Getting Here

There are many ways to travel to and from Waterloo. Please see below for information and services. 

BY AIR

Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

Kitchener-Waterloo is located 90 km west of Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ). Canada's only national airline, Air Canada (tel: 1.888.247.2262), operates direct flights to Pearson from most major American cities and many smaller ones. It also flies from major cities around the world and operates connecting flights from other U.S. cities. The airport serves more than 50 airlines. For details, check the Greater Toronto Airport Authority (tel: 1.416.776.3000).

Arriving at the Airport

Pearson International Airport is the busiest in Canada.There are tourism information booths at all terminals. Also check out the resources below:

• Traveller Information
• Special Assistance
• Terminal Videos and Maps
• Car Rentals

Getting to Waterloo from Pearson International Airport

Car:

   1. Take Highway 427 south to 401 west.
   2. Follow the below driving directions in the By Car section.

FiveStar Limo Services:
Book a car for approximately C$100 at (866) 578-8005 or email Paul at info@myfivestarlimo.com. Upon arrival at the airport, proceed to the designated areas(at Terminal 1: Door D1, at Terminal 3: Post 29) and notify the Pre-Arranged Dispatcher that you are waiting.

Airways Transit
The cheapest way to Waterloo from Pearson is by Airways Transit (tel: 519.886.2121) C$45/Adult & C$28/Child.

Taxis
The fare to Waterloo is about C$100.

Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF)

Perimeter Institute is located 17 km from the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF). Currently, WestJet Airlines and Bearskin Airlines operate out of Waterloo Airport.

• Traveller Information
• Special Assistance
• Car Rentals

BY CAR

Coming from the United States:

The U.S. highway system leads directly into Canada at 13 points. If you're driving from Michigan, you'll enter at Detroit-Windsor (I-75 and the Ambassador Bridge) or Port Huron-Sarnia (I-94 and the Bluewater Bridge). If you're coming from New York, you have more options. On I-190, you can enter at Buffalo-Fort Erie; Niagara Falls, New York-Niagara Falls, Ontario; or Niagara Falls, New York-Lewiston. On I-81, you'll cross the Canadian border at Hill Island; on Route 37, you'll enter at either Ogdensburg-Johnstown or Rooseveltown-Cornwall.

Once in Canada:

To get to Perimeter Institute from Highway 401 (east or west):

   1. Exit 278 (Highway 8 west) and follow 8 West for 5 km to Highway #85, towards #7 East.
   2. Proceed on Highway #85 for 5 km to Bridgeport Road exit. Turn right at the off-ramp, traveling west.
   3. Follow Bridgeport Road for 2 km into downtown Waterloo. Bridgeport is a four-lane one-way road. It becomes Caroline Street at Albert Street. Continue straight ahead.
   4. Travel forward another 200 meters, but ease over into the right hand lane. As you go down a hill and around a curve, look for the green Perimeter Institute sign on the right hand side.

Parking
Please note there is NO parking at Perimeter Institute.

We advise that you arrive earlier than usual to find parking in the UpTown Waterloo core. Click here for free and paid parking lots within walking distance of Perimeter Institute.

Google Maps
Get Directions

BY RAIL

VIA Rail (tel. 1.888.842.7245) offers passenger rail service which runs daily from Chicago to Toronto to Kitchener.

VIA Rail Station in Kitchener is located at 126 Weber Street West, Kitchener, ON N2H 3Z9

Taxis are available at the station and it costs approximately $15 to travel to Perimeter Institute.

BY BUS

Grand River Transit (Kitchener-Waterloo's Public Transit System)

All bus service is based out of the Grand River Bus Terminal in downtown Kitchener at 15 Charles Street West. For more information about the public bus service please phone:

• In-town buses tel: 519.585.7555
• Out-of-town buses tel: 519.585.2370
  

Taxis are readily available on Charles Street at the Terminal.

To get to Perimeter Institute from the Terminal take Bus Route 7C, 7D or 7E to Erb Street in Uptown Waterloo.

Greyhound Canada

Greyhound (tel: 1.800.661.8747) offers scheduled stops at the Grand River Bus Terminal (Kitchener-Waterloo Public Transit station) and other communities in the region. Please visit their website for details.

Note: You can not purchase tickets at the Grand River Bus Terminal. Check Greyhound to buy tickets in advance or locate ticket booths.

Coach Canada (Trentway-Wagar)

Coach Canada Trentway-Wagar (tel: 1.416.961.9666 or 1.800.461.7661) has buses every two hours to the Kitchener bus terminal from the Hamilton bus station or McMaster University campus.

 

Attractions

Waterloo and the surrounding area offers an abundance of attractions suitable for everyone. Check out some of the exciting destinations below!

	Waterloo Central Railway The Waterloo Central Railway operates historic trains between Waterloo and St. Jacobs via the Farmers Market. The trains run from April to December and feature numerous special events. Google Maps
	Wings of Paradise Butterfly Conservatory Stroll among 1000’s of free-flying butterflies in our year 'round, lush tropical garden featuring over 85 species of tropical plants, waterfalls, streams and ever-expanding collection of exotic birds. Discover a honey bee observation hive, and incredible insect and butterfly collection, cafe and gift store. Free parking. Google Maps
	African Lion Safari We’ll drive your family wild!! Get closer than you ever imagined to lions, cheetah, elephants and exotic animals from around the world! Enjoy live bird and animal shows, Misumu Bay and Pet’s Corner. Google Maps
	Arboretum, U of G, (Theatre in the Trees) Guided nature tours and garden tours, wildlife and formal gardens, nature and gardening workshops, dinner theatre, 34 collections, 3,000 trees and shrubs. Open dawn to dusk year round. Meeting facilities. Free admission. Google Maps
	Bell Homestead National Historic Site This restored mid-Victorian home provided the first Canadian residence to the Bell family and the surroundings within which the telephone was invented in 1874. Google Maps
	Bingemans FunworX The largest indoor playland in the Region features over 35,000 sq. ft. of fun including a 3 level interactive play structure, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, Ropes Course, climbing wall, arcade and 7 private birthday rooms. Google Maps
	Brick Brewing Co. Limited Brick Brewing Company is a regional brewer of award winning premium quality beers. The Company, founded by Jim Brickman in 1984, was the first craft brewery to start up in Ontario. A 100% Canadian owned beer pioneer, our passion is to quench the thirst of beer drinkers by having them enjoy our high quality beer at a great value. Google Maps
	Cambridge Centre for the Arts Discover Your Creative Side...at the Cambridge Centre for the Arts. Gift Shop, Public Art Gallery, Pottery Studio, and other creative spaces where an exciting selection of art programs and performances are offered. Google Maps
	Cambridge Farmers' Market The Cambridge Farmers' Market has been in operation since the 1830’s at the same location and has remained a true Farmer’s Market ever since.
	Cambridge Galleries Public gallery featuring 20+ annual exhibitions of contemporary art and design at 3 galleries; collection of Canadian fibre art; art courses, lectures, concerts; annual appraisal day; Cineseries films; group tours. Google Maps
	Cambridge Sculpture Garden The Cambridge Sculpture Garden offers an enriched viewing of art in downtown Galt. The garden presents a central oasis to picnic, walk, or participate in children's programs. Google Maps
	Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery Premier exhibition space for contemporary silica artwork including ceramic, glass and enamel work. The gallery offers workshops, children’s art programs, adult classes, tours, lectures, facility rentals. Gift shop showcasing Canadian artists. Google Maps
	Centre In The Square One of Canada's premiere multi-purpose live performing arts venues, The Centre In The Square serves as both a presenter of its own entertainment series as well as a rental facility. Google Maps
	City of Kitchener Special Events There’s always something happening in Kitchener.Signature special events include The Word On The Street, KidSpark, New Year’s Eve Downtown Kitchener, Tooney Tuesdays, Tapestry and Cruising on King. Google Maps
	Contemporary Art Forum Kitchener & Area The Contemporary Art Forum Kitchener and Area (CAFKA) presents a biennial program of contemporary art within the civic space of Kitchener and its surrounding communities. CAFKA 2009: Sept 18 - Oct 4. Google Maps
	Doon Heritage Crossroads Costumed interpreters and rare breed farm animals bring to life an exciting era in Canadian history, in this recreated 1914 village museum of 25 historic buildings and two farms. Google Maps
	Drayton Entertainment Enjoy the finest in professional entertainment, including a playbill of mega-musicals, hilarious comedies, outrageous farces, poignant dramas, and more! Three of the six venues located in Waterloo Region. Google Maps
	Homer Watson House & Gallery The Gallery celebrates the legacy of Homer Watson through the collection and display of his art, as well as changing contemporary exhbitions, visual art programs, school programs and special events! Google Maps
	Joseph Schneider Haus Museum A National Historic Site and the farm home of Kitchener's first Mennonite family. Costumed staff, special events and daily summer themes. Changing exhibitions in the galleries. Google Maps
	Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery Through thoughtful and engaging programs, the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery (KW|AG) connects people and ideas through art. Established in 1956 and caretaker on behalf of the community of a permanent collection of nearly 4000 artworks, KW|AG is the oldest, largest collecting public art gallery in Waterloo region. Google Maps
	Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Canada`s Greatest Bavarian festival is celebrating its 40th year offering something for everyone with 17 exciting festhallen and over 40 Family and Cultural Events. Canada`s largest Thanksgiving Day parade is Monday Oct. 13.
	Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony KWS is one of the most valued cultural gems in the region. With 52 professional musicians, a renowned Youth Orchestra and outreach programs, we bring great music to everyone! Come hear what's next! Google Maps
	McDougall Cottage This charming stone cottage on the Grand in Cambridge, boasts wonderful hand-painted friezes and colourful "wee gardens". Regular kichen ceilidhs, tartan teas, "wee exhibits" and more. Google Maps
	Orchard Home Farm Pick me! Enjoy the fresh crisp taste of apples right from the tree. Open daily 9am – 7pm Mid August to late October. Online or phone for directions & crop information. Great Value! Quality Family Time! Google Maps
	Stratford Festival The Stratford Shakespeare Festival is a repertory theatre festival, permanently located in Stratford, Ontario, Canada. Our mission is to produce, to the highest standards possible, the best works of theatre in the classical and contemporary repertoire, with special emphasis on the works of William Shakespeare. Google Maps
	Village of St. Jacobs The village merchants welcome you to find your store! www.stjacobs.com for shop listings. The latest in stylish fashion, home decor. One of a kind discoveries. Small town vibe. Open daily. Google Maps
	Waterloo Region Children's Museum Teaches children about the basic principles of science and technology using art as a medium. Google Maps
	Woodside National Historic Site of Canada Woodside, the fine residence so loved by William Lyon Mackenzie King has been beautifully refurbished to represent the early 1890s. Explore on your own or take a guided tour. Google Maps
	Your Kitchener Market Everyone enjoys the tradition of a trip to the Saturday market for fresh produce, cheese, flowers, tender meat, homemade treats, original crafts and more. Fresh lunches from international cuisine vendors available Tues-Sat. Google Maps

Accommodations

Waterloo region has a wide selection of hotels to satisfy your travel accommodation needs.

Best Western St. Jacobs Country Inn 50 Benjamin Rd. East Waterloo, Ontario N2V 2J9 Tel: 519.884.9295 Toll Free: 1.800.972.5371 Google Maps	Destination Inn & Suites 547 King Street North Waterloo Ontario N2L 5Z7 Tel: 519.884.0100 ext. 804 Toll free: 1.866.222.9175 Google Maps
Comfort Inn Kitchener 2899 King Street East Kitchener Ontario N2A 1A6 Tel: 519.894.3500 Toll free: 1.866.373.4910 Google Maps	Conestoga Residence & Conference Centre 99 Conestoga College Blvd Kitchener Ontario N2P 2N5 Tel: 519.895.2272 Toll free: 1.877.225.8664 Google Maps
Delta Kitchener-Waterloo 105 King St East Kitchener Ontario N2G 2K8 Tel: 519.744.4141 Toll Free: 1.800.483.7812 Google Maps	Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton 4355 King Street East Kitchener Ontario N2P 2E9 Tel: 519.650.6090 Toll free: 1.877.600.6090 Google Maps
Holiday Inn Kitchener-Waterloo Hotel & Conference Centre 30 Fairway Rd. S. Kitchener Ontario N2A 2N2 Tel: 519.893.1211 Toll free: 1.866.375.8240 Google Maps	Hotel Laurier 75 University Ave. W. Waterloo Ontario N2L 3C5 Tel: 519. 884.0710 ext. 2771 Google Maps
Howard Johnson 1333 Weber Street E Kitchener Ontario N2A 1C2 Tel: 519.893.1234 Toll free: 1.800.GO.HOJO Google Maps	Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa 1 Langdon Drive Cambridge Ontario N3H 4R8 Tel: 519. 740.2100 Google Maps
Radisson Hotel Kitchener Waterloo 2960 King Street East Kitchener Ontario N2A 1A9 Tel: 519.894.9500 Toll free: 1.800.333.3333 Google Maps	Walper Terrace Hotel 1 King Street West Kitchener Ontario N2G 1A1 Tel: 519.745.4321 Toll free: 1.800.265.8743 Google Maps
The Waterloo Hotel 2 King St. N Waterloo Ontario N2J 2W7 Tel: 519.885.2626 Toll free: 1.877.885.1890 Google Maps	Waterloo Inn Conference Hotel 475 King Street North Waterloo Ontario N2J 2Z5 Tel: 5193.884.0221 ext. 517 Toll free: 1.800.361.4708 Google Maps

Dining

From elegance to casual, scrumptious dining choices await! Uncompromised atmosphere, flawless service and your choice of international fare- all within walking distance from the festival.

Breakfast
Angie’s Kitchen 519.886.2540 47 Erb St W PI favourite for a full breakfast Google Maps	Café 1842 519.886.3350 59 King St N  Coffee and bagel or a full cooked breakfast
Coffee Culture 519.884.3300 31 King St. North Coffee, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, soups	Mel’s Diner 519.888.7892 140 University W 50s style diner with all day breakfast Google Maps
Starbucks Coffee 519.886.2604 95 King St S. Coffee, pasteries, sandwiches, breakfast Google Maps	Tim Horton’s 519.884.2540 109 King St N Coffee, doughnuts and sandwiches Google Maps
Lunch
Casa Mia Deli & Cafe 519.725.2272 7 Father David Bauer Drive Sandwiches, soups, salads and sushi Google Maps	Crystal Palace Chinese Restaurant 519.886.6828 10 King Street South Daily Dim & Sum and weekday buffet Google Maps
Ethel’s Lounge 519.725.2361 114 King St N Eclectic Menu Google Maps	Harmony Lunch 519.886.4721 90 King Street North A landmark in Waterloo's history, burger, fries, thick shakes - CASH only Google Maps
Sabletine - Fine Pasteries 519.568.7373 203 King Street S Authentic French Pasteries, sandwiches, quiche, savoury tarts, salads and soups Google Maps	Symposium 519.746.3550 4 King Street North Breakfast, lunch and dinner - varied menu Google Maps
Subway 519.888.0566 80 King St S Sandwiches, some soups and salads Google Maps	Valu-Mart 519.884.5511 75 King St S Hot table serves chicken, salad and soup Google Maps
Fratello Pizzeria 519.886.7278 82 King St. N. Stone-Oven Pizza and European Pastries Google Maps	Seoul Soul 519.884.6053 170 University W Korean and Japanese Google Maps
Whole Lot-A-Gelata 519.884.5760 120 King St. S. Home-made gelato, panini sandwiches and fair-trade coffee & teas Google Maps
Lunch or Dinner
Failte Irish Pub 519.747.4530 85 King St N Live music and an Irish theme Google Maps	Lion Brewery Restaurant 519.886.3350 59 King St N Historical building with large menu (great for children too) Google Maps
Rude Native 519.886.3600 3 King St N Fusion cuisine Google Maps	Janet Lynn’s 519.725.3440 92 King St S Restaurant critics’ choice, fine dining Google Maps
Sole 519.747.5622 83 Erb St W Mediterranean cuisine in historic building Google Maps	Thai Sun 519.746.3504 75 King St. S Thai menu, take-out available Google Maps
Nick & Nat's Uptown 21 519.883.1100 21 King St. N "Excellent" - Daily lunch and dinner prix-fixe menu using local ingredients Google Maps	Encore Steak House 519.886.2550 130 King St. S. Fine dining (Steak & Seafood) Google Maps
Crooner’s Lounge 519.886.2550 130 King. St. S. “cool” atmosphere and comfortable menu Google Maps	Barley Works 519.886.2540 59 King St. N. Huge patio and they make their own beer! Google Maps
My-Thai Waterloo 519.954.8424 51 King St. N. Authentic Thai cuisine Google Maps	Masala Bay 519.747.2763 3B Regina N Indian Food, Lunch Buffet Google Maps