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Highway 401 runs along Kitchener's southern border. Kitchener is located one hour west of [wiki=948ce72be6c871b84f6d0dab24f209ed]Toronto[/wiki], one hour east of [wiki=79a201800a273f617ebcff0db47917c7]London[/wiki], three hours east of [wiki=0051ce4c21053c59d4bd3bdcf1b5932b]Windsor[/wiki]/[wiki=1206c1cb107044f291a52d53fc9ec748]Detroit[/wiki]. If coming from Toronto, take exit 278A (Highway 8). At the Highway 7 and King Street exit, exit King Street to downtown Kitchener. If coming from London, take exit 278 (King Street), then take Highway 8 east to the King Street exit as above.
Waterloo Region International Airport [url=http://www.waterlooairport.ca/en/]]is served by WestJet [url=http://www.westjet.com[/url]]with one flight a day to [[Calgary[/url]], Bearskin Airlines [url=http://www.bearskinairlines.com]]with three flights each business day and weekends to [[Ottawa[/url]] and [wiki=0004b45d97463070fbfd2c26207c427d]Montreal[/wiki] and Sunwing Airlines [url=http://www.sunwing.ca/]]with one flight per week to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, during the winter months. Most air travel to Kitchener comes through Toronto Pearson International Airport [url=http://www.gtaa.com[/url]]in the north-west corner of [[Toronto[/url]]. Ground transportation between Kitchener and Pearson is operated by Airways Transit [url=http://www.airwaystransit.com]]who operate door-to-door services as well as scheduled minibus services from several large hotels in Kitchener, Airways Transit services are, however, prohibitively expensive, to the point that a taxi is significantly cheaper for two or more people. Another, much cheaper option for people travelling alone is to take the Greyhound coach to downtown Toronto and then take the Pacific Western [http://www.torontoairportexpress.com/[/url] airport coach to the airport, however this can take significantly longer depending on traffic.
VIA Rail [http://www.viarail.ca] runs between Kitchener and Toronto, Guelph, London, and Sarnia; the train station is located at 126 Weber St. W, near the corner of Victoria St. in the northeast corner of downtown. Via runs three trains a day in each direction.
Greyhound [url=http://www.greyhound.ca/en/]]runs regular commuter coaches between downtown Kitchener and [[Toronto[/url]], stopping on the site of the former Sportsworld amusement park on the border of Kitchener and Cambridge, some coaches to Toronto also run to the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University in [wiki=8f85653dbb6c67984bb99fbfd3657d4e]Waterloo[/wiki]. Greyhound also runs coaches to [wiki=79a201800a273f617ebcff0db47917c7]London[/wiki] and [wiki=c744d5e0b95f2079e8736f1abb778d67]Guelph[/wiki]. Coach Canada runs regular coaches from Kitchener to [wiki=a374d6f8111d54c5f5f01671ed2e9471]Hamilton[/wiki] and [wiki=d0dbc6f6b6d2faf632e0e47657015ae1]Niagara Falls[/wiki]. The bus terminal in Kitchener is in the centre of downtown, one block from city hall, on Charles Street, between Ontario and Gaukel Streets, however the main terminal for Greyhound is a temporary inflatable structure on the Sportsworld Drive site, tickets can be bought at that location or outside on the platforms of the downtown site, parcels can only be picked up or deposited at Sportsworld.
By car, with a local map: where other cities are laid out more or less on a grid Kitchener streets are not, rather follow their own complex patterns with frequent twists and turns, many continuing into adjoining Waterloo.
Likewise, street directions are designated E, W, N, and S, but only one major cross street, Lancaster Street East/West, is true to the compass (running, oddly enough, straight north/south). King, Weber and Westmount are the principal EW streets in Kitchener (at Union Street, they become King, Weber and Westmount in Waterloo, where they are designated N/S). Queen, Frederick, Ottawa and Victoria, are the principal NS cross-streets.
There is a an express route, known locally as the Conestoga Parkway, but not signed as such, which loops traffic on Highways 7&8 traffic through Kitchener South and Highway 85 traffic through Waterloo North.
Addresses number EW from Queen, NS from King.
The centre of the city, known as downtown, is divided into four neighborhoods:
*Warehouse District at the north end of downtown, full of disused factories, many of which are now being converted into loft condominiums or offices.
*Downtown Core, the centre of downtown, contains city hall and a large number of other sights, as well as many office buildings, shops and restaurants.
*Civic Centre, contains many public buildings, including the public library, the police station and the Centre in the Square concert hall.
*East End, contains many small shops and inexpensive restaurants as well as the Kitchener Market.
All public transit within the Region of Waterloo is provided by Grand River Transit [http://www.grt.ca].
Kitchener as a whole has a limited public transit system, although most centrally located sights can be reached without much difficulty. The route 7 bus is the city's main line and comes every 7 - 10 minutes. The 7 can be taken from almost anywhere on King St. south of the intersection of King and University Ave. in Waterloo. Something that can be confusing is that there are three different 7 routes, the 7c, 7d, 7e; they all run the same route until the intersection of King and University, the 7c runs to Conestoga Mall at the north end of Waterloo, the 7d travels to the University of Waterloo through the most direct route, along University and the 7e runs to the University of Waterloo along Columbia, on the north end of the campus. To the south, all 7s run to Fairview Park Mall, no matter the letter.
There is also a limited-stop Express service between Waterloo, Kitchener and Cambridge known as the 200 iXpress and comes every 10 minutes (on weekdays), 15 minutes (in the summer on weekdays). It runs a similar route to that of the 7, beginning at Conestoga Mall and stopping at the University of Waterloo, Uptown Waterloo, Downtown Kitchener, Fairview Park Mall, Cambridge Centre Mall and Downtown Galt among other places.
The bus fare is $3.00 (cheaper fares such as tickets are also available) [url=http://www.grt.ca].]If you intend to connect to another route, ask the driver for a transfer when you pay your fare. The transfer is good for 90 minutes A detailed map of all routes in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge can be purchased at a variety of locations for $2 or downloaded for free from Grand River Transit [http://www.grt.ca[/url]. Students of University of Waterloo and/or Wilfrid Laurier University do not need to pay cash fare if they flash their University-issued Student ID (WatCard for University of Waterloo; OneCard for Wilfrid Laurier) as long as the expiry date on the card has not elapsed. These students have already paid for bus services through non-refundable fees on their fees statement.
A tower built in 1925 to commemorate the pioneers who first settled in this area in 1800, the first inland settlement in Upper Canada. A national historic site.
*Victoria Park. Beautiful park in downtown. The park was designed by the firm of Frederick Law Olmstead, the same firm that designed Central Park in [wiki=d97e023dce2bb237a0d44f46d8ee9438]New York City[/wiki]. The park contains a large lake, a magnificent clock tower taken from the old city hall when it was demolished, a statue of Queen Victoria and a small restaurant that plays host to many musical acts among other things. The main entrance to the park, which was recently redesigned, is at the end of Gaukel St., only two blocks from city hall.
*Kitchener City Hall, 200 King St. W. An attractive, post-modern building located in the centre of downtown. There is a cafeteria located on the top floor of the tower.
Centre in the Square, 101 Queen St. N, [url=http://www.centre-square.com].]This is the venue where the K-W Symphony performs, and is also where Broadway touring companies perform. Located in the Civic Centre neighborhood of downtown, beside the Kitchener Library. The hall was built to be large enough to perform Wagnerian opera, and seats approximately 2000 in a lovely setting with a very nice acoustic.
*Registry Theatre, 122 Frederick St., 519-745-6565, [url=http://www.registrytheatre.com[/url].]A small theatre providing inexpensive performances by small theatre groups. Located in the Civic Centre next to the police station and behind the library.
*Theatre & Company, 36 King St. W., 519-571-0928, [url=http://www.theatreandcompany.org[/url].]A medium sized theatre located in the centre of downtown. It is next to the Waterloo Region Children's Museum and across the street from the Walper Terrace Hotel. The theatre complex itself, called the King Street Theatre, often is the venue for other events than just Theatre & Company's events.
*Children's Museum/THEMUSEUM, 10 King St. W., 519-749-9387, [url=http://www.thechildrensmuseum.ca[/url].]An extremely fun museum for children of all ages, also plays host to child related events. Located in the centre of downtown, across the street from the Walper Terrace Hotel and next to Theatre & Company.
*The gallery premiers and exhibits contemporary art of Canadian and international artists.
*Waterloo Region Museum, 10 Huron Rd., 519-748-1914, [http://www.waterlooregionmuseum.com[/url]. Ontario's largest community museum, showcasing 12,000 years of history in Waterloo Region. Also hosts traveling exhibits, events and activities. Gateway to Doon Heritage Village - see Historic Sites.
Woodside National Park, Spring Valley Drive, off Wellington Street North, 519-571-5684, [url=http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/on/woodside/index_e.asp].]The boyhood home of William Lyon MacKenzie King, Canada's longest serving prime minister. Limited hours as of 2013.
*Joseph Schneider Haus, Queen Street South, 519-742-7752, [url=http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/Region.nsf/8f9c046037662cd985256af000711418/33237bdcdca24c6f85256b0500528a5a!OpenDocument[/url].]Built by pioneer founder Joseph Schneider, restored as a Mennonite farm home of the 1850s. Adults: $2.25, Seniors/Students: $1.50, Children: $1.25, Family: $5.
*Doon Heritage Village, 10 Huron Road at Homer Watson Boulevard, 519-748-1914, [http://www.waterlooregionmuseum.com[/url]. A collection of homes and buildings removed from elsewhere in Waterloo Region, restored and reconstructed as a 1914 era village.
An amusement center, campground and conference/banquet venue.
Great downtown pub with a casual menu featuring homemade hamburgers, steaks and a great assortment of entrees. Home to Yuk Yuk's Comedy Club. LLBO
* Three Kretans, 151 Frederick St. KWs Premier Authentic Greek restaurant. Est. 1995. [http://www.threekretans.com ] Steps from the Centre in the Square and Registry Theatres. 519-576-9091
* Verses fine dining, 182 Victoria Street North, 519-744-0144, [url=http://versesrestaurant.onlife.ca].] A "Metropolitan" dining experience in this former church. Attention to detail in the food and service.
*Sandwich shop with burgers and wraps, made fresh in front of you.
*This the Walper Terrace's hotel restaurant and is only open for breakfast and lunch.
*Great place for specialty coffee, lattes, and desserts. Relaxed atmosphere, a good place to meet up with and enjoy a conversation.
*This is the Delta Hotel's restaurant.
* Despite the name, it's not across the street; it used to be there. Pleasant fine dining, if a little predictable. Excellent bread. Good selection of wines.
* Ye's Sushi, 103 King St. W, (519) 568-7566. The biggest chained restaurant in the region with all-you-can-eat sushi, Ye's has a large selection of sushis and other oriental cuisine. All-you-can-eat is $12.99 at lunch and $19.99 at dinner. The restaurant is on King St in the heart of downtown between Gaukel and Ontario Sts. A second location is located at the NorthWest intersection of King St & Northfield, and is a short walk North of Conestoga Mall.
* Ellison's Bistro, 14 Charles St. W, 519.744.2075, [url=http://www.ellisonsbistro.com/[/url].] Soul Food with Caribbean, European and Urban Finesse.
* Korean BBQ Restaurant, Korean Cuisine, 265 King St. East, 519-568-7111. Located in the Hong Kong Plaza. Affordable prices and a home-cooked feel to this small restaurant.
* Cameron Chinese Seafood Restaurant, 21 Cameron Street South (at Charles), 519-576-1163 [url=http://www.cameronrestaurant.ca/[/url].] Many 'foodies' agree that Cameron has the best Dim Sum this side of the greater Toronto area.
* City Cafe Bakery, 175 West Ave., 519-570-3558. Not a full restaurant (and just at the edge of downtown) but a hip, funky place to have lunch. They have really tasty thin crust pizza.
* Pho Dau Bo, Vietnamese Cuisine, 301 King Street East 519-568-8904. Possibly the best Vietnamese restaurant downtown. Try the rare beef pho.
* A-M Africa Restaurant, Ethiopian Cuisine, 1472 King Street East, 519-576-0313, [url=http://www.amafrica.ca/[/url].] Tasty and unique food.
* Two Goblets, Romanian Cuisine with some Hungarian, Polish and German dishes, 85 Weber Street West, 519-749-1829, [http://www.twogoblets.com/[/url]. Try the Budapest schnitzel for a real treat.
Taka Japanese Restaurant Japanese and Korean Cuisine, 270 Bleams Rd., 519-748-5456,
* Lulu's Dine and Dance, 123 Pioneer Dr, 748-5000, [url=http://lulusdineanddance.onlife.ca].] Fine Dining - the place where there are no strangers, just friends we haven't met yet.
* Modern India Restaurant, 4355 King St E, 650-4424, [url=http://modernindia.onlife.ca[/url].] Experience the wonderful exotic and tantalising flavours of authentic Indian Cuisine.
* Oriental Taste, 500 Fairway Rd S, 748-2730, [url=http://orientaltaste.onlife.ca[/url].] Amazing Chinese Buffet (over 60 items) and A La Carte Restaurant.
* Ennio's Pasta House, 200 Lorraine Ave, 576-9552, [http://www.enniospasta.com[/url]. At Ennio's you will find authentic Italian cooking at its best. The love of fine cuisine!
All the German clubs serve food but not all of them have restaurants. Call before you go.
* Alpine Club, 464 Maple Ave, 519-744-1521, [url=http://www.alpineclub.ca/].]
* Concordia Club, 429 Ottawa St South, 519-745-5617,[url=http://www.concordiaclub.ca/[/url].] The Schenke Restaurant is open 6 days a week.
* Hubertushaus, German-Canadian Hunting and Fishing Club, Mannheim (take Ottawa Street South to just past Mannheim), 519-634-8491, [http://www.gchfc.ca/[/url].
* Schwaben Club, 1668 King Street East, 519-742-7979, [http://www.kitchenerschwabenclub.com/].
* Transylvania Club, 16 Andrew St, 519-744-1191, [http://www.transylvaniaclub.com/]. Open Tu-F.