Location and travel advice

THE is committed to ensuring a safe, inclusive and enjoyable experience for all our delegates.

To help you prepare for your upcoming visit, we encourage you to review the key information and travel advice below.

Before traveling, we recommend checking the travel guidelines and recommendations from your home country's embassy. Additionally, we advise consulting your primary care provider to determine whether any vaccinations or other health preparations are needed for your trip.

University of Waterloo, Engineering 7 (Phillip Street Entrance)
200 University Avenue West
Waterloo, ON
N2L 3G5
Canada

Some delegates may require an eTA or a visa to enter the country. Please note that it can take several weeks to process a visa application so early application is recommended.

 Check if you require a visa

We can provide visa invitation letters for ticket holders when requested. Please email a photo/scan of your passport to events@timeshighereducation.com once you have booked your ticket.

We cannot accept any responsibility for visa applications. Where a delegate is unable to attend because of failure to obtain a visa on time, the normal cancellation policy for the ticket fee will apply.

We recommend having travel insurance for the duration of your trip. Please contact your travel agent for further details.

From Toronto Pearson International Airport

Waterloo is approximately 113 km west of Toronto, with the nearest international airport being Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).

Shared or private shuttle service: Airways Transit provides shuttle services from Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Prices from YYZ to Waterloo start from CAD 185 one way. Airways Transit website.

Bus: GO Bus is an environmentally friendly option to travel to Waterloo. Take GO Bus Route 40 from Toronto Pearson Airport Terminal 1 to Square One Terminal. From there, take Route 25 or 25C to the University of Waterloo. Note that Route 25C is the express bus route. Tickets and prices are available on the GO Transit website.

Taxi: We recommend Waterloo Taxi. While at the airport, beware of drivers soliciting passengers inside the terminals as they are unlicensed and charge more than the regulated rates. Look for signage throughout the airport to identify verified transportation services.

From other Canadian cities

Train: If you are located more than four hours away, consider taking the train to Waterloo. VIA Rail is Canada’s passenger train network. Go Transit has limited train service to Waterloo from the Greater Toronto Area.

Bus: FlixBus and GO Transit are two popular options. Book your ticket at least two months before you plan to travel. Most companies limit the amount of luggage you can carry, so check with them ahead of time to ensure that your luggage falls within the limits.

Rental car: Canadians drive on the right-hand side of the road. To rent a car, most rental companies in Canada require you to be at least 21 years-old. If you are under 25, you may have to pay for additional insurance.

Parking

Complimentary parking is available in B Lot, accessible from Phillip St. Signage will be posted to guide you to Engineering 7.

Public transport

For those using public transit, the ION Light Rail Transit (LRT) provides convenient access, with an immediate stop at University of Waterloo.

For directions from the train station to Engineering 7

Grand River Transit also offer busses around Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Elmira and New Hamburg. The closest stop to the venue is University of Waterloo Station on route 13 and 30. 

For directions from the bus stop to Engineering 7
For more information on how to use the Grand River Transit system please click here.

Delegates are responsible for reserving and covering the cost of accommodation for the duration of their stay.

Below you will find information about the official event hotel, as well as a map through which you can easily browse for hotels and private accommodations if you do not wish to stay at the official hotel. Hover over an accommodation to view travel times and distances to the venue.

Delta Hotels Waterloo

110 Erb Street West Waterloo, Ontario N2L 0C6

Located in the heart of uptown Waterloo, the hotel is ideally placed for easy access to the University of Waterloo. Enjoy a business center, a fitness center and free high-speed internet.

We have secured the discounted price of CAD219/night. To book, please email Community.relations@uwaterloo.ca.

To protect your personal safety we recommend:

• avoiding having valuables on show
• taking safe and reliable transport
• travelling with colleagues or other delegates, especially at night
• being alert in crowded and tourist areas, airports, restaurants, pubs and bars and on public transport
• keeping your card in sight and concealing your PIN when using ATMs and paying by card

Canada's main emergency service number is 911. Call this number if you need urgent help from police, fire or ambulance services.

What is the main language?
English is the most widely spoken and the language of official business and commerce in the province of Ontario, Canada.

Which currency can I use?
Canada's currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD), which is subdivided into 100 cents. Notes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars; coins come in denominations of 5, 10 and 25 cents and 1 and 2 dollars. While most shops and restaurants accept credit cards, it is still a good idea to have some cash on you (especially small change). ATMs are easily accessible in most shopping malls, petrol stations and supermarkets.

Which plug socket is used?
Canada uses type A and B plug sockets with two flat parallel pins. The standard voltage is 120 V at a frequency of 60 Hz. We would recommend bringing a universal adapter.

Will wi-fi be available?
Free wi-fi is available thoughout the University of Waterloo's buildings. Connection details will be displayed at the check-in desk.

Are there data roaming charges?
You will need to check the exact charges with your network provider but most international delegates will incur high data roaming charges. We recommend buying an eSIM via Airalo which gives you 1GB of data for 7 days for US$4.50. Use our referral code TIMESH7718 for US$3 off. We recommend checking that your phone supports eSIMs before making your purchase.

Is tap water safe to drink?
Tap water in Waterloo is safe to drink and cook with.

Do you have any guidance for LGBTQ+ delegates?
Homosexuality is legal and it is illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation. For more information and advice for LGBTQ+ travellers, visit the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association's website.