DESTINATION

Kitchener

As part of the twin cities of Kitchener and Waterloo, Kitchener retains the heritage of the early settlers in the many festivals that take place throughout the year. For 9 days in early October the city warms to the traditional festivities of Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, which include festhallen, parades, dances, competitions and carnivals. This festival is reputed to be the largest Bavarian festival held outside of Munich, Germany.

Following a 400-year-old tradition, Christkindl Market provides opportunities to shop, sample German food and enjoy four days of holiday festivities and entertainment in early December.

The arts are well represented in Kitchener with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, phone (519) 745-4711 or (888) 745-4717 for information or tickets, and with the K-W Little Theatre, phone (519) 886-0660.

The Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, 400 East Ave., is host to a variety of concerts as well as family and sporting events. The facility also is home to the Kitchener Rangers, the city's Ontario Hockey League team. Concerts and theatrical performances are presented at the Centre in the Square at 101 Queen St. N. For both venues, phone (519) 578-1570, or (800) 265-8977 in Canada.

Visitor Centers

Kitchener Welcome Centre 200 King St. W. Kitchener, ON N2G 4G7. Phone:(519)741-2345

Shopping

Fairview Park Mall, King Street and Fairway Road, is the city's largest mall and has Hudson's Bay. The Kitchener Market, downtown at 300 King St. E., has a variety of smaller shops in the complex, in addition to the Saturday farmers market, which has operated since 1869.