Location
Uptown Waterloo is the ideal spot for those who want to be at the heart of the action, with everything you need right at your fingertips. From shopping and dining to transit and the main library branch, it's all conveniently located for those who prefer not to drive. The entire neighbourhood is easily accessible by foot or bike, and for further exploration, the ION light rail transit offers multiple stations throughout Uptown. For those who embrace urban living, Uptown Waterloo offers plenty of condominiums and rental apartments.
If you’re looking for more space, there are charming small communities just outside the main area with detached homes on generously sized lots. Many of these homes, over 50 years old, feature classic details like wrap-around porches and wood-burning fireplaces. Living in Uptown Waterloo means there’s always something happening.
Amenities
The neighbourhood hosts events like The Waterloo Busker Carnival, the Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival, Open Street, and even a Royal Medieval Faire. Residents have access to a variety of businesses, boutiques, outdoor dining, and entertainment, including ice skating at Waterloo Town Square and films at the Princess Twin Cinema on King St. During the summer, the neighbourhood’s patios offer vibrant spots to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
Nature lovers will appreciate Waterloo Park, a neighbourhood gem with a year-round zoo, playgrounds, trails, and seasonal amenities like splash pads and skating rinks. The park also features a fantastic holiday light show sponsored by local businesses. In addition to Waterloo Park, several smaller parks like Mary Allen Park, Glen Acres Park, and Argyle Park offer more green space. The Spur Line Trail and Laurel Trail connect different parts of the neighbourhood, making them perfect for walking. For more active pursuits, the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex offers indoor swimming, an Olympic-sized ice rink, and an indoor track.
Uptown Waterloo is also home to notable institutions such as the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, Canadian Clay and Glass Museum, Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), The Balsillie School of International Affairs, and Sunlife Financial. It also features senior living options like Luther Village on the Park and Chartwell Terrace on the Square.
Public school students in Uptown Waterloo can attend Elizabeth Ziegler, Empire, or Westmount for grades JK-6, all offering French immersion. They then move on to MacGregor or Centennial for grades 7 and 8, and later to either Waterloo Collegiate Institute or Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate Institute for high school. Catholic students attend Our Lady of Lourdes for JK-8 before continuing on to Resurrection for high school.
