your adventures in Waterloo have to start at The St. Jacob's Market. The second you stroll up to the market, you'll feel like you're miles away from the ordinary. From horse-drawn carriages to locally grown food vendors, this is Canada's largest market and rightfully so; it's one of the best. After you've picked up some fresh fruit, head into the town of St. Jacob's to stroll the streets, grab a bite to eat, check out The St. Jacob's Playhouse or purchase a fresh pie.
The quaintness of this Amish town is all relative to a time way more simpler than now. Hop aboard The Waterloo Central Railway's steam engine train and travel through Waterloo and St. Jacob's the old-fashioned way. It's an authentic railway experience that you'll never forget, perfect for the whole family.
With a passion for the arts, The Clay & Glass Gallery could not be a better place to visit. With a long-standing site of excellence and a unique destination for contemporary art, here is where the culture of the city lies. Explore the ever-changing exhibits, take a workshop or bring the kids in for a day camp. This is a great place to take in the beauty of art.
Stroll through Uptown Waterloo and take in the beauty of the city. Venture off to The Waterloo Park to embrace nature and explore the hidden paths of Waterloo. With historic landmarks such as Waterloo's first school house, the original farm house, a replica structure of Abraham Erb's Grist Mill, the Eby Farm and the award-winning Victorian Gardens, Waterloo's local heritage will be preserved forever.
The magic of nature also surrounds you at The Laurel Creek Conservation Area. Hike, bike or snowshoe through the trails, then pitch a tent and spend the night; a true all-Canadian way of appreciating Mother Nature's beauty.
With an extreme passion for all things beer in Waterloo, come here during Oktoberfest, the largest in the world outside of Munich, Germany. From parades to beer tents, all things related to the beauty of beer happen here.
If you're planning on dining out while in Waterloo, you must try Solé Restaurant & Wine Bar. This Italian restaurant offers delectable dishes in a quaint, luxurious atmosphere, a perfect way to cap off a lovely day.
Uptown Waterloo — Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons