Kitchener, ON Area Guide

Take a walk along Queen Street in Kitchener, Ontario and you’ll understand why this fast-growing city is so attractive. With its quaint cafés, small boutiques, and unique art galleries, downtown’s Queen Street is a favourite destination of residents and visitors alike. But that isn’t the only reason you’ll love renting in Kitchener.

The city, located about 100 km west of Toronto and bordered by the Grand River, contains several terrific parks, including McLennan Park, a favourite destination that provides a playground, a dog park, hiking trails, and a skate park. The Huron Natural Area is another great hiking destination with trails traversing more than 250 acres of protected forest and wetland.

For something a little more landscaped, check out the classic Victorian gardens at Rockway Gardens, home of the summer concert series. Founded in 1807, Kitchener has a long history you can explore through destinations like the Waterloo Region Museum, Doon Heritage Village, and the Homer Watson House.

During winter, the Waterloo Region is a terrific place to explore winter birding sites like Hespeler Mill Pond and the F.W.R. Dickson Wilderness Area. Be on the lookout for Snowy Owls, which are often spotted along country roads west of Linwood, a small community to the northwest of Kitchener.

While Kitchener started out as a manufacturing hub, it has evolved over time to include several high-tech, healthcare, and financial industries. Kitchener is home to several business parks, including Grand River West Business Park, Lancaster Corporate Centre, Huron Business Park, and Bridgeport Business Park. The city features one of the oldest and longest-running farmers’ markets in Canada, the Kitchener Market. Other historic locations include several schools like the Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate and Vocational School, founded in 1855.

The University of Waterloo, also in Kitchener, is well known for its programs in science, engineering, and math. After selecting your Kitchener apartment, be sure to check out the local festivals and events.