Waterloo vacation rentals

Waterloo is a vibrant city all year round

Home to cutting-edge businesses and 2 of Canada’s most prestigious universities, Waterloo is a cosmopolitan city, and a compelling vacation destination at any time of year. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend break or a big family get-together, you’ll find Waterloo vacation rentals to suit your specific needs. The relatively compact city center is easily navigable by car, bike, or foot, and is packed with elegant boutiques, cozy cafés, and restaurants serving irresistible fare from every corner of the globe. Beer lovers are also in for a treat, as Waterloo is home to some exceptional microbreweries, and some of the liveliest Oktoberfest celebrations you’ll find outside of Germany.

Activities and attractions in Waterloo

Are you hoping to find attractions to visit while you're in the area? Venture out of your cozy vacation rental and experience everything that Waterloo has to offer. These are some of the top attractions to see, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:

• Bingemans (3.7 mi / 5.9 km)
• Chicopee Ski and Summer Resort (5.6 mi / 9 km)
• Chicopee Tube Park (5.6 mi / 9.1 km)
• Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory (7.8 mi / 12.6 km)
• Cambridge Golf Club (14.9 mi / 24 km)
• Grey Silo Golf Club (3.9 mi / 6.2 km)

Fabulous festivals and shopping in Waterloo

The raucous Bavarian festivities of Oktoberfest attract visitors from all over Canada and beyond each October, while summers are all about live music, with the Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival each July, and the Waterloo Buskers’ Carnival in August. Shopaholics of all stripes will find plenty to be tempted by in Waterloo, with sprawling malls packed with all your favorite international brands, and quaint craft shops where you can search for one-of-a-kind gifts, hand made by local artisans.

Sizzling summers and snowy winters in Waterloo

If you’re hoping to make the most of Waterloo’s lush parks and bustling public squares, the peak summer season of June to August may be the best time to visit –days are long and hot. The shoulder months of May and September are also lovely – it’s usually pleasantly warm, and with fewer visitors searching for accommodation, you may be able to land a better deal on your dream Waterloo vacation rental. Winters can get very chilly, with plenty of snowfall, although temperatures are mild compared to much of Canada.

Pristine parks and animal encounters in Waterloo

Waterloo boasts plenty of picturesque parks and green spaces where you can enjoy a leisurely lakeside picnic, or a gentle walk to admire the foliage. Meanwhile, the nearby Grand River provides a spectacular setting for canoeing, tubing, fishing, and all manner of other aquatic activities. If you’re hankering after something a little more exotic, the African Lion Safari, around 35 minutes by car from Waterloo, is a great choice for an action-packed family day trip. Here, you can drive through a scenic Game Reserve and marvel at captivating creatures like rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and, the star attraction, majestic African lions.

Transportation to and around Waterloo

The nearest airport is in Toronto Pearson Intl. Airport (YYZ), located 48 mi (77.2 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you can also fly into Kitchener, ON (YKF-Region of Waterloo Intl.), which is 6.9 mi (11.1 km) away.