Cambridge

Three Towns, One City

Cambridge is unique in Waterloo Region for maintaining three distinct downtown cores. Residents still identify with their original community - Galt, Preston, or Hespeler - each with its own character, shops, and community identity. This gives Cambridge a small-town feel despite its growing population, with multiple walkable downtown areas to explore.

Historic Galt

Downtown Galt is Cambridge's crown jewel, featuring stunning limestone architecture along the Grand River. Founded by Scottish settlers in 1816, Galt became known as the "Manchester of Canada" for its textile mills. Today, heritage buildings house galleries, restaurants, and shops, while the riverfront provides scenic walks and photo opportunities. The area is so picturesque that film crews regularly use it as a stand-in for historic England.

Grand River Living

The Grand River defines Cambridge's character, flowing through all three cores. Miles of trails along the river connect parks, conservation areas, and neighbourhoods. Kayaking, fishing, and cycling are popular activities. The confluence of the Grand and Speed Rivers at Preston creates particularly scenic landscapes.

Growing Arts Scene

Cambridge has become a regional arts hub. The Dunfield Theatre stages professional productions, while galleries and artisan studios dot the downtown cores. The Cambridge Arts Festival and Sculpture Garden celebrate local creativity. The film and television industry has discovered Cambridge's photogenic streetscapes, bringing production jobs and profile to the city.

Economic Diversity

While Kitchener-Waterloo focuses on tech, Cambridge maintains a diverse economy. Manufacturing, particularly automotive suppliers, remains important. Toyota's Canadian headquarters is nearby. The growing tech and innovation sector is beginning to take root, attracted by lower costs than the twin cities to the north.

Highway Accessibility

Highway 401 runs through Cambridge, providing direct access to Toronto (about an hour), London, and beyond. This makes Cambridge popular with commuters and businesses requiring logistics connections. Highway 8 connects to Kitchener-Waterloo, while Highway 24 leads to Guelph.

Parks & Nature

Riverside Park is Cambridge's largest green space, with sports fields, trails, and river access. The Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory attracts visitors to experience thousands of tropical butterflies. Shade's Mills Conservation Area offers swimming, hiking, and nature appreciation. The Trans Canada Trail passes through the city.

Why Live in Cambridge?

• Heritage Character: Limestone architecture and distinct downtown cores unlike anywhere in the region
• Affordability: Generally lower home prices than Kitchener-Waterloo
• Highway Access: Direct 401 connection for Toronto commuters
• Natural Beauty: Grand River, trails, and conservation areas
• Growing Arts Scene: Theatres, galleries, and film industry presence