Waterloo

Travel Guide

A river with a bridge, a church spire, autumn trees, and urban buildings.
A busy street with cars, a building with a sign for Waterloo Dark Brewing Co. Ltd., and a Long & McQuade musical instruments store.
A cityscape with a mix of commercial and residential buildings, surrounded by green areas and a partly cloudy sky.
A cityscape with a mix of modern and older buildings, a large green-roofed building, and a cloudy sky.
A town with a river, green parks, and a mix of residential and commercial buildings.

Waterloo combines urban parks, cultural venues, and historical sites, making it a rich destination for exploration and leisure.

Waterloo is an ideal destination for city and family travelers. You can explore Waterloo Park, which offers an urban setting for relaxation and recreation. The Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics provides insights into science, making it a notable museum to visit. For those interested in local history, the Waterloo Visitor & Heritage Information Centre serves as a key point of interest. Additionally, the vibrant Waterloo Town Square is perfect for shopping, while the Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre and the Original Princess Cinema present various theatrical and cinematic experiences. Nearby, the Elora Cataract Trailway and Iron Horse Trail offer footpaths for outdoor adventures.

Take time to wander through the different neighborhoods surrounding Waterloo, each offering unique experiences. Downtown Kitchener is known for family and city experiences, featuring the Centre In The Square and the Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts. Cherry Hill and K-W Hospital also provide opportunities for cultural experiences; Cherry Hill is home to Victoria Bowling Co., while K-W Hospital features the Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery and the Waterloo Cenotaph. Each of these areas adds depth to your visit and showcases the diverse character of the region.

The best time to visit Waterloo is from June to September, when the weather is mild and mostly dry, with temperatures ranging from 61 to 69°F. During these months, you can enjoy the outdoor attractions and activities without the interruption of rain. Demand for accommodations and events remains steady throughout the year, but it tends to be busier from July to September, so planning ahead is advisable if you prefer a quieter experience.

Waterloo Suites Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Waterloo Suites Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

2.5 out of 5
547 King St N Waterloo ON
$96 nightly
The price is $113 total per night from Nov 29 to Nov 30
$113 total
Nov 29 - Nov 30
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Waterloo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions St Jacobs Farmers Market and ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Great stay lots of businesses in the area"

Reviewed on Nov 10, 2026

Waterloo Suites Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Delta Hotels by Marriott Waterloo

Delta Hotels by Marriott Waterloo

3.5 out of 5
110 Erb St W Waterloo ON
$147 nightly
The price is $173 total per night from Nov 15 to Nov 16
$173 total
Nov 15 - Nov 16
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Waterloo. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
Delta Hotels by Marriott Waterloo
The Laundry Rooms Waterloo

The Laundry Rooms Waterloo

3 out of 5
181 King Street South Waterloo ON
$154 nightly
The price is $180 total per night from Nov 29 to Nov 30
$180 total
Nov 29 - Nov 30
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Waterloo. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
The Laundry Rooms Waterloo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The cozy nook in waterloo

The cozy nook in waterloo

Waterloo ON
Stay at this vacation home in Waterloo. Enjoy laundry facilities, cable/satellite TV service, and air conditioning. Popular attractions St Jacobs Farmers Market ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3 reviews)
"Good value for the money spent. Easy to get to. Clean and everything worked."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2026

The cozy nook in waterloo
Classic Condo in the University District!

Classic Condo in the University District!

Waterloo ON
Stay at this condo in Waterloo. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and balconies. Popular attractions St Jacobs Farmers Market and Maureen Forrester Recital ...
6.8/10 (10 reviews)
"Comfortable and convenient, easy walk to university and public transport; plenty of space in the apartment. Cluttered kitchen with cupboards stuffed full of gadgets some of which did not fully work. Appreciated having a washer/dryer available."

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2026

Classic Condo in the University District!
Boardwalk Homes - Executive Townhomes

Boardwalk Homes - Executive Townhomes

4 out of 5
University Ave. & Fischer-Hallman Waterloo ON
Stay at this apartment in Waterloo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions St Jacobs Farmers Market and Landmark Cinemas ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (19 reviews)
"Quiet and comfortable, would definitely stay again, exceeded my expectations. Very responsive host."

Reviewed on Nov 12, 2025

Boardwalk Homes - Executive Townhomes
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Waterloo attractions

Things to do

Frequently asked questions

Is Waterloo worth visiting?
Waterloo is worth visiting for its academic institutions, including the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University, which contribute to a lively local atmosphere. Travelers can also enjoy a diverse culinary scene, with options ranging from Asian to Italian cuisine.
When is the best time to visit Waterloo?
The best time to visit Waterloo is from May through September, when the climate is most favorable for travelers. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of November through February are a good option, offering a different experience with cooler weather.
What is Waterloo known for?
Waterloo is known for its prominent educational institutions, including the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University. Named after the historic Battle of Waterloo, the city also offers travelers a diverse Asian food culture and shopping at Conestoga Mall.
What is a good itinerary length for Waterloo?
A good itinerary length for Waterloo is one to two days to explore the campuses of the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University, and shop at Conestoga Mall. An extended stay of three to four days would allow more time to enjoy the local dining, including Asian, Italian, and Middle Eastern options.
What are the top things to do in and around Waterloo?
Waterloo offers a mix of university campuses, shopping, and natural spaces to explore:


How do I plan a trip to Waterloo?
To plan your trip to Waterloo, search Expedia for places to stay, flights, and rental cars. Explore attractions like the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, and Conestoga Mall. When planning outdoor activities, always have indoor alternatives ready for weather changes, ensuring a flexible and enjoyable visit.
What cuisines can you find in Waterloo?
In Waterloo you can find Indian cuisine, with dishes like curries, naan, and samosas. Travelers can also enjoy other Asian options such as Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, alongside Italian, Middle Eastern choices like shawarma, and Latin American food including Mexican dishes and burritos.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Waterloo?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Waterloo by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Waterloo with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Waterloo trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Waterloo?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Waterloo can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Waterloo trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Waterloo trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Waterloo trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Waterloo trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Waterloo?
If it's your first trip to Waterloo, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Waterloo hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Waterloo hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Waterloo

Explore a world of travel with Expedia