Cambridge City Guide

Canadian staples and good international options. Vegetarian and vegan choices are growing. Limited late-night dining beyond fast food.

Modest nightlife with pubs and sports bars. Not a major nightlife city.

Decent mix of local independent cafes and chain shops. Some specialty coffee spots but no major coffee culture scene.

Tipping is expected for most services: 15-20% in restaurants, 10-15% for rides and delivery.

SIMs available at malls, mobile stores, electronics retailers. Bell, Rogers, Telus and sub-brands are main providers. eSIMs widely available.

Streets and public areas are generally clean with reliable waste and recycling services.

Some convenience stores and late pharmacies. Limited 24/7 medical or food options beyond fast food.

Good selection of international products in large supermarkets and specialty stores. Farmers' markets operate year-round.

Card payments are accepted almost everywhere. Cash is rarely needed.

ATMs are common at major banks like RBC, TD, and CIBC. Avoid non-bank ATMs to reduce fees, which range from $1.50 to $3.00.

Public schools run by Waterloo Region boards, mainly English instruction. Private schools available, no specific international school.

Small digital nomad presence. Community activities mainly in nearby Waterloo and Kitchener. Some remote work friendly cafes and libraries.

Many parks and trails with river access, great for walking, running, and outdoor activities.

Safe and scenic running routes along rivers and parks. Active local running clubs.

Several gyms and community fitness centers are available.

Public and private tennis courts available with coaching options. Padel less common.

Padel courts are rare and mostly found in larger sports complexes.

Several yoga studios with classes in multiple styles and English-speaking instructors.

Several schools offer karate, taekwondo, BJJ, Muay Thai, judo, and boxing. English-speaking instructors and drop-in classes.

Ski resorts 20-30 min to 2 hours away. Winter season from December to March with rentals and varying terrain.

Kayaking and paddleboarding on the Grand and Speed Rivers. Rentals and guided tours available May-October.

No surfing spots available.

No diving spots in Cambridge; freshwater diving rare nearby.

Main hospital is Cambridge Memorial with English-speaking staff. Public and private clinics offer quality care. Pharmacies common and well-staffed.

Tap water meets all safety standards and is safe to drink.

Many parks with playgrounds and family programs. Attractions like African Lion Safari nearby. Kid-friendly cafes available.

Broadly inclusive and safe. Most venues are welcoming, though specific LGBTQ+ spaces are limited locally. Regional Pride events available.

Pet-friendly city with dog parks, vets, and many pet-friendly spots. Leashes required in most public areas.