Coming to Summer Academy 2025? On this page, you'll find information to help you plan your trip and learn a bit about the location.
The Summer Academy is being held at Wilfred Laurier University (commonly called Laurier) in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
The campus allows us not just the meeting space but also access to the grounds for outdoor breakout spaces, including grassy areas in the sun, picnic tables in both sun and shade, and plenty of lounge spaces indoors.
A little orientation to the geography
While Waterloo is a city, it's also found within the Region of Waterloo. The other 2 major cities in this region are Kitchener and Cambridge. Waterloo and Kitchener have grown up against each other and you might not know when you leave one and enter the next. Together, they are known as Kitchener-Waterloo or KW. The city centers of these 2 cities are known as Uptown Waterloo and Downtown Kitchener.
We're lucky to be surrounded by lush farmland, and the Grand River that runs through this region is part of the Canadian Heritage River Systems. You'll find hiking trails along this river that offer gorgeous river views, forests, meadows, and fields.
Where To Stay
Participants are responsible for organizing your own accommodations at Hotel Laurier.
This building is a student residence during the academic year and is available for public rental during the summer season. Accommodations are simple and minimalistic. Accommodations can be booked between May and August, so come as early as you wish and stay as long as you like to allow for acclimatization to the culture and timezone and for your Canadian tourism adventures.
Our arrangement includes 2 options: shared apartments with other Summer Academy guests or private bedrooms.
Shared Apartments
Shared apartments are $65 + 13% HST per night per person and can be 3, 4, or 5 bedroom sized units. Groupings will be organized by the Hotel Laurier staff unless you make a booking together with your GC frolleagues (that's friends+colleagues). Each apartment includes private 1-person bedrooms, each with its own bathroom (includes private shower) and a common kitchen and living room. Bed linens and towels are provided. If you intend to prepare food in the kitchen, you will need to request a "kitchen set" at the time of booking.
It is possible to cook together and eat together for breakfast and dinner in your shared apartment.
Private Rooms
Depending on the options, private bedrooms range from $75-$95/night + 13% HST. They offer a private bedroom with its own bathroom. A shared lounge and kitchen are available where you will meet other hotel guests.
If you will have a car for the duration of your stay at Hotel Laurier, parking at the residence and on campus is included in your accommodations price. A parking permit will be issued upon check-in.
Getting Here
For international participants
Toronto Pearson International Airport (commonly called Pearson) is the closest airport to our location. Transportation from Toronto to Waterloo is available by:
Taxi
Waterloo Taxi offers service between Pearson and any location in Waterloo Region. A taxi can accommodate up to 3 people and 3 pieces of checked luggage for 1 flat rate. The cost is $130 + tip to travel from Pearson to Laurier and $110 + tip to return (suggested tip $20 each way). This price includes all local taxes. The trip will take approximately 1 hour (longer during morning and evening business commuting times).
To book a taxi, visit the Waterloo Taxi website and click the "To/From Airport" button.
Car Rental
Car rental is available at the airport through several major car rental services and you can drive to the location in approximately 1 hour.
Public Transportation
Using a combination of TTC (Toronto Transit Commision), Go Transit (intercity transit), and Grand River Transit (Waterloo Region transit) you can take public transportation from the airport to the location. The trip will take 2-3 hours and will require the purchase of 3 separate fare tickets. Advanced ticket purchase for the Go Transit portion of the trip is recommended at peak travel times during morning and evening business commuting. View transit options on Google Maps.
For Canadian participants
Region of Waterloo International Airport is the closest airport to our location. Transportation from the airport is available by:
Taxi
Several taxi companies service this airport. One service Rachel uses and recommends is Waterloo Taxi (aka Lokal). To book a taxi, download the Lokal app or visit the Waterloo Taxi website. The cost is approximately $50--$60 each way.
Car Rental
Car rental is available at the airport through several major car rental services and you can drive to the location in approximately 20 minutes.
Public Transportation
Grand River Transit offers service from the airport to our location and will take 1.5-2 hours. Flat fare of $3.50 (exact change required). View transit options on Google Maps.
Getting Around
Your Walkable Neighbourhood
Once you've arrived at Laurier, you can find most anything you need within a 15-20 minute walk (or via public transportation):
- Restaurants - you'll be staying in the most diverse region in the country in a part of the city that houses 2 universities, and the restaurant options reflect it. There are plenty of options to choose from at a variety of price points. Look for options near the campus or in a neighbourhood known as Uptown Waterloo.
- Groceries - Valu-Mart (general groceries), Waterloo Central Grocery Store (Asian grocery), and India Food and Grocery are all within 1.5 km of our location
- Greenspace - Waterloo Park is a large 48-hectare (119-acre) greenspace with walking trails, picnic tables, sports fields, and more.
- Pharmacies - for any medical needs, snack foods, non-alcoholic drinks, and convenience items
- Beer and Wine - available at the LCBO (spirits are only sold here), large grocery stores, and most gas stations
Local Transportation
Grand River Transit
Grand River Transit (GRT) is our local public transportation and services all cities and most towns in Waterloo Region. This means 1 fare allows you to travel anywhere you wish within a 2-hour limit from start of travel. GRT services include both buses and light-rail transit (called the ION).
Despite it being 2025, GRT doesn't have its own app yet. They recommend using Google Maps to plan your travel.
Transit fares can be paid in cash (exact change required) on buses and by using cash to purchase a ticket at ION stations. You can also purchase multi-fare cards to use for the duration of your stay (where to purchase multi-fare cards). You scan the card at the ION station or as you enter the front door of the bus. Remember to get a transfer if you are taking more than 1 trip or transferring to another bus within 2 hours.
Neuron Mobility
Look for these bright orange e-bikes and e-scooters around the city (helmets provided). Use them via the Neuron Mobility app. While cycling is allowed on all city streets, Bike WR offers a variety of maps to highlight the bike lanes and cycling routes available.
For international guests, you can choose "international country codes" on the registration page of the Neuron app to create an account. After account creation, you sign in to your account with your phone number without the country code. You will need a data plan that includes international roaming to use the app (see the tip for the esim Airalo on this page for inexpensive data).
Carshare for Canadian participants
Communauto has service in Waterloo Region. If you choose to use this carshare service, you will need to register in advance in your home province.
A Comfortable Stay
A little guidance to help make your time here easy.
- The dress code for the Summer Academy is comfort first. Wear what makes you feel good so you can best support your body in your learning.
- The weather in late June in Waterloo is generally sunny with daytime temperatures around 23-26°C (73-78°F) and overnight temperatures of 15-20°C (59-68°F). Air conditioning is commonly used in shopping centres, restaurants, and other public places. Plan to wear layers so you can manage your comfort easily.
- You can cook and eat in the residence if you prefer. If you choose to dine out, you can expect breakfast prices of $10-$15 and entree prices at dinner to range between $15-25 for mid-range establishments and $40-60 for higher-end establishments. These prices do not reflect the 13% tax or tip.
- When paying by card at a restaurant, they will bring you the credit card machine or tell you if you have to go to the counter. Tipping 15-20% on the pre-tax total is normal. An option will be provided on the machine to add the tip, so there is no need to tell the server.
- Nearly everywhere you will shop or eat will accept payment with both cash and card. If they only accept cash or card, there will be a sign at the entrance to let you know and most cash-only places also have an ATM machine onsite.
- Canadian cash can be purchased at the airport or taken out of any bank ATM using your bank card.
- There is wifi throughout the Laurier campus. Free wifi is typically available at coffee shops, shopping malls, fast food restaurants, and all public libraries and schools. Many parks will have free wifi near park buildings and community centres. It is not available on public transit. If you would like to have consistent data access while you are here, we recommend using the esim Airalo - a simple app that offers a variety of plans to suit your internet needs. Save $4.50 CAD on your esim purchase if you sign up using this link.
- Bring a water bottle and reusable cup for hot drinks. All schools (including Laurier), libraries and government-owned public buildings and some other locations offer free water bottle filling stations (see all locations). Festivals and other public events often have a water bottle filling station too. If you purchase a hot beverage to take away at a coffee shop, most locations will sell you a "refill" at a slightly smaller price if you bring your clean to-go cup.
What To Do
Local Tourism
There's plenty to see and do in this region if you come a few days early or stay on after the Summer Academy is complete. Local options suggested below are all accessible through Grand River Transit.
Art
- Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery - Canadian clay and glass work on display and available for purchase
- Homer Watson House & Gallery - this historic home highlights the works of Canadian painter Homer Watson (1855-1936) and has an exhibition room featuring local art
- Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery - permanent collection of local and Canadian art. Special exhibition of Inuit art.
History
- McDougall Cottage - a small historic home, built in 1858, celebrates the history of Scottish immigrants who settled and worked in the area. Enjoy the historic house and historic factory district that is now home to a public square filled with entertainment, restaurants, and local history.
- Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum + Doon Heritage Village - Ken Seiling is the largest community museum in Ontario includes a permanent exhibit that tells the history of the region over the last 12,000 years. Doon Heritage Village is a collection of historic homes, moved to this site to showcase the different eras of white settlement, from earliest log cabins (1810s) to more modern homes (1930s).
- Schneider Haus National Historic Site - built in 1816, this Georgian-frame farmhouse is the oldest building in the city. The home and its outbuildings were owned by a Pennsylvania-German Mennonite family and tell the history of early white settlement. If you visit, be sure to walk over to Victoria Park to enjoy the greenspace. First opened in 1896, it's one of the city's oldest parks and includes a walking path around a small man-made lake, picnic areas, and playgrounds. The Boathouse Restaurant in the park offers a nice spot for lunch, a drink, or an ice cream (reservations recommended).
Nature
- Hiking - there are nearly 200 trails in the Region of Waterloo. You can use the AllTrails app to find one that's just right for you.
- Swimming - in late June, the water will still be pretty chilly. However, swimming is available at Laurel Creek Conservation Area and Shade's Mill Conservation Area
Live Theatre
- St. Jacobs Country Playhouse - Liars at a Funeral (a Canadian comedy)
- Registry Theatre
- Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre
Sports
- Kitchener Panthers (interprovincial baseball)
Food & Farming
- St. Jacobs Farmers' Market is the largest year-round indoor/outdoor farmers market in Canada. And it's just 10 minutes up the road from Laurier. Open on Thursdays and Saturdays, this is a great spot to stock up on fresh food for your week of learning. Be sure to try the fresh apple fritters and cotton candy made from maple sugar.
Special Events
- June 15-29: National Youth Orchestra of Canada - offering free live music most evenings at Laurier as part of the NYO Canada Chamberfest
- June 21-22: Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Festival - music, food, arts, crafts from cultural groups and organizations across the Region.
- July 1: Canada Day - a national day of celebration to honour Canada's confederation on July 1, 1867. Many options to choose how to celebrate from small town parades in the morning, to live music in the afternoon and evening, and always ending the festivities with fireworks after dark.
Day Trip Tourism
If you're arriving early or staying after the Summer Academy is complete to have some days for tourism, a rental car is highly recommended. Intercity transit is not common or convenient in Canada and will typically take 2-3 times longer to reach your destination (e.g. 90 minutes driving to Niagara Falls, taking the bus can be as long as 7 hours).
- Niagara Falls - One of Canada's most famous natural attractions. Spend a day exploring the falls including views from above the falls, behind them, at the foot, and downriver to view the powerful rapids. Buying the Niagara Falls Pass (see link) will provide you with what is possible to do in 1 day.
- Toronto - there's something for everyone in this city. Ride to the top of the CN tower (one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world), visit Ripley's Aquarium, the Royal Ontario Museum, or the Art Gallery of Ontario. Walk along Queen Street West for boutiques, art, and music, visit Chinatown, Little Italy, Greek Town, or any of the countless cultural neighbourhoods in the city for unique architecture, great food, and high entertainment. End the night with a Broadway show on North American tour at an Ed Mirvish Theatre or catch a Blue Jay's baseball game (Major League Baseball).
- Niagara on the Lake - first founded in 1781 (nearly 100 years before Canada became a country), this small town was rebuilt after being burned to the ground during the War of 1812. Most of the buildings are still standing, well-preserved, and filled with world-class theatre, small boutique shops, and fantastic restaurants. Enjoy the town, a tour of nearby Fort George (a wooden military fort where costumed interpreters will share a bit of Canadian history with you), and the more than 40 internationally award-winning wineries, breweries, and distilleries that make this region famous.
- Visit a Great Lake - The 5 Great Lakes are the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world and hold 20% of the world's freshwater supply. Within a 2 hour drive (or less) you can have a beach day on the shores of Lake Ontario, Erie, or Huron. Swim (the water will be cold!), sunbathe, walk, and play. Most beaches do not have restaurants or coffee shops - so be sure to pack a picnic and plenty to drink for a quintessential Canadian experience. Rachel recommends Pinery Provincial Park on Lake Huron. Huron is the most shallow lake so warms up more quickly than the others and this park is well taken care of. Prepay your entry fee online the day before you go to the beach to make entry into the park quick and guarantee your parking spot.
- Visit a Small Town - many small towns offer a gentle afternoon. Lunch at a local restaurant, wandering along the main street to look at small boutique shops, and finding a hiking trail to experience the local nature. Elora, Fergus, and St Jacobs each offer a unique experience.