Car Hire Kitchener-Waterloo - Mini guide to Kitchener-Waterloo

The twin cities of Kitchener-Waterloo are situated in the welcoming countryside of southwestern Ontario. Easily accessible, and only an hour by car from Toronto, these pleasant cities offer some respite from the frenzied, industrial capital.

With two leading universities and several renowned vibrant festivals, Kitchener-Waterloo is unsurprisingly quite a popular destination. Located at the Doon Heritage Crossroads, is a museum village made up of historic buildings and artefacts that depict life as it was in 1914.

When visiting the surrounding Mennonite religious farming community, you may feel like you have stepped back in time. Visit the market, where the local Old Order Mennonites add a unique flavour to the surroundings, and where you'll witness horses pulling old fashioned buggies, loaded with goods for sale by families in old traditional style dress.

Oktoberfest is a flamboyant festival that attracts many visitors every year. As 55 per cent of Kitchener-Waterloo locals are of German heritage, it's not surprising that this is the largest Oktoberfest in North America. There are 15 'festhallen' (halls), each offering different activities.

The Waterloo County and Area Quilt Festival is an annual non-profit festival that takes place at the end of May and celebrates the art and traditions of quilt-making. The festival is the largest of its kind in Canada, consisting of 40 separate events in 10 communities in the area.

Kitchener-Waterloo is located only an hour southeast of Toronto. From Toronto, Ottawa or Montreal, follow highway 401 westbound to Interchange 278. Follow Highway 8 to King Street, which leads directly to downtown Kitchener and uptown Waterloo. The twin cities have a small airport 10 minutes east of downtown Kitchener, called the Waterloo Regional Airport. The airport only offers service between centres in the southern Ontario region. The Toronto Pearson International Airport is located only an hour from Kitchener-Waterloo.