When was the last time you spent a day in UpTown Waterloo? If the answer to that question is ‘just before you graduated’ from one of its renowned post-secondary institutions, it’s time to come back and check out what’s new in UpTown Waterloo!
This heart of the city is sporting more than a new streetscape and tracks that will soon see ION Light Rail Transit trains linking it to the rest of the region. There’s a new vibe in UpTown Waterloo that offers both a vibrant lifestyle for those who live in the core, and an urban, exciting experience for those who are new – or returning – to the area.
Here are some of the best ways to check out what’s new in UpTown Waterloo:
Taking It to the Streets
Whether you’re walking, biking, taking public transit or driving, UpTown Waterloo is easy to get around. With new segregated bike lanes, sidewalks, benches with thematic LED lighting, and two hours of free parking that’s within a five minute walk of the uptown, this is a core area that encourages you to come and explore!
Waterloo is proud to be recognized as a 2018 Bicycle Friendly Community gold award winner by the Share the Road Cycling Coalition, and is the first mid-sized city in Ontario to achieve this designation.
The 3 R’s: Restaurants, Retail and Recreation
UpTown Waterloo is home to more than 450 businesses that include over 90 unique shops, and a diverse food scene with everything from cafés and bakeries, to casual and fine dining (and patios to enjoy a view of uptown!).
Patio at Proof Kitchen + Lounge
** Check out food columnist Andrew Coppolino’s blog on places to eat in UpTown Waterloo**
When you’re ready to wear off your fabulous meal, check out the trails that link UpTown Waterloo to other parts of the region. Trails that make their way through theUpTown core are the Iron Horse, Spurline, and Laurel. There’s also the UpTown Loop – a series of three self-guided walking tours that feature UpTown Waterloo’s history, award-winning architecture (like the Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery, and the Perimeter Institute), and local points of interest. Or, head to Waterloo Park located in the uptown core to enjoy a little relaxation – another R!