Recreation isn’t just a lifestyle perk. It shows a healthy, team-oriented community.
For international companies evaluating new expansion locations, choosing a region where employees can stay active and build meaningful social connections outside of work is an investment in productivity, culture and retention.
The last segment of our Quality-of-Life series dives into Waterloo’s sports and active living scene, which helps build the collaborative culture we’re known for.
Why active living matters to expanding companies
Employees with active lifestyles value performance in every sphere of life. They are more engaged, healthier and more likely to stay in an expansion location long-term. For employees relocating with children, accessing family-friendly recreation services will factor into their decision.
When sports are routinely practiced in a community, they reinforce collaboration, resilience and belonging, all of which are important workplace values that expanding companies can benefit from.
Active living in Waterloo
With all-ages recreational sports leagues, outdoor trails, paddling routes, pickleball and high-performance athletic facilities, there’s something for everyone looking to stay active in the Waterloo area.
A strong culture of play
Our sports scene is a huge part of the Waterloo lifestyle. Youth and adults can join dozens of recreation leagues for hockey, soccer, volleyball, basketball, ultimate frisbee and more. Other athletic options include gyms, martial arts studios and esports leagues. Residents can also access high-performance sports through the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University and local clubs.
If spectating is more your style, the Waterloo region has many local teams you can support, including the Kitchener Rangers OHL team and the KW Titans pro basketball team.
The region has also taken an interest in hosting provincial multi-sport games, which residents can watch and volunteer for. In 2024, we hosted the Special Olympics Ontario Spring Games, which featured over 750 athletes competing in five core sports: swimming, powerlifting, basketball, rhythmic gymnastics and ten-pin bowling. In 2026, Waterloo will host the Ontario Summer Games for youth ages 12 to 18. Held every two years, these games will showcase youth athletes performing in up to 24 sports.
Relocated employees can participate in wide variety of recreational activities and spectator sports. These services also serve as great team bonding activities for workplace social events.
No off-season for recreation activities
Waterloo’s natural spaces offer many year-round outdoor recreation opportunities.
Grand River paddling routes and local conservation areas are great spots for kayaking, canoeing and tubing. Over 150 km of off-road and multi-use trails are available for hiking, cycling and walking, including the G2G Trail, links to the Trans Canada trail system and the Hydrocut trail, which is considered one of Ontario’s top mountain biking destinations.
Residents playing more involved sports can visit 15 public golf courses in the summer and Chicopee Ski Resort in the winter. Families can also take their children to many picnic areas, playgrounds, community centres and Bingemans Splash Water Park.
Ongoing investment in athletic infrastructure
Our community prioritizes active recreational experiences, which keep people energized and fulfilled outside of work. One of the newest experiences coming to Waterloo Region is a FIFA-sized indoor turn field. The Kitchener-based recreation complex will provide more playing space for soccer and attract large sporting events to the region.
Waterloo’s network of community centres, rinks, trails and pools have undergone consistent investment. One of these projects is RIM Park’s Manulife Sportsplex and Healthy Living Centre. The facility contains two NBA-sized gyms, four Olympic-sized ice rinks, one indoor field house, and multiple outdoor activity spaces. Residents can also attend drop-in and registered fitness classes, sports leagues and camps at the centre. Ongoing investment in sports programming ensures that future generations can enjoy the art of play in our community.
Key takeaways for businesses
Locating in Waterloo means your employees can live well outside of work. Whether they’re raising kids, training for a half marathon or joining a hockey league, everyone can find the joy of movement in Waterloo.
Our collaborative, active way of life supports work-life balance, builds community and enhances company culture from the ground up.
Meet with one of our team members to see how your business can succeed here.