Kitchener

Kitchener, with neighbouring Waterloo and Cambridge forms a tightly-integrated metro area within the larger Region of Region of Waterloo in Southwestern Ontario.

Kitchener Halal Travel Guide

Kitchener and Waterloo were pioneered by Mennonites from Pennsylvania, Cambridge by British, principally Scots, in the early 19th century. Once named Berlin, Kitchener was renamed in 1916 due to the anti-German sentiment during World War I, after British military hero Lord Kitchener. Since the 1950s when Waterloo attained city status, Kitchener and Waterloo have been known as the "Twin Cities", "K-W", or "Kitchener-Waterloo". Increasingly, Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge (a 1970s merger of the older City of Galt with the neighbouring Towns of Preston and Hespeler, and the village of Blair) are being referred to collectively as the "Tri-Cities".

Immigration, beginning with Germans and Central Europeans in the 19th century and continuing to the present from Central and South America and the Near East, Far East and Asia have created a broad-based multi-cultural population. Kitchener and Waterloo, in 'North Waterloo' exhibit a strong German legacy, celebrated most notably in their 9-day Oktoberfest, the largest outside of Munich. Cambridge, in 'South Waterloo', has a sizeable Portuguese population, from the Azores, and a large constituency of Newfoundlanders, relocated from Belle Isle, Newfoundland, in the 1960s.

Travel to Kitchener

By car

Highway 401 runs along Kitchener's southern border. Kitchener is located one hour west of Toronto, one hour east of London, three hours east of Windsor/Detroit. If coming from Toronto, take exit 278A (Highway 8).At the Highway 7 and King Street exit, take the exit King Street to get to downtown Kitchener. If coming from London, take exit 278 (King Street) and then take Highway 8 east to the King Street exit as above.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Kitchener

Waterloo Region International Airport is served by WestJet with one flight a day to Calgary, American Eagle with one flight a day to O'Hare International Airport|Chicago-O'Hare, and Sunwing Airlines 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 (IATA Flight Code: YYZ) in the north-west corner of Toronto. Ground transportation between Kitchener and Pearson is operated by Airways Transit who operate door-to-door services as well as scheduled shuttle van 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 airport coach to the airport, however this can take significantly longer depending on traffic.

By rail

VIA Rail runs between Kitchener and Toronto, Guelph, London, and Sarnia; the train station is located at 126 Weber St. W, near the junction of Victoria St. in the northeast corner of downtown. Via runs three trains a day in each direction. GO Transit runs two commuter trains each weekday to (in the morning) and from (in the afternoon) Toronto.

By coach

Greyhound runs regular commuter coaches between downtown Kitchener and Toronto, 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 Waterloo. Greyhound also runs coaches to London and Guelph. Megabus (Coach Canada) runs regular coaches from Kitchener to Hamilton and Niagara Falls. The bus terminal in Kitchener is in the centre of downtown, one block from city hall, on Charles Street, between Ontario and Gaukel Streets; the main office for Greyhound is a small structure on the intercity platform of that terminal.

GO Transit also offers bus travel via both universities and the downtown hub to its Mississauga Plaza One terminal; connections are available there to points across the Greater Toronto Area.

How to get around in Kitchener

By car

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 Eastwest streets in Kitchener (at Union Street and 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 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.

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 and 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 and the police station and the Centre in the Plaza concert hall.
East End, contains many small shops and affordable restaurants as well as the Kitchener Market.

By public transportation

Main article: [[Region of Waterloo (Ontario)#Public transportation]]

Grand River Transit provides all public transit within the Region of Waterloo, which allows access to most centrally located sights in the twin cities of Kitchener and Waterloo.

What to see in Kitchener

Landmarks

Waterloo Pioneer Memorial Tower 300 Lookout Ln 43.400142, -80.41622 From King St. E., take Deer Ridge Dr. to Lookout Lane - Waterloo Pioneer Memorial Tower - Waterloo Pioneer Memorial Tower, crop 2 A A tower built in 1925 to commemorate the pioneers who first settled in this area in 1800 and the first inland settlement in Upper Canada. A national historic site.

Victoria Park | 43.448053, -80.494729 Victoria Park, Kitchener Beautiful park in downtown. The park was designed by the firm of Frederick Law Olmstead and the same firm that designed Central Park in New York City. 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. West 43.4514, -80.4925 - Kitchener City Hall KitchenerCityHall - An attractive, post-modern building located in the centre of downtown.

Cultural Items

Centre in the Plaza | 101 Queen St. North 43.454499, -80.484022 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 roughly 2000 in a lovely setting with a very nice acoustic.

The Registry Theatre - 122 Frederick Street 43.452028, -80.485661 ☎ +1 519-745-6565 - A small theatre providing affordable performances by small theatre groups. Located in the Civic Centre next to the police station and behind the library.

Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts | 36 King Street West 43.450213, -80.489647 ☎ +1 519-745-4711 - Concert hall under the stewardship of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra, that houses the Orchestra’s offices, and is used for rehearsals and Youth Orchestra activities.

THEMUSEUM | 10 King St. West 43.450262, -80.489459 ☎ +1 519-749-9387 - The museum features rotating & permanent interactive exhibits related to art, science and technology.

Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery - 101 Queen Street North Kitchener, Ontario, N2H 6P7 43.454829, -80.484625 ☎ +1 519-579-5860 - The gallery premiers and exhibits contemporary art of Canadian and international artists.

Glockenspiel | 17 Benton Street 43.449086, -80.488104at corner of King Street Opening Hours: Summer plus Oktoberfest period 9AM, noon, 3PM, 5PM - Chimes sound during animated shows with figurines of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The "stage" is in a cabinet over a building entrance.

Historical sites

Woodside National Historic Site - 43.463611, -80.480833 ☎ +1 519-571-5684 Opening Hours: Daily 10AM Monday - 5PM Woodside National Historic Site - Woodside Kitchener 2006 Spring Valley Drive, off Wellington Street North. The boyhood home of William Lyon MacKenzie King, Canada's longest serving prime minister. Historic house is only open from early October till just before Christmas, but you can stroll the grounds year-round.

The Joseph Schneider Home - Schneider Haus National Historic Site - 466 Queen Street South 43.445132, -80.495304 ☎ +1 519-742-7752 - Built by pioneer founder Joseph Schneider, restored as a Mennonite farm home of the 1890s. Adults: $2.25, Seniors/Students: $1.50, Children: $1.25, Family: $5.

Waterloo Region Museum & Doon Heritage Village | 10 Huron Road 43.400573, -80.438315 at Homer Watson Blvd ☎ +1 519-748-1914 - There are two museums at this address: Waterloo Region Museum is an indoor museum featuring exhibits on Waterloo's history. The 24-acre Doon Heritage Village is an outdoor museum with a collection of homes and buildings removed from elsewhere in Waterloo Region, restored and reconstructed as a 1914 perioid village.

Public Utilities Commission Building | 191 King Street West 43.451009, -80.492815opposite Kitchener City Hall This attractive legacy building was built in the Art Deco style in 1931 using cut granite and sandstone.

Kitchener Railway Station | 126 Weber Street West 43.455669, -80.493156at Victoria Street N - The brick-and-stone station was built in 1897 for the Grand Trunk Railway. It was repaired after a 1908 fire and had further modifications in the 1960s. Today, it is still an active station used for Via Rail and GO Transit trains.

Amusement Center

Bingemans - 425 Bingemans Centre Dr 43.472313, -80.450991 ☎ +1 519-744-1555 - An amusement centre, campground and conference/banquet venue.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Kitchener

Walter Bean Trail - A trail for hiking and bicycling that, when complete, will run along the Grand River through Kitchener, as well as Waterloo and part of Cambridge.

Kitchener Memorial Auditorium - East Ave 43.447261, -80.466921 - The home of the Kitchener Rangers, an OHL (major junior hockey) team, "The Aud" often hosts other special events.

open ears festival of music & sound - Downtown Kitchener +1-888-363-3591 $0-220 A diverse, week-long, multi-venue music festival that has something for everyone. International musicians converge to treat festival goers to all manner of fascinating sounds and sights. From grand scale orchestral performances at the Centre in the Plaza to sound installations to intimate late-night experimental performances and the festival provides entertaining and interesting fare for the open-minded music lover. Festival passes, individual performance tickets and free shows are available.

Kitchener Blues Festival - Downtown Kitchener 4 Days, 5 Stages, 60+ Shows!

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Kitchener

Fairview Park Mall - 2960 Kingsway Dr 43.4249, -80.4386 - Fairview Park Mall The largest shopping centre in the region. It is in the southern part of Kitchener and is a 10-20 minutes bus ride from downtown. To get to the mall by bus from downtown take either any route 7 or iXpress bus headed south.

Kitchener Market - 46 Queen Street South 43.448072, -80.483647 - Farmer's market held on Saturday mornings (7AM - 2PM) in a new building at the south end of downtown, about a 10 minutes walk from City Hall and the bus station. There is also a food court made up of multi-cultural restaurants which is open every weekday. One local radio station, CJDV ("Dave FM") has a studio in the market, though they more often broadcast from their studio in Cambridge.

Belmont Village - Belmont Ave 43.453703, -80.518216 between Glasgow Street and Union Blvd - This three-block section of Belmont Street is lined with storefronts, giving it a small-town feel. Here you will find a few antique stores, a few flower shops, and several niche stores, as well as other businesses. Bus 8 (via Westmount) runs from the bus station downtown to the University of Waterloo, running through Belmont Village.

ABC Military Surplus - at King Street - 46 Queen Street South 43.449303, -80.489832 ☎ +1 519-571-8567 - Independent army surplus shop to purchase new or used army gear; camouflage pants, boots and supplies.

Mosques in Kitchener

Let's take a closer look at some of the notable mosques in the area.

1. Kitchener Masjid (Muslim Association of Canada)

Located at 1017 Victoria St N, the Kitchener Masjid, operated by the Muslim Association of Canada, stands as a prominent center for Islamic activities in the region. With a commendable rating of 4.8, this mosque is praised for its peaceful atmosphere. Worshippers appreciate the tranquility that envelops the space, making it an ideal place for devotion and connection with Allah.

2. Al-Falah Islamic Centre Kitchener

Situated at 62 Mcbrine Pl unit 3, the Al-Falah Islamic Centre is another significant mosque in Kitchener. Boasting a remarkable rating of 4.9, this center is acknowledged as a good place for praying. The emphasis on the spiritual aspect of the mosque makes it a vital hub for the local Muslim community.

3. Muslim Society Of Waterloo & Wellington Counties

Serving the broader region from Waterloo, ON, this mosque, with a rating of 4.8, has become a focal point for Muslims in Waterloo and Wellington Counties. The availability of three Juma prayer sessions adds to the convenience for worshippers, fostering a sense of community and religious commitment.

4. Jamia Masjid Khaatam Ul Anbiyah (KTA Masjid) Muslim Council of Ontario

Located at 26 Franklin St S, this mosque, rated at 5.0, offers a unique experience for visitors. One worshipper expressed delight at discovering a Sunni mosque in Canada, showcasing the diversity within the Muslim community in Kitchener.

5. Al-Salaam Islamic Centre

Nestled at 300 Mill St #10, the Al-Salaam Islamic Centre stands out for its cleanliness and beauty, earning a perfect rating of 5.0. This mosque not only provides a serene environment for worship but also adds an aesthetic dimension to the religious experience.

6. Islamic Shia Jamaat Of Waterloo Wellington

Found at 81 Hollinger Crescent, this mosque, with a perfect rating of 5.0, is described as an amazing place for worship. The positive feedback underlines the inclusivity of Kitchener's Muslim community, with Shia Muslims finding a welcoming space for their spiritual practices.

7. Al Zahra Shia Association of Waterloo Region

Situated at 204 Madison Ave S, this Shia association, with a rating of 4.7, is highly regarded for its role in facilitating Iftar, the breaking of the fast during Ramadan. It serves as a testament to the mosque's commitment to fostering community bonds through shared religious experiences.

8. Ismaili Community Centre And Jamatkhana - Kitchener

Located at 299 Lawrence Ave, this center, rated at 5.0, is praised for its spiritual significance. Visitors express that it is the best place for a spiritual experience, reflecting the diverse traditions within the broader Islamic community.

In conclusion, the mosques in Kitchener, Ontario, play a crucial role in providing spaces for spiritual reflection, community engagement, and cultural expression. Each mosque contributes to the rich tapestry of religious diversity, making Kitchener a welcoming and inclusive city for Muslims from various backgrounds.

Halal Food & Restaurants

Kitchener-Waterloo, nestled in the heart of Ontario, is a vibrant community known for its diverse population and rich cultural tapestry. Among the myriad of offerings that showcase this diversity, the city boasts a thriving scene of Halal restaurants, catering to those seeking delicious and authentic Halal cuisine. Here, we delve into some of the notable Halal restaurants that have become favorites among locals and visitors alike.

1. Antalya Turkish Restaurant

Location: 1187 Fischer-Hallman Rd #435

Rated at 4.4, Antalya Turkish Restaurant offers a great location for Halal food enthusiasts. Customers praise the helpful and friendly staff, creating an inviting atmosphere to enjoy Turkish cuisine.

2. Tandoori Xpress

Location: 685 Fischer-Hallman Rd L

With a rating of 3.6, Tandoori Xpress is a takeout restaurant serving high-quality and tasty Indian/Pakistani food. Despite the modest rating, patrons appreciate the Halal offerings, making it a go-to spot for those craving flavors from the Indian subcontinent.

3. Yum Yum Kabob

Location: 27 Scott St

This family-friendly restaurant holds a high rating of 4.8. Yum Yum Kabob provides a delightful experience with dine-in, kerbside pickup, and delivery options. Customers particularly enjoy the delectable Middle Eastern cuisine.

4. The Grill Burgers Kitchen

Location: 2934 King St E

At 4.1, The Grill Burgers Kitchen offers a budget-friendly Halal option for Burgers enthusiasts. With dine-in, kerbside pickup, and delivery services, it caters to various preferences.

5. Super Shawarma

Location: 875 Highland Rd W

With a rating of 4.1, Super Shawarma is a pocket-friendly option for shawarma lovers. Offering dine-in, takeaway, and no-contact delivery, it's a convenient choice for those on the go.

6. Kabob Hut