Waterloo Region, a prosperous area located in Southern Ontario, is comprised of three urban centres and four rural townships. Professionals and families alike are attracted to the combination of city and country living, the universities, favourable cost of living, and general quality of life. Perimeter Institute is located in the heart of a district known as "Uptown Waterloo" – home to a majority of the region's restaurants, pubs, cafés, galleries and more. A preponderance of parks, trails, sports fields and indoor recreational facilities are located nearby.
Local Culture
There are a number of restaurants and pubs in the immediate area, offering a variety of cuisine and pub-fare. Some favourite restaurants include the Bauer Kitchen, Ish and Chips, and My Thai. The City Cafe Bakery, The Grill and the Princess Cafe are great spots for coffee and a snack. Pubs include The Jane Bond, McMullan's and the Huether Hotel with its multiple floors which include bars, pool tables, and a café. A morning trip to one of the nearby farmer's markets can supply you wtih a hearty breakfast and fresh meat and produce to last the week. Local nightclubs also include the Starlight Lounge, Club Abstract and The Flying Dog.
Across the local area, the cultural scene is remarkably vibrant. There are many opportunities to enjoy symphonic music, chamber music and opera. The Centre in the Square, known for its superb acoustics, hosts many local and international performances. A short drive away, and located in two of Ontario's most picturesque towns, are the internationally renowned Stratford Festival and The Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake, near the famous Niagara Falls.
Outdoor Recreation
Throughout local conservation areas and along the Grand River are locations to hike, camp, canoe, kayak, horseback ride and ski. Within a two hour radius of PI are a number of provincial parks to explore. These include MacGregor Point, The Pinery and Long Point. Dedicated campers may wish to trek farther north and visit the incredibly vast and beautiful Algonquin Park. Those seeking sandy beaches, sailing and scuba diving will enjoy the tranquil Lake Huron coastline and Bruce Peninsula.
Urban Adventure
Cosmopolitan activities can be found only an hour away by car in Toronto - the nation's largest city, home to six million peope and one of the world's most multicultural centres. Perimeter's Shuttle Van, train or bus service connect you to the downtown and from there you can venture into Little Itally, Little Portugal, Chinatown, Cabbagetown, The Annex and other vibrant areas.
Toronto is home to hundreds of museums, theatres and public spaces featuring a wide variety of activities – including performances by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Canadian Opera Company and National Ballet of Canada. Other major attractions include the Royal Ontario Museum, the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Ontario Science Centre, to name a few. The city also hosts the Toronto International Film Festival, Toronto Jazz Festival and Canadian National Exhibition – one of North America's largest annual fairs featuring additional performances and exhibits. Scenic walks and runs in Toronto often involve visits to Harbourfront and Toronto Island – but for something with a faster pace, a daytrip to Canada's Wonderland provides a variety of roller coasters and rides to enjoy. Watching others in the fast lane can be just as fun at the Molson Grand Prix – right in the city along the lake shore. Other professional sporting events include National Hockey League (NHL) games with the Toronto Maple Leafs, National Basketball Association (NBA) games with the Toronto Raptors and Major League Baseball (MLB) games with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Toronto has over 7000 restaurants, cafes and bars to explore – including one high atop the CN Tower. Some of the more popular spots include the Bamboo Club, The Guvernment, Fluid Lounge and the iconic El Mocambo - known simply as 'the Elmo.' Much more information about the activities and nightlife in Toronto can be found by visiting www.toronto.com.